7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Kerala, March 2024

Friday, March 1: Arrival in Kochi

Welcome to Kerala! Start your family-friendly adventure in Kochi, known for its blend of modern and traditional attractions. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi and its iconic Chinese fishing nets, colonial buildings, and charming streets. In the afternoon, visit the Maritime Museum and St. Francis Church. In the evening, witness a Kathakali dance performance.

• Fort Kochi: Free, 4 hours
• Maritime Museum: INR 30 per person, 1 hour
• St. Francis Church: Free, 1 hour
• Kathakali Center: INR 400 per person, 2 hours

Saturday, March 2: Munnar's Natural Beauty

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, famous for its tea plantations and picturesque landscapes. In the morning, explore the tea gardens and learn about tea production at a tea museum. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the lush greenery. In the afternoon, visit the Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride at Kundala Lake. Watch the magical sunset at Top Station.

• Munnar Tea Gardens: Free, 3 hours
• Tata Tea Museum: INR 150 per person, 2 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: INR 10 per person, 1 hour
• Kundala Lake: INR 200 per boat, 2 hours
• Top Station: Free, 1 hour

Restaurants

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Mistletoe, located in the heart of Munnar. They offer a variety of options, including traditional South Indian dishes and continental breakfast items. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant, known for its delicious Kerala cuisine. Try their flavorful seafood dishes or indulge in their popular Chicken Biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
• For a memorable dinner experience, visit Silver Spoon Restaurant. This cozy restaurant offers a wide range of Indian and Chinese dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients. Don't miss their delectable Butter Chicken or their mouthwatering Veg Manchurian. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.

Sunday, March 3: Wildlife Safari in Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park, in the morning. Take a thrilling boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot wildlife such as elephants and birds. In the afternoon, explore the spice plantations and enjoy an elephant ride. End your day with a traditional Ayurvedic massage.

• Periyar National Park (Boat Ride): INR 400 per person, 3 hours
• Spice Plantations: INR 100 per person, 2 hours
• Elephant Ride: INR 600 per person, 1 hour
• Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,000 per person, 1.5 hours

Monday, March 4: Backwaters of Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey, famous for its enchanting backwaters. Board a traditional houseboat in the morning and cruise through the tranquil backwaters, witnessing local life and lush green surroundings. Enjoy a delicious Kerala-style lunch on the houseboat. In the evening, catch a mesmerizing Kathakali performance.

• Alleppey Houseboat: Starting from INR 5,000 per night, 6 hours
• Kathakali Performance: INR 300 per person, 2 hours

Tuesday, March 5: Serene Beaches in Kovalam

Travel to Kovalam, a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches. Start your day by relaxing on the golden sands of Lighthouse Beach. Take a dip in the clear waters and indulge in water sports activities. After a seafood lunch, visit the picturesque Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach. Enjoy a stunning sunset view from the Lighthouse.

• Lighthouse Beach: Free, full day
• Water Sports: Starting from INR 500 per activity, 2 hours
• Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach: Free, 3 hours

Wednesday, March 6: Cultural Exploration in Trivandrum

Visit the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), in the morning. Explore the renowned Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its architectural beauty. Discover the Kanakakunnu Palace Gardens and stroll through the Napier Museum to admire its art collection. In the evening, enjoy the sunset at Kovalam Beach.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 2 hours
• Kanakakunnu Palace Gardens: Free, 1 hour
• Napier Museum: INR 20 per person, 2 hours

Thursday, March 7: Departure from Kochi

Head back to Kochi in the morning for your departure. Spend your last hours exploring Jew Town, known for its antique shops and the iconic Paradesi Synagogue. Wander through the bustling markets of Mattancherry and enjoy a delectable seafood farewell lunch. Depart from Kochi with beautiful memories of your family-friendly Kerala adventure.

• Jew Town: Free, 2 hours
• Paradesi Synagogue: INR 5 per person, 1 hour
• Mattancherry Market: Free, 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit the Elephant Junction in Thekkady, where you can interact with elephants, feed them, and even take a bath with them. Another offbeat attraction is the Illithodu Eco-Tourism Village near Munnar, where you can experience rural life, try traditional activities, and enjoy nature trails. These hidden gems offer great opportunities for family-friendly fun and meaningful encounters.

Don't forget to check kayak.com for the best hotel and flight prices for your Kerala trip.