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

Day 1: Welcome to Kochi

Kochi, Kerala on June 16, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee in a creative, artistic setting, perfect for the whole family.
INR500, 1h

10:30am

Visit Fort Kochi and Chinese Fishing Nets

Explore the historic Fort Kochi area, famous for its colonial architecture and iconic Chinese fishing nets. A great spot for photos and local culture.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dal Roti

Savor authentic North Indian food with family-friendly options in this cozy restaurant known for its rich flavors and relaxed atmosphere.
INR700, 1h

2:30pm

Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace

Visit these cultural landmarks to experience Kerala's diverse heritage through impressive artifacts, murals, and architecture. They close by 5pm.
INR100 per person, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at the hotel or explore Marine Drive

Unwind at your hotel or take a stroll along Marine Drive promenade, enjoying sunset views along the backwaters.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ginger House

Dine on traditional Kerala cuisine in a charming setting with views of the water, suitable for children and adults alike.
INR900, 1.5h

Day 2: Munnar Tea Gardens

Munnar, Kerala on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing for Munnar, ensuring energy for the scenic journey ahead.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Munnar

A 4-hour scenic drive north from Kochi through lush landscapes to the hill station of Munnar, famous for its tea plantations.
Transport cost approximately INR4000, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Try local Kerala dishes such as appam and stew in this family-friendly eatery popular among tourists and locals.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Tea Museum

Learn about tea production and its history in Munnar at this museum housed in a colonial-era tea factory. Great for adults and curious kids; open till 5pm.
INR50, 1.5h

4:15pm

Explore Echo Point

Head to Echo Point to experience the natural echo phenomenon and enjoy stunning views, perfect for a short family outing.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy vegetarian South Indian dishes at this renowned restaurant chain, conveniently located for an easy family meal.
INR700, 1h

Day 3: Nature & Adventure

Munnar, Kerala on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at your hotel in preparation for the outdoor activities.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Eravikulam National Park

Explore the park and possibly spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The park is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm and is great for nature-loving families.
INR310, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Relax with lunch at this trusted spot offering hearty and local fare after your wildlife adventure.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Mattupetty Dam

Enjoy boating and panoramic views at the Mattupetty Dam area; ideal for family-friendly relaxation and photography.
INR50 for boat ride, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Blossom Hydel Park

A fun park with playgrounds and water rides for kids and beautiful gardens for adults to relax.
INR20, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

End the day with delicious vegetarian dishes in a comfortable environment suitable for the whole group.
INR700, 1h

Day 4: Wildlife & Spice Gardens

Thekkady, Kerala on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before heading to Thekkady for a day of wildlife and spice sightseeing.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Thekkady

Approximately 3-hour drive to Thekkady, known for its Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spice plantations.
Transport cost approx INR3000, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Thekkady Cafe

Enjoy fresh Kerala flavors at this well-rated local restaurant with kid-friendly options.
INR700, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Periyar Spice Plantations

Guided tour of spice gardens detailing cultivation of cardamom, pepper, and other spices; perfect for an educational family experience.
INR150, 2h

3:30pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

Boat safari on Periyar lake to spot elephants, deer, and birds. Available till sunset and highly recommended for families.
INR300, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Our Place

Wide variety of Kerala and Indian dishes in a welcoming atmosphere perfect for groups and children.
INR800, 1.5h

Day 5: Backwaters Experience

Alleppey, Kerala on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before transferring to Alleppey for backwater adventures.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Alleppey

Around 3-hour drive to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters.
Transport cost approx INR3000, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Thaff

Dine on fresh seafood and regional specialties at this popular, family-friendly restaurant near the boat jetty.
INR700, 1h

1:30pm

Houseboat Backwater Cruise

Board a private houseboat for an afternoon and evening cruise, enjoying beautiful scenery and home-cooked meals on board. Great for children and adults.
INR8000+ (per boat), 5h

7:00pm

Dinner on houseboat

Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala dishes served on the houseboat as you float through the backwaters at sunset.
Included in houseboat price, 1.5h

Day 6: Relax in Kumarakom

Kumarakom, Kerala on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast on houseboat

Start with a delicious breakfast onboard before disembarking and heading to Kumarakom.
Included in houseboat price, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Kumarakom

Short 30-minute transfer to Kumarakom, a serene backwater village known for birdwatching and luxury resorts.
Transport cost approx INR1000, 0.5h

10:30am

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Walk through the sanctuary to spot a variety of migratory birds; suitable for both adults and children. Open from 8am to 6pm.
INR50, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Coconut Lagoon

Relish authentic Kerala cuisine in a beautiful village setting, with relaxing atmosphere for the family to enjoy.
INR800, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at resort or Ayurvedic spa

Rest and rejuvenate with optional spa therapies or spend leisure time by the pool at your resort.
Spa prices vary approx INR2000+, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at resort restaurant

Enjoy dinner featuring local flavors in a comfortable and scenic setting appropriate for families.
INR900, 1.5h

Day 7: Return to Kochi

Kochi, Kerala on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at resort

Enjoy a filling breakfast before checking out and heading back to Kochi.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Kochi

3-hour drive back to Kochi for departure or final sightseeing.
Transport cost approx INR3000, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kream ‘n’ Krunch

Finish your trip with delicious sandwiches, cakes, and light meals in this popular coffee shop near Fort Kochi.
INR500, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping and wandering in Fort Kochi

Enjoy last minute shopping for handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs in Fort Kochi’s vibrant markets.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Departure

Head to Kochi airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Varies, N/A