7-Day Family Friendly South India Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Munnar

Munnar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast including idli and sambar.
Located centrally, it’s a short drive from most hotels in Munnar.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Tea Plantations

Explore the lush green tea plantations and learn about the tea-making process, immersing your family in stunning vistas.
Drive to the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, about 45 minutes away.
INR 1000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Hillview

Enjoy a local meal featuring Kerala fish curry and rice, perfect after a busy morning.
Return back to Munnar town center for lunch, approximately 45 minutes away from the tea estate.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Eravikulam National Park

Spend your afternoon spotting the famous Nilgiri Tahr and breathing in the fresh mountain air.
The park is just about a 30-minute drive from Munnar center.
INR 200, 3 hours

5:30PM

Evening Stroll at Mattupetty Dam

Unwind with a picturesque lakeside walk where kids can splash around the water.
A quick 10 minutes drive from Eravikulam National Park.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Savor a flavorful dinner of biryani and grilled fish while enjoying the local ambiance.
Back to Munnar town center, about 30 minutes drive.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nature Exploration

Munnar, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Tea County

Start with a hearty breakfast featuring fluffy dosa and coconut chutney.
Nearby your accommodation, drive to this restaurant.
INR 350, 1 hour

9:00AM

Cloud Mountain Trek

Embark on a family-friendly trek that showcases the breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.
Hire a guide for a safe trek, leaving from Munnar.
INR 800 for a guide, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Cozy Inn

Recharge with a meal of Kerala parotta and spicy chicken curry.
Return to Munnar town center, approximately 15 minutes from the trek starting point.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Blossom Park

Let the kids run around in one of Munnar's beautiful parks surrounded by flowers.
Only a 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 30, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Hydel Park

Engage in some fun games and enjoy a peaceful walk among nature trails.
Drive 20 minutes back towards Munnar.
INR 40, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Spice Tree

Dig into a Thai curry with a Kerala twist and delightful desserts.
Located just outside Munnar's main area.
INR 800, 1 hour
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Day 3: Wildlife Adventures

Periyar National Park, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a complimentary breakfast at your accommodation then head out.
Easy walk or short drive from your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a guided nature walk or bamboo rafting ride to spot elephants and other wildlife.
Driving distance of about 1 hour from Munnar to Periyar National Park.
INR 2000 for the whole family, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Spice Garden Restaurant

Taste some traditional Kerala dishes with a touch of local spices.
Located within walking distance from the wildlife sanctuary.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Periyar Lake

Enjoy an exciting boat ride while soaking in the nature surrounding the lake.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Spice Plantation Tour

Engage in a guided tour of a spice plantation, a hit for kids and adults alike.
10 minutes drive from Periyar Lake.
INR 750, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ambadi Restaurant

Wind down with a local meal of kappa and fish curry.
Return back towards your accommodation for dinner.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 4: Cultural Experience

Thekkady, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy the complimentary breakfast provided by your accommodation.
Conveniently available near your lodging.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Thekkady

Take a scenic drive and discover the cultural heritage of Thekkady, visiting local markets.
A short 30 minutes drive from your stay.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Elephant Ride

Experience an unforgettable elephant ride, great for the kids!
Available at the nearby elephant camp.
INR 1000 for the family, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Thekkady Spice Garden

Feast at a place famous for its delicious masala dosa and fresh fruit juices.
Located near the elephant camp.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kadhakali Dance Show

Enjoy a captivating Kadhakali performance that introduces you to Indian culture.
Visit at a local cultural center nearby.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Nature walk in Kumili

Explore the beautiful hills and forests around Thekkady on a guided nature walk.
A short drive to Kumili, about 15 minutes from Thekkady.
INR 300, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Thekkady Hotel

Indulge in delicious Kerala-style meals after a long day of explorations.
Return to Thekkady town center.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Spiritual Journey

Guruvayur, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation before departing for Guruvayur.
Readily available where you are staying.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Guruvayur

Travel towards Guruvayur, a town famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Approximately a 3-hour drive from Thekkady.
Variable based on rental vehicle, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sree Krishna Inn

Enjoy a delightful lunch of Kerala-style meals with a variety of curries.
Located close to the famous temple.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Guruvayur Temple

Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of one of the most important Hindu temples in South India.
A short walk from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Elephant Sanctuary

Consider visiting the nearby elephant sanctuary to learn about the gentle giants.
About a 20-minute drive from the temple.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Aadiyogam

Relax your day with traditional vegetarian meals and sweet delicacies.
Back towards the temple area.
INR 600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Backwater Bliss

Alappuzha, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with complimentary breakfast at your accommodation.
Easily accessible in Guruvayur.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Alappuzha

Head towards Alappuzha, known as the 'Venice of the East' for its stunning backwaters.
Approximately 1.5 hours drive.
Variable based on rental vehicle, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Houseboat Experience

Embark on a magical houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters of Alappuzha.
Various houseboat rentals are available on arrival.
INR 3000 for half-day boat rental., 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch on the Houseboat

Enjoy a delicious Kerala lunch freshly prepared on the boat.
Provided by the houseboat crew.
Included, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Alleppey Beach

Relax with your family on the beach and enjoy some local snacks from nearby vendors.
A short drive (about 30 minutes) from the boat drop-off.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Spice Garden Restaurant

Savor wholesome Kerala fare as you reflect on the beauty of the day.
Located near the beach.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Historical Wonders

Varkala and Thiruvananthapuram, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast provided by your accommodation.
Local hotel near Alleppey.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Varkala

Travel to Varkala, known for its stunning cliffs and beaches.
Around 1 hour drive from Alappuzha.
Variable based on rental vehicle, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax at Varkala Beach

Spend a leisurely morning soaking in the sun and letting kids play on the sandy beach.
Simple walk to the beachfront.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Janardhana Swamy Temple

Explore this ancient temple considered sacred by locals.
A short drive to the temple from Varkala Beach.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Varkala Marine Palace

Dine on delicious seafood while enjoying views of the sea.
On the way back, stop at the restaurant.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive to Thiruvananthapuram

Head south to the capital city of Kerala, famous for its rich history.
Approximately 40 minute drive.
Variable based on rental vehicle, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Discover the awe-inspiring architecture of one of the richest temples in the world.
Close to the city center.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Villa Maya

Treat yourself to an opulent dinner experience savoring Keralan gourmet cuisine.
Reachable by a short drive from the temple.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
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