7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kerala in June 2023

1. Day 1: Kochi
   45 minutes (23.4 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Morning: Visit Mattancherry Palace, a Portuguese palace with an impressive collection of murals and artifacts.
   Afternoon: Head to the Indo-Portuguese Museum to learn about the region's colonial history.
   Evening: Enjoy a sunset boat ride through the backwaters of Kochi.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   3 hours 30 minutes (125 km) drive from Kochi

   Morning: Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea in the region.
   Afternoon: Hike to the top of Meesapulimala, the second highest peak in the Western Ghats, for breathtaking views.
   Evening: Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region at your leisure.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3 hours 30 minutes (90 km) drive from Munnar

   Morning: Take a guided tour of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and see elephants, tigers, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
   Afternoon: Enjoy a bamboo rafting experience on the Periyar River.
   Evening: Visit the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre to learn about and watch Kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art of Kerala.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   3 hours (140 km) drive from Thekkady

   Morning: Take a leisurely boat ride through the backwaters of Alleppey and witness the local way of life.
   Afternoon: Relax on the beach at Marari Beach, known for its serene atmosphere and clear waters.
   Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants in Alleppey.

5. Day 5: Kovalam
   4 hours (150 km) drive from Alleppey

   Morning: Visit the Napier Museum to see a collection of archaeological and historic artifacts from Kerala.
   Afternoon: Relax on the beautiful Kovalam Beach and enjoy the sun and sand.
   Evening: Take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the local street food.

6. Day 6: Varkala
   1 hour 30 minutes (50 km) drive from Kovalam

   Morning: Visit the historic Janardanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and see its impressive architecture.
   Afternoon: Take a dip in the natural spring waters at the Varkala Beach, known for its medicinal properties.
   Evening: Enjoy a scenic sunset from the top of the Varkala Cliff, with stunning views of the Arabian Sea.

7. Day 7: Thiruvananthapuram
   1 hour (40 km) drive from Varkala

   Morning: Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a stunning Hindu temple known for its intricate architecture and gold-plated exteriors.
   Afternoon: Explore the exhibits at the Kerala Science and Technology Museum.
   Evening: Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens at the Kanakakunnu Palace and relax before heading home.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on a visit to the Athirapally Falls, or take a side trip to the picturesque town of Wayanad. To maximize your fun, try to pack light and wear comfortable shoes for all the walking and activities. Don't forget to try the local cuisine, especially the seafood and coconut-based dishes. Enjoy your trip to Kerala!

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, INR 20)
• Indo-Portuguese Museum (1 hour, INR 25)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, INR 135)
• Guided Tour of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 450)
• Bamboo Rafting Experience (2 hours, INR 1,000)
• Seafood Dinner in Alleppey (1 hour, INR 500)
• Napier Museum (1 hour, INR 20)
• Janardanaswamy Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Kerala Science and Technology Museum (2 hours, INR 20)
• Kanakakunnu Palace (1 hour, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2,215