5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kerala in July 2023

1. Day 1: Kochi
   35 minutes (24 km) from Kochi International Airport

   Explore the Fort Kochi area, known for its mix of Indian, Portuguese, and Dutch influences. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Take a walk along the iconic Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon, visit the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Spend the evening at Marine Drive, a scenic promenade with stunning views of the backwaters.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4.5 hours (130 km) from Fort Kochi

   Start the day with a visit to Mattupetty Dam, a popular picnic spot. Take a short trek in the beautiful tea plantations of Kolukkumalai. In the afternoon, visit Top Station, the highest point in Munnar, for panoramic views of the Western Ghats. End the day with a visit to the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea in the region.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   2.5 hours (90 km) from Munnar

   Spend the morning exploring Periyar National Park, home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, tigers, and rare lion-tailed macaques. Take a boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot some of the park's inhabitants. In the afternoon, visit the Mangala Devi Temple, a historic temple situated in the midst of dense forests. Spend the evening at Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, to experience the ancient martial art form Kalaripayattu.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   4 hours (145 km) from Thekkady

   Start the day with a visit to the Alleppey Beach, a popular beach known for its pristine white sand. Take a houseboat ride along the backwaters of Kerala, and enjoy views of paddy fields, coconut groves, and local villages along the way. In the evening, attend a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance-drama that originated in Kerala.

5. Day 5: Kovalam
   3 hours 15 minutes (177 km) from Alleppey

   Relax at the Kovalam Beach, a popular tourist destination known for its calm waters and shallow depth. Take a walk along the promenade and visit the lighthouse for panoramic views of the beach. In the afternoon, visit the Halcyon Castle, a historic castle built in the 1930s now converted into a luxury hotel. Spend the evening at the Rock Cut Cave temples of Pallava Dynasty at Mahabalipuram.

Recommendations

Make sure to try the local cuisine, including appam, puttu, and seafood dishes. Consider taking a day trip to the enchanting Athirapally Waterfalls. Don't miss the chance to see the traditional art of Kathakali.

Time and Costs Estimates

• St. Francis Church (1 hour, free)
• Chinese Fishing Nets (1 hour, free)
• Paradesi Synagogue (1 hour, ₹5 per person)
• Marine Drive (2 hours, free)
• Mattupetty Dam (1 hour, ₹10 per person)
• Kolukkumalai Tea Plantations (3 hours, ₹3,000 per jeep)
• Top Station (2 hours, ₹50 per person)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, ₹75 per person)
• Periyar National Park (4 hours, ₹450 per person)
• Kadathanadan Kalari Centre (1.5 hours, ₹300 per person)
• Alleppey Beach (2 hours, free)
• Houseboat Ride (6 hours, ₹10,000 per boat)
• Kathakali Performance (2 hours, ₹300 per person)
• Kovalam Beach (3 hours, free)
• Halcyon Castle (2 hours, free)
• Rock Cut Cave Temples of Pallava Dynasty at Mahabalipuram (2 hours, ₹40 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹14,735 per person