Why go
Kerala packs backwaters, tea hills, wildlife and beaches into a trip that is easy to do with children and parents. Distances are short, the food is mild and varied, and almost every stop has something for each age group. Most families build a loop of Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey, then finish with a beach or Ayurveda rest. The best part is the pace, because you can rest between drives and still see the big sights.
When to go
September to March is the best period, with pleasant weather and green landscapes. December and January are the peak months, so book hotels and houseboats well ahead. The monsoon from June to August brings heavy rain, which is good for Ayurveda treatments and fewer crowds, but road trips to Munnar can be slow because of landslides and fog. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race near Alleppey usually takes place in August and is a spectacle if you do not mind the crowds. April and May are hot and humid, especially at sea level.
Getting there
Cochin International Airport (COK) is the main gateway and has flights from most Indian cities. It is roughly 85 km from Alleppey and 110 km from Munnar. Ernakulam Junction is the main railway hub, and Alleppey has its own station on the coastal line. Thiruvananthapuram is the alternative airport if you plan to end your trip in the south.
Getting around
A private car with a driver is the easiest option for families with luggage and elderly relatives, and it lets you stop whenever you want. Kerala roads are good but winding in the hills, so plan for slower travel than the distance suggests. Trains connect Kochi to Alleppey and beyond comfortably, and ferries are a scenic and cheap way to see the backwaters. Auto-rickshaws are everywhere in towns.
7-day plan
- Day 1: Arrive in Kochi. Check in, rest, then explore Fort Kochi in the evening. See the Chinese fishing nets at sunset and walk around the old streets. The cultural show, if you like Kathakali, is a good family option.
- Day 2: Kochi to Munnar. Drive to Munnar, about 4 to 5 hours, stopping at Cheeyappara or Valara waterfalls on the way. Settle in and enjoy the cool air and tea gardens in the evening.
- Day 3: Munnar sightseeing. Visit Eravikulam National Park to see the Nilgiri tahr (the park closes for a few weeks around February and March), the Tata Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam and a tea estate walk. Keep the afternoon free if children are tired.
- Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady. Drive about 4 hours to Thekkady. In the evening take a spice plantation walk, and consider a cultural show or an elephant sanctuary visit.
- Day 5: Periyar and onward to Alleppey. Take the early boat ride on Periyar Lake for a chance to see elephants and birds, then drive to Alleppey, about 3 to 4 hours. Check in to your houseboat around noon and enjoy the backwaters for the afternoon and night.
- Day 6: Backwaters and beach. Check out of the houseboat in the morning, then relax at Marari or Alleppey beach. Try a gentle Ayurveda massage if the family is up for it.
- Day 7: Depart. Drive to Kochi airport, allowing about two hours, or to Ernakulam Junction for your train.
The houseboat night
Houseboats usually have a noon check-in and a 9 am check-out, with meals included. Choose one approved by the state tourism department, and ask whether it has air-conditioning, how many bedrooms there are and whether the crew cooks fresh food. Avoid overcrowded boats and ask about life jackets for children. Many boats do not cruise after sunset, so the evening is spent moored at a quiet spot.
Where to stay
Fort Kochi has heritage homestays and boutique hotels. In Munnar, pick a hotel with a valley view and plan for cool nights. Thekkady has resorts near the Periyar buffer zone, and Alleppey offers backwater resorts and homestays beyond the houseboats. Look for family rooms and quiet locations rather than the busiest tourist areas.
Food
Kerala food is easy for families: appam with vegetable stew, puttu with kadala curry, fish curry meals, banana chips and Kerala parotta with beef or vegetable curry. For fresh seafood, try karimeen pollichathu in Alleppey. The traditional sadya, a vegetarian feast on a banana leaf, is the highlight during festivals such as Onam. Vegetarian options are easy to find, and many places can make dishes less spicy on request.
With parents
Break the drives with a few long stops, because the Munnar road has many hairpin bends and motion sickness is common. Pick hotels with lifts or ground-floor rooms, and choose houseboats with easy boarding steps and a nearby bedroom. Ayurveda spas can be relaxing, but check treatments with a doctor first. Keep the schedule light, with a free afternoon every day.
More trips like this
If you like hill stations after the backwaters, see our Ooty couples guide for another Western Ghats escape, or the Shillong guide for a green, rainy trip in the north-east.
Good to know
Carry light cotton clothes, a light jacket for Munnar, mosquito repellent and sunscreen. Keep cash for small shops, though UPI is widely accepted. Book houseboats and Munnar hotels early during December and January. Respect temple dress codes, which usually require modest clothing and no shoes inside.
Questions people ask
How many days do you need for Kerala with family?
Seven days is a comfortable plan for Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey. Five days works if you drop one hill stop, and nine days lets you add a beach such as Kovalam or Varkala.
What is the best time to visit Kerala with kids?
September to March has the best weather. December and January are peak months, so book early. The monsoon is quieter and green but can slow road trips in the hills.
Is a houseboat stay safe for children and senior citizens?
Yes, if you choose a reliable, tourism-department-approved boat. Ask about life jackets, easy boarding and a bedroom close to the deck, and avoid very crowded boats.
How far is Munnar from Kochi airport?
Roughly 110 km, which takes about 4 to 5 hours by road because of the winding hill sections. Plan to stop for tea or waterfalls on the way.
How long is Alleppey from Kochi?
About 85 km, or around 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Trains and ferries also connect the two.
Is Eravikulam National Park open all year?
It usually closes for a few weeks around February and March for the calving season of the Nilgiri tahr. Check the dates before you plan your Munnar day.
Is Kerala vegetarian friendly?
Yes. Appam with stew, puttu with kadala curry, sadya and many vegetable dishes are common. Hotels can often adjust spice levels for children.
