Wandio

Arrive at your hotel in Fort Kochi and let the day unfurl at an easy pace; start with a slow walk along the Fort Kochi waterfront where the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheena Vala) keep time with the tide and children can watch local fishermen haul shimmering catches into bamboo baskets, the morning sun catching the nets’ wooden silhouettes. Take off your shoes to feel the cool promenade tiles underfoot and explain the simple ingenuity of these nets—built for communal fishing and a living reminder of Kochi’s centuries of maritime trade—while vendors sell fresh coconut water nearby; mornings are quieter so this is the best time to visit to avoid afternoon crowds and get photogenic golden light. Move on to nearby St. Francis Church, one of India’s oldest European churches, where gentle stone and shaded courtyards give a calm, contemplative pause that’s easy for kids to explore without fatigue; remind little ones about local customs like modest dress and removing hats inside sacred sites to model cultural respect. Cross the lane to the ornate Santa Cruz Basilica with its vivid ceiling paintings—this compact circuit in Fort Kochi keeps walking distances short (most stops are within a 0–10 minute stroll), which is ideal for families who want discovery without long transfers. Finish the evening with a hands-on Kathakali experience at the Kerala Kathakali Centre where performers show traditional makeup and teach a few expressive gestures before the short, child-friendly performance; book the makeup demonstration and the early show in advance for December, which is peak travel season—this interactive finale will enchant children and adults alike and give you a sensory, peaceful cultural close to the day.

After a relaxed breakfast in Kochi, travel by private car to Alappuzha (commonly called Alleppey), a scenic 90-minute drive that sets up a day of languid waterborne discovery; arrive at the boat jetty and board your traditional Kettuvallam (houseboat) where a private crew will welcome you aboard, explain safety basics for children, and help you settle into cosy wooden cabins with handwoven mats. Glide into the shallow, emerald backwater canals of Vembanad Lake where villages, coconut groves and paddy fields open like a living postcard; the houseboat moves slowly so kids can lean on the deck rail to spot kingfishers, egrets and local fishermen in country boats, and parents can relax with tea on the stern as the sun softens. The onboard cook prepares simple, fresh Kerala meals—steamed fish, vegetable stews, appam and coconut chutney—served family-style on the deck so everyone can eat together while watching water buffalo graze at the banks; plan to request milder spices for children and to let crew know any dietary needs when you book. In the late afternoon the boat anchors in a quiet lagoon and the sky fills with molten colours: this is the ideal, screen-free moment for a family game, an easy beach-style dip at a sheltered shore, or a twilight walk along a village pathway if you’ve arranged a short shore visit; overnight on the houseboat is restful, the gentle rocking lulling children to sleep after a day of discovery—book early for December as private houseboats are in high demand and choose a vessel with enclosed cabins and life jackets for kids.

Wake to a soft backwater dawn as your houseboat ties up and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a short road transfer to Kumarakom—about 45 minutes—where wider stretches of Vembanad Lake lap at the reed-lined shores; check into a family-friendly lakeside resort or guesthouse that offers quiet rooms and easy access to the water so children have space to run and parents can flop into hammock time. Book a guided early-morning boat safari at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary where a gentle punt through reed beds reveals resident and wintering species—herons, cormorants and, in December, many migratory waterfowl—this gentle wildlife experience is perfect for children because boats are small, slow and close to the action and guides will tailor the pace and distance to the family’s comfort. After the birdwatching, retreat to the shade for a relaxed lunch and then choose a calming family Ayurvedic spa session at the resort (many resorts including Kumarakom Lake Resort offer short, family-oriented treatments) or a calm canoe ride to peaceful Pathiramanal island for a slow nature walk; Pathiramanal’s quiet sandbanks and shallow shores are magical places for kids to see crabs and puddle-hunt while parents enjoy the silence. End the day with an early, easy sunset on the lake from your resort’s verandah—December evenings in Kumarakom are pleasantly cool and insect-light, making alfresco family dinners by lanterns a soothing close to a restorative day.

Begin the day with a scenic drive back toward the Kochi coast and spend the morning at Cherai Beach on Vypin Island, where broad sandy stretches and relatively shallow surf create a child-friendly beach experience perfect for building sandcastles, paddling and relaxed family swims; the beach is known for gentle tides and long, open views, so parents can relax while kids play and local vendors offer fresh coconut water and snacks close at hand. Walk the shoreline to spot local fishing boats and, if the family is up for a brief outing, take the nearby short ferry ride across to Fort Kochi for a calm promenade or a final souvenir stroll—ferries are frequent and quick, offering a gentle, memorable sea crossing that kids usually love. If you prefer a cultural indoor stop before departure, visit the Kerala Folklore Museum in Thevara (check opening hours) for a small but rich collection of puppets, masks and folk art displayed in a relaxed, child-friendly setting that brings Kerala stories to life without museum fatigue. Allow ample time to return to Cochin (Kochi) for transfer to Cochin International Airport (COK)—from Cherai expect roughly 45–75 minutes depending on traffic and the route—so you leave unhurried and content; December is a busy travel month, so plan airport transfer with a comfortable buffer and pre-book taxis rather than relying on last-minute rides for peace of mind with children.