7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Kerala

Saturday, November 4: Arrival in Kochi

In the morning, visit the iconic Dutch Palace in Kochi, known for its stunning murals depicting Hindu temple art. Afternoon can be spent exploring Fort Kochi, famous for its Chinese fishing nets and colonial architecture. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.

• Dutch Palace: Estimated cost - INR 5 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Fort Kochi: Free entry, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Kathakali Performance: Estimated cost - INR 300-500 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Sunday, November 5: Munnar

Start your day by visiting the Mattupetty Dam for panoramic views and a boat ride. In the afternoon, explore the lush tea plantations of Munnar and visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea. Spend the evening at the Top Station viewpoint for breathtaking sunset views.

• Mattupetty Dam: Free entry, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Munnar Tea Plantations: Free entry, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Tea Museum: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Top Station: Free entry, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Monday, November 6: Thekkady

Embark on a morning boat ride in Periyar Lake to spot wildlife, including elephants and birds, in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation to learn about the various spices grown in the region. End the day with a Kathakali and martial arts performance.

• Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Estimated cost - INR 225 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Spice Plantation: Estimated cost - INR 100-200 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Kathakali and Martial Arts Performance: Estimated cost - INR 250-400 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Tuesday, November 7: Alleppey

Board a houseboat in Alleppey for a relaxing cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. Spend the day enjoying the serene surroundings, passing by picturesque villages, and savoring delicious local cuisine prepared on the houseboat.

• Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 5,000-8,000 per night (varies with boat type and season), Time spent - Full day

Wednesday, November 8: Kovalam

Spend the morning relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Kovalam. In the afternoon, visit the iconic lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline. Enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage in the evening to rejuvenate your senses.

• Kovalam Beach: Free entry, Time spent - Half day
• Kovalam Lighthouse: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Ayurvedic Massage: Estimated cost - INR 1,000-2,500 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday, November 9: Trivandrum

In the morning, visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world. Explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery in the afternoon, showcasing a beautiful collection of traditional Kerala art and artifacts. Take a leisurely stroll at the Trivandrum Zoo in the evening.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free entry, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Trivandrum Zoo: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Friday, November 10: Departure from Kochi

Spend your last day in Kochi exploring the Jewish Synagogue and the nearby Jew Street, known for its antique shops. Visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum to immerse yourself in the history of the region's colonial past. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on a traditional Kerala houseboat.

• Jewish Synagogue: Estimated cost - INR 5 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Indo-Portuguese Museum: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Sunset Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 500-1,000 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, consider visiting the Elephant Junction in Thekkady, where you can enjoy an elephant ride and even bathe the gentle giants. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Palaruvi Waterfalls near Kollam, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the cascading waters. Locals also recommend spending a day exploring the peaceful village of Kumarakom, known for its beautiful bird sanctuary and backwater cruises.

Plan your trip to Kerala

To check hotel and flight prices for your trip to Kerala, you can visit KAYAK.