Kerala Family Trip: 7-Day Itinerary for Parents and Kids
A 7-day Kerala family itinerary covering Munnar, Thekkady, an Alleppey houseboat and Kovalam, with tips for travelling with kids and elderly parents.
Kerala is one of the easiest places in India for a family holiday. Distances are manageable, the food is familiar, the people are welcoming, and there is something for every age: tea gardens and waterfalls, wildlife, a houseboat on the backwaters and a beach to finish. This 7-day itinerary is the route we recommend most often to families travelling with parents and children.
The route at a glance
Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kovalam: 6 nights, 7 days, arriving in Kochi and departing from Trivandrum.
| Day | Destination | Night stay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kochi to Munnar | Munnar |
| 2 | Munnar sightseeing | Munnar |
| 3 | Munnar to Thekkady | Thekkady |
| 4 | Thekkady to Alleppey | Houseboat |
| 5 | Alleppey to Kovalam | Kovalam |
| 6 | Kovalam and Trivandrum | Kovalam |
| 7 | Departure |
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Kochi to Munnar
Arrive at Kochi airport or railway station and drive to Munnar, around four hours. Stop at the Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls, where children love the spray and the monkeys. Check in, have an early dinner and rest.
Day 2: Munnar
Visit the tea museum to see how tea is made, walk through the tea gardens, and see Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point, where children enjoy shouting across the lake. If the park is open, Eravikulam National Park is a highlight, with a chance to see the Nilgiri tahr. Keep the afternoon free for the hotel pool or a nap.
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady
A scenic drive through cardamom hills. In the afternoon, take a guided spice plantation walk, which is surprisingly fun for children who get to smell and touch the spices. In the evening, watch a Kalaripayattu (martial arts) or Kathakali show.
Day 4: Thekkady to Alleppey houseboat
An optional early boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot elephants and birds, then drive to Alleppey. Board a private family houseboat around noon. Enjoy home-style Kerala lunch on board, cruise past villages and paddy fields, and spend the night anchored on the calm backwaters. A two or three-bedroom private houseboat works well for families.
Day 5: Alleppey to Kovalam
Breakfast on board, then drive south to Kovalam, about four hours. Spend the evening at the beach and watch the sunset near the lighthouse.
Day 6: Kovalam and Trivandrum
A relaxed morning at the beach or pool. In the afternoon, visit Trivandrum: the Napier Museum and zoo are popular with children, and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a must for many families (note the temple dress code).
Day 7: Departure
Drop at Trivandrum airport or railway station.
This is the route of our 7-day Kerala package. For shorter trips, see the 5-day Kerala package.
Tips for a family trip to Kerala
- Choose the right vehicle: a sedan for up to 4 people, an SUV like an Innova for 5 to 6, and a Tempo Traveller for larger groups. Comfort matters on hill roads.
- Plan for travel sickness: the roads to Munnar and Thekkady are winding. Carry medicine and take breaks.
- Keep afternoons light: do sightseeing in the morning and evening, and rest in the afternoon, especially with grandparents and young children.
- Pick family-friendly stays: resorts with family rooms or connecting rooms, a pool and a play area make a big difference.
- Book the houseboat right: a private houseboat with enough bedrooms for your family is much better than a shared one.
- Food: vegetarian and mild food is easy to arrange. Tell us about allergies or dietary needs in advance.
Best time for a Kerala family holiday
- October to February: the best weather across Kerala.
- Christmas and New Year: very popular with families, so book three to four months ahead.
- April and May: school holidays. The coast is hot, so spend more time in Munnar and add an extra hill night.
- June to August: monsoon. Lush and quiet with lower prices, but beach time is limited.
Travelling with elderly parents
- Choose hotels with lifts or ground-floor rooms.
- Avoid early starts and long walks at viewpoints.
- Check that the houseboat has easy boarding and a comfortable bathroom.
- Consider an Ayurvedic massage session to help parents relax after travel days.
How much does a 7-day Kerala family trip cost?
The cost depends on the number of travellers, room types and the vehicle. Standard 3-star family packages are the most popular, and we can upgrade any stop to a premium resort. Send us the number of adults and children, their ages and your dates for an exact quote, with flights included if you wish.
Planning a family holiday? Explore our Kerala packages, or tell us about your group and we will tailor this route for you.
Plan your trip with Golden Compass Holidays
Golden Compass Holidays is a Kochi-based travel agency with over 12 years of experience planning Kerala honeymoons, family holidays and tours across India and abroad. We use private houseboats and quality 3-star or better stays, can include flights from your city, and accept card payments. Call +91 80868 00096 or send us an enquiry with your dates and budget, and our team will share a detailed plan.
Sherin Francis is the Managing Director of Golden Compass Holidays, a Kochi-based travel agency she has led since November 2012. She oversees how every Kerala honeymoon, family holiday and India or international tour is planned and priced, and the guides on this site come from the day-to-day work of her team.
