Welcome to Kerala! Start your trip in the vibrant city of Kochi. In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area, dotted with colonial buildings and quaint streets. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and the Indo-Portuguese Museum. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride along the tranquil backwaters. In the evening, catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Fort Kochi: Explore the area and visit the Chinese Fishing Nets (Free, 2 hours)
Indo-Portuguese Museum: Learn about the region's history and culture (₹50 per person, 1 hour)
Backwater Boat Ride: Enjoy the scenic beauty on a traditional boat (₹600 per person, 2 hours)
Kathakali Performance: Experience a traditional dance drama (₹300 per person, 2 hours)
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Anna Idlis. This cozy restaurant serves a variety of steaming hot idlis, a traditional south Indian breakfast dish. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Fort House Restaurant. Located in the heart of Fort Kochi, this restaurant offers a wide range of Kerala cuisine including seafood delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a scrumptious dinner at Oceanos Restaurant. Known for its stunning waterfront views, this restaurant serves a combination of Indian and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, November 13: Munnar's Serene Beauty
Embark on a picturesque drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, explore the tea plantations and enjoy panoramic views from the Top Station viewpoint. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process. End your day with a visit to the colorful Mattupetty Dam.
Munnar Tea Plantations: Explore the lush green tea gardens (Free, 3 hours)
Top Station: Enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats (Free, 1 hour)
Tea Museum: Discover the history of tea in Munnar (₹125 per person, 2 hours)
Mattupetty Dam: Admire the scenic beauty and take a boat ride (₹10 per person, 1 hour)
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Royale located in Munnar town. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly baked goods and aromatic coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, try Rapsy Restaurant, a popular local eatery. They serve delicious South Indian cuisine with a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a delightful dining experience at Copper Castle Restaurant. Known for its delectable Kerala cuisine, this restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and friendly service. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 500 per person.
Tuesday, November 14: Wildlife Safari in Thekkady
Head towards Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park. In the morning, take a thrilling boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, bison, and various bird species. In the afternoon, visit the Spice Plantations for an aromatic experience. End your day with a visit to the Tribal Heritage Museum to learn about indigenous cultures.
Periyar National Park: Enjoy a boat safari (₹500 per person, 2 hours)
Spice Plantations: Learn about spices and enjoy a guided tour (₹100 per person, 2 hours)
Tribal Heritage Museum: Discover the rich indigenous heritage (₹5 per person, 1 hour)
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Peppercorns restaurant known for its delicious Kerala-style breakfast dishes such as appam and stew. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try the Bamboo Cafe located near Periyar Lake, offering a variety of Kerala cuisine including fish curry and malabar parotta. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Spice Village restaurant known for its traditional Kerala thali meals served on a banana leaf. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, November 15: Backwaters of Alleppey
Travel to Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East," famous for its backwaters. Spend the day exploring the tranquil canals on a traditional houseboat. Enjoy the mesmerizing views of paddy fields, coconut groves, and rural life. Indulge in delicious local cuisine prepared on-board.
Alleppey Houseboat Cruise: Experience the beauty of backwaters (₹5,000 per night for a family, 8 hours)
Thursday, November 16: Beach Delights in Kovalam
Head to Kovalam, a popular beach destination. In the morning, relax on the pristine beaches and soak up the sun. Indulge in water sports activities like snorkeling and fishing. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Kovalam Art Gallery. Enjoy a spectacular sunset and savor fresh seafood at beachside restaurants.
Kovalam Beach: Relax on the sandy shores (Free, 4 hours)
Water Sports Activities: Engage in adventurous activities (₹500 per person, 2 hours)
Kovalam Art Gallery: Explore the traditional and contemporary artworks (₹50 per person, 1 hour)
Friday, November 17: Cultural Heritage in Thrissur
Travel to Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala. In the morning, visit the iconic Vadakkunnathan Temple, known for its stunning architecture. Explore the Kerala Kalamandalam, a renowned center for performing arts. In the afternoon, witness the extravagant Thrissur Pooram festival if it coincides with your visit.
Vadakkunnathan Temple: Admire the ancient Dravidian architecture (Free, 2 hours)
Kerala Kalamandalam: Learn about traditional performing arts (₹50 per person, 2 hours)
Thrissur Pooram: Witness the grand festival (Free, time may vary)
Saturday, November 18: Cochin's Culinary Journey
End your trip with a food-filled day in Kochi. In the morning, take a cooking class to learn about authentic Kerala cuisine. Visit the local spice markets and indulge in delicious street food. In the afternoon, explore the Jew Town area and shop for unique souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Kerala restaurant.
Cooking Class: Discover the flavors of Kerala cuisine (₹2,000 per family, 3 hours)
Spice Markets: Experience the vibrant local spice markets (Free, 1 hour)
Jew Town: Shop for antiques and souvenirs (Costs vary, 2 hours)
Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Kerala meal (₹1,500 per family, 2 hours)
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
One of the hidden gems in Kerala is the quiet village of Varkala, where you can relax on pristine beaches and witness stunning cliffside views. Another local favorite is Wayanad, a nature lover's paradise with lush forests, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries. These destinations offer unique experiences away from the bustling tourist crowds and provide the perfect setting for a memorable family vacation.