Kerala Family Tour Package: Kerala is a state that caters brilliantly to all ages. Your grandparents will love the peaceful backwaters and Ayurvedic massages; your children will be thrilled by elephant encounters and spice plantations; and you, the planner, will appreciate the exceptional quality of accommodation, the safety, and the ease of travel. Kerala is simply designed for memorable family trips.
To help you craft the perfect itinerary, I've outlined the essential logistics and ten must-visit places to visit in kerala with family each offering a unique flavor of this beautiful southern state.
Planning Essentials: Making Kerala Easy for Families
Before we dive into the destinations, let’s cover the core logistics that will ensure a smooth, stress-free trip for the entire family.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak Season (October to March): This is undoubtedly the best time. The weather is cool, pleasant, and dry, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 32°C. This is ideal for houseboat stays, sightseeing, and enjoying the beaches without excessive humidity.
- Monsoon Season (June to August): This is the "green season." While rainy, the state is at its most beautiful and lush. It’s the perfect time for Ayurvedic treatments and budget-friendly trips. Note: Heavy rain can occasionally disrupt travel and backwater experiences.
Getting Around with Family
- Dedicated Car and Driver (Highly Recommended): For family travel, hiring a private, intercity car with a driver is the most comfortable, convenient, and safe option. Distances between major spots (like Kochi to Munnar or Munnar to Alleppey) involve winding hill roads, and a reliable driver makes the journey stress-free.
- Trains: Kerala has an excellent rail network (connecting cities like Kochi and Trivandrum), which can be a comfortable and affordable option for longer coastal stretches, provided you book tickets well in advance.
- Ferries: Essential for moving around Fort Kochi and exploring the backwaters.
Entry Points
Most travelers fly into one of three major international airports, depending on their itinerary:
- Cochin International Airport (COK): Best for starting trips focusing on Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey (Central Kerala).
- Trivandrum International Airport (TRV): Best for starting trips focusing on Kovalam, Varkala, and Southern Kerala.
- Calicut International Airport (CCJ): Best for starting trips focusing on Wayanad and Northern Kerala.
10 Unforgettable Places to Visit in Kerala with Family
Kerala’s landscape is divided into three natural zones: the Highlands (Hill Stations), the Midlands (Plains and Spice), and the Lowlands (Beaches and Backwaters). Our list covers the best of all three, ensuring a balanced, engaging itinerary.
1. Munnar: The Green Carpet of Tea Gardens
Munnar is often the starting point for any Kerala itinerary and for good reason it’s stunning. Rolling hills blanketed entirely in tea plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a vibrant, soothing green landscape.
- Why it's great for families: The cool, mild weather is a welcome break. The open space is naturally relaxing.
- Must-Do Activities:
- Tea Museum: Visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn the history and process of tea making. It’s educational and fun for older children.
- Eravikulam National Park: Go on a mini-safari to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy breathtaking views from the top.
- Mattupetty Dam: Enjoy an afternoon picnic, boating, or simply photographing the scenic surroundings.
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha): Houseboats and Backwater Bliss
Alleppey is the undisputed capital of the Kerala Backwaters a serpentine network of lagoons, lakes, and canals. This is the iconic, unmissable experience that defines the state.
- Why it's great for families: Staying on a traditional houseboat is a unique and captivating experience. It’s slow-paced, relaxing, and offers continuous scenery right outside your window.
- Must-Do Activities:
- Overnight Houseboat Cruise: Book a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat for one night. The staff cooks authentic Kerala food onboard, and you drift past paddy fields and village life.
- Village Canoe Ride: Hire a small canoe (which can navigate narrow canals the big houseboats can't) to get a close-up view of local life kids love waving at the village children.
3. Thekkady (Periyar): Wildlife and Spice
Thekkady is centered around the Periyar National Park, making it the perfect destination for families who love nature and soft adventure. The air here is thick with the scent of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- Why it's great for families: It offers multiple soft adventure activities and a chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat.
- Must-Do Activities:
- Periyar Lake Boating: Take the most popular activity a 90-minute boat ride on Periyar Lake, often leading to sightings of wild elephants, sambar deer, and various birds coming down to the water’s edge.
- Spice Plantation Tour: Walk through a live plantation. Guides explain how different spices (cardamom, pepper, vanilla) are grown. It’s highly interactive and informative for all ages.
- Kathakali/Kalaripayattu Show: Attend a vibrant evening performance of Kathakali (classical dance drama) or Kalaripayattu (traditional martial arts) a true cultural spectacle.
4. Fort Kochi (Kochi/Ernakulam): History and Art
Kochi is a vibrant blend of the historical (Fort Kochi) and the modern (Ernakulam). Fort Kochi, with its colonial architecture, is rich in history from Portuguese, Dutch, and British periods.
- Why it's great for families: It’s walkable, culturally diverse, and full of educational and photographic opportunities.
- Must-Do Activities:
- Chinese Fishing Nets: Witness the iconic, massive cantilevered fishing nets that have been in use for centuries.
- Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) and Paradesi Synagogue (Jew Town): Explore the historic Jewish quarter, browse the antique shops, and see the beautiful synagogue.
- Ferry Ride: Take a cheap and scenic public ferry ride to see the skyline and port activity.
5. Kovalam: The Beach Capital
Located near the capital Trivandrum, Kovalam is Kerala’s most famous beach destination, characterized by three crescent-shaped beaches separated by rocky outcroppings.
- Why it's great for families: The main beach (Lighthouse Beach) is clean, relatively safe for swimming, and lined with resorts, cafes, and shops.
- Must-Do Activities:
- Lighthouse Beach: Climb the iconic red and white lighthouse for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the entire coastline.
- Beach Leisure: Enjoy water sports (for older children) or simply relax on the golden sands and watch the sunset.
6. Wayanad: The Northern Hill Station
Located in the northern part of Kerala, Wayanad is famous for its dense rainforests, waterfalls, and adventure activities, appealing strongly to energetic families.
- Why it's great for families: It offers a different, wilder kind of greenery compared to Munnar, with more focus on raw nature and trekking.
- Must-Do Activities:
- Edakkal Cave: Trek up to the prehistoric caves featuring ancient carvings. The climb is a fun challenge for school-age children.
- Banasura Sagar Dam: Visit India's largest earthen dam. Boating activities are available on the reservoir.
- Soochipara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfall): Enjoy the cascade (check access, as it can be closed during heavy rain).
7. Athirappilly Falls: The Niagara of India
Often called the "Niagara of India," Athirappilly is a spectacular waterfall nestled in the Sholayar forest range. The sheer size and power of the water is breathtaking.
- Why it's great for families: It’s an easy, rewarding stop. The viewing area is accessible, allowing everyone to feel the mist and hear the roar of the falls.
- Must-Do Activity: View the falls from the designated viewpoints, and if conditions allow, hike down to the base for a truly immersive experience (be careful of slippery rocks).
8. Varkala: The Cliff Beach Escape
Varkala offers a dramatic contrast to Kovalam. It’s famous for its stunning stretch of cliffs running adjacent to the Arabian Sea.
- Why it's great for families: The cliff top is lined with restaurants and guesthouses, providing spectacular sunset views and a relaxed, European-style beach atmosphere.
- Must-Do Activities:
- Varkala Cliff Walk: Stroll along the cliff edge, browsing the shops and cafes.
- Papanasam Beach: Descend the steps to the beach. The water is believed to have medicinal properties (hence the name Papanasam, or washing away sins).
9. Kumarakom: The Quiet Backwater Retreat
While Alleppey is famous for its busy backwaters, Kumarakom, located on the Vembanad Lake, offers a more luxurious and serene backwater experience, often preferred by families seeking high-end resort stays.
- Why it's great for families: It’s less crowded, offering luxury resorts with water access, excellent food, and a focus on wellness.
- Must-Do Activity:
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Take an early morning boat ride or walk through the sanctuary to spot a variety of local and migratory birds.
10. Jatayu Earth’s Center (Chadayamangalam)
This is one of the state's newer, most thrilling attractions, located near Kollam. It features the world's largest bird sculpture, Jatayu, related to the Ramayana epic.
- Why it's great for families: The site combines mythology, modern architecture, and adventure. It’s spectacular and unique.
- Must-Do Activities:
- Cable Car Ride: Take the scenic cable car up to the hilltop, where the giant sculpture is located.
- The Sculpture: Explore the details of the Jatayu sculpture, which is essentially a building containing a museum and an adventure zone.
