A Week in Kerala: Family-Friendly Itinerary

Saturday, February 10: Cochin

In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area and its charming Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon, visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum, showcasing the region's colonial history. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance - a traditional art form of Kerala.

• Fort Kochi: INR 0, 3 hours
• Indo-Portuguese Museum: INR 100, 1 hour
• Kathakali Performance: INR 500, 2 hours

Sunday, February 11: Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station renowned for its tea gardens. Morning, visit the Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride in the serene reservoir. Afternoon, explore the Tea Museum to learn about the history and process of tea production. In the evening, stroll through the aromatic tea gardens.

• Mattupetty Dam: INR 10, 2 hours
• Tea Museum: INR 250, 1.5 hours
• Tea Garden Visit: Free, 1 hour

Monday, February 12: Thekkady

Start the day with an exciting wildlife experience by taking a boat ride in Periyar National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna. In the afternoon, visit the Spice Plantations and learn about the region's rich spices. In the evening, enjoy a traditional martial arts performance.

• Periyar National Park: INR 400, 3 hours
• Spice Plantations: INR 100, 2 hours
• Martial Arts Performance: INR 200, 2 hours

Restaurants

• For a delicious breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day located near Thekkady town. They offer a variety of breakfast options such as sandwiches, muffins, and coffee. The average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
• For lunch, try Spice Village Restaurant which is known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. They serve a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes made with fresh spices from the region. The average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
• To enjoy a memorable dinner, visit Bar-B-Que which offers a unique dining experience with live grilling right at your table. They serve a wide selection of meats, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.

Tuesday, February 13: Alleppey (Backwaters)

Embark on a memorable backwater cruise in a traditional houseboat. Relax and enjoy the picturesque views of palm-fringed canals and paddy fields. Overnight stay in the houseboat, experiencing the unique charm of Kerala's backwaters.

• Houseboat Cruise: INR 10,000 (approx.) per night, 24 hours

Wednesday, February 14: Kovalam

Spend the day at the beautiful Kovalam Beach. Morning, relax on the golden sands and swim in the clear waters. Afternoon, indulge in water activities like surfing or parasailing. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset and enjoy a beachfront dinner.

• Kovalam Beach: Free, 5 hours
• Water Sports: INR 500 (approx.), 2 hours
• Beachfront Dinner: INR 800 (approx.), 2 hours

Thursday, February 15: Varkala

Visit the serene Varkala Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs and natural springs. Morning, relax on the sandy beach and take a dip in the therapeutic waters. Afternoon, explore the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple. In the evening, witness the spectacular Varkala sunset.

• Varkala Beach: Free, 5 hours
• Janardanaswamy Temple: INR 10, 1 hour
• Varkala Sunset: Free, 1 hour

Friday, February 16: Trivandrum

Explore the vibrant city of Trivandrum. Morning, visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a richly adorned Hindu shrine. Afternoon, explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, home to a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts and artwork. In the evening, take a stroll through the lively streets of the city.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 2 hours
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery: INR 20, 2 hours
• City Exploration: Free, 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions and family-friendly experiences in Kerala, consider visiting the Elephant Junction in Thekkady, where you can interact with elephants and even go for an elephant ride. Another hidden gem is the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary near Cochin, a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to spot various species of birds in their natural habitat.