Budget-Friendly 1-Day Family Adventure in Ernakulam, India

Day 1: Exploring Ernakulam

Ernakulam, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Keralite Restaurant

Start your day with a traditional Kerala breakfast including puttu (steamed rice cakes) and black chickpeas at Keralite Restaurant, a cozy spot loved by locals.
Take a local auto-rickshaw to get to the restaurant, it's just a 15-minute ride from anywhere in the city center.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Marine Drive

Stroll along Marine Drive, a picturesque promenade, where you can enjoy views of the backwaters and perhaps spot some local birds.
Walk from the restaurant; it’s about a 10-minute walk to the waterfront.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Subash Park

Next, head to Subash Park, where your family can relax in the gardens, and kids can play in the open spaces.
It's a short 5-minute walk from Marine Drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Gokul Oottupura

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal at Gokul Oottupura, known for its delicious Kerala thali that’s filled with rice, vegetables, and fish curry.
A quick 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride from Subash Park will get you there.
INR200, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Hill Palace Museum

Explore the Hill Palace Museum, the largest archaeological museum in Kerala with beautiful gardens and historical artifacts, making it educational for all ages.
About a 20-minute drive from the restaurant, so grab an auto-rickshaw.
INR200, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Ernakulam Shiva Temple

Afterward, visit Ernakulam Shiva Temple, steeped in local culture and history, where you can admire the intricate architecture.
It’s a short 15-minute drive back to the city center.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Evening Walk at Vagator Beach

Wrap up the day with a scenic drive to Vagator Beach for a family walk while enjoying the beautiful sunset views.
Roughly a 30-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Asian Kitchen

End your day with dinner at The Asian Kitchen, offering flavorful and affordable Asian food that both kids and parents will love.
Take a quick auto-rickshaw, which should take about 15 minutes to get there.
INR300, 1 hour
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