6-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Kerala

Monday, January 15: Cochin Arrival

Start your trip in the vibrant city of Cochin. In the morning, visit Mattancherry Palace, a Portuguese palace featuring beautiful murals and antique artifacts. Afterward, head to Fort Kochi to explore the quaint streets lined with colonial-era buildings. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of Kerala dance drama.

• Mattancherry Palace: Cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
• Fort Kochi: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Kathakali Performance: Cost - INR 300-500 per person, Time spent - 2 hours

Tuesday, January 16: Munnar

Embark on a journey to Munnar, known for its lush tea plantations and scenic beauty. In the morning, visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea. Take a refreshing walk through the tea gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a boat ride on the scenic reservoir.

• Tata Tea Museum: Cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Tea Gardens: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: Cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Wednesday, January 17: Thekkady

Explore the wildlife of Thekkady on this day. Start your morning with a boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, visit the Spice Plantations and learn about the various spices grown in the region. In the evening, enjoy a traditional tribal dance performance.

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Cost - INR 250 per person, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Spice Plantations: Cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Tribal Dance Performance: Cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday, January 18: Alleppey

Experience the magical backwaters of Alleppey on a houseboat. Spend the morning cruising along the serene backwaters, passing through picturesque villages and lush greenery. Enjoy a delicious Keralan lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, visit the Alleppey Beach and relax by the Arabian Sea.

• Houseboat Experience: Cost - Starting from INR 5,000 per night, Time spent - Full day
• Alleppey Beach: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Friday, January 19: Kovalam

Head to the coastal town of Kovalam, famous for its golden sandy beaches. Spend the morning relaxing on the beach and taking a dip in the clear waters. In the afternoon, visit the Vizhinjam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Enjoy a scenic sunset at Hawa Beach.

• Kovalam Beaches: Free, Time spent - Half day
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Hawa Beach: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Saturday, January 20: Trivandrum

End your trip in the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum. Visit the majestic Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the morning, known for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance. Explore the Napier Museum and the adjacent Zoological Park in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the beautiful Kovalam Beach.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Napier Museum: Cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Zoological Park: Cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique and off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the sleepy village of Mararikulam. It offers a peaceful beach getaway where you can relax and rejuvenate away from the crowds. Also, don't miss the opportunity to try the authentic Keralan cuisine at local restaurants, such as the famous Dhe Puttu, serving delicious puttu dishes.

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