12-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in South India

Day 1: Explore Cochin

Cochin, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Elsa's Dark Room

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Elsa's Dark Room, known for its delicious pancakes and fresh juices.
Located in Fort Kochi, just a short drive from many hotels.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Fort Kochi

Explore the historic Fort Kochi area, marveling at the colonial architecture and the famous Chinese fishing nets.
A 10-minute walk from the breakfast spot.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe

Enjoy a delightful lunch with artful decor and local dishes at Kashi Art Cafe.
Nearby Fort Kochi.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Mattancherry Palace

Visit the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) to see the impressive murals and learn about the history of Cochin.
15-minute taxi ride from Kashi.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Sunset at Marine Drive

Stroll along Marine Drive and soak up the beautiful sunset views over Vembanad Lake.
30-minute taxi ride from the palace.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Indulge in a family-friendly dinner at The Rice Boat, offering delectable seafood and local cuisine.
10-minute drive from Marine Drive.
INR 2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Scenic Munnar

Munnar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing for beautiful Munnar.
Hotel based in Cochin.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Munnar

Travel through the scenic hills, with lush tea plantations along the way.
2.5-hour drive.
INR 3000 (taxi), 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Tea Museum

Discover the history of tea production in Munnar at the Tea Museum.
5-min drive from hotel.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Sarvana Bhavan

Relish South Indian cuisine at this popular eatery known for its thali meals.
Nearby the Tea Museum.
INR 1000, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Eravikulam National Park

Take a family-friendly nature walk and explore the park's biodiversity, spotting the Nilgiri Tahr.
30-minute drive from lunch spot.
INR 1000 (entry fee), 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Check-in and dinner at Parakkat Nature Resort

Settle into your resort amidst nature and enjoy a splendid dinner with a view.
On-site at the resort.
INR 2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Adventures in Munnar

Munnar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Parakkat Nature Resort

Start the day with a delightful breakfast featuring local delicacies.
On-site at the resort.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Attukal Waterfalls

Enjoy a family trek to the stunning Attukal Waterfalls, perfect for some picturesque family photos.
30 minutes drive from the resort.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Coffee Garden

Savour lunch at The Coffee Garden, amidst lush coffee plantations and delightful views.
20-min drive from the waterfalls.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the spice plantations

Explore the aromatic spice gardens where kids can learn about the cultivation of various spices.
10-minute drive from lunch spot.
INR 500, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Return to Resort and Relax

Unwind after an exciting day and enjoy recreational activities at your resort.
Return to the resort.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Parakkat Nature Resort

Indulge in a delicious dinner with both Indian and continental options available.
On-site at the resort.
INR 2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Wildlife at Thekkady

Thekkady, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Parakkat Nature Resort

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and heading towards Thekkady.
On-site at the resort.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Thekkady

Journey towards Thekkady, known for its rich biodiversity.
3.5-hour drive.
INR 4000 (taxi), 3.5 hours

12:30 PM

Check-in at Hotel Spice Tree

Get settled in your hotel and refresh yourself after the long journey.
Close to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
INR 3000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Lunch at our Hotel

Savour a delicious lunch at the hotel restaurant, featuring locally sourced ingredients.
On-site.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the sanctuary through a guided boat ride on the lake, perfect for spotting elephants and other wildlife.
A short drive from the hotel.
INR 3000 (boat ride), 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Spice Garden Restaurant

Enjoy a wonderful dinner featuring local flavours and spices unique to the region.
Near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
INR 1500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Wildlife Adventures

Thekkady, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at our Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for a day of adventure.
On-site.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Nature Walk in Periyar

Join a guided nature walk to explore the flora and fauna, great for family bonding and learning.
At the sanctuary.
INR 1000, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Spice Plantation Tour

Visit a spice plantation nearby, where kids can learn about spices and their uses.
15-minute drive from the nature walk.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at the Plantation

Enjoy a delicious local lunch amidst the lush greenery of the plantation.
On-site.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Back to Thekkady

Return to Thekkady and relax before evening activities.
20-minute drive back.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Kalaripayattu Show

Enjoy an exhilarating performance of Kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art form of Kerala.
Nearby the hotel.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at our Hotel

End the day with dinner at your hotel, featuring a mix of local and continental dishes.
On-site.
INR 1500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Experience Alleppey

Alleppey, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at our Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing for Alleppey, famous for its backwaters.
On-site.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Alleppey

Drive to Alleppey, where you will experience the lush backwaters.
3-hour drive.
INR 3500 (taxi), 3 hours

11:30 AM

Check-in at Houseboat

Check into your houseboat and prepare for a scenic cruise on the backwaters.
Houseboat docking area.
INR 8000 (houseboat), 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch onboard

Savour a delicious traditional Kerala lunch cooked by the crew on the boat.
Onboard the houseboat.
Included in houseboat fee, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Backwater Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise through the serene canals and lush landscapes of Alleppey.
Around the backwaters.
Free (included), 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner onboard

Feast on fresh seafood and local delicacies prepared by the crew onboard.
Onboard the houseboat.
Included in houseboat fee, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Relax in Alleppey

Alleppey, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast onboard

Have breakfast on the houseboat while enjoying views of the backwaters.
Onboard the houseboat.
Included in houseboat fee, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Explore Local Villages

Visit nearby villages to learn about local life and traditions.
Guided tour from the houseboat.
INR 1500, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Kayaking

Engage in some fun kayaking activities in the backwaters; a beautiful spot for family enjoyment.
Arrange through houseboat crew.
INR 1000, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch onboard

Return to the houseboat for lunch as you cruise through scenic views.
Onboard the houseboat.
Included in houseboat fee, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Relax and Read

Spend the afternoon lounging on the deck and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Onboard the houseboat.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Tea and Snacks

Enjoy Kerala-style tea and snacks as the day winds down.
Onboard the houseboat.
Included in houseboat fee, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner onboard

Delight in another lovely dinner of freshly prepared local dishes.
Onboard the houseboat.
Included in houseboat fee, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Beach Day at Kovalam

Kovalam, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast onboard

Have breakfast on the houseboat and bid farewell to the serene backwaters.
Onboard the houseboat.
Included in houseboat fee, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Kovalam

Head to Kovalam for a beach break, renowned for its beautiful shorelines.
1.5-hour drive.
INR 2000 (taxi), 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Check-in at Hotel Samudra

Settle into your beachside hotel with stunning ocean views.
On the beach.
INR 5000, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Lighthouse

Enjoy lunch at The Lighthouse, known for its seafood and family-friendly atmosphere.
5-minute walk from the hotel.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Beach Time

Spend the afternoon enjoying the beautiful beach, swimming, and building sandcastles.
At Kovalam Beach.
Free, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Evening Shopping

Stroll along the beach promenade, exploring local shops and picking up souvenirs.
Near Kovalam Beach.
Free (shopping expenses vary), 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Bait

Indulge in a candlelit dinner at Bait, known for its coastal cuisine.
Nearby the beach.
INR 2000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Cultural Experiences

Kovalam, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Samudra

Start your day with a delightful breakfast while overlooking the waves.
On-site at the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Ayurvedic Massage Experience

Treat the family to a soothing Ayurvedic massage, a relaxing experience for adults and kids.
Spa facility within the hotel.
INR 2000 (for family), 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Suwathi

Enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine at Suwathi, renowned for its exquisite thalis.
Nearby the hotel.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit Kovalam Light House

Climb the lighthouse and soak in panoramic views of the coastline.
10-minute drive from lunch.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Relax at the Beach

Participate in beach games; beach volleyball or frisbee with the family.
Back to Kovalam Beach.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Return to Hotel and Relax

Unwind at the hotel pool before dinner.
On-site at the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Spice Route

End the day with an exotic meal featuring flavours from across Asia.
On-site at the hotel.
INR 2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Adventure at Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Samudra

Enjoy breakfast with views of the ocean before heading to Kanyakumari.
On-site at the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Kanyakumari

Drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, famous for its confluence of three seas.
2-hour drive.
INR 2000 (taxi), 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a tranquil place for reflection and beautiful views.
Ferry terminal in Kanyakumari.
INR 350 (ferry), 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Sea View

Enjoy a delightful lunch overlooking the sea at Hotel Sea View.
Nearby the ferry terminal.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Maṭṭaṇḍi Beach

Have fun at Maṭṭaṇḍi Beach - a great family spot for swimming and beach games.
Near the hotel.
Free, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Visit Thiruvalluvar Statue

Admire the famous Thiruvalluvar Statue, a monumental tribute to Tamil literature.
Nearby the beach.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Ocean

Enjoy dinner at The Ocean, known for its seafood specialties.
Overlooking the sea.
INR 2000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Kanyakumari Wonders

Kanyakumari, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea View

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel, overlooking the scenic bay.
On-site at the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Kanyakumari Temple

Offer prayers at Kanyakumari Temple, a sight rich in culture and history.
Close to the hotel.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore the local market

Wander through the local market for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts.
Nearby the hotel.
Free (shopping expenses vary), 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Aham Tamil

Savour authentic Tamil lunch at Aham Tamil, a family favourite.
Nearby.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit View Tower

Climb to the view tower for picturesque views of the sunrise and sunset spots.
Short drive nearby.
INR 50, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend the afternoon at the beach, indulging in local coconut water and sunbathing.
At Kanyakumari Beach.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Sunset Point

Experience the breathtaking sunset at Kanyakumari, a perfect moment with family.
At sunset point.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Malabar Junction

Savour delicious Malabari cuisine at Malabar Junction, a popular local eatery.
Close to the beach.
INR 1500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Trivandrum Departure

Trivandrum, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sea View

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before departure.
On-site at the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Trivandrum

Depart for Trivandrum airport for your flight back home.
2-hour drive.
INR 3000 (taxi), 2 hours

11:00 AM

Final shopping at Trivandrum

If time allows, do a bit of last-minute shopping in Trivandrum for souvenirs.
Trivandrum city.
Free (shopping expenses vary), 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Sukhvas

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the airport.
Nearby the airport.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Airport Check-in

Arrive at the airport in time to check-in for your flight.
At Trivandrum Airport.
Free (flight costs vary), 1 hour
View Hotel Availability