10-Day Family Friendly Kerala Itinerary: Explore the Backwaters & Culture

Day 1: Explore Kochi

Kochi, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Start your day with a delicious breakfast featuring fresh local fruits and signature Kerala coffee at the charming Kashi Art Café, known for its artistic vibe.
Drive 10 minutes to Fort Kochi after breakfast.
INR 1200, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Fort Kochi

Stroll through the historical lanes of Fort Kochi to explore colonial-era architecture and the famous Chinese Fishing Nets.
Walk around the area, approximately 15 minutes of walking.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Ginger House

Enjoy lunch at Ginger House, offering Kerala cuisine with beautiful views of the backwaters.
Just 5 minutes from Fort Kochi by car.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Mattancherry Palace

Visit the Mattancherry Palace, showcasing exquisite murals and the history of the Kochi royal family.
15 minutes drive from lunch spot.
INR 10, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Jew Town

Explore the quaint shops of Jew Town filled with antiques, spices, and souvenirs.
Just a short walk from the palace.
Free, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Evening at Marine Drive

Take a relaxing walk at Marine Drive, enjoying the sunset views over the backwaters.
30 minutes drive from Jew Town.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Rice Boat

End your day with a family dinner at The Rice Boat, where you can savor fresh seafood delicacies.
20 minutes drive from Marine Drive.
INR 2500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Kochi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to start your day full of adventures.
In-house dining.
INR 1000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Kerala Folklore Museum

Discover Kerala's rich cultural heritage at the Kerala Folklore Museum featuring fascinating exhibits and performances.
20 minutes drive from the hotel.
INR 150, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit to a Local Spice Plantation

Explore a spice plantation and learn about the spices that make Kerala famous. You can also enjoy a short trek in the plantation.
30 minutes drive from the museum.
INR 300 per person, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Spice Market Restaurant

Savor local cuisine and unique spice-infused dishes at the Spice Market Restaurant.
10 minutes drive from the plantation.
INR 1200, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Kathakali Dance Performance

Catch a spectacular Kathakali performance, the traditional dance form of Kerala, showcasing storytelling through intricate movements.
20 minutes drive to the performance venue.
INR 500, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Evening Shopping at Lulu Mall

Enjoy some shopping and leisure time at Lulu Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in India.
20 minutes drive from the performance venue.
Free to enter, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at The Asian Kitchen

Wrap up the day with delightful Asian cuisine at The Asian Kitchen, suitable for families.
5 minutes from the mall.
INR 1300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Scenic Munnar

Munnar, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before heading to the scenic hill station of Munnar.
In-house dining before departure.
INR 1000, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Munnar

Depart for Munnar, enjoying the picturesque views of tea plantations along the way.
Drive approximately 4 hours.
INR 0, 4 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Stop for a delightful South Indian meal at Saravana Bhavan upon arrival.
Located in Munnar town, 15 minutes from arrival.
INR 1200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Tea Museum

Explore the history and processes of tea production at the Tea Museum, perfect for learning and tasting varieties.
15 minutes drive from lunch.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Tea Plantations

Take a family walk through the lush green tea plantations and witness the tea-picking process.
15 minutes drive from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Eravikulam National Park

Head to Eravikulam National Park to spot wildlife and enjoy stunning scenery, including the Nilgiri Tahr.
30 minutes drive from the plantations.
INR 200 per person, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Hillview

Unwind with a cozy dinner featuring both local and continental dishes at Hotel Hillview.
30 minutes drive back to Munnar town.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Nature Excursion

Munnar, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before an exciting day of trekking.
In-house dining.
INR 1000, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Trekking at Anamudi Peak

Set out early for a family trek up Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India, for breathtaking views.
Drive 30 minutes to the trekking base.
Free, 4 hours

12:30 PM

Picnic Lunch by the Stream

Pack a delicious picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature at a scenic stream.
No travel; relax at the location.
INR 800, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Blossom Park

Take the family to Blossom Park, with beautiful flower beds and activities like boating.
Drive 20 minutes from picnic spot.
INR 100 per person, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Munnar Market

Spend some time at the local market, shopping for fresh produce and local handicrafts.
15 minutes drive back to Munnar town.
Free to explore, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Hotel Tea County

Conclude the day with a family dinner at Hotel Tea County featuring stunning views of the hills.
10 minutes drive from the market.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Wildlife Adventure

Thekkady, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel in Munnar before heading for a wildlife adventure.
In-house dining before departure.
INR 1000, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Thekkady

Travel to Thekkady, a hub for wildlife, known for its spice plantations and Periyar National Park.
Drive approximately 3 hours.
INR 0, 3 hours

11:00 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Thekkady and check into your hotel, preparing for the afternoon's activities.
Located in the vicinity of the national park.
INR 3000, 0.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Thekkady Spice Garden

Relish a lunch featuring delicious local flavors at Thekkady Spice Garden.
10 minutes drive from the hotel.
INR 1200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Boat Ride at Periyar Lake

Take a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake, often spotted with elephants and macaws by the shores.
10 minutes drive to the lake.
INR 300 per person, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Nature Walk at Periyar National Park

Join a guided nature walk in Periyar National Park, seeing exotic flora and fauna.
Start from the lake area.
INR 500 per person, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Visit Spice Plantation

Take a guided tour of a local spice plantation to learn about the cultivation of spices used in Kerala's cuisine.
15 minutes drive from the park.
INR 300 per person, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Amma's Kitchen

End the day with a home-cooked meal experience at Amma's Kitchen, providing authentic Kerala cuisine.
15 minutes drive from the plantation.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relax in Alleppey

Alleppey, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a full breakfast at your hotel before traveling to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters.
In-house dining.
INR 1000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Alleppey

Drive to Alleppey, absorbing the scenic beauty along the backwaters.
Travel approximately 2 hours.
INR 0, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Check-in to Houseboat

Board a traditional houseboat and begin your scenic cruise through the enchanting backwaters.
Boarding at the designated jetty.
INR 10000 (full houseboat package), 0.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch on the Houseboat

Savor a freshly prepared lunch made by the onboard chef using local ingredients.
In-house dining.
Included in package, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Relaxing Onboard

Enjoy the tranquility of the backwaters, relaxing on the deck while the kids can enjoy board games.
On the houseboat.
Included in package, 3 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Local Village

Visit a nearby village to experience the local culture and lifestyle of the coastal community.
Short excursion from houseboat.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner on the Houseboat

Enjoy dinner prepared by your onboard chef, indulging in Keralian delights.
In-house dining.
Included in package, 1 hour

8:00 PM

Stargazing on the Deck

End the day with stargazing from the deck, listening to the calming sounds of nature.
On the houseboat.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast on Houseboat

Start your day with a delightful breakfast prepared onboard before checking out of your houseboat.
In-house dining.
Included in package, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Kumarakom

After breakfast, take a scenic ride to Kumarakom, home to breathtaking bird sanctuaries.
Travel about 30 minutes.
INR 0, 0.5 hours

8:30 AM

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Delve into the nature's beauty at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for migratory birds.
Entrance located at the sanctuary.
INR 100 per person, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Guided Bird Watching Tour

Take a guided tour through the sanctuary to observe various bird species in their natural habitat.
The sanctuary will provide guides.
INR 300 per person, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Coconut Lagoon

Delight in Kerala-style seafood and local dishes at Coconut Lagoon, surrounded by tranquil backwaters.
Located 10 minutes from the sanctuary.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Relax by the Backwaters

Spend a peaceful afternoon relaxing by the backwaters, with the option for the kids to play in the water.
Relax by the resort area.
Free, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Boat Ride

Take an evening boat ride through the backwaters to experience the serene beauty at sunset.
Organized by the resort.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel

Finish with a relaxing dinner at your hotel, featuring a variety of local and international dishes.
In-house dining.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Beach Day in Kovalam

Kovalam, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Kovalam beach.
In-house dining.
INR 1000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Kovalam

Drive to Kovalam, a famous beach destination, enjoying views of the coastline along the way.
Travel approximately 1.5 hours.
INR 0, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Relax at Kovalam Beach

Spend the morning relaxing on the sandy shores of Kovalam Beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Direct access to the beach from your hotel.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The German Bakery

Indulge in a laid-back lunch with freshly baked goods and local dishes at The German Bakery.
A short walk from the beach.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Water Sports Activities

Engage in exciting water sports activities like parasailing and jet-skiing, suitable for family fun.
Arrange through local vendors on the beach.
INR 3000 for family, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Evening stroll on the beach

Take a relaxing stroll along the beach as the sun sets creating breathtaking views.
Just a few steps from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Leela's Seafood Restaurant

End your day with a beachfront dinner at The Leela's, known for its delectable seafood.
10 minutes’ drive from the beach.
INR 2500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Cultural Capital

Trivandrum, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore Trivandrum.
In-house dining.
INR 1000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Trivandrum

Drive to Trivandrum, the cultural capital of Kerala, rich in history and attractions.
Travel approximately 30 minutes.
INR 0, 0.5 hours

9:30 AM

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Visit the grand Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture.
Located in the city center.
Free (but entry is restricted for non-Hindus), 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore the Napier Museum

Discover Kerala's artistic treasures at the Napier Museum, showcasing a rich collection of artifacts.
5 minutes drive from the temple.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Sarovar

Enjoy a self-serve buffet at Hotel Sarovar with diverse options for the whole family.
10 minutes drive from the museum.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit the Zoological Park

Spend the afternoon at Trivandrum Zoological Park, ideal for family outings with diverse animal exhibits.
15 minutes drive from the restaurant.
INR 250 per person, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Sree Chitra Art Gallery

Continue your cultural journey at Sree Chitra Art Gallery, showcasing beautiful paintings and traditional art.
5 minutes drive from the zoo.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Sunset at Kovalam Beach

Drive back to Kovalam to catch the mesmerizing sunset from the beach.
30 minutes drive back to the beach.
Free, 1 hour

8:00 PM

Dinner at The Taj Green Cove

Conclude your day with a lavish dinner at The Taj Green Cove, offering a delightful dining experience.
15 minutes drive from the beach.
INR 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure from Kochi

Cochin, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel, savoring the flavors of Kerala one last time.
In-house dining.
INR 1000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Kochi

Head back to Kochi for your departure, reflecting on the beautiful memories made during your trip.
Drive approximately 1.5 hours.
INR 0, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Last-minute Shopping

Explore local markets for last-minute souvenirs and gifts before heading to the airport.
Visit the local shopping areas.
Free to explore, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Fort Kochi

Enjoy a farewell lunch at a beachfront restaurant in Fort Kochi, soaking in the final views.
15 minutes drive from shopping area.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Return to Airport

Conclude your Kerala adventure by traveling back to the airport for your flight home.
30 minutes drive to the airport.
INR 0, 0.5 hours
View Hotel Availability