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.
Transport from the airport/station to the hotel.
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.
Take an auto-rickshaw from the hotel.
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.
Hop in an auto-rickshaw to the beach.
INR100, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

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.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kovalam Beach

Take a trip to Kovalam Beach to start your beach day.
Travel by local auto-rickshaw.
INR300, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Relax on Kovalam Beach

Spend the morning enjoying the sun and swimming at the iconic Kovalam Beach.
Enjoy the beach, walking distance from the drop-off.
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.
Walk from the beach to the restaurant.
INR700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Water Sports at Kovalam

Indulge in some affordable water sports activities, perfect for the whole family.
Activities can be booked directly on the beach.
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.
Return by auto-rickshaw to the restaurant.
INR600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

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.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before check-out.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Poovar Island

Take a boat ride to Poovar Island, where lush landscapes await your family's exploration.
Arrange a boat ride from Kovalam beach.
INR1000 per family, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Poovar Island Resort

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

1:30PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend the afternoon sunbathing and enjoying family time on Poovar Island's tranquil beach.
Short walking distance from the resort.
INR0, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Kovalam

Head back to Kovalam via boat and unwind as you enjoy the sunset views.
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 budget-friendly meals.
Take an auto-rickshaw from the beach.
INR700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

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.
Travel to Varkala by bus or auto-rickshaw.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Varkala Beach

Enjoy a full day at the beautiful Varkala Beach, ideal for swimming and relaxation.
Just a short walk from the café.
INR0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Clafouti

Experience an authentic meal overlooking the beach at The Clafouti, favoured for its ambience.
Across the beach from your spot.
INR800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Sunset Viewpoint

Take a family walk to the sunset viewpoint for breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.
Just a short distance from the restaurant.
INR0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Ayurvedic Treatments

Relax in a local spa with affordable Ayurvedic treatments ideal for families.
Find a nearby spa offering family-friendly services.
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.
Take a short walk from the hotel.
INR700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

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.
Travel by bus from Varkala to Kottayam.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for nature lovers and families.
Take a local bus to the sanctuary.
INR100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Marari Sea View Hotel

Savour locally caught seafood and Keralite dishes at Marari Sea View Hotel.
Return to Kottayam town for lunch.
INR800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Vembanad Lake

Spend the afternoon relaxing at the scenic Vembanad Lake, enjoying family time.
Travel nearby by local bus.
INR500 per family, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Kottayam Town

Return to Kottayam for a stroll through the local market.
Take a bus back.
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.
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

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation to start your day.
Travel by bus from Kottayam to Alleppey.
INR0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Backwater Houseboat Tour

Experience a unique family-friendly backwater cruise on a traditional houseboat.
Book a houseboat tour in advance.
INR3000 per family, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch onboard

Enjoy a delicious Keralite-style lunch on the houseboat while surrounded by stunning scenery.
Lunch will be prepared on board.
INR500 per family, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Alleppey Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing and playing at the delightful Alleppey Beach.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride to the beach.
INR0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to hotel

Take a break and freshen up at your hotel after returning from the beach.
Take an auto-rickshaw back.
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.
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

Indulge in a relaxing breakfast by the lake at your resort, surrounded by nature.
Travel by bus from Alleppey to Kumarakom.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to various migratory birds and picturesque landscapes.
Just a short distance from the resort.
INR100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the resort

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

1:30PM

Explore Vembanad Lake

Spend the afternoon relaxing by Vembanad Lake, perfect for leisure and family activities.
Take a short walk to the lake from the resort.
INR0, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to the resort

Head back to your room and take some time to unwind and reflect.
A pleasant walk back to the resort.
INR0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the resort

End your day with a delicious dinner right at the resort, ideal for family bonding.
Dinner served in your lodge.
INR800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

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, relishing the memories from your trip.
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

Explore the historic Kanakakkunnu Palace to immerse in Kerala’s history.
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 and cherishing the memories you've created.
Return to your accommodation.
INR0, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability