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Kerala Family Discovery: Tea Gardens, Wildlife & Backwaters
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Kerala Family Discovery: Tea Gardens, Wildlife & Backwaters
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi & Cultural Immersion
Arrival at Cochin International Airport (COK)
Welcome to Kerala! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your pre-booked driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the historic Fort Kochi area.
Check-in at a Heritage Hotel in Fort Kochi
Settle into a family-friendly heritage hotel or homestay in Fort Kochi. These properties offer a unique blend of history and comfort, perfect for a family.
Sunset at the Chinese Fishing Nets
Take a leisurely evening stroll along the coast to see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. It's a fascinating sight, especially as the sun sets. The local fishermen may let the kids help pull the nets for a small tip.
Kathakali Performance
Witness a mesmerizing Kathakali performance, a traditional dance-drama of Kerala. Arrive early to see the intricate makeup application process, which is an art form in itself and fascinating for all ages.
Dinner at a Fort Kochi Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring fresh seafood and local Keralan dishes. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with a pleasant ambiance.
Day 2: Journey to the Tea Gardens of Munnar
Drive from Kochi to Munnar
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Munnar. The journey takes you from the coast to the Western Ghats, with winding roads, lush greenery, and beautiful waterfalls along the way.
Lunch En Route
Stop for a simple and authentic lunch at a roadside restaurant. It's a great way to sample local flavors.
Check-in at a Munnar Resort
Check into your resort nestled amidst tea plantations. Choose a place with family activities or a play area to keep everyone entertained.
Relax and Acclimatize
Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the cool mountain air and stunning scenery from your resort. Take a short, guided walk through the nearby tea gardens.
Dinner at the Resort
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your resort's restaurant, which will likely offer a mix of local and continental cuisines to suit all palates.
Day 3: Munnar's Natural Wonders
Eravikulam National Park
Visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. A park bus takes you up the hill, followed by a short, easy walk with breathtaking views. It's a great way to experience the high-altitude ecosystem.
Tata Tea Museum
Learn about the history and process of tea making, from the leaf to the cup. The museum has interesting artifacts and a demonstration of tea processing, which is educational for both kids and adults.
Lunch in Munnar Town
Have lunch at a restaurant in Munnar town, offering a chance to try different local dishes.
Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point
Visit the Mattupetty Dam, a beautiful spot for photos. You can opt for a boat ride on the lake. A short drive away is Echo Point, where kids will have fun shouting and hearing their voices echo back from the hills.
Dinner in Munnar
Explore another local restaurant for dinner or head back to the comfort of your resort.
Day 4: Spices and Spectacles in Thekkady
Drive from Munnar to Thekkady
After a final breakfast in the hills, drive to Thekkady (also known as Periyar). The route is again very scenic, descending through tea gardens and then into spice-growing regions.
Check-in at a Thekkady Resort
Check into your hotel or resort, preferably one close to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary entrance for convenience.
Lunch at the Resort
Have a relaxing lunch at your resort after checking in.
Spice Plantation Tour
Take a guided tour of a local spice plantation. It's a sensory experience where you can see, smell, and taste various spices like cardamom, pepper, cloves, and vanilla in their natural environment. Highly engaging for children.
Kalaripayattu Show
In the evening, watch a thrilling Kalaripayattu show, the ancient martial art form of Kerala. The agility and skill of the performers, along with the use of traditional weapons, make for an exciting spectacle.
Dinner in Kumily Town
Explore the small town of Kumily for dinner. There are several restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
Day 5: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Morning Boat Safari on Periyar Lake
Embark on an early morning boat safari on Periyar Lake, located inside the wildlife sanctuary. This is the best way to spot wildlife like elephants, sambar deer, bison, and a variety of birds as they come to the water's edge.
Breakfast at the Hotel
Return to your hotel for a hearty breakfast after the exciting morning safari.
Elephant Junction Thekkady
Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary for a chance to interact with elephants. Activities often include feeding, bathing, and learning about these gentle giants from their mahouts. A memorable experience for the whole family.
Lunch in Kumily
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Kumily.
Relax or Explore Local Markets
Spend the afternoon at leisure. You can relax by the pool at your resort or explore the local markets in Kumily to shop for spices, coffee, and handmade chocolates.
Dinner
Enjoy your final dinner in the spice-scented air of Thekkady.
Day 6: The Serene Backwaters of Alleppey
Drive from Thekkady to Alleppey
After breakfast, drive down from the hills to the coastal plains, heading for Alleppey (Alappuzha), the gateway to the famous Kerala backwaters.
Board a Private Houseboat
Arrive at the Alleppey finishing point and board your private, pre-booked houseboat by 12:30 PM. You'll be welcomed with a refreshing drink. The boat comes with a crew including a captain and a chef.
Traditional Keralan Lunch on Board
Your personal chef will prepare a delicious, traditional Keralan lunch (Sadya style) using fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy the meal as you gently cruise along the backwaters.
Backwater Cruise
Spend the afternoon cruising through the network of canals, lakes, and lagoons. Observe the unique lifestyle of the people who live by the water, see children going to school by boat, and watch farmers working in the paddy fields below sea level.
Dinner Under the Stars
Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner on the anchored houseboat. The serene environment and starry sky make for a magical family meal.
Day 7: Back to Kochi & Final Explorations
Breakfast on the Houseboat
Wake up to the gentle sounds of the backwaters and enjoy a final Keralan breakfast on board as the boat makes a short cruise back to the jetty.
Disembark and Drive to Fort Kochi
Disembark from the houseboat around 9:00 AM and drive back to Fort Kochi for your final night.
Check-in at Fort Kochi Hotel
Check back into a hotel in Fort Kochi. You can choose the same one or try a different property.
Explore Jew Town and Mattancherry
Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Mattancherry area. Visit the Paradesi Synagogue (note the dress code and opening times), walk down the antique-shop-lined Jew Street, and visit the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) to see its stunning murals.
Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping
This is your last chance to buy souvenirs. Fort Kochi and Jew Town are great for spices, antiques, handicrafts, and cotton clothing.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a special farewell dinner at one of Fort Kochi's top-rated restaurants, reminiscing about your wonderful family trip through Kerala.
Day 8: Departure from Kochi
Final Keralan Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
Transfer to Cochin International Airport (COK)
Depending on your flight schedule, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your journey home.
Q.What is the best time to visit Kerala?
The best time to visit Kerala is during the winter season, from September to March, when the weather is cool, dry, and p...
Q.How do we get around Kerala?
For a family, the most convenient way to travel is by hiring a private car with a driver for the entire duration of the ...
Q.What are some must-try foods for a family?
Don't miss the Sadya (a vegetarian feast on a banana leaf), Appam with a mild vegetable or chicken stew, Puttu and Kadal...
Q.What are some important local tips?
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Stay hydrated with bottled water or tender coconut water. Mosq...
Q.What should we pack for a January trip?
Pack light cotton clothes for the daytime. Include a light jacket or sweater for the cool mornings and evenings in Munna...
Q.What is the currency and how to handle payments?
The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widely available in towns. Credit cards are accepted in most hote...
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi & Cultural Immersion
Arrival at Cochin International Airport (COK)
Check-in at a Heritage Hotel in Fort Kochi
Sunset at the Chinese Fishing Nets
Kathakali Performance
Dinner at a Fort Kochi Restaurant
Day 2: Journey to the Tea Gardens of Munnar
Drive from Kochi to Munnar
Lunch En Route
Check-in at a Munnar Resort
Relax and Acclimatize
Dinner at the Resort
Day 3: Munnar's Natural Wonders
Eravikulam National Park
Tata Tea Museum
Lunch in Munnar Town
Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point
Dinner in Munnar
Day 4: Spices and Spectacles in Thekkady
Drive from Munnar to Thekkady
Check-in at a Thekkady Resort
Lunch at the Resort
Spice Plantation Tour
Kalaripayattu Show
Dinner in Kumily Town
Day 5: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Morning Boat Safari on Periyar Lake
Breakfast at the Hotel
Elephant Junction Thekkady
Lunch in Kumily
Relax or Explore Local Markets
Dinner
Day 6: The Serene Backwaters of Alleppey
Drive from Thekkady to Alleppey
Board a Private Houseboat
Traditional Keralan Lunch on Board
Backwater Cruise
Dinner Under the Stars
Day 7: Back to Kochi & Final Explorations
Breakfast on the Houseboat
Disembark and Drive to Fort Kochi
Check-in at Fort Kochi Hotel
Explore Jew Town and Mattancherry
Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping
Farewell Dinner
Day 8: Departure from Kochi
Final Keralan Breakfast
Transfer to Cochin International Airport (COK)
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