8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Delhi to Thekkady, Varkala, Kovalam, and Back to Delhi

Day 1: Explore Delhi

Delhi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, famous for its dosas and idlis.
Located in Connaught Place, easily accessible by metro.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Qutub Minar

Explore the stunning architectural wonder of Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world.
Head south via taxi for about 30 minutes.
INR500 for entry, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Humayun's Tomb

Discover the beautiful gardens and impressive architecture of Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A 20-minute drive from Qutub Minar.
INR500 for entry, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Karim's

Savor an authentic Mughlai meal at Karim's, famous for its biryani and kebabs.
Head to Old Delhi, about 30 minutes away.
INR700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Red Fort

Visit the grand Red Fort, another UNESCO site and learn about India's history.
A short drive from Karim's, about 15 minutes.
INR500 for entry, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening at India Gate

Relax at the iconic India Gate, an excellent spot for family walks and photography.
Drive 20 minutes to India Gate.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Spice Route

Wrap up your day with a family-friendly dinner offering Pan-Asian cuisine at The Spice Route.
Back to Connaught Place for a 20-minute drive.
INR3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Delhi

Delhi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Lota

Enjoy a traditional Indian breakfast amidst art and culture at Café Lota located in the National Craft Museum.
Easily reachable by taxi.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30AM

National Museum Visit

Immerse yourself in India's heritage at the National Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts.
Ten-minute taxi ride.
INR650 for entry, 2 hours

11:30AM

Crafts Museum

Explore traditional Indian crafts and arts at the nearby Crafts Museum, where kids can also enjoy interactive exhibits.
5-minute walk from the National Museum.
INR200 for entry, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gulati

Indulge in a family feast at Gulati, known for its north Indian specialties, including butter chicken.
Taxi ride to Pandara Road, around 10 minutes.
INR1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Akshardham Temple

Visit the magnificent Akshardham Temple and enjoy its cultural boat ride.
About 30 minutes north by taxi.
INR500 for entry, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Light and Sound Show

Choose to attend the evening light and sound show at Akshardham that narrates India's ancient history.
Stay at Akshardham for this show.
INR100, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Bukhara

Enjoy a luxurious dinner at Bukhara, famous for its kebabs and tandoori dishes.
Head back to ITC Maurya, approximately 30 minutes away.
INR3500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Thekkady

Thekkady, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a buffet breakfast at your hotel in Delhi before heading to the airport.
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Flight to Kochi

Catch a morning flight from Delhi to Kochi, enjoying smooth travels and views over Kerala.
Flight duration is around 3 hours.
INR6000 for tickets, 3 hours

12:00PM

Travel to Thekkady

Transfer to Thekkady via private car while enjoying the scenic mountain landscapes.
Drive is around 3 hours from Kochi to Thekkady.
INR3000 for transport, 3 hours

3:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your family-friendly hotel and enjoy the serene ambiance.
Simple check-in procedure at the hotel.
INR5000 (included in stay), 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Join an evening guided tour of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Short travel time from your hotel.
INR1000 per person, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Spice Garden

Relish traditional Kerala cuisine in a warm setting at Spice Garden.
Conveniently located near your hotel.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventures in Thekkady

Thekkady, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast buffet at your hotel to get energized for the day's activities.
Breakfast is available in the dining area.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bamboo Rafting in Periyar Lake

Experience a unique bamboo rafting adventure on Periyar Lake surrounded by lush rainforest.
Organized by the sanctuary staff.
INR1500 per person, 2 hours

11:00AM

Nature Walk

Join a nature walk guided to witness wildlife and ecosystems in their natural habitat.
Proceed directly from the rafting adventure.
INR800 per person, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Thekkady Coffee House

Enjoy local dishes and snacks at Thekkady Coffee House, a favorite among visitors.
Short distance from the wildlife area.
INR700, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Spice Plantation Tour

Take a tour of a local spice plantation to learn about the rich spices of Kerala.
Five-minute drive to the plantation.
INR600 per person, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Local Markets

Stroll through local markets to buy authentic spices and handmade crafts.
Short trip to local market area.
Free unless shopping, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Thekkady's Bamboo Gardens

End your day with a family dinner at Bamboo Gardens known for its barbeque.
Easily accessible from your hotel.
INR1200, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Beach Time in Varkala

Varkala, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before heading to Varkala.
Breakfast will be served at the accommodation.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Varkala

Journey to Varkala, renowned for its stunning cliffs and beaches.
Travel by car, approximately 4 hours.
INR3000 for transport, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Clafouti

Savor delicious gluten-free and vegetarian options at The Clafouti, with stunning sea views.
Short taxi ride from your accommodation.
INR1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax at Varkala Beach

Unwind and have fun at Varkala Beach, where kids can enjoy the waves while the parents relax.
Short walk to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Papanasam Beach

Visit nearby Papanasam Beach, known for its scenic beauty.
A quick drive or hike from Varkala Beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Sunset at Varkala Cliffs

Witness a breathtaking sunset at Varkala Cliffs, a perfect family photo opportunity.
Walk along the cliffs from the beach.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at God's Own Country Kitchen

End the day with wonderful local dishes at God's Own Country Kitchen, ideal for families.
Short walk from the cliffs.
INR1000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relax and Explore Kovalam

Kovalam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel in Varkala.
Breakfast is included with your stay.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Kovalam

Travel toward Kovalam, known for its crescent beaches and palm-lined shores.
Approximate travel time is 1 hour by taxi.
INR1500 for transport, 1 hour

10:30AM

Relax at Lighthouse Beach

Enjoy the sun and surf at Lighthouse Beach, a great spot for the whole family.
Walk towards the beach from your accommodation.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Suwadik Kerala Restaurant

Taste authentic Kerala cuisine with stunning views of the beach.
Short walk from the beach.
INR1200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Hawa Beach

A slight walk to Hawa Beach, ideal for swimming and family fun.
Direct access from your restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Cliff Walk

Enjoy a rejuvenating walk along the coastal cliffs, with beautiful views of the Arabian Sea.
Walk from Hawa Beach.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Terrace

Finish the day with a lovely dinner on the terrace with stunning ocean views.
Located within walking distance.
INR1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Fun at Kovalam

Kovalam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your family hotel again, preparing for a day of fun.
Breakfast is included with your stay.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Water Sports at Kovalam Beach

Indulge in thrilling water sports activities perfect for the whole family.
Walk to Kovalam Beach for water sports.
Varies, approx. INR2000 per person, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Local Souvenirs

Visit local shops for unique souvenirs and crafts to take home.
Stroll along the beach area.
Varies, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Lighthouse Restaurant

Dine at the popular Lighthouse Restaurant, overlooking the sea.
Stroll back to the restaurant.
INR1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Ayurvedic Treatment

Relax with a family-friendly Ayurvedic treatment at a local wellness center.
Book in advance, nearby locations.
INR3000 per person, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Evening Beach Time

Return to the beach for some more relaxation or playtime.
Back to Kovalam Beach area.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Spice Route

Complete your Kovalam experience with an exquisite dinner at The Spice Route.
Short taxi ride, about 10 minutes away.
INR2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Delhi

Delhi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel in Kovalam.
Breakfast is included with your stay.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Kochi Airport

Transfer to Kochi Airport for your flight back to Delhi.
Approximately 30 minutes by taxi.
INR1500 for transport, 1 hour

10:00AM

Flight to Delhi

Catch your flight back to Delhi with breathtaking views.
Approximately 3 hours flight time.
INR6000 for tickets, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Great Indian Dhabha

Recharge with a hearty North Indian meal at The Great Indian Dhabha upon returning to Delhi.
Located close to the airport.
INR800, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Dilli Haat

Wander through Dilli Haat, an open-air market, to pick up any last-minute souvenirs.
A quick drive to Dilli Haat.
INR300 for entry, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Visit Lotus Temple

End your trip with a serene visit to the Lotus Temple before heading home.
A 30-minute taxi ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ambrosia

Enjoy a lovely farewell dinner with a variety of cuisines at Ambrosia before ending your journey.
Head back towards Central Delhi.
INR2000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability