7-Day Family Friendly Kerala Itinerary: Waterfalls, Wildlife, and Backwaters

Day 1: Kochi Arrival

Kochi, India

12:40 PM

Arrive at Kochi Airport

Land at Kochi Airport and pick up your self-drive car to start your Kerala adventure.
Follow signage from arrivals for rental car services.
INR 3000, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Durbar

Enjoy a delicious South Indian meal at Hotel Durbar, a family-friendly restaurant offering local specialties.
Drive approximately 30 minutes to Fort Kochi.
INR 1200, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Visit Marine Drive

Take a leisurely stroll along Marine Drive and enjoy the picturesque views of the waterfront.
Short 10-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Fort Kochi

Dine at Fort Kochi Restaurant, known for its seafood and Kerala cuisine.
Drive back to Fort Kochi (15 minutes).
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Check-in at hotel

Relax and unwind at your hotel in Kochi.
Short drive to hotel (15 minutes).
INR 5000, Rest of the evening
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Kochi to Attappadi Waterfall

Attappadi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel with a mix of Indian and continental options.
No travel needed.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Attappadi Waterfall

Set off on a scenic drive to Attappadi Waterfall through lush greenery.
Follow NH544 to Attappadi (4.5 hours drive).
Cost of fuel: INR 2000, 4.5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Enjoy a simple Kerala meal at a local restaurant near the waterfall.
Near Attappadi waterfall.
INR 1000, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Attappadi Waterfall

Spend the afternoon enjoying the serene beauty of the Attappadi waterfall surrounded by nature.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Drive to Munnar

Continue your journey to Munnar, known for its breathtaking tea gardens.
Drive from Attappadi to Munnar (3.5 hours).
Cost of fuel: INR 1500, 3.5 hours

9:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel in Munnar

Check into your hotel in Munnar and enjoy a fulfilling dinner with spectacular views.
Directly at the hotel.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Munnar Exploration

Munnar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Relish a scrumptious breakfast buffet at your hotel featuring local and international dishes.
No travel needed.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Eravikulam National Park

Embark on a morning trip to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
30-minute drive from hotel.
INR 2000 (entry fee: INR 100 per person), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Sarath Inn

Enjoy local delicacies at Sarath Inn, a family-friendly restaurant in Munnar.
Return to Munnar town (30 minutes).
INR 1200, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Mattupetty Dam

Visit the picturesque Mattupetty Dam for boat rides and stunning views.
Drive to Mattupetty (30 minutes).
INR 800 (boat ride additional), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Echo Point & Kundala Lake

Enjoy the beauty at Echo Point and stroll around Kundala Lake, savoring the tranquil environment.
Short drive to nearby attractions (30 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Hotel

Return to your hotel for a delicious dinner featuring special Kerala cuisine.
Directly at the hotel.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady

Thekkady, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delightful breakfast that refuels you for the adventure ahead.
No travel needed.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Thekkady

Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you drive to Thekkady, a haven for wildlife lovers.
Drive from Munnar to Thekkady (3 hours).
Cost of fuel: INR 1200, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Periyar Inn

Enjoy a delicious meal at Periyar Inn, before immersing yourself in the wilderness.
Located near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
INR 1000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Engage in an exciting afternoon of wildlife watching and nature walks in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Short distance from lunch (10 minutes).
INR 3000 (entry fee and boat ride), 2.5 hours

4:00 PM

Kathakali Dance Show

Experience Kerala’s rich cultural heritage with a captivating Kathakali dance performance.
Return to hotel (30 minutes).
INR 1500, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a family dinner at your hotel featuring traditional Kerala cuisine.
Return to the hotel restaurant.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey

Alleppey, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast at your hotel before heading to Alleppey.
No travel needed.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Alleppey

Enjoy the scenic drive to the backwaters of Alleppey, known for its houseboat rides.
Drive from Thekkady to Alleppey (4 hours).
Cost of fuel: INR 1200, 4 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Kaivalyam Retreat

Savor a delightful lunch at Kaivalyam, offering healthy and fresh meals.
Near the houseboat jetty.
INR 1200, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Check-in to Houseboat

Board your houseboat and relax as the backwater cruise begins, showcasing Kerala’s scenic beauty.
At the houseboat jetty.
INR 8000 (houseboat rental), 30 minutes

3:00 PM

Backwater Cruise

Set sail in the tranquil backwaters and enjoy the serene surroundings.
From the houseboat.
Included in rental cost, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner on Houseboat

Enjoy the flavors of Kerala prepared right on board your houseboat.
Served aboard the houseboat.
Included in rental cost, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Alleppey to Varkala

Varkala, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast on Houseboat

Indulge in breakfast onboard while taking in the breathtaking views of the backwaters.
No travel needed.
Included in rental cost, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Varkala

Leave for Varkala, home of scenic cliffs and beautiful beaches.
Drive from Alleppey to Varkala (2.5 hours).
Cost of fuel: INR 800, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Juice Shack

Enjoy healthy and fresh food at The Juice Shack, overlooking the beach.
Located near Varkala Beach.
INR 1000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Relax at Varkala Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun at the stunning Varkala Beach.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Janardhana Swamy Temple

Explore the beautiful Janardhana Swamy Temple with its unique architecture.
Drive to the temple (10 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Spice Garden Restaurant

Enjoy local delicacies at Spice Garden Restaurant, known for its relaxed ambiance.
Short drive from the temple (10 minutes).
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

End your day settling into your hotel in Varkala and unwind.
Short drive to nearby hotel (10 minutes).
INR 5000, Rest of the evening
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Varkala to Trivandrum

Trivandrum, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel before leaving for Trivandrum.
No travel needed.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Trivandrum

Take a pleasant drive to Trivandrum, soaking in the last views of Kerala’s beauty.
Drive from Varkala to Trivandrum (1.5 hours).
Cost of fuel: INR 500, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore the majestic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a famous heritage site.
Short drive to the temple (10 minutes).
Free (donation optional), 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Diwan's Road

Relish in a local meal at a restaurant along Diwan's Road, famous for its Kerala specialties.
Hip local eateries nearby.
INR 1000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Drop Off Car and Departure

Return your self-drive car at Trivandrum Airport and prepare for your flight.
Drive to airport (20 minutes).
N/A, 1 hour

1:35 PM

End of Trip

Board your flight back to Vadodara with amazing memories of Kerala.
Check-in and boarding at airport.
N/A, Rest of the day
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