8-Day Budget-Friendly Family Adventure in Kerala: Exploring God's Own Country

Day 1: Cultural Kickstart

Kochi, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Nanna Hotel

Start your day with budget-friendly South Indian breakfast options like idli, dosa, and coffee, perfect for energizing your adventures.
Head to Fort Kochi by local bus.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets

Explore the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets - a free and mesmerizing sight that showcases Kochi's cultural heritage.
Walk along the coast from the breakfast spot.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sri Annapoorna

Relish a budget-friendly thali or meal platter offering a variety of local dishes – a delight for everyone in the family.
Short walk from the fishing nets.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Mattancherry Palace

Visit the Mattancherry Palace for a nominal admission fee to learn about Kerala's rich royal history.
Short local bus ride to the palace.
INR 200, 1 hour

5:00PM

Stroll through Jew Town

Enjoy wandering through the quaint streets of Jew Town, checking out local antique shops and spice markets, which is completely free.
Walk from the palace.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Cassava

Finish off the day with a budget-friendly dinner featuring genuine Kerala cuisine, with vegetarian and seafood options.
Short walk from Jew Town.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Hill Station Wonders

Munnar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an inexpensive breakfast provided by your hotel and prepare for a day in the stunning hills of Munnar.
Check out and catch a bus to Munnar (approx. 4 hours).
INR 600 (bus fare), 1 hour

12:00PM

Arrival and Check-in at Budget Hotel

Settle into a budget hotel and freshen up while enjoying the scenic views.
Walk to the hotel from the bus station.
INR 1500 (per night), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Restaurant

Opt for a simple and affordable meal at the hotel, trying out local dishes.
In-house dining.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Tea Museum (optional)

If budget allows, learn about tea production and do tastings at a small cost. Otherwise, enjoy a scenic walk.
Local bus to the Tea Museum.
INR 200 (museum entry), 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit to Local Tea Gardens

Stroll through nearby tea gardens and take in the beautiful landscapes, which is free and family-friendly.
Walk to tea gardens.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Sree Mahavir Hotel

Relish traditional Kerala meals at budget-friendly prices, catering to all tastes.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nature and Adventure

Munnar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a simple breakfast at your hotel, readying you for a fun-filled day.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Top Station

Enjoy the spectacular views of the Western Ghats while keeping an eye out for unique birds and butterflies.
Catch a local bus to Top Station (approx. 1.5 hours).
INR 300 (bus fare), 2 hours

12:00PM

Pack Snacks for Lunch

Purchase some budget snacks from local stores for a picnic by the viewpoint at Top Station.
Bring from local shops at Top Station.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Head Back to Munnar

Return to Munnar town for the afternoon.
Catch the local bus back.
INR 300 (bus fare), 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Flower Garden

Wander through the flower gardens, perfect for family photos and enjoying nature's beauty at a low entry fee.
Short bus or walk to the garden.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Al Buhari Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious yet budget meal with plenty of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Short bus ride to the restaurant.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Wildlife Excursion

Thekkady, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab breakfast including dosa and curry, providing excellent value before heading to Thekkady.
Check out and take a local bus to Thekkady (approx. 3 hours).
INR 600 (bus fare), 1 hour

11:30AM

Check-in at Budget Accommodation

Settle into a budget-friendly guesthouse, refresh, and prepare for your afternoon outing.
Walk to guesthouse from the bus station.
INR 1000 (per night), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ambadi Restaurant

Savor affordable and delicious homemade-style meals for your lunch.
Short walk to the restaurant.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Optionally visit the sanctuary; alternatively, take a self-paid boat safari, with options within budget.
Arrange transport from your guesthouse.
INR 600 (safari), 3 hours

6:00PM

Evening Nature Walk

Take a nature walk near the sanctuary with family, immersing in Kerala's landscape and birdlife for free.
Walk around the local area.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Opt for an economical dinner at your guesthouse, with a menu rich in Kerala flavors.
In-house dining.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Backwaters Bliss

Kumarakom, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy rice puttu or other local favorites, fueling you for travel to Kumarakom.
Check out and take a local bus to Kumarakom (approx. 2 hours).
INR 600 (bus fare), 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Enjoy the entry to this delightful sanctuary with a variety of migratory birds, providing a wonderful learning experience for kids.
Short walk to the sanctuary entrance.
INR 200, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Thattukada

Savor a famous Kerala meal on a budget, with a thali representing the local cuisine at a food stall.
Walk to nearby local food stall.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Houseboat Tour (Budget Option)

Consider a short houseboat experience with budget options or a ferry ride through the backwaters.
Arrange your boat ride locally.
INR 2000 (negotiable for short rides), 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hotel and Relax

Spend leisure time at your budget hotel or guesthouse, enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Return to your budget accommodation.
Varies based on booking., 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Indulge in a family meal at your hotel’s restaurant, sharing stories from the day.
In-house dining.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Serene Alleppey

Alleppey, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel before heading to Alleppey.
Check out and take a local bus to Alleppey (approx. 1 hour).
INR 300, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Alleppey Beach

Spend a fun morning relaxing at the beach, allowing your children to play in the sand.
Take a local bus to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dreamers Café

Enjoy light and budget-friendly meals, including sandwiches and fresh juices in a relaxing atmosphere.
Short walk to the café.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Alleppey Backwaters Kayaking

Consider budgeting for a family-friendly kayaking experience, where you can appreciate the serene backwaters up close.
Book through local operators.
INR 1000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Relax at Hotel

Spend some time at your budget-friendly accommodation resting and rejuvenating as a family.
Return to the hotel.
Varies based on booking., 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Coconut Grove

Conclude your Alleppey adventure with dinner at a local eatery, enjoying affordable Kerala dishes.
Short walk to the restaurant.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Coastal Relaxation

Varkala, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your final day in Kerala with a budget breakfast at your accommodation.
Check out and take a local bus to Varkala (approx. 4 hours).
INR 600 (bus fare), 1 hour

12:30PM

Arrival and Check-in at Budget Hotel

Settle into your beachside budget hotel, refreshing for a fun afternoon ahead.
Check-in after arriving.
INR 1000 (per night), 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The God’s Own Café

Dine on a budget with delicious local food offerings and vegetarian options for families.
Short walk to the café.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Varkala Beach

Spend the afternoon at Varkala Beach, where kids can play, and families can unwind in the serene coastal environment.
Short walk to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Apsara Restaurant

Enjoy a low-cost dinner with fresh seafood options and local flavors, perfect to end your Kerala journey.
Short walk to the restaurant.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final budget-friendly breakfast at your accommodation as you reflect on the journey.
Check out and take a local bus to Kochi (approx. 3 hours).
INR 600 (bus fare), 1 hour

12:00PM

Shopping at Local Markets

Spend time shopping for affordable souvenirs and local handicrafts in Kochi's lively markets.
Walk to the nearby market area.
Free (shopping expenses vary), 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at KFC or Local Eateries

Opt for a quick bite at KFC for a known taste or explore local options at modest prices.
Walk around the area for choices.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Departure from Kochi Airport

Reflect on the wonderful memories created in Kerala while departing from the airport for your onward journey.
Drive to the airport via local bus or shared cab.
INR 300, 1 hour
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