Budget-Friendly Family Road Trip in Kerala: A Journey Through Nature and City Life

Day 1: Cultural Gateway

Kochi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring local specialties, while enjoying the artistic ambience of this lovely cafe.
Located in Fort Kochi, a quick taxi ride from your hotel.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Fort Kochi

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic streets, visiting the iconic Chinese fishing nets and Santa Cruz Basilica.
Walk around the Fort Kochi area.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Ginger House Restaurant

Savor authentic coastal Kerala cuisine in this artistic setting filled with artifacts.
Walking distance from the sightseeing spot.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit Mattancherry Palace

Immerse yourself in history with a tour of this beautiful palace displaying Kerala’s royal heritage.
Take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to Mattancherry.
INR 20, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Relax at a beach

Unwind at Fort Kochi Beach with its lovely views and playful waves.
Short walk from Mattancherry Palace.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Kathakali Show

Experience a traditional Kathakali performance showcasing storytelling through dance.
Nearby cultural center, ask locals for directions.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Fort Kochi's Local Eatery

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner sampling local dishes like Fish Moilee.
Pace yourself along the street to find local options.
INR 600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nature's Chill

Munnar, India

8:00 AM

Train to Munnar

Travel to Munnar, famous for its tea gardens and lush hills, allowing the scenic views to set the tone for the journey.
Train from Kochi to Munnar.
INR 200, 4 hours

12:30 PM

Check-in to Eco-Friendly Homestay

Settle into your eco-friendly homestay where you will experience the warmth of Kerala’s hospitality.
Prearranged pickup from the train station.
INR 1500, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Feast on a delicious Kerala meal, known for its variety and flavors.
A short walk from your homestay.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Tea Gardens

Enjoy a scenic walk through the famous tea gardens, absorbing breathtaking views and taking memorable photos.
You can either hike or book a nearby taxi for convenience.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Explore Attukal Waterfalls

Head to Attukal Waterfalls for a refreshing nature experience, perfect for family fun!
Book a local taxi to reach the falls.
INR 100, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Hotel Hillview

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner with wholesome vegetarian meals in a cozy setting.
Return to your homestay for dinner nearby.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Adventure Awaits

Thekkady, India

8:00 AM

Travel to Thekkady

Leave Munnar for Thekkady, a haven for nature lovers, where you can find the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Local bus or shared jeep from Munnar to Thekkady.
INR 300, 3 hours

11:30 AM

Check-in and Refresh

Arrive and check in to a simple yet cozy hotel, refresh after your travels.
Prearranged transfer from the bus station.
INR 1000, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Spice Village

Dive into a traditional Kerala thali, a variety of dishes served on a banana leaf.
Short walk from your hotel.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Enjoy a nature walk through the sanctuary and keep an eye out for elephants and diverse wildlife.
Book a local guided group or take a taxi with other travelers.
INR 1000, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Boating in Periyar Lake

Enjoy a tranquil boating session on Periyar Lake with stunning views of the forest.
Within the sanctuary premises.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Anakkara Restaurant

Dine in a local family-run restaurant serving fresh Kerala-style fish curry among friendly locals.
Local taxi arranged post-boating.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Serene Backwaters

Alleppey, India

8:00 AM

Travel to Alleppey

Head to Alleppey, known as the 'Venice of the East,' famous for its backwaters.
Shared jeep or local bus from Thekkady.
INR 300, 3 hours

11:30 AM

Check-in at a Budget Homestay

Check in at an affordable homestay and enjoy the calming views of the backwaters.
Prearranged pickup from the bus station.
INR 1200, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Rice Boat

Sample local seafood dishes at this waterside restaurant, a great introduction to Alleppey's cuisine.
Walking distance from your homestay.
INR 900, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Houseboat Ride in Backwaters

Experience the beauty of the backwaters on a budget houseboat ride, enjoying lush scenery.
Arrange through your homestay or local vendor.
INR 1500, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Beach Time

Visit Alleppey Beach to relax and take in the sun as the waves crash.
Quick taxi ride or cycle rental from your homestay.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Raheem Residency

Enjoy the delightful ambiance with a taste of a variety of local dishes.
Easy walk from the beach back to the homestay.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Beach Bliss

Kovalam, India

8:00 AM

Travel to Kovalam

Leave Alleppey for Kovalam, a scenic beach town, perfect for relaxation.
Local bus from Alleppey to Kovalam.
INR 250, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Check-in at Beachfront Guesthouse

Settle into a beachfront guesthouse, enjoy the view overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Prearranged pickup from the bus station.
INR 1500, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Brunch at The Leela

Indulge in a splendid buffet brunch featuring local and international cuisines while overlooking the beach.
Short walk from your guesthouse.
INR 900, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Relax at Lighthouse Beach

Enjoy some leisure time on the golden sands of Lighthouse Beach with beach games and splashing fun.
Just step outside your guesthouse.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Ayurvedic Spa Experience

Pamper yourself with a budget-friendly Ayurvedic massage, a hallmark of Kerala’s health traditions.
Book in advance at a local wellness center.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Suwadikere

Enjoy fresh seafood and Kerala dishes in an open-air setting, making it a perfect end to your beach day.
Short walk from the spa.
INR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Plane Home

Trivandrum, India

8:00 AM

Travel to Trivandrum

Depart for Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, where you’ll find heritage, culture, and beaches.
Local bus from Kovalam to Trivandrum.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Madras

Relish a traditional South Indian breakfast with delicious dosa and fresh filter coffee.
Within Trivandrum city center.
INR 400, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore this ancient temple famous for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings, a must-see in Trivandrum.
Auto-rickshaw from breakfast spot.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Paragon Restaurant

Enjoy one of Kerala's best biryanis and specialties in a family-friendly setting.
Short taxi ride from the temple.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

Take a family stroll in one of the oldest zoos in India, a beautiful park filled with diverse animal species.
Nearby the restaurant.
INR 500, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Relax at Kovalam Beach

Spend some final relaxing moments at Kovalam Beach, soaking in views of the Arabian Sea before heading home.
Local taxi back to Kovalam.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Godwin

End your adventure with a memorable farewell dinner, featuring local dishes and an ocean view.
Return to your guesthouse for dinner.
INR 900, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability