Kerala is a fantastic family holiday destination — it's safe, scenic, culturally rich and has a huge variety of activities that work for every age group. From watching wild elephants at Periyar to splashing in natural waterfalls and gliding through backwater canals, children love Kerala just as much as adults do. Here's our guide to making it work perfectly.
Why Kerala is Perfect for Families
- Low crime rate — one of India's safest states for tourists.
- Excellent road network with comfortable, modern vehicles available for hire.
- Family-friendly resorts with kids' activities, pools and spacious rooms.
- A huge variety of activities suitable for different ages and energy levels.
- Outstanding food — Kerala cuisine is naturally varied with plenty of mild, child-friendly options.
Best Kid-Friendly Destinations in Kerala
Munnar — Hills & Wildlife
Children love Munnar — the open tea estates, the cool weather and the chance to see the Nilgiri Tahr up close at Eravikulam National Park are genuinely exciting for kids. Mattupetty Dam offers paddle boating, and the tea factory tour at the TATA Tea Museum is surprisingly fascinating for older children (10+). The waterfalls on the way from Ernakulam are a guaranteed hit for all ages.
Alleppey Backwaters — Houseboat Adventure
Sleeping on a houseboat is one of those rare experiences that children remember for the rest of their lives. Watching village life pass by from the boat, spotting kingfishers and egrets, helping the crew fish — it's endlessly engaging for kids. Choose a houseboat with an open deck and a safety railing if you have young children.
Thekkady — Elephants & Jungle
The Periyar Lake boat safari is excellent for families — seeing wild elephants at the water's edge just metres from your boat is genuinely thrilling. The spice plantation walk at Thekkady is wonderful for curious older children — smelling and tasting fresh cardamom, pepper and cinnamon directly from the plants. Evening Kathakali performances are also a hit with children who appreciate the elaborate costumes and storytelling.
Kochi — History & Culture
Fort Kochi's colourful heritage streets, the dramatic Chinese fishing nets and the old Dutch and Portuguese buildings make for a great walking tour with older children. The Kerala Folklore Museum in Ernakulam is excellent for families interested in culture. The Kochi waterfront is also wonderful for a leisurely evening stroll.
A Suggested 7-Day Family Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival Kochi → Fort Kochi waterfront walk, Chinese fishing nets.
- Day 2: Drive to Munnar via Cheeyappara waterfall (kids go wild here). Evening at resort.
- Day 3: Munnar sightseeing — Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam boating, Echo Point.
- Day 4: Munnar → Thekkady. Periyar Lake boat safari — elephants!
- Day 5: Thekkady → Alleppey. Board houseboat at noon — overnight backwater cruise.
- Day 6: Morning on the backwaters → drive to Kochi. Afternoon shopping and sightseeing.
- Day 7: Kochi departure.
Vehicle Tips for Family Travel
For families of 4–6, an Innova Crysta (7+1 seater) is the ideal vehicle — spacious boot for luggage, comfortable third row, excellent on Kerala's mountain roads. For larger families or groups, our 9+1 or 12+1 seater tempo travellers offer significantly more space and comfort for long drives.
Family Resort Recommendations
- Munnar: Resorts with private cottages, gardens and valley views — kids need space to run.
- Thekkady: Jungle resorts with nature walks — avoid town-centre hotels which can be noisy.
- Alleppey: Choose a premium deluxe houseboat — safety railings and enough deck space for children to move freely are important.
Our family travel tip: Build two unhurried days into every itinerary rather than rushing between destinations. Children need time to play, explore and absorb each place. The best family memories from Kerala often come from an unexpected hour spent watching a fisherman cast his net or a spontaneous stop at a roadside waterfall — not from ticking off every attraction on a list.
