Kerala, the land of coconut, is often referred to as ‘God’s own country’ and it definitely embodies the essence of Paradise on earth. Located in Southwestern India, it’s a gem with serene landscapes, lush forests, sparkling backwaters and endless greenery. A road trip in Kerala offers a journey that is nothing short of unforgettable. With vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Kerala has a story to tell to every adventure enthusiast. Its diverse terrain is a treat to anybody visiting the place by road. In this article we will guide you through the must-do road trips of Kerala, along with some essential tips to keep in mind. We will be covering road trip destinations in Central Kerala such as Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom and Alleppey and road trip destinations in South Kerala such as Varkala and Trivandrum. Get ready for a journey that promises not just scenic beauty but also diving into the heart and soul of Kerala.
Kochi to Munnar
The bustling port city of Kochi is perhaps the most well-known in Kerala. Munnar is located at an elevation of 1600 m above sea level and is one of the most sought out places for people looking to unwind. Kochi to Munnar is 130 kms and the journey takes approximately 2 hours 30 mins, but could take longer thanks to what the route has to offer. The drive through the Western Ghats is a visual treat with winding roads, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of lush green hills. The winding roads from Neriamangalam to Munnar are a particular highlight, taking you through thick rainforests. The hill station is filled with resorts and lodging facilities that fit a variety of budgets making it a comfortable destination for all types of travelers. While you are in Munnar look out for the blue Neelakurinji that blooms once every twelve years and will color the valley in blue again around 2030. Munnar is also home to the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, standing at a height of over 2500 meters, which is visible throughout the route. Before leaving do not forget to visit Eravikulam national park to spot some colorful butterflies and a magnificent view of the tea plantations.
Best time to visit: September to November is considered the perfect time to head on this road trip. The roads are clear and the weather is extremely pleasant. The refreshing breeze is cold but not too cold and mist blankets the lush green landscapes every morning. Even the spring season which is February to April is a good time to embark on this journey. During this time you can witness the valleys shed their winter leaves and grow greener and brighter ones, peppered with small colorful flowers.
Places of interest:
- Chinese Fishing Nets
This is located in Kochi itself, and can be the first step towards exploring Kochi on its own. As unique as the name is, the view is even more magnificent. Nets are suspended from bamboo poles approximately 10 meters high, and are a symbol of Kerala’s 500-year old colonial legacy. These nets are used in fishing and the catch is usually sold fresh within 30 minutes. The bustling seafood market near the nets is one of the best spots to buy or eat coastal fishes and crustaceans right out of the sea.
- Cheeyappara waterfalls
The falls are a renowned destination amongst trekkers. It is situated above a lush hill-top and resembles something out of a fairytale. Although visitors are not allowed to take a dip due to safety reasons, you can always take pictures and enjoy the water spray when they hit the rocks. The sound of the cascading waterfall is calming and the tea-stalls nearby act as the perfect stopover destination for your road trip.
- Tea Gardens
Once you enter Pothamedu, the sprawling green tea gardens start. The long winding roads are accompanied with tea gardens on both sides and are a true beauty to behold. You can get your cameras out and take pictures, and also sample the tea straight from the plantations at the small tea-stalls peppering the edge of the plantations.
Best Routes:
There are two routes for this particular road trip;
- Route 1: The best route is via the NH85.
Distance:126.6 Km; Travel time: 3 hours 40 minutes. This route is among the smoothest and most frequented owing to the excellent condition and proper maintenance of road networks here.
- Route 2: Kochi to Munnar road condition via NH544.
Distance:135 Km; Travel time: 4 hours 30 minutes. This route is longer than NH85, but way more scenic and beautiful! While the traffic isn’t much on this route as well, the road quality is just average and not at all smooth in many parts.
The Kochi to Munnar route via NH85 is considered to be the best way to get from the shores of Kochi to the hills of Munnar. It’s shorter than the route via NH544, the road is smoother and comfortable for an easy-going ride, the tolls are infrequent, and there are no unpleasant road blockages or closures. While the route via NH544 is far more scenic and beautiful, NH85 does offer breathtaking vistas of Kerala’s charming rural setup and hilly landscapes at regular intervals!
Munnar to Thekkady
Thekkady is three hours away from Munnar at a distance of approximately 97 Km. It is another hill station, filled not only with greenery but also wildlife. Thekkady offers the best wildlife that South India has to offer. The road from Munnar to Thekkady is filled with tea gardens at the side and lush green mountains in the distance, and if you take the right detours, you can cover plenty of natural waterfalls. The entrance into Thekkady can be recognised easily with the presence of Teak forests on both sides of the roads. Thekkady is derived from the word ‘Thekku’ that translates to Teak, and the small town stays true to its name. Thekkady is also a haven for natural spices like cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and many more, so if you are planning a road trip along this particular route make sure to stock up on the best spices South India has to offer.
Best time to visit: September to March is the best time to embark on this road trip route. The temperature is between a pleasant 15 to 21 degree C making it ideal for wildlife spotting and trekking activities. The cold breeze and the winding roads will compel you to pop your head out of the window and click tons of pictures.
Places of Interest:
Let’s explore the stopover options along this scenic route.
- Thoovanam Falls
Yet another beautiful waterfall amidst lush greenery. Thoovanam Falls emerges from the Pambar River, and if you visit it in the monsoon, you’ll find it rumbling down the slope. This cascading waterfall, therefore, offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a dip in the cold and crystal-clear water of the river. But be cautious while you’re in the strong current. The area around Thoovanam Falls is a part of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is the home to the endangered giant grizzled squirrel species. The combination of forests and grasslands promotes varied wildlife, and the environment makes it an ideal spot for trekking. You can find herds of gaur, elephant, and deer among others during your trek or safari.
- Periyar WildLife Sanctuary
This is one of Kerala’s most renowned wildlife forest reserves, and the largest in the state.The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) classifies this park under category II, meaning that it is not just a sight-seeing spot and is mainly used for the conservation of rare flora and fauna.Only a few parks are open through every season, and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of them. One can visit the park anytime between 6am to 7pm, but if you are on the lookout for any big cats then the evening time is the best. There are guided tours, jungle safaris and boat rides available to explore the sanctuary, there are night safari tours also available to spot nocturnal animals like the elusive leopard and owls. One can hope to spot tigers, elephants, deers and many types of migratory birds during their day tours.
- Ottakathalamedu
Ottakathalamedu translates to ‘the cliff of the camel’s back.’ It’s a short 4 km drive from Thekkady and serves as a great viewpoint. The summit of this cliff offers trekkers a real treat. From the top, you can see an expansive view of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kumily, the Spice Gardens, the Mangaladevi Temple and even some distant villages of Tamil Nadu. If you like photography, be sure to pack your wide angle lens. It is the perfect place to capture memories while watching the sunset. It also makes for a great picnic destination.
- Chellarkovil ViewPoint
Located at a small detour from the Thekkady route is the Chellarkovil viewpoint. If you get tired of the long winding roads, this viewpoint acts as the perfect refresher. Behold the beauty of the valleys of Kerala from this view point and take a break before resuming your road trip.
Best Routes:
There are two routes one can take for the Munnar to Thekkady road trip –
- Route 1: Munnar, Devikulam, Pooppara, Udambanchola, Ramakkalmedu and Thekkady
Distance: 100 km; Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours. If you are looking for a more scenic route to drive through, then this route is highly recommended.
- Route 2: Munnar, Chithirapuram, Anachal, Rajakkad, Karitode, Nedumkandam, and Thekkady
Distance: 91 km; Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours. This one is the fastest route to reach Thekkady from Munnar. It is approximately 91 km in distance and will take around 3 hours to complete.
Both routes offer a treat to the eyes with lush landscapes and mist covered hills. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the road conditions along the way. The roads are often described as narrow and, in some places, may be damaged due to heavy monsoon rainfall. As you wind through the hills and valleys, you may encounter stretches that demand extra caution.
Thekkady to Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a village on Vembanad Lake in the backwaters of Kerala. The trip from Thekkady to Kumarakom takes approximately 4 hours and is located at a distance of 122 Km. This road trip route is a transition from the high altitude tea gardens to the sparkling backwaters of Kerala. The Periyar National Park falls on the way to Kumarakom, and has many attractions like guided jungle safari as well as boat ride. Kumarakom is the venue for Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race held in September during Onam festival. More than 1000 oarsmen in boats of different sizes and shapes will participate in this event. Besides the boat race, the place has much more to offer from its bird sanctuary to Pathiramanal Island.
Best time to visit: The best time to take a road trip from Kumarakom and Thekkady is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is green. You can also visit during the monsoon season from June to September, if you want to enjoy the festivities of Onam, rain and the lush vegetation.
Places of Interest:
- Houseboat Cruise
The major sightseeing option at Kumarakom is a houseboat cruise in the backwaters of Vembanad. The backwater cruises are a unique experience that leaves memories for a lifetime, and will give you an opportunity to take a break from driving. You can choose to either take a short cruise on a Country boat or stay the night on the backwaters in a Houseboat. Excellent marine and freshwater fish including tasty karimeen, shrimp, and prawns are available in the area.
- Pathiramanal Island
At a distance of 12 km from Kumarakom Bus Station & 20 km from Alappuzha, Pathiramanal Island (meaning – Sands of Night) is a small & breathtakingly beautiful island in the Vembanad Lake. The island is home to hundreds of rare birds, including 91 local species of birds and 50 migratory birds, definitely a treat for bird watchers. Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat making it an ideal pit stop in the middle of a houseboat ride.
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
At a distance of 5 km from Kumarakom Bus Station, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a protected reserve situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kerala. It is also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary and is one of the best places of wildlife in Kerala. Spread across 14 acres, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an amazing paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields, and coconut groves. The sanctuary is accessible by road & boat from Kumarakom village. It has well-laid paths for moving around within the sanctuary (1-2 hours by foot). The best way to watch the birds is to take a 2-hour boat trip around the sanctuary through country boats available at the entrance of the sanctuary.
Best routes:
The fastest and shortest route from Thekkady to Kumarakom is via NH 183. There’s also another route which takes longer via SH33, this route passes through multiple small villages, so if you are looking to experience local town life and atmosphere then this route is the best option.
Kumarakom to Alleppey
This road trip route takes you from one backwater to another. Alleppey is not only known for its backwaters but also for its beaches. The road trip from Kumarakom to Alleppey is 35.6 kms and takes approximately one hour. If you find that locals are unable to understand when you ask them about Alleppey then that is probably because it is also called Allapuzha. If you are planning to stay in Alleppey, it is best to rent out a house boat for the unfiltered backwater experience. Alleppey has a local town called Mullackal that is the perfect paradise for shoppers looking to take home authentic Kerala souvenirs.
Best time to visit: The best time for a road trip from Kumarakom to Alleppey is during the winter months, from November to February. During this period, the weather is pleasant and cool, making it ideal for exploring the scenic backwaters and enjoying outdoor activities.
Places of interest:
Here are the list of places to see along the way
- House Boat Rides
As compared to Kumarakom the house boat rides at Alleppey are more economically priced and are more in number. Rent out a houseboat for the night, which are more luxurious than hotel rooms with the added benefit of an open deck to enjoy the cruise on the criss-cross water canals of Alleppey.
- Kuttanad
This region covers most of the Alleppey district and is the heart of the backwaters of Kerala. Kuttanad is known as the ‘rice bowl’ of India, due to its characteristic paddy fields spread throughout the area. Visiting Kuttanad is the perfect gateway into the traditional country life side of Kerala.
- Alappuzha beach
If backwaters are not your thing, then head over to Alappuzha beach. The most famous attraction of the beach besides the sprawling sea is the 150 year old pier known as Playa de Alappuzha which stretches all the way till the sea. Grab a mat and relax under the palm groves while watching the waves crash onto the beach.
Best Routes:
There are three routes for this particular road trip
- Route 1: Via SH40 and NH66
Distance: Approximately 31.5 miles (50.6 km) ; Travel Time: Around 1 hour 5 minutes (without heavy traffic) This route takes you through SH40 and NH66, offering scenic views of the backwaters and lush greenery
- Route 2: Via Kottyam Road and NH66
Distance: Approximately 35.2 miles (56.6 km); Travel Time: Around 1 hour 10 minutes (without heavy traffic). This route passes through Kottyam Road and NH66, providing a mix of rural landscapes and small towns
- Route 3: Via SH1 and SH12
Distance: Approximately 37.9 miles (61 km); Travel Time: Around 1 hour 20 minutes (without heavy traffic). This route takes you through SH1 and SH12, offering a more extended drive with beautiful countryside views
Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala
Varkala is a famous beach town with two beautiful virgin beaches – Papanasham and Bekal. The road trip from Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram is around 37.7 kms and takes approximately one hour to cover. The road from capital city Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala is an interesting one as you move from the most populated city of Kerala to the laid-back surfer town of Varkala. Varkala has Kerala’s only cliff beach, also known as Varkala beach. The popular Varkala Cliff standing on this beach is a famous hub for eateries, shopping stores, and paragliding. The road from Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala is a smooth transition from busy roads to the wide expanse of sea. If you are looking to escape the constant hustle bustle of Thiruvananthapuram then Varkala is the perfect sandy escape for you.
Best time to visit:
Both Varkala and Thiruvananthapuram are in the far south of India’s southern state of Kerala, so they have a tropical climate, with hot temperatures year-round. While it’s almost always humid, it’s less so between October and February, and also less rainy at this time of year. This is the peak season for tourism and the best time to visit.
Places of interest:
- Varkala Lighthouse
Right at the beginning of the road trip lies the Varkala Lighthouse about 4 Km from Varkala. The 130-feet tall lighthouse provides the perfect viewpoint of the small beach towns and the vast sea. The lighthouse provides a nostalgic feel with its winding staircase and old-time structure.
- Ponnumthuru Island
This island is located just 10 km from Varkala and is better known as the Golden Island, thanks to ancient myths. Ponnumthuru speaks of seclusiveness with only occasional company and might as well feel like a private island. One can spot exotic birds while chilling alongside the coast providing a relaxing retreat. The Shiva Parvati Temple at this island hosts a 10-day long festival every year in the month of February making it a cultural fiesta for locals and travelers.
- Kadinamkulam lake
As you enter the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, you can spot this sparkling lake with small fishing boats. If you like picnics near lakes, then this is the perfect pit stop. You can also visit the most famous Shiva temple in South India, Kadinamkulam Mahadeva Temple. It is one of the few temples in South India where darshan is facing West unlike the usual East facing darshan.
Best Routes:
You can take two routes, both of which offer a view of the beach and the sea.
- Route 1: Via Varkala Kadakkavoor road onto the NH66 also known as Trivandrum Bypass road.
Distance: 42.5 Km ; Travel time: 1 hour 25 minutes. This route allows you to experience the rural beach settlements, and frequent roadside hawkers selling interesting tid-bids.
- Route 2: Directly head on to the NH66
Distance: 46.6 Km ; Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes. This route is directly onto the highway and is a longer route. For a smooth driving experience you can pick this route.
Cars to prefer on a Kerala road trip
While most of the road trips on this list can be comfortably done in any car, having a specific type of car will enhance your experience and make your trip more memorable. MUVs like the Toyota Innova and Maruti Ertiga will be perfectly suited for all the routes on this list, offering plenty of storage and driving comfort for the family.
If you want to enjoy the roads more, choosing a sporty sedan like the Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Virtus or a compact hatchback like the Hyundai i20 and Maruti Swift, will be a more engaging experience.
Summary
Experience Kerala’s charm through a series of mesmerizing road trips, from the misty hills of Munnar to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. This guide takes you on unforgettable journeys, each route offering unique experiences like winding through lush tea gardens, exploring wildlife sanctuaries, or relaxing on serene beaches. Whether you’re driving from Kochi to Munnar, navigating the scenic trails from Thekkady to Kumarakom, or cruising along the coastal roads from Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala, these trips promise breathtaking landscapes and a deep dive into Kerala’s rich cultural tapestry. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, these road trips showcase the very best of “God’s Own Country.”
