8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in South Kerala – Relax, Explore Nature on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrive in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, India

10:00AM

Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Begin your adventure by exploring the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its stunning architecture.
Use a local auto-rickshaw to reach the temple easily.
INR0, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Arya Nivas

Enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Kerala cuisine at Hotel Arya Nivas, perfect for families.
Walk 10 minutes from the temple to the restaurant.
INR600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Napier Museum

Visit the Napier Museum to dive into the rich cultural heritage of Kerala with family-friendly exhibits.
It's a 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
INR50, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Evening at the Shanghumukham Beach

Unwind at Shanghumukham Beach, where kids can play in the sand while you relax.
Take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to the beach.
INR0, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Neptune Restaurant

Try the fresh seafood at Neptune Restaurant, offering reasonable prices and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Take an auto-rickshaw from the beach.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Kovalam Beach Day

Kovalam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sarovar Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at Sarovar Restaurant.
Take an auto-rickshaw to Kovalam from Thiruvananthapuram.
INR400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax on Kovalam Beach

Spend the morning soaking up the sun and playing by the waves at the iconic Kovalam Beach.
Walk to the beach from the restaurant.
INR0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Curry Leaf

Enjoy a family lunch at The Curry Leaf, famous for its local delicacies.
Just a short walk from the beach.
INR700, 1 hour

2:00PM

Water Sports at Kovalam

Take part in affordable water sports activities that the whole family can enjoy.
Book activities directly at the beach.
INR1500 per person, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Spice Mantra

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Spice Mantra, offering a variety of Kerala and Indian dishes.
Walk back to the restaurant from the beach.
INR600, 1 hour
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Day 3: Poovar Island Exploration

Poovar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Uday Samudra

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel featuring local and continental options.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride to the hotel.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Poovar Island

Take a boat ride to Poovar Island, known for its serene backwaters and lush landscapes.
Arrange a boat ride from Kovalam beach.
INR1000 per family, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Poovar Island Resort

Dine at the resort enjoying scenic views while sampling delicious local dishes.
Lunch is served at Poovar Island Resort.
INR800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend the afternoon at the tranquil beach on Poovar Island, perfect for a family day out.
Walk a short distance from the resort to the beach.
INR0, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Kovalam

Head back to Kovalam by boat and relax at your hotel.
Take the arranged boat back.
INR1000 per family, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sagar Hotel

Enjoy a casual family dinner at the popular Sagar Hotel, known for its impressive menu.
Take an auto-rickshaw back to Kovalam.
INR700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Varkala Beach Adventure

Varkala, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe del Mar

Savour breakfast at Café del Mar overlooking Varkala Beach with a breezy atmosphere.
Travel to Varkala by bus or auto-rickshaw.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Varkala Beach

Relax and play at the pristine Varkala Beach while enjoying the stunning cliffs.
Take a short walk to Varkala Beach.
INR0, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Clafouti

Experience a delicious lunch overlooking the beach at The Clafouti.
Located near Varkala Beach.
INR800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Sunset Viewpoint

Take a family walk to the sunset viewpoint for breathtaking views of the horizon.
It's a short walk from the restaurant.
INR0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Ayurvedic Treatments

Spoil yourselves with a local Ayurvedic treatment for relaxation and wellness.
Find a nearby spa offering affordable treatments.
INR1500 per person, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Angelo's

Relish authentic Italian or local dishes at Angelo's, perfect for families.
A 10-minute walk from your hotel.
INR700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Kottayam Countryside

Kottayam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Aida

Savour a delightful Keralite breakfast at Hotel Aida, a local favourite.
Travel by bus from Varkala to Kottayam.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to diverse bird species and natural beauty.
Take a local bus to the sanctuary.
INR100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Marari Sea View Hotel

Enjoy some fresh seafood and traditional dishes at the Marari Sea View Hotel.
Return to Kottayam town for lunch.
INR800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Vembanad Lake

Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Vembanad Lake; enjoy scenic views.
Travel nearby with a local boat.
INR500 per family, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Kottayam Town

Head back to Kottayam town to explore the local market.
Take a boat back.
INR500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel DTPC

Wrap up your day with a family-friendly dinner at Hotel DTPC, known for its home-cooked meals.
Walk from the market to the restaurant.
INR700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Starting your day with breakfast included at the hotel.
Travel by bus from Kottayam to Alleppey.
INR0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Backwater Houseboat Tour

Experience a family-friendly backwater tour on a traditional houseboat, observing local life.
Book a houseboat tour in advance.
INR3000 per family, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch onboard

Savour delicious Keralite dishes served right on the houseboat.
Lunch will be prepared on board.
INR500 per family, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Alleppey Beach

Relax and unwind at the beautiful Alleppey Beach, letting the children play and explore.
Take a short tuk-tuk ride to the beach.
INR0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to hotel

Head back to your hotel and freshen up.
Take an auto-rickshaw back.
INR100, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hot Grill Cafe

Enjoy a lively dinner at Hot Grill Cafe, offering a variety of family-friendly menu options.
Walk from the hotel to the café.
INR700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Kumarakom Nature Day

Kumarakom, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lake View Resort

Savour a pleasant breakfast by the lake at the resort.
Travel by local bus from Alleppey to Kumarakom.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, perfect for families who love nature and wildlife.
Just a short distance from the resort.
INR100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the resort

Enjoy a lovely family lunch at the resort with local and international dishes.
Lunchtime at your resort.
INR800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Vembanad Lake

Spend the afternoon by Vembanad Lake, where kids can play and you can relax.
Take a walk to the lake from the resort.
INR0, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to the resort

Head back to your room and enjoy some family time together.
A pleasant walk back to the resort.
INR0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the resort

Conclude your day with a delicious dinner right at the resort, ideal for family bonding.
Dinner served in your lodge.
INR800, 1 hour
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Day 8: Return to Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kumarakom

Start your last day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
Breakfast included at the hotel.
INR0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Thiruvananthapuram

Head back to Thiruvananthapuram and relax on the way, reminiscing the adventure you had.
Take a local bus back.
INR300, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The India Coffee House

Enjoy a casual meal at The India Coffee House, famous for its affordable snacks.
Walking distance from the bus station.
INR400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Kanakakkunnu Palace

Visit the historic Kanakakkunnu Palace to learn more about Kerala’s past.
A short tuk-tuk ride from lunch.
INR50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Leisure Time at Horse Palace Gardens

Spend some leisure time enjoying the gardens surrounding the Horse Palace.
Take a walk from the palace.
INR0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Departure Preparation

Conclude your journey by preparing for departure, cherishing the memories you've created.
Return to your accommodation.
INR0, 2 hours
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