8-Day Family Friendly Kerala Itinerary: Exploring the Enchanting Backwaters and Beaches

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi

Kochi, India

9:00AM

Arrival at Kochi International Airport

Welcome to Kerala! After landing, take some time to freshen up and unwind at your hotel.
Taxi from the airport to your hotel.
INR2000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe

Enjoy a delicious lunch at this vibrant café that offers a mix of local and international cuisine, perfect for the whole family.
Short walk from the hotel.
INR1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Fort Kochi

Stroll through the historic streets, marvel at the Chinese fishing nets, and soak in the rich culture.
Walking tour around Fort Kochi.
Free, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Cultural Show at Kerala Kathakali Centre

Experience the captivating traditional Kathakali dance performance in the evening.
Short taxi ride to the venue.
INR1000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Savour delectable seafood dishes while enjoying views of the waterfront.
10-minute drive from the cultural centre.
INR2500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Munnar Scenic Drive

Munnar, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet at your hotel before departing for Munnar.
At the hotel.
INR800, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive through the winding roads filled with lush tea plantations, which takes approximately 4 hours.
Private taxi from Kochi to Munnar.
INR4000, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Relish authentic South Indian cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Walking distance from your hotel.
INR1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Tea Museum

Learn about the history of tea production in Munnar and enjoy some tea tasting.
Taxi ride to the museum.
INR200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Mattupetty Dam

Enjoy a boat ride or simply take in the scenic views around the dam.
Taxi to Mattupetty Dam.
INR500 for boat ride, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Indulge in local delicacies and international dishes at your hotel’s restaurant.
At the hotel.
INR1800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Munnar Adventures

Munnar, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savour a variety of breakfast options at the hotel to energise for the day ahead.
At the hotel.
INR800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Eravikulam National Park

Explore the breathtaking biodiversity and spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, with a moderate trek suitable for families.
Taxi to national park entrance.
INR300, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Bellmount Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed lunch with panoramic views of the valleys around Munnar.
Taxi ride to the restaurant.
INR1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tea Plantation

Wander through the verdant tea estates, learning how tea is cultivated and processed.
Taxi to the plantation.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Honey Bee Tree

A unique and fun stop for kids, where they can learn about bees and honey production.
Transfer via taxi.
INR200, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

End the day with a delightful dinner featuring local specialities at your hotel.
At the hotel.
INR1800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Thekkady Wildlife Exploration

Thekkady, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Feast on a hearty breakfast before packing up for your journey to Thekkady.
At the hotel.
INR800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Thekkady

Enjoy the captivating scenery on the drive to Thekkady, which will take around 3 hours.
Private taxi from Munnar to Thekkady.
INR3000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bar B Que

Savour a variety of grilled delicacies in a lively setting perfect for families.
Near your hotel.
INR1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a guided nature walk in the sanctuary and experience the flora and fauna up-close.
Short drive to the sanctuary.
INR500, 3 hours

4:00PM

Guided Bamboo Rafting

A thrilling experience on the water, drifting along and spotting wildlife.
Back to your hotel for supplies, then transport to the rafting site.
INR1500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Wind down with a relaxing dinner at your hotel, featuring various continental and Indian dishes.
At the hotel.
INR1800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Alleppey Houseboat Experience

Alleppey, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Delight in a wholesome breakfast as you prepare for the enchanting houseboat experience in Alleppey.
At the hotel.
INR800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Alleppey

Embark on a scenic drive lasting about 4 hours to the famous backwaters.
Private taxi from Thekkady to Alleppey.
INR4000, 4 hours

1:00PM

Houseboat Check-In and Lunch

Board your private houseboat and enjoy a delicious Keralite lunch served on board while cruising.
Onboard the houseboat.
INR3000, 2 hours

3:00PM

Backwater Crusing

Relax while cruising the serene backwaters, soaking in the breathtaking views and village life.
Onboard the houseboat.
Included with houseboat rental, 3 hours

6:00PM

Evening Snacks on the Boat

Enjoy evening tea and snacks prepared by the houseboat staff as the sun sets.
Onboard the houseboat.
Included with houseboat rental, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner on the Houseboat

Savour a variety of local dishes on the houseboat, creating wonderful family memories.
Onboard the houseboat.
Included with houseboat rental, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Varkala Beach Relaxation

Varkala, India

8:30AM

Breakfast on Houseboat

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the houseboat while taking in the tranquil backwater views.
Onboard the houseboat.
Included with houseboat rental, 1 hour

9:30AM

Check-out from Houseboat

Bid farewell to the serene backwaters and prepare for your trip to Varkala.
Transfer to taxi.
INR4000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Drive to Varkala

Enjoy the coastal scenery on your way to Varkala, which should take about 1.5 hours.
Private taxi from Alleppey to Varkala.
INR1500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cliff House

Dine with ocean views and savour delicious seafood dishes at this family-friendly restaurant.
Walking distance from the beach.
INR2000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Varkala Beach

Spend the afternoon lounging at Varkala Beach, where gentle waves and soft sands create a perfect atmosphere.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Beach

Enjoy a casual dinner with various food options at one of the beach shacks.
At the beach.
INR1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Kovalam Beach Adventure

Kovalam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a beachside breakfast at your hotel, soaking up the views.
At the hotel.
INR800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Kovalam

Set off on a short drive of about 1 hour to Kovalam Beach, essential for fun in the sun.
Taxi from Varkala to Kovalam.
INR1000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Water Sports at Kovalam Beach

Indulge in exciting water sports such as paragliding, jet skiing, and banana boat rides for family thrill.
Arrange rentals at Kovalam Beach.
INR3000, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Spice Tree

Relish Kerala cuisine amidst beautiful garden surroundings.
Near the beach area.
INR2000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax on the Beach

Spend the afternoon enjoying the sun, sand, and surf at Kovalam beach.
At the beach.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Leela

Exquisite dining with a variety of dishes to choose from while pausing to admire the sunset.
Short taxi ride from the beach.
INR3500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Kochi

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Kerala and reflect on the amazing trip.
At the hotel.
INR800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Kochi

Begin your return journey to Kochi, approximately 4 hours long.
Private taxi to Kochi.
INR4000, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fort Kochi

Savour a farewell lunch at a local favourite restaurant before heading to the airport.
Short taxi ride to Fort Kochi.
INR1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at Jew Town

Explore shops for souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts, making the most of your last few hours in Kerala.
Walking distance from your lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Departure from Kochi

Head to Kochi International Airport for your onward journey, bringing home unforgettable memories.
Taxi to the airport.
INR2000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability