7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Wayanad, Varkala, Kumarakom, and Kovalam Kerala

Friday, November 3: Arrival in Wayanad

Start your trip in the scenic district of Wayanad. In the morning, visit the picturesque Pookode Lake, a freshwater lake surrounded by lush greenery. Afternoon is the perfect time to explore the lush tea gardens at Meppadi. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the Banasura Hill Resort and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

• Pookode Lake: Entrance fee ₹50, Estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Meppadi Tea Gardens: Free, Estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Banasura Hill Resort: Free, Estimated time spent: 1 hour

Restaurants

• Icy Hills Café is a charming breakfast spot offering a wide range of freshly baked pastries and delicious sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, head over to Hotel Jubilee Restaurant, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Try their mouthwatering seafood dishes and traditional thali. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at The Willow Tree. This cozy restaurant offers a menu of Indian and continental dishes, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Saturday, November 4: Wayanad Wildlife Exploration

Spend the morning at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna. Take a guided safari to spot elephants, tigers, and various species of birds. In the afternoon, visit the Edakkal Caves, known for their ancient rock carvings. End the day by enjoying a boat ride on the serene Karapuzha Dam.

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Safari fee ₹200, Estimated time spent: 4 hours
• Edakkal Caves: Entrance fee ₹25, Estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Karapuzha Dam: Boat ride fee ₹100, Estimated time spent: 1.5 hours

Sunday, November 5: Tranquil Varkala

Travel to the coastal town of Varkala. In the morning, relax on the sandy beaches and take a dip in the refreshing Arabian Sea. After a delicious seafood lunch, visit the Janardanaswamy Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine. Enjoy the mesmerizing views of the sunset from the breathtaking Varkala Cliff.

• Varkala Beach: Free, Estimated time spent: 4 hours
• Janardanaswamy Temple: Free, Estimated time spent: 1 hour
• Varkala Cliff: Free, Estimated time spent: 2 hours

Monday, November 6: Backwaters of Kumarakom

Head to the charming village of Kumarakom known for its serene backwaters. Enjoy a morning boat ride through the network of canals and lagoons. In the afternoon, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for bird lovers. Take a relaxing stroll along the beautiful Kumarakom Beach in the evening.

• Backwater Boat Ride: Starts from ₹1,000, Estimated time spent: 4 hours
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Entrance fee ₹50, Estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Kumarakom Beach: Free, Estimated time spent: 1 hour

Tuesday, November 7: Leisure in Kovalam

Journey to the popular beach town of Kovalam. Spend the morning soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches like Lighthouse Beach and Hawa Beach. Relish delicious seafood for lunch at a beachfront restaurant. In the afternoon, rejuvenate with Ayurvedic spa treatments. Witness a stunning sunset at the magnificent Vizhinjam Beach.

• Lighthouse Beach: Free, Estimated time spent: 4 hours
• Ayurvedic Spa: Prices vary, Estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Vizhinjam Beach: Free, Estimated time spent: 1 hour

Wednesday, November 8: Exploring Trivandrum

Take a day trip to Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Begin with a visit to the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its rich architecture. Explore the fascinating exhibits at the Napier Museum and Art Gallery. In the evening, stroll through the lush greenery of the Kanakakkunnu Palace.

• Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, Estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Entrance fee ₹20, Estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Kanakakkunnu Palace: Free, Estimated time spent: 1 hour

Thursday, November 9: Departure Day

On your last day, take some time to explore the local markets and purchase souvenirs. Bid farewell to Kerala as you depart for your onward journey.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit the Vallikunnu Beach in Malappuram district. This secluded beach is known for its tranquility and mesmerizing beauty. Another hidden gem is the Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach near Kannur, where you can drive your vehicle along the shore. Both these spots offer family-friendly environments and are loved by locals.

Check hotel and flight prices for your Kerala trip on Kayak.