Kerala Family-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary in October 2023

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi Beach
   15 minutes (4.5 km) from Cochin International Airport

   In the morning, enjoy a leisurely stroll on the golden sand beaches of Fort Kochi. Take a dip in the Arabian Sea, build sandcastles, or simply relax in the shade of colorful fishing boats. Later, visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Santa Cruz Basilica, an iconic landmark of Kerala. In the evening, watch the sunset while cruising on a traditional houseboat, enjoying delicious seafood and live music.

2. Day 2: Athirapally Waterfalls
   1 hour 40 minutes (70 km) from Fort Kochi Beach

   Start your day with a scenic drive to Athirapally Waterfalls, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in India. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the plunge pool or take a nature walk in the surrounding Sholayar forest. After lunch, visit the nearby Vazhachal Waterfalls for more breathtaking views. In the evening, unwind with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage at one of the many spas in the area.

3. Day 3: Alleppey Backwaters
   2 hours 30 minutes (85 km) from Athirapally Waterfalls

   Spend the day exploring the serene backwaters of Alleppey on a traditional houseboat. Enjoy a freshly cooked lunch onboard and take in the picturesque views of palm-fringed canals, lagoons, and villages. Visit the famous Pathiramanal Island and the R Block, one of the largest paddy fields in Asia. In the evening, relax with a cup of Kerala tea while watching the sunset over the backwaters.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Kerala. Attend a Kathakali dance performance, explore the local markets, or take a cooking class to learn how to prepare delicious Kerala cuisine. You can also plan a day trip to the hill station of Munnar or the wildlife sanctuary of Periyar.

Time and Costs Estimates

• St. Francis Church (1 hour, free)
• Santa Cruz Basilica (1 hour, free)
• Houseboat cruise (4-6 hours, INR 5000-15000)
• Ayurvedic massage (1 hour, INR 1500-3000)
• Athirapally Waterfalls (3 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Vazhachal Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Alleppey Houseboat (6-8 hours, INR 15000-30000)
• Kathakali dance performance (2 hours, INR 500-1000)
• Cooking class (2-3 hours, INR 1500-3000)
• Munnar day trip (10-12 hours, INR 3000-5000)
• Periyar wildlife sanctuary day trip (10-12 hours, INR 2000-4000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 30,000-50,000