Route: Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Kochi
Places covered: Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Periyar, Kumarakom
This plan is built for families. It avoids a busy circuit and uses three stays with gardens, pools or lakes, so that children can burn off energy and grandparents can rest. The activities are simple and memorable: tea hills, a boat ride past wild elephants, a spice walk and a canoe in the backwaters.
Who it suits
Families with children from about five, and multi-generational groups. It works from September to March. In the monsoon, we can swap Munnar for a more sheltered stay, or reduce the hill sections.
How the days flow
After landing in Kochi, you drive to Munnar for two nights, with a tea estate visit and short walks. On day three you move to Thekkady for a night, with a spice plantation tour and an early boat ride on Periyar lake. On day four you drive to Kumarakom for two nights at a lakeside resort, with a canoe ride, a bird walk and a swim. The last day is a short drive to Kochi airport.
Family notes
- Motion sickness. Hill roads have many bends. Carry tablets, plan stops and seat children in front if they feel unwell.
- Safaris and boats. Life jackets are provided on boats. Early morning starts can be tiring for young children.
- Food. Mild Kerala dishes, vegetarian options and continental meals are available.
- Resorts. We choose properties with pools, gardens and family rooms.
- Pace. Drives are around three to four hours, and the last day is short.
What children usually enjoy
Watching elephants from the Periyar boat, smelling spices at a plantation, riding in a small canoe and feeding fish at a pond. Older children may enjoy a short Kathakali make-up demonstration or a bamboo rafting trip.
Why this route suits families
Each stage offers something different for children: tea hills and cool air, elephants and forest at Periyar, and a lake and canoes at Kumarakom. The drives are short, the hotels have space, and the days are structured around one main activity. Parents can relax, knowing that children have room to play.
Customising
Add a night in Fort Kochi, replace Munnar with Wayanad (subject to conditions), or extend with a houseboat night. If you are travelling with an infant, we can also check for hotels with cots and quiet rooms away from the road. Share the ages of your travellers and we will adapt the plan.
