Kochi is nestled in the heart of “God’s Own Country” Kerala, and is blessed with some natural and scenic beauty for you to experience. The city has a rich history that dates back to the yesteryear era, being the helm of the Portuguese empire for quite a long time. You are bound to be amazed by the variety of landscapes places in and around Kochi have on offer.
Kochi has many beautiful destinations on the outskirts which are perfect for a quick weekend getaway. It is well connected by great road networks and national highways, so you could go on a beautiful road trip solo, or with your family and friends. Here are some sizzling hot destinations blessed with a scenic route from Kochi, which would help you create some special memories.
Munnar
One of the most beautiful hill stations in India, Munnar is situated in Idukki district in Kerala and is blessed with a sprawling landscape of virgin forests, scenic valleys, huge waterfalls and a lot more.
Best Time To Visit
Munnar is one of South India’s most prized possessions and being a hill station, is blessed with an incredible weather all year around. Summers can be a little warm reaching a maximum of 36 degrees celsius, but has its own charm with soothing evenings and scintillating views of the blooming flowers. If you prefer to stay indoors and enjoy a relaxing time, the rains from July to September are not to be missed as Munnar is surrounded by lush greenery during this time
However, the best month to visit Munnar is the winter month between October and February as the temperatures are low and allow you to explore the outdoors more.
Best Routes
Kochi to Munnar offers some of the best road trip experiences you will ever witness in Southern parts of India. The route from Kochi to Munnar is extremely scenic as you have a choice of two routes while making this trip. The shortest and best route to travel is via NH85 which passes through places such as Kolenchery, Muvattupuzha and Neriamangalam. The distance on this route is 130 km and takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes. This route has standard highway tolls and the road conditions are quite decent.
The second route is via NH544 which is approximately 134 km and would take around 4 hours and 20 minutes to drive down this route. It is a longer route with some traffic, and has tolls along the way so it isn’t the preferred route. You’ll find some dense jungles and incredible waterfalls along the way that have some great sightseeing options.
Places Of Interest
There are some beautiful spots to stop by along both these routes. Down the NH85, visit the Hill Palace Museum, a large 19th century palace complex with an archaeological and heritage museum along with unique parks. Cheeyappara Waterfalls in Chillithodu is a popular trekking spot with cascading waterfalls among the hills. You should stop by the Martha Mariam Cathedral in Kothamangalam, which is said to have been established by 4th century Christian immigrants.
NH544 brings you across the Athirapally Falls, one of the grandest waterfalls Kerala has on offer. Kalady is a must-visit as it is a well-known pilgrim centre which celebrates culture and knowledge. Kodanad Elephant Camp is a popular tourist destination and picnic spot and is the only training centre in Kerala which rescues and trains baby and grown elephants.
Trivandrum
Thisjewel in the beautiful state of Kerala is a major tourist centre, known for its majestic temple, the beaches and backwaters, and the amazing views offered by the surrounding Western Ghats.
Best Time To Visit
Trivandrum, being a coastal city, experiences varied extreme weather all over the year. The summers are from the months of March to May, when it’s generally hot and dry and the temperatures are around 35 degrees celsius. There are some chances of rain in the month of April and May which can provide respite. Monsoons fall in the months between June and September.
The best time to visit Trivandrum is between the months of October to February around the winters, which is also the peak tourist season. The weather remains pleasant with occasional rain showers, which elevates the natural beauty of this scenic town. The temperatures around this season are around 23 degrees celsius which makes it perfect for you to explore the outdoors and plan your wanderlust activities.
Best Routes
The drive from Kochi to Trivandrum is quite scenic, filled with fun places to explore enroute. The route via MC Road and NH66 is the shortest and the best to drive by to reach Trivandrum, and is often used by tourists. This route passes through some scenic towns such as Allapuzha, Kayamkulam, Kollam and Attingal. The distance between Kochi and Trivandrum on this particular route is around 200 km and takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes. The road conditions are excellent and well-maintained, as you take in the scenic views of the Ghats enjoying a smooth and comfortable journey.
The other route via SH42, MC Road and NH66 is actually the same distance but it takes longer to cover the journey. The distance between Kochi and Trivandrum on this route is 204 km and takes 6 hours to cover. The route traverses multiple highways and the conditions of the highway are still quite good, but you have to look out for road closures. It is advised to check the live maps and look for instant traffic updates to ensure there are no hiccups during the drive.
Places Of Interest
If you are driving down the NH66, there are plenty of sights and offbeat places you will encounter enroute. You could stop by the Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum in Alappuzha which showcases a captivating collection of artefacts, rare coins, exquisite artworks and vintage photography. Stop by the marvellous Jatayu Rock in Jadayupara, a colossal rock formation which has grown into a popular tourist attraction.
On the latter route, you can stop by the Kumarakom Craft museum, a quaint museum which stands as a testament to the region’s rich artistic heritage. Karingali Chal Spot in Pandalam, is a scenic spot blessed with some lush greenery, tranquil lakes and breathtaking views. There are several eating spots enroute such as The Village Restaurant, Cassia Restaurant and Thaff Delicacy which specialises in authentic Kerala style meals.
Palakkad
Nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Palakkad is home to some gorgeous natural beauty and unique culture owing to its close proximity to the state of Tamil Nadu.
Best Time To Visit
The tropical characteristics of Kochi means that the summers are excruciatingly hot and the city receives constant precipitation of rainfall. The summers last between the months of February to May are the hottest with temperatures around 35 degrees celsius, so it is advised not to travel during this period. Monsoons between June and September experience abundant rainfall, but helps bring a pleasing vibe to the scenic town, with temperatures hovering between 25 and 30 degrees celsius. Winters however, are the best time to visit Palakkad as the temperatures are so pleasant around 22 to 28 degrees celsius, there is lesser rainfall which means you have time to explore the travel options outdoors.
Best Routes
From Kochi, there is basically one route used by tourists to reach Palakkad. The route to Palakkad is via NH544 which takes you through some interesting towns such as Ernakulam, Angamaly, Chalakudy and Pattikkad. The distance between Kochi and Palakkad is around 145 km and takes around 2 hours and 55 minutes to reach your destination.
The road conditions are great, and you are generally treated to some incredible views, ranging from dense forests, gorgeous waterfalls and the face of the majestic Ghats. The winding, smooth roads would be perfect to explore solo on a bike ride, if not enriched by travelling in a car with your friends and family. The route however, has road closures and tolls which could lengthen your journey. Always check out live maps and for instant traffic updates to make your journey hassle-free.
Places Of Interest
This route is quite blessed with some incredible stopping points, making it tough for you to reach Palakkad from Kochi in one go. First, you’ll pass by Thrissur, an urban settlement renowned for its vibrant festivities and revered sacred sites. It boasts of some iconic landmarks, such as the Vadakkumnathan Temple, a Lord Shiva shrine that showcases beautiful murals, and Our Lady of Dolours Basilica, an elaborate Indo-Gothic structure. You should definitely stop by Athirappilly Water Falls, the Niagara of India, a well-known and picturesque waterfall situated at the edge of Sholayar forest ranges.
The Palakkad Fort, preserved since 1766 CE holds great historical significance, and it contains a garden, and pathways for walking. Also, you should check out the Punnathur Kotta, an elephant sanctuary offering training and grooming to around 60 elephants. The sprawling 11.5 acres of land surrounding the park makes it a prime attraction for tourists who want to experience the wild.
Summary
Kerala is brimming with some incredible natural sights, and these spots are in close proximity to Kochi, so you’ll require just 1 to 2 days to tour the entire destination. The places discussed in the article are so varied and range from the majestic Western Ghats, to the serene backwaters and some amazing towns filled with heritage and culture.
What stands out about Kochi is its incredible road network which is a vital factor when you are commuting to these nearby spots. The roads are well maintained and laid out, and is further enriched by the spectacular views it constantly has on offer. There is definitely no shortage of destinations if you are in Kochi and are looking for a quick weekend getaway, so it is time for you to get on the road and explore the beautiful spots around.
