Kerala Family Adventure

Tuesday October 17: Arrival in Kochi

Start your Kerala adventure by arriving in Kochi, also known as Cochin. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood famous for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, a Portuguese palace known for its stunning murals. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of dance-drama unique to Kerala.

• Fort Kochi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Mattancherry Palace: Estimated cost - INR 5 (approx $0.07), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Kathakali performance: Estimated cost - INR 300-500 (approx $4-7), Time spent - 1-2 hours

Wednesday October 18: Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a breathtaking hill station known for its tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Mattupetty Dam and enjoy boating in the serene lake. In the afternoon, explore the Tea Museum and learn about the intricacies of tea production. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the aromatic tea gardens and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

• Mattupetty Dam: Estimated cost - INR 10 (approx $0.14), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Tea Museum: Estimated cost - INR 100 (approx $1.40), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Tea Gardens: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday October 19: Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, a nature lover's paradise. In the morning, embark on a thrilling boat ride in Periyar Lake, where you can spot various wildlife species. In the afternoon, visit the Spice Plantations and get a glimpse into the world of spices. In the evening, enjoy a captivating Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performance, a traditional martial art form.

• Periyar Lake: Estimated cost - INR 425 (approx $6), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Spice Plantations: Estimated cost - INR 100-200 (approx $1.40-2.80), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performance: Estimated cost - INR 350-500 (approx $4-7), Time spent - 1-2 hours

Friday October 20: Alleppey

Enjoy a relaxing day in Alleppey, famous for its enchanting backwaters. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and cruise along the tranquil waters while admiring the lush green surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the small villages along the backwaters and observe the local way of life. In the evening, savor a delicious seafood dinner on the houseboat.

• Houseboat cruise: Estimated cost - INR 5,000-8,000 (approx $70-110) per day, Time spent - Full day
• Backwater village tour: Estimated cost - INR 500-1,000 (approx $7-14), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Seafood dinner on the houseboat: Estimated cost - INR 500-1,000 (approx $7-14), Time spent - 1-2 hours

Saturday October 21: Kovalam

Travel to Kovalam, a stunning coastal town known for its pristine beaches. In the morning, relax on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach and take a refreshing dip in the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the iconic lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. In the evening, indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage.

• Kovalam Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Full day
• Kovalam Lighthouse: Estimated cost - INR 20 (approx $0.28), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Ayurvedic massage: Estimated cost - INR 1,000-2,000 (approx $14-28), Time spent - 1-2 hours

Sunday October 22: Trivandrum

Explore the vibrant city of Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. In the morning, visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a magnificent Hindu temple known for its intricate architecture. In the afternoon, discover the historical artifacts at the Napier Museum. In the evening, take a relaxing stroll through the lush gardens of the Kanakakunnu Palace.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Napier Museum: Estimated cost - INR 10 (approx $0.14), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Kanakakunnu Palace Gardens: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Monday October 23: Departure from Kochi

Conclude your Kerala adventure with departure from Kochi. Spend the morning exploring the local markets and picking up some souvenirs. In the afternoon, bid farewell to the beautiful state of Kerala and head back home with unforgettable memories.

• Local markets: Estimated cost - INR 500-1,000 (approx $7-14), Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you have some extra time during your Kerala trip, consider visiting the enchanting village of Kumarakom, known for its serene backwaters and bird sanctuaries. Another hidden gem is the hill station of Wayanad, offering lush green landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. These off the beaten path attractions will provide unique experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

To check hotel and flight prices in Kerala, you can visit this link.