5 Days best Kerala Itinerary for Kids 

Here’s a 5-days itinerary for kids in Kerala with family that blends nature, culture, wildlife, hill stations and relaxation, while keeping activities light, fun, and safe for children.

5 Days Kerala Itinerary for Kids and Family – including friends 

Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country”, is a paradise for family vacations. With its lush green landscapes, serene backwaters, friendly locals, and kid-friendly attractions, Kerala offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Traveling with kids requires a well-balanced itinerary — not too rushed, with enough downtime and engaging activities. Here’s a carefully planned 5-days family trip to Kerala.

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – A Gentle Start

Morning / Afternoon

• Arrive at Cochin International Airport.
• Check into a family-friendly hotel in Fort Kochi or Ernakulam.
• Choose accommodations with a pool — kids love it, and it’s perfect for post-flight relaxation.

Afternoon Activities

• Fort Kochi Heritage Walk (light sightseeing, suitable for kids). Visit:
  • Chinese Fishing Nets – Fascinating for children to watch local fishermen at work.
  • St. Francis Church – One of India’s oldest European churches.
  • Santa Cruz Basilica – Colorful interiors and peaceful atmosphere.
• Jew Town & Mattancherry Palace – Short visit; kids may enjoy the vibrant spice shops.

Evening

• Watch a Kathakali dance performance — the bright costumes and expressive gestures are captivating for children.
• Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant serving both Kerala and international cuisine.

Kid Tips: Keep sightseeing light to avoid travel fatigue. Use the evening for something colorful and cultural to spark curiosity.

Day 2: Athirappilly Waterfalls & Guruvayur

Morning

• Drive to Athirappilly Waterfalls (about 2 hours from Kochi). Known as the “Niagara of India”, it’s a safe and scenic spot if you stay within marked areas. The short walking paths and viewing points make it accessible for families.
• Enjoy a picnic breakfast or snacks near the viewpoint.

Afternoon

• Head towards Guruvayur (about 3 hours).
• Visit the Guruvayur Elephant Sanctuary (Punnathur Kotta) – Kids love watching elephants being bathed and fed. It’s an educational experience about animal care.

Evening

• Overnight stay in Guruvayur or return to Thrissur (depending on your pace).
• Dinner at a local restaurant with mild Kerala curries for children.

Kid Tips: Avoid mid-day heat at Athirappilly. Pack extra clothes as kids might get splashed near the waterfall mist.

Day 3: Munnar – Tea Gardens & Nature Trails

Morning

• Early departure for Munnar (about 4–5 hours).
• Check into a resort surrounded by tea gardens. Many Munnar resorts have children’s play areas and nature trails.

Afternoon Activities

• Visit Tata Tea Museum – Short tour on how tea is made; includes hot chocolate for kids and tea tasting for adults.
• Drive through photo points and Mattupetty Dam – Kids can enjoy a short pedal boat ride.

Evening

• Relax at the resort. Organize a bonfire if available — kids enjoy marshmallows and storytelling.
• Early dinner with views of the hills.

Kid Tips: Munnar is cooler, so carry light sweaters. Limit long sightseeing to avoid mountain travel fatigue.

Day 4: Eravikulam National Park & Back to Thekkady

Morning

• Visit Eravikulam National Park – Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Shuttle buses take visitors to the park entrance, making it safe and kid-friendly. The views are stunning and the walk is gentle.
• Enjoy a small snack break in the park.

Afternoon

• Drive to Thekkady (about 3–4 hours).
• Check into a family resort near Periyar Lake.

Evening

• Watch a Kalaripayattu martial arts show – Kids find the acrobatics exciting.
• Optional: Short spice plantation walk to learn about cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.

Kid Tips: Keep a mix of wildlife, gentle walks, and cultural shows so the day feels adventurous but not exhausting.

Day 5: Periyar Lake Safari & Alleppey Backwaters

Early Morning

• Go for a Periyar Lake boat safari – Spot elephants, bison, and bird species. Kids enjoy spotting animals in their natural habitat.
• Return for breakfast.

Late Morning / Afternoon

• Drive to Alleppey (about 4–5 hours).
• Board a private houseboat for a short day cruise or an overnight stay.
• Watch paddy fields, village life, and fishing activities from the deck.

Evening

• Enjoy traditional Kerala meals on the boat.
• If ending the trip in Alleppey, spend the night on the boat or in a backwater resort.

Kid Tips: Houseboats are safe but keep children supervised near the edges. Carry board games or books for downtime.

Travel Tips for a Family Kerala Trip

1. Pace is Key – Avoid cramming too many places in one day.
2. Kid-Friendly Stays – Choose resorts with play areas, pools, and flexible meal options.
3. Food Considerations – Kerala food can be spicy; ask for mild versions for kids.
4. Health & Safety – Carry a small medical kit, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen.
5. Travel Time – Kerala’s roads are winding; keep motion-sickness medicine if needed.

Summary Table of the Itinerary

If you want, I can also prepare a budget breakdown with hotel and travel suggestions for this trip so it’s ready for booking without much extra planning. That would make the itinerary even more practical for a real family holiday.