Family-Friendly Adventures in Kochi, Kerala!

Wonderla Amusement Park Kochi

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Wonderla Amusement Park, Kochi

Morning Arrival

Start your adventure at Wonderla Kochi, which is easily accessible via road approximately 15 km from the city center. You can drive there or take a cab. Upon arrival, purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.

Start with Kiddie Rides

Begin your day in the Kids’ Rides section. The ‘Magic Mushroom’ and ‘Flying Ammu’ are perfect to warm up little adventurers. Interesting Fact: The park is designed to offer rides for all age groups, ensuring that even the youngest have a blast!

Mid-Morning Thrills

Next, head to the ‘Vintage Tornado’ and ‘Wonder Splash’ for some family-friendly thrills. These rides offer just the right level of excitement for both kids and adults. Don’t forget to snap some fun pictures!

Lunch Break

By midday, take a break at one of the park’s many eateries. The Park offers a variety of dining options from fast food to local Kerala cuisine, catering to all taste buds.

Afternoon Fun

Post-lunch, visit the ‘Water Pendulum’ in the waterpark area. Make sure everyone wears suitable swimwear, as it’s mandatory for all water rides.

Late Afternoon

Explore the ‘Laser Show’ and ‘Musical Fountain’ which start in the late afternoon. These shows are a perfect way to unwind after a thrilling day.

Dining and Departure

End your day with dinner at the park, choosing from the themed restaurants. Wonderla Kochi also provides locker facilities to store belongings and freshen up before heading home.

Exiting the Park

The park generally closes by 6 PM. Plan to leave around closing time to avoid the exit rush. Remember, the best memories are made when you’re laughing and enjoying together as a family!

This itinerary ensures a balance of fun, excitement, and relaxation, making your family trip to Wonderla Kochi an unforgettable experience.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Kerala Backwaters

Why Visit?

Day 1: Arrival in Cochin - Transfer to Alappuzha (Alleppey)

Start your enchanting Kerala Backwaters adventure by flying into Cochin International Airport. From there, hire a cab or take a pre-booked shuttle to Alappuzha, a journey that takes about 1.5 hours. Alappuzha, often called the "Venice of the East," is famed for its vast network of waterways and pristine beauty.

Day 2: Houseboat Experience in Alappuzha

Embark on a quintessential Kerala experience by staying overnight on a traditional houseboat. These kettuvallams (houseboats) are crafted from jackwood tied together with coir and have thatched roof covers over wooden hulls. As you glide through the serene backwaters, enjoy sightings of lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and villagers engaged in their daily life. The boat comes with a personal chef who will prepare delicious local cuisine—perfect for a family culinary adventure!

Day 3: Visit to Vembanad Lake

After disembarking from the houseboat, head to Vembanad Lake, one of Asia"s largest freshwater lakes. Here, families can enjoy bird watching at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located at the lake"s edge. Spot migratory birds like Siberian stork or local species such as kingfishers and egrets. Engage in a family-friendly boat ride across the lake, or try fishing using traditional methods.

Day 4: Return to Cochin - Explore Fort Kochi

Drive back to Cochin and spend the day exploring Fort Kochi, a region steeped in history with influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial periods. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and the colorful Kochi streets. Children will love the interactive displays at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale if you visit during this event period.

Day 5: Departure

Conclude your Kerala Backwaters tour by heading back to Cochin International Airport for your departure, filled with delightful memories of a family adventure in one of India’s most picturesque regions.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

St. Francis Church

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: A Day at St. Francis Church

Morning Arrival

Begin your day with a delightful start at St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India. Centrally located in Fort Kochi, it"s easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw from any part of Kochi city. If you"re up for a mini-adventure, you can opt for a local ferry from Ernakulam to Fort Kochi, which offers scenic views and a refreshing breeze.

Exploring St. Francis Church

Step into the serene ambiance of St. Francis Church around 9 AM, just after the morning rush. Built in 1503, this church boasts a history of over 500 years and stands as a testament to the colonial struggle and European influence in India. It was here that the famous explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried, and although his remains were later moved to Lisbon, his initial burial spot inside the church is clearly marked, fascinating both young and old visitors.

Interactive Learning

For the kids, prepare a small scavary hunt related to the church’s architecture and historical figures, making the visit educational and fun. Don’t forget to point out the timber-framed roof and the hand-operated fans, which are sure to capture their imagination.

Lunch and Leisure

Post exploration, head to a nearby café or restaurant. Enjoy some local delicacies like appams and seafood curry, which are both delicious and kid-friendly.

Afternoon Stroll and Activities

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Chinese Fishing Nets and the Maritime Museum, which are less than a kilometer away. The iconic nets are especially exciting around sunset. The Maritime Museum will further enrich your family’s understanding of Kochi"s marine history, featuring intriguing exhibits from ancient maritime activities to modern advancements.

End the Day with Local Treats

Wrap up your visit by grabbing some local sweets from a nearby shop, a perfect end to a day filled with culture, history, and fun.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town

Why Visit?

Start your family day trip with a visit to the historic Paradesi Synagogue, nestled in the heart of Jew Town, Cochin. Built in 1568, it’s the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of India"s once-thriving Jewish community.

Morning: Visit to Paradesi Synagogue

- Timing: Open from 10 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 5 PM, closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

- Getting There: The synagogue is located in Mattancherry, which is easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw from any part of Kochi.

- What to See: Admire the hand-painted Cantonese floor tiles, Belgian chandeliers, and the intricately carved teak ark. The synagogue also houses antique gold and silver Torah crowns, gifted by various patrons.

- Interesting Fact: Notice the unique clock tower; it’s inscribed with numerals in Hebrew, Latin, and Malayalam.

Lunch Break: Jew Town Road

- After exiting the synagogue, explore Jew Town Road. This narrow street is lined with stalls selling spices, antiques, and handcrafted items—perfect for some souvenir shopping.

Afternoon: Explore Jew Town

- Historical Insight: Jew Town is rich in history, once the heart of the Cochin Jewish community. As you walk, look for the Jewish homes marked with Stars of David and Hebrew inscriptions.

- Visit: Make sure to stop by the various antique shops and art galleries. Each shop has its own story and treasures from the past.

- Activities for Kids: Engage your kids with a scavenger hunt for artifacts like ancient clocks, traditional Jewish attire, or carvings depicting biblical stories.

End your day with some local treats from one of the many cafes dotting Jew Town Road, reflecting on the rich cultural tapestry you’ve experienced. This itinerary promises an enriching day soaked in history, culture, and local flavors, perfect for a family outing.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Why Visit?

### Family-Friendly Itinerary to the Chinese Fishing Nets, Kochi

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by heading to Fort Kochi, where the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets are located. If you"re staying in Kochi, a taxi or an auto-rickshaw can easily take you to Fort Kochi. For a more scenic and refreshing start, consider taking a ferry from the Ernakulam Jetty to the Fort Kochi Vypeen Jetty, which offers beautiful views of the harbor.

Explore the Nets

Arrive at the nets by 8:00 AM to avoid the crowds and the heat. The Chinese Fishing Nets, known locally as "Cheena Vala," are a spectacular sight and unique to Kochi outside of China. These nets are believed to have been introduced by Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th century. Your family can watch local fishermen operate these massive nets in a rhythmical fashion, and even try their hand at fishing for a small fee.

Interactive Learning

Engage with the fishermen to learn the mechanics and history of these nets. It"s not only educational but also a fun physics lesson for kids, showing how counterweights and lever principles work.

Lunch by the Water

For lunch, head to one of the nearby restaurants that serve fresh seafood. Many establishments will cook fish freshly caught from the Chinese Fishing Nets - it doesn"t get fresher than this!

Stroll and Shop

Post-lunch, stroll down Fort Kochi, visiting quaint shops for souvenirs like spices, handcrafted items, and artworks. Don"t miss out on the local ice cream shops for a sweet treat.

Evening at the Beach

Conclude your day at Fort Kochi Beach around sunset. The silhouette of the Chinese Fishing Nets against the crimson sky makes for a memorable end to the day.

This itinerary not only explores the historic and picturesque Chinese Fishing Nets but also immerses your family in local culture, cuisine, and leisure, making for an enriching and enjoyable experience.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.