A Family's Enchanting Journey Through God's Own Country: Kerala
Complete Journey Overview
A Family's Enchanting Journey Through God's Own Country: Kerala
A Family's Enchanting Journey Through God's Own Country: Kerala
Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences
Day 1 - Arrival in Kochi & Colonial Charm
Arrival at Cochin International Airport (COK)
Welcome to Kerala! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your pre-booked driver. Transfer from the airport to your hotel in the historic Fort Kochi area.
Check-in at Fort Kochi Hotel
Check into a family-friendly heritage hotel or homestay in Fort Kochi to soak in the colonial atmosphere. Relax and freshen up after your journey.
Sunset at the Chinese Fishing Nets
Take a leisurely stroll along the coast to see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. It's a fantastic photo opportunity, especially at sunset. The kids will be fascinated by the mechanics of these giant nets.
Kathakali Cultural Performance
Witness a captivating Kathakali performance, a traditional Keralan dance-drama. Arrive early to watch the artists apply their intricate makeup, which is a spectacle in itself and fascinating for all ages.
Dinner at Oceanos Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner. This restaurant is known for its fresh catch and authentic Keralan preparations in a family-friendly setting.
Day 2 - Kochi Exploration & Scenic Drive to Munnar
Morning Walk in Fort Kochi
Explore the charming streets of Fort Kochi. Visit St. Francis Church (the original burial site of Vasco da Gama) and the Santa Cruz Basilica. Wander through Jew Town and see the Paradesi Synagogue from the outside.
Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe
Have a relaxed lunch at this popular and artsy cafe known for its great ambiance, simple Western and Indian food, and excellent coffee. A great spot to refuel before the journey ahead.
Drive from Kochi to Munnar
Embark on a beautiful, scenic drive from the coast to the Western Ghats. The journey takes you through rubber plantations, small towns, and finally into the tea-covered hills of Munnar. Stop at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls en route for photos.
Check-in at Munnar Resort
Arrive in Munnar and check into your hotel or resort. Choose a property with views of the tea gardens for a memorable experience.
Dinner at the Hotel
After a long day of travel, enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel's restaurant. Most Munnar resorts offer a good mix of Keralan and North Indian/Continental cuisine.
Day 3 - Munnar: Tea Plantations & Mountain Peaks
Eravikulam National Park
Visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a species of mountain goat. A park bus takes you up the mountain, offering breathtaking views. It involves a short, easy walk at the top.
Tata Tea Museum (Nallathanni Estate)
Learn about the history and process of tea cultivation in Munnar. The museum features machinery, photographs, and a 30-minute documentary. You can also sample different types of tea.
Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant
For an authentic and budget-friendly meal, head to Rapsy Restaurant in Munnar town. Famous for its Parotta and Beef Fry, but also offers a variety of other delicious Keralan dishes.
Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point
Visit Mattupetty Dam for stunning views and an optional boat ride. A short drive away is Echo Point, where the whole family can have fun shouting and hearing their voices echo back from the surrounding hills.
Day 4 - Thekkady's Spices & Wildlife
Drive from Munnar to Thekkady
After breakfast, check out and drive to Thekkady (Kumily). The route is again very scenic, descending from the tea hills into the spice plantation region.
Check-in at Thekkady Hotel
Check into your hotel in Thekkady. Many hotels are located close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and offer nature-based activities.
Spice Plantation Tour
Take a guided tour of a local spice plantation. It's a wonderful sensory experience for the family to see, smell, and taste spices like cardamom, pepper, cloves, and vanilla growing on the plants.
Boating on Periyar Lake
Enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake, located inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This is the best way to spot wildlife like elephants, deer, wild boar, and various birds that come to the water's edge.
Dinner at Bar-B-Que
A highly-rated restaurant in Kumily known for its delicious Keralan cuisine, especially the biryanis and fish dishes. A great place for a hearty family dinner.
Day 5 - Alleppey: Christmas Eve on the Backwaters
Drive from Thekkady to Alleppey
After breakfast, journey from the hills of Thekkady to the coastal plains of Alleppey (Alappuzha), the gateway to the Keralan backwaters.
Board a Private Houseboat (Kettuvallam)
Arrive at the Alleppey finishing point and board your pre-booked private houseboat. This will be your family's floating home for the next 21 hours. A truly unique and memorable Christmas Eve experience.
Traditional Keralan Lunch on Board
Your personal chef will prepare a delicious, traditional Keralan 'Sadya' style lunch featuring rice, sambar, various vegetable dishes, and freshly caught 'Karimeen' (Pearl Spot fish), all served on a banana leaf.
Cruising the Backwaters
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sundeck as your houseboat glides through a network of canals, lakes, and lagoons. Observe the local village life, paddy fields, and lush greenery. The boat will anchor for the night around 5:30 PM.
Day 6 - Christmas Day on Varkala's Cliffs
Breakfast on the Houseboat
Wake up to the gentle sounds of the backwaters and enjoy a fresh Keralan breakfast (like Appam and stew) on board before disembarking.
Drive from Alleppey to Varkala
Disembark from the houseboat around 9:00 AM and begin your coastal drive south to the stunning cliff-top destination of Varkala.
Check-in at Varkala Cliff Hotel
Check into your hotel, preferably one located on or near the North Cliff for easy access to restaurants and the beach, and for spectacular sea views.
Christmas Lunch at a Cliff-Top Cafe
Celebrate Christmas Day with a special lunch at one of the many cafes lining the Varkala Cliff. Enjoy fresh seafood, continental, and local dishes with a stunning panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.
Relax on Papanasam Beach
Walk down the steps from the cliff to Papanasam Beach. The family can enjoy playing in the sand and waves. The water is considered holy and is believed to wash away sins.
Day 7 - Varkala's Charms & Journey to Trivandrum
Explore Varkala Cliff & Janardanaswamy Temple
Take a morning walk along the cliff path, browsing the various shops. You can also visit the 2000-year-old Janardanaswamy Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Drive from Varkala to Trivandrum
After an early lunch in Varkala, take the short drive to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), the capital city of Kerala.
Check-in at Trivandrum Hotel
Check into your hotel in Trivandrum. A central location is convenient for exploring the city's main attractions.
Napier Museum & Zoo
Visit the Napier Museum, known for its unique Indo-Saracenic architecture and collection of historical artifacts. The adjacent Trivandrum Zoo is one of the oldest in India and offers a well-maintained, green space for the family to enjoy.
Dinner at Villa Maya
Enjoy a farewell dinner at Villa Maya, a beautifully restored 18th-century Dutch manor. It offers a fine-dining experience with a menu that traverses the cuisines of Kerala and beyond. The ambiance is magical.
Day 8 - Trivandrum's Grandeur & Departure
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Visit the magnificent Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, an architectural marvel and one of the world's richest temples. The family can admire the towering gopuram (gateway) and intricate carvings from the outside.
Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping
Spend some time shopping for souvenirs. Look for local handicrafts, spices, coir products, and traditional Kasavu sarees. The area around the temple and Chalai Market are good places to explore.
Lunch at Indian Coffee House
Experience a piece of local history with lunch at the iconic Indian Coffee House. Known for its unique spiral architecture and waiters in traditional attire. The menu is simple, nostalgic, and very affordable.
Departure from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
Your driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home, filled with wonderful memories of your Keralan family adventure.
