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A Week in Kerala: Family-Friendly Itinerary

Wednesday, December 6: Arrive in Cochin

Welcome to Kerala! Start your journey by arriving in Cochin, also known as Kochi. In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area and marvel at its colonial architecture, including the famous Chinese fishing nets and the St. Francis Church. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, a museum showcasing Kerala's traditional art and artifacts. End the day with an enchanting Kathakali dance performance in the evening, immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.

  • Fort Kochi: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Mattancherry Palace: Entry fee: INR 5 (approx. $0.07), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Kathakali Performance: Ticket cost varies, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • Café Coffee Day: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this popular café chain located in Cochin. They offer a variety of breakfast options, including sandwiches, pancakes, and eggs. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
  • Dal Roti: For a tasty and affordable lunch, head to Dal Roti, a vegetarian restaurant in Fort Kochi. They serve traditional Indian dishes, such as dal makhani and butter naan, at an average cost of 300 INR per person.
  • Kashi Art Café: Indulge in a delightful dinner experience at Kashi Art Café, known for its artistic ambiance and delectable dishes. They offer a range of global cuisines, including Mediterranean and Italian, with an average cost of 700 INR per person.
Thursday, December 7: Munnar Exploration

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its lush tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the cultivation and production of tea. In the afternoon, take a leisurely hike through the tea gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. End the day by exploring the local markets to buy some authentic tea and spices as souvenirs.

  • Tea Museum: Entry fee: INR 120 (approx. $1.60) per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Tea Garden Hike: Free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Local Markets: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Friday, December 8: Backwater Bliss in Alleppey

Experience the tranquil beauty of Kerala's backwaters in Alleppey. In the morning, embark on a houseboat tour and cruise along the serene backwaters, witnessing the idyllic scenery and local life. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore the peaceful village of Mararikulam and relax on its pristine beach. Wrap up the day with a mesmerizing sunset view over the backwaters.

  • Houseboat Tour: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 6-8 hours
  • Mararikulam Village: Free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Sunset View: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Cafe Catamaran, known for its delightful coffee and fresh pastries. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
  • For lunch, head to Krishna Regency Restaurant which offers a range of delicious Kerala dishes such as appam, duck curry, and Kerala fish curry. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
  • Enjoy a delectable dinner at Dreamers Restaurant, famous for its seafood specialties like prawn masala and fish curry. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Saturday, December 9: Wildlife Excursion in Thekkady

Embark on an adventurous day in Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park. In the morning, go for a jungle trek through the lush forest trails, keeping an eye out for various wildlife species. In the afternoon, take a boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you may spot elephants, deer, and a variety of birds. End the day with a visit to the spice plantations to learn about Kerala's famous spices.

  • Jungle Trek: Entry fee: INR 500 (approx. $6.67) per person, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Boat Safari: Ticket cost: INR 225 (approx. $3) per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Spice Plantations: Entry fee and tour cost: INR 100 (approx. $1.33) per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Sunday, December 10: Explore Kumarakom and Vembanad Lake

Today, head to Kumarakom, a charming village located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. In the morning, go for a canoe ride through the narrow canals, witnessing the serene beauty of the backwaters and observing local life. In the afternoon, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to numerous migratory and resident bird species. Enjoy a peaceful sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake, savoring the tranquility of the surroundings.

  • Canoe Ride: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Entry fee: INR 50 (approx. $0.67) per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Sunset Cruise: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Monday, December 11: Cultural Exploration in Thrissur

Visit the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur. In the morning, explore the Vadakkunnathan Temple, known for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. Witness a traditional elephant procession at the Thekkinkadu Maidan, where you can see beautifully decorated elephants. In the afternoon, visit the Kerala Kalamandalam, a renowned center for performing arts. End the day by indulging in delicious local cuisine at a traditional restaurant.

  • Vadakkunnathan Temple: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Thekkinkadu Maidan: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Kerala Kalamandalam: Entry fee: INR 20 (approx. $0.27) per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Tuesday, December 12: Beach Bliss in Kovalam

Head to the beautiful beach town of Kovalam to relax and unwind. Spend the morning on the pristine beaches, sunbathing or taking a dip in the Arabian Sea. Enjoy various water sports activities such as swimming, surfing, or catamaran rides in the afternoon. Witness a mesmerizing sunset view at the iconic Lighthouse Beach to end your trip in Kerala on a high note.

  • Kovalam Beaches: Free, estimated time spent: 4-5 hours
  • Water Sports: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Lighthouse Beach: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the quaint village of Varkala, where you can relax on the stunning cliff-side beach and indulge in ayurvedic spa treatments. Another gem is the hill station of Wayanad, offering scenic beauty, wildlife sanctuaries, and majestic waterfalls. Locals also love the village of Kumily, known for its spice trade and the unique experience of bamboo rafting in the Periyar River. These destinations provide a perfect blend of nature, tranquility, and cultural experiences for the whole family.

To check hotel and flight prices for your Kerala trip, you can visit this link.

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