A Kerala family holiday is the perfect way to introduce children to the colours of India. Happily, the drives are short, unlike the longer hauls of Rajasthan. It is also simply a more laid-back destination. So you ease into the spirit of things from the start. Much of your time is spent in and around the backwaters. As a result, it makes a wonderfully gentle first taste of India for families. Like all our trips, it is private and tailored to you.
Above all, Kerala engages children without ever tiring them. The short drives help enormously. Meanwhile, the pace stays relaxed throughout. There is plenty to do, too. For example, children can meet a resident elephant or try on a sari or dhoti. So learning feels like play. Because everything is private, the days bend around your family.
Begin in Cochin for two nights at Brunton Boatyard, right in the heart of Fort Cochin. Helpfully, it has a lovely pool to return to after exploring. The next day, see the city in a fun, immersive way. So you mix bikes, walking and rickshaws. Along the way, you spot the Chinese fishing nets and former Dutch mansions. Then dive into the colourful markets, where spices are sold and bought.
Next, drive up into the hills around Munnar. Here you find some of Kerala’s most scenic country. Sweeping tea plantations roll away in every direction. So spend a few days walking through the countryside. You can also visit a working tea factory. In short, it is a refreshing change of air and pace.
From the hills, drive the short distance to Philipkutty’s Farm on Lake Vembanad. This is an immersive luxury homestay. So the family can learn a little Indian cookery from the hosts. You also tour the farm to see how the crops grow. Meanwhile, children can explore the local villages by bike. Most rewarding of all, though, is simply hearing what it is like to grow up in Kerala.
Next, set off from Alleppey to board your private houseboat. These come with two or three bedrooms and air-conditioning. So they make a fun, adventurous family base. As you drift through the narrow channels, local life unfolds all around. Meanwhile, the onboard cook serves freshly caught fish curry. That night, you moor in a quiet spot, perhaps strolling out as the village settles.
Finally, every family adventure needs some rest at the end. So we suggest four nights or more at Marari Beach Resort, just 30 minutes from the backwaters. It has a large pool and a lovely beach. There are tennis courts and volleyball, too. As a result, there is plenty to keep everyone happy.
Naturally, the hotels are chosen with families in mind. First, Brunton Boatyard puts you in the heart of Cochin. Then the Windermere Estate brings tea-hill calm. Later, Philipkutty’s adds a warm family welcome. Finally, Marari delivers proper beach time. Of course, each has the space and comforts that families need.
Generally, the cooler, drier months from October to March work best. They line up neatly with the school holidays. By contrast, the monsoon brings heavier rain. So we usually favour the drier window. Either way, we balance activity with downtime.
For families new to India, Kerala is the kindest start. The short drives spare everyone long days in the car. Meanwhile, the relaxed pace keeps tempers even. So children stay curious rather than tired. Above all, parents get to relax too.
The real joy here is shared discovery. For example, you might learn to cook a curry together. Equally, you could drift the backwaters as a family by boat. Elsewhere, the children meet a resident elephant or try on a dhoti. So the holiday is built around moments you remember together. As a result, it becomes a trip the whole family talks about.
This holiday suits families wanting adventure and comfort in one. For example, it works beautifully for a first big trip to India. Equally, it suits multi-generational groups. Grandparents, parents and children all find their own delights.
Finally, the trip extends as easily as it shortens. For example, add more beach days at the end. Equally, weave in a little wildlife along the way. As ever, every detail is shaped around your family.
Above all, we want parents to relax as much as the children. So we choose hotels and homestays we know and trust. Meanwhile, careful dining keeps young tummies happy. For each transfer, the short Kerala drives help enormously. As a result, the practical worries simply fade away.
It works well for a wide range of ages. The short drives and relaxed pace are ideal for younger children. Meanwhile, the activities keep older ones engaged.
Very much so. The boats are air-conditioned, with two or three bedrooms and a cook on board. So they make a fun, comfortable family adventure.
Generally, October to March is most comfortable, and fits the school holidays. We will advise on timing for your dates.
Absolutely. Whether you want more beach, more wildlife or gentler days, it is all tailor-made. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.
| £1715P.P |
|---|
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Cochin | Brunton Boatyard Brunton Boatyard |
| Day 3-4 | Munnar | Serenity Windermere Estate |
| Day 5-6 | Lake Vembenad | Philipkutty’s Farm Philipkutty’s Farm |
| Day 7 | Backwaters | Houseboat Houseboat |
| Day 8-11 | Marari | Marari Beach Resort Marari Beach Resort |
| Day 12 | Cochin Airport | Fly Home |
Arrive in Cochin for two nights at Brunton Boatyard, right in the heart of Fort Cochin. Helpfully, it has a lovely pool to return to after exploring. The next day, see the city in a fun, immersive way. So you mix bikes, walking and rickshaws. Along the way, spot the Chinese fishing nets and former Dutch mansions. Then dive into the colourful markets.
Drive up into the hills to Munnar, known for its sweeping tea plantations. Over a few days, you walk through the beautiful countryside.
Next, drive the short distance to Philipkutty’s Farm on Lake Vembanad. This immersive luxury homestay is a real highlight. So the family can learn a little Indian cookery from the hosts. You also tour the farm and explore the local villages by bike. If you wish, try on a sari or dhoti. Most rewarding of all, though, is hearing what life in Kerala is really like.
Set off to Alleppey to board your private houseboat. These come with two or three bedrooms and air-conditioning. So they make a fun, adventurous family base. As you cruise the narrow channels, local life passes by. Meanwhile, the onboard cook serves freshly caught fish curry. That night, you moor in a quiet spot, perhaps strolling out as the village settles.
Finally, every family adventure needs some rest. So we suggest four nights or more at Marari Beach Resort, just 30 minutes from the backwaters. It has a large pool and a lovely beach. There are also tennis courts and volleyball. As a result, there is plenty to keep everyone happy.
It takes about an hour and a half to drive back to the airport, just north of Cochin.
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We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch. You can leave a phone number and suggest a time to call you back, and we can also arrange to do this during the evenings or at weekends if you are busy during the daytime. We can also meet up with you in you fancy a coffee and are based in and around London.