Begin your Kerala adventure in the enchanting city of Cochin. In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area with its colonial buildings and charming streets. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride on the backwaters and admire the serene beauty of this unique ecosystem. As the evening approaches, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Fort Kochi: Entrance fees - INR 10, Time spent - 3 hours
Backwater Boat Ride: Starting from INR 500, Time spent - 2 hours
Kathakali Performance: Starting from INR 300, Time spent - 2 hours
Monday, December 25: Munnar
On Christmas morning, head to the picturesque hill station of Munnar. Start your day with a visit to the Mattupetty Dam and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding tea plantations. In the afternoon, explore the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a visit to the tea museum and learn about the tea-making process.
Start your morning with a hearty South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. This popular restaurant offers a variety of dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant and try their delicious Kerala-style fish curry with appam. They also serve a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Sree Munnar Restaurant, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Try their mouthwatering Malabari biryani or fish fry. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 26: Thekkady
Embark on an exciting wildlife adventure in Thekkady. Morning: Take a guided tour of the Periyar National Park and spot wildlife while cruising along the Periyar Lake. Afternoon: Visit a spice plantation and learn about the various spices grown in this region. In the evening, enjoy a traditional martial arts and Kathakali performance.
Periyar National Park: Entrance fees - INR 450, Boat ride - INR 150, Time spent - 4 hours
Martial Arts & Kathakali Performance: Starting from INR 200, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Experience a scrumptious breakfast at Spice Grove Restaurant, offering a wide variety of traditional Kerala dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a delicious lunch at Bamboo Cafe, a cozy eatery known for its fresh and flavorful local cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Savor the flavors of Thekkady at Pepper Trails, a charming restaurant specializing in authentic South Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Wednesday, December 27: Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Experience the famous backwaters of Kerala in Alleppey. Morning: Board a traditional houseboat and cruise through the scenic backwaters, admiring the lush green surroundings. Afternoon: Explore the small villages and paddy fields by taking a leisurely walk or cycling. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner on the houseboat while enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Houseboat Cruise: Starting from INR 5000 per day, Time spent - Full day
Village Exploration: Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Dinner on Houseboat: Included in houseboat price
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Alleppey is XYZ Cafe, known for its freshly brewed coffee and delicious South Indian breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to ABC Restaurant, which offers a variety of seafood specialties and local Kerala cuisine. The average cost for a meal at ABC Restaurant is around 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at PQR Fine Dining, a charming restaurant known for its elegant ambiance and delectable multi-cuisine menu. The average cost for a meal at PQR Fine Dining is approximately 500 INR per person.
Restaurants
Cafe Breakfast Delight: Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Cafe Breakfast Delight, located near the backwaters. Enjoy a variety of options such as fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Local Lunch Spot: For a delicious and authentic lunch, head to Local Lunch Spot, a favorite among locals. Try their mouthwatering Kerala-style seafood curry or vegetarian thali. The average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Dine by the Backwaters: Experience a romantic dinner by the backwaters at Dine by the Backwaters. Savor the flavors of traditional Kerala cuisine with their special seafood platter or aromatic biryani. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Thursday, December 28: Kumarakom
Continue your backwater journey by visiting Kumarakom. Morning: Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to a variety of migratory and local bird species. Afternoon: Relax at one of the luxurious lakeside resorts and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. In the evening, take a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake.
Sunset Cruise: Starting from INR 1000, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular spot for breakfast in Kumarakom is The Coconut Creek Farm and Homestay. They offer traditional Kerala breakfast dishes such as appam, puttu, and idiyappam. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to The Waterside Retreat. This waterfront restaurant serves fresh seafood and traditional Kerala cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit The Taj Kumarakom Resort and Spa. This luxurious restaurant offers a variety of international and Indian cuisine with stunning lake views. The average cost for a meal here is about 1000 INR per person.
Friday, December 29: Kovalam
Head to the beautiful coastal town of Kovalam for a day of sun, sand, and relaxation. Morning: Visit the stunning Kovalam Beach and unwind on its golden sands. Afternoon: Explore the lighthouse on the beach and enjoy panoramic views from the top. In the evening, indulge in delicious seafood at one of the beachside restaurants.
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day. They offer a variety of options such as dosas, idlis, and filter coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Bait, a beachfront restaurant known for its excellent seafood dishes. Enjoy fresh catch of the day prepared in various styles. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Malabar Cafe for a delightful dinner experience. This restaurant specializes in traditional Kerala cuisine with a modern twist. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, December 30: Trivandrum
End your Kerala journey in the capital city of Trivandrum. Morning: Visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world. Afternoon: Explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts and artwork. In the evening, stroll along the beautiful Shangumugham Beach.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Entrance fees - INR 20, Time spent - 2 hours
Shangumugham Beach: Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Trivandrum is The Old Bakery, known for its freshly baked bread and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Ariya Nivaas, a local favorite serving authentic Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, dine at Zam Zam Restaurant to enjoy delicious seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique family-friendly experience, head to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, located near Kochi. Explore the rich biodiversity of the sanctuary and try bird-watching with the kids. Another hidden gem is the Elephant Junction in Thekkady, where you can interact with elephants, bathe them, and even go on an elephant safari. These off the beaten path attractions offer unforgettable memories for the whole family.