How many days do you need in South Kerala?

This itinerary covers 8 days in South Kerala, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for South Kerala?

Plan your perfect 8 days trip to South Kerala. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

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

Day 1: Evening Arrival in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, India

6:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive at your accommodation in Thiruvananthapuram and settle in for the night.

INR2000 (estimate), 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Spice Route

Indulge in your first dinner in Kerala at The Spice Route, known for its delightful Keralite cuisine.

INR800, 1 hour

9:00PM

Evening Walk at the Beach

Take a leisurely evening stroll at the nearby beach to wind down from your journey.

INR100, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram

Day 2: Kovalam Beach Day

Kovalam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Arya Nivas

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at Hotel Arya Nivas, well-suited for families.

INR600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kovalam Beach

Take a trip to Kovalam Beach to start your beach day.

INR300, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Relax on Kovalam Beach

Spend the morning enjoying the sun and swimming at the iconic Kovalam Beach.

INR0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Curry Leaf

Enjoy a flavorful family lunch with local specials at The Curry Leaf, just a stone's throw from the beach.

INR700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Water Sports at Kovalam

Indulge in some affordable water sports activities, perfect for the whole family.

INR1500 per person, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Spice Mantra

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Spice Mantra, where you can select from a mix of Indian cuisines.

INR600, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Kovalam

Day 3: Poovar Island Exploration

Poovar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Uday Samudra

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel featuring local and continental options.

INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Poovar Island

Take a boat ride to Poovar Island, where lush landscapes await your family's exploration.

INR1000 per family, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Poovar Island Resort

Dine at the resort while enjoying scenic views and tasty local dishes.

INR800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend the afternoon sunbathing and enjoying family time on Poovar Island's tranquil beach.

INR0, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Kovalam

Head back to Kovalam via boat and unwind as you enjoy the sunset views.

INR1000 per family, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sagar Hotel

Enjoy a casual family dinner at the popular Sagar Hotel, known for its budget-friendly meals.

INR700, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Poovar

Day 4: Varkala Beach Adventure

Varkala, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe del Mar

Savour a delicious breakfast at Cafe del Mar while enjoying beach views.

INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Varkala Beach

Enjoy a full day at the beautiful Varkala Beach, ideal for swimming and relaxation.

INR0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Clafouti

Experience an authentic meal overlooking the beach at The Clafouti, favoured for its ambience.

INR800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Sunset Viewpoint

Take a family walk to the sunset viewpoint for breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.

INR0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Ayurvedic Treatments

Relax in a local spa with affordable Ayurvedic treatments ideal for families.

INR1500 per person, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Angelo's

Indulge in a delicious Italian or local dinner at Angelo's, suitable for families.

INR700, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Varkala

Day 5: Kottayam Countryside

Kottayam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Aida

Savour a traditional Keralite breakfast at Hotel Aida, a budget-friendly option for families.

INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for nature lovers and families.

INR100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Marari Sea View Hotel

Savour locally caught seafood and Keralite dishes at Marari Sea View Hotel.

INR800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Vembanad Lake

Spend the afternoon relaxing at the scenic Vembanad Lake, enjoying family time.

INR500 per family, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Kottayam Town

Return to Kottayam for a stroll through the local market.

INR500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel DTPC

Wrap up your day with a budget-friendly dinner at Hotel DTPC, known for its home-cooked meals.

INR700, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Kottayam

Day 6: Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation to start your day.

INR0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Backwater Houseboat Tour

Experience a unique family-friendly backwater cruise on a traditional houseboat.

INR3000 per family, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch onboard

Enjoy a delicious Keralite-style lunch on the houseboat while surrounded by stunning scenery.

INR500 per family, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Alleppey Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing and playing at the delightful Alleppey Beach.

INR0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to hotel

Take a break and freshen up at your hotel after returning from the beach.

INR100, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hot Grill Cafe

Enjoy a vibrant dinner at Hot Grill Cafe, offering a range of affordable family-friendly dishes.

INR700, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Alleppey

Day 7: Kumarakom Nature Day

Kumarakom, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lake View Resort

Indulge in a relaxing breakfast by the lake at your resort, surrounded by nature.

INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to various migratory birds and picturesque landscapes.

INR100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the resort

Enjoy a lovely family lunch at the resort restaurant featuring local and international dishes.

INR800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Vembanad Lake

Spend the afternoon relaxing by Vembanad Lake, perfect for leisure and family activities.

INR0, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to the resort

Head back to your room and take some time to unwind and reflect.

INR0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the resort

End your day with a delicious dinner right at the resort, ideal for family bonding.

INR800, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Kumarakom

Day 8: Return to Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kumarakom

Start your last day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.

INR0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Thiruvananthapuram

Head back to Thiruvananthapuram, relishing the memories from your trip.

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.

INR400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Kanakakkunnu Palace

Explore the historic Kanakakkunnu Palace to immerse in Kerala’s history.

INR50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Leisure Time at Horse Palace Gardens

Spend some leisure time enjoying the gardens surrounding the Horse Palace.

INR0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Departure Preparation

Conclude your journey by preparing for departure and cherishing the memories you've created.

INR0, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram

Step 1 Outline Preview:

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

Day 1: Evening Arrival in Thiruvananthapuram

6:00PM

7:30PM

9:00PM

Day 2: Kovalam Beach Day

8:00AM

9:30AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 3: Poovar Island Exploration

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

5:30PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Varkala Beach Adventure

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Kottayam Countryside

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Alleppey Backwaters

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Kumarakom Nature Day

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

Day 8: Return to Thiruvananthapuram

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

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