Start your family-friendly trip in Kochi, known for its rich history and captivating culture. In the morning, visit Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood with charming colonial architecture. Explore the streets lined with art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride through the serene backwaters of Kochi, enjoying the picturesque views. As the evening sets in, watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing Kerala's classical dance form.
Fort Kochi: Entrance fee: INR 10; Time spent: 3-4 hours
Backwater Boat Ride: INR 500 per person; Time spent: 2-3 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: INR 300 per person; Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Ginger House Restaurant: Located in Fort Kochi, The Ginger House offers a delightful breakfast menu with a mix of traditional Kerala dishes and international options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
The Rice Boat: Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at The Rice Boat, located on Willingdon Island. This restaurant specializes in Kerala's famous seafood dishes and offers a beautiful waterfront dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about 700 rupees per person.
Brindhavan Vegetarian Restaurant: For dinner, head to Brindhavan Vegetarian Restaurant in Kochi. It serves authentic vegetarian South Indian cuisine, including dosas, idlis, and thalis. Average cost for a meal is about 150 rupees per person.
Thursday, May 9: Munnar
Head to the hill station of Munnar, famous for its lush green tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy panoramic views of the tea gardens. Afterward, embark on a nature walk in the Eravikulam National Park, where you might spot endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Munnar town, exploring local markets and savoring delicious street food.
Tea Museum: Entrance fee: INR 150; Time spent: 2-3 hours
Eravikulam National Park: Entrance fee: INR 120 per person; Time spent: 3-4 hours
Exploring Munnar Town: Cost varies; Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Saravana Bhavan restaurant, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. Enjoy fluffy idlis, crispy dosas, and aromatic filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant which offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Try their special Kerala thali or indulge in their mouthwatering seafood delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Copper Castle Restaurant which offers a range of Indian and international cuisine. Relish their flavorful biryanis or try their sizzlers and pasta dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday, May 10: Thekkady
Next, visit Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park and wildlife sanctuary. In the morning, go on a thrilling jungle safari to spot elephants, tigers, and various indigenous species. Afterward, enjoy a boating experience on the Periyar Lake, surrounded by dense forests and hills. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing martial arts performance known as Kalaripayattu, showcasing Kerala's ancient combat techniques.
Jungle Safari in Periyar National Park: INR 400 per person; Time spent: 3-4 hours
Boating on Periyar Lake: INR 225 per person; Time spent: 2-3 hours
Kalaripayattu Performance: INR 200 per person; Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Green Leaf Café is a popular breakfast spot in Thekkady, offering a range of vegetarian and vegan options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Spice Village Restaurant, known for their delicious Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at The Bamboo Forest, a charming restaurant specializing in grilled seafood and local delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Saturday, May 11: Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Experience the idyllic backwaters of Alappuzha, often referred to as the Venice of the East. In the morning, embark on a traditional houseboat cruise, gliding through the serene backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a delicious Kerala-style lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore the narrow canals and villages by a smaller boat, immersing in the local way of life. As the day ends, relax on the sandy beaches and witness a breathtaking sunset.
Houseboat Cruise: Starts from INR 8,000; Time spent: 6-8 hours
Exploring Backwater Canals: Starts from INR 500; Time spent: 3-4 hours
Beach Relaxation: Free; Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Annam Cafe: Start your day off with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Annam Cafe, located in Alappuzha. They offer a variety of traditional dishes such as dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Broasted Hut: For lunch, head to Broasted Hut, a popular restaurant serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. They are known for their delicious fried chicken and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Melange Restaurant: Enjoy a memorable dinner at Melange Restaurant, situated in Alappuzha. They specialize in seafood dishes, prepared using fresh local ingredients. Don't miss their famous prawn curry and fish fry. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, May 12: Kovalam
Continue your journey to Kovalam, a coastal town renowned for its pristine beaches and relaxing ambiance. Spend the morning exploring the famous Lighthouse Beach and indulging in water activities such as swimming and surfing. In the afternoon, visit the Hawa Beach, known for its beautiful palm-fringed coastline. Enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage in one of the many wellness centers. As the evening sets in, savor a seafood dinner while enjoying views of the Arabian Sea.
Lighthouse Beach: Free; Time spent: 3-4 hours
Hawa Beach: Free; Time spent: 2-3 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: Starts from INR 1,000; Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Kovalam is Cafe Coffee Day, offering a variety of hot and cold beverages as well as a selection of sandwiches and pastries. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to the Curry Leaf restaurant, which specializes in authentic Kerala cuisine. Enjoy their flavorful curries and traditional rice dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at the German Bakery & Restaurant, known for its cozy atmosphere and a wide range of German and international dishes. Try their wood-fired pizzas or indulge in some Schnitzel. The average cost for a meal here is about 600 INR per person.
Monday, May 13: Trivandrum
Head to the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). In the morning, explore the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its architectural grandeur and religious significance. Visit the nearby Napier Museum to witness a collection of historical artifacts and art pieces. In the afternoon, stroll through the lush greenery of the Kanakakunnu Palace and its beautiful gardens. As the evening approaches, enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance at the Kerala Kalamandalam.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free; Time spent: 2-3 hours
Napier Museum: Entrance fee: INR 20; Time spent: 2-3 hours
Kanakakunnu Palace: Free; Time spent: 1-2 hours
Kathakali Performance: INR 300 per person; Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Indian Coffee House located near Padmanabhaswamy Temple. They serve delicious South Indian breakfast options such as dosa and idli at an average cost of around 100 INR per person.
For lunch, try Zam Zam Restaurant near Napier Museum. They offer a variety of traditional Kerala dishes like Malabar biryani and fish curry at an average cost of around 200 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Villa Maya near Kanakakunnu Palace. This restaurant offers a mix of Indian and Continental cuisine in a colonial-style villa. The average cost for a meal here is around 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, May 14: Departure from Kochi
End your family-friendly Kerala adventure with cherished memories. Check out from your hotel in Trivandrum and travel back to Kochi. If time permits, visit the famous Marine Drive, a waterfront promenade in Kochi. Enjoy the scenic views of the backwaters, indulge in shopping, and savor local delicacies. Depart from Kochi with a heart filled with the beauty and warmth of Kerala.
Marine Drive: Free; Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Coffee Day in Kochi. This popular chain offers a variety of breakfast options such as sandwiches, muffins, and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to the Dhe Puttu restaurant in Kochi. Known for its traditional Kerala cuisine, they specialize in a variety of puttu dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Oceanos Restaurant in Kochi. This seafood restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes, including prawns, fish, and crabs. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting the quaint village of Kumarakom, famous for its enchanting bird sanctuary and serene backwaters. Another hidden gem is the Athirapally Falls, a stunning waterfall nestled in the Western Ghats. Locals love indulging in a traditional Kerala breakfast called "Puttu" at local eateries. Don't miss the chance to take a bamboo rafting tour in Periyar National Park, a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the wilderness.
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