Top 20 Bike Trips in Kerala

Explore the land of serene backwaters, lush greenery, and vibrant culture – Kerala. Embark on an unforgettable journey through it on a thrilling bike trip. From the mist-covered hills to the pristine beaches, Kerala offers bikers a diverse range of landscapes.

Discover hidden gems, soak in the rich heritage, and traverse through picturesque routes as you explore the enchanting beauty of Kerala on two wheels.

Here are the 20 bike ride destinations in Kerala that are perfect for a bike ride and an unforgettable journey:

1. Munnar

Munnar, nestled in the Western Ghats, is renowned for its tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and cool climate. Explore the verdant landscapes, visit tea estates, and trek to scenic viewpoints for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Places to See:
  1. Tea Gardens: Wander through the lush tea gardens, witnessing the tea-picking process and learning about the tea-making process.
  2. Eravikulam National Park: Embark on a wildlife safari in the park and marvel at the breathtaking scenery and rich biodiversity.

2. Alleppey

Alleppey is famous for its tranquil backwaters, picturesque houseboats, and serene canals. Cruise along the backwaters, enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine on a houseboat and witness mesmerising sunset views over the waterways.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Places to See:
  1. Alleppey Backwaters: Experience its serene beauty on a houseboat cruise, passing through lush paddy fields and quaint villages.
  2. Alappuzha Beach: Relax on the golden sands of Alappuzha Beach, indulge in water sports, and savour delicious seafood.

Read more about:

• List of cities in Kerala
• Trekking places in Kerala
• What is Kerala famous for

3. Wayanad

Wayanad is known for its lush greenery, misty hills, and rich biodiversity. Explore dense forests, visit cascading waterfalls, and embark on wildlife safaris searching for elusive wildlife.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Places to See:
  1. Chembra Peak: Trek to the highest peak in Wayanad for panoramic views of the heart-shaped Chembra Lake.
  2. Soochipara Waterfalls: Enjoy the beauty of Soochipara Waterfalls, cascading from a height of 200 meters.

Read more about:

• Best places to live in Kerala
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• Best beaches in Kerala

4. Thekkady

Thekkady, located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, dense forests, and thrilling wildlife encounters. Embark on jungle safaris, explore spice plantations, and cruise along the tranquil Periyar Lake.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Places to See:
  1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore the diverse flora and fauna of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a guided jungle safari.
  2. Spice Plantations: Visit spice plantations in Thekkady to learn about the cultivation and processing of spices.

5. Varkala

Varkala, perched atop majestic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, is famous for its pristine beaches, natural mineral springs, and ancient temples. Relax on golden sands, rejuvenate with Ayurvedic treatments, and watch mesmerising sunsets.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Places to See:
  1. Varkala Beach: Spend leisurely hours sunbathing on Varkala Beach, dotted with shacks serving fresh seafood and refreshing coconut water.
  2. Janardanaswamy Temple: Visit the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple and witness architectural marvels, intricate carvings, and religious rituals.

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6. Bekal

Bekal, home to the imposing Bekal Fort, is known for its pristine beaches, historic ruins, and cultural heritage. Explore the centuries-old fort, stroll along tranquil beaches, and unwind amidst serene surroundings.

• Best Time to Visit: December to February.
• Places to See:
  1. Bekal Fort: Explore the sprawling Bekal Fort and marvel at its architectural grandeur and panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
  2. Bekal Beach: Relax on the golden sands of Bekal Beach, framed by swaying palm trees and gentle sea breezes.

7. Kochi

Cochin, also known as Kochi, is a vibrant port city with a rich history, diverse culture, and eclectic architecture. Explore colonial landmarks, vibrant markets, and serene backwaters, and savour the fusion of tradition and modernity.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Places to See:
  1. Fort Kochi: Wander through the charming lanes of Fort Kochi, lined with colonial-era buildings, art galleries, and quaint cafes.
  2. Mattancherry Palace: Explore Mattancherry Palace and marvel at its exquisite murals depicting Hindu mythology and Portuguese influences.

8. Kumarakom

Kumarakom, nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake, is renowned for its tranquil backwaters, lush greenery, and bird sanctuaries. Cruise along scenic waterways, stay in traditional houseboats and witness migratory birds in their natural habitat.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March.
• Places to See:
  1. Vembanad Lake: Explore the vast expanse of the lake on a houseboat cruise, passing through narrow canals and paddy fields.
  2. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Discover the avian wonders of the sanctuary, home to a diverse range of resident and migratory birds.

9. Ponmudi

Ponmudi, nestled in the Western Ghats, is a serene hill station known for its mist-covered hills, winding roads, and lush greenery. Embark on scenic drives, trek through verdant forests, and soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Places to See:
  1. Golden Valley: Trek to Golden Valley, a picturesque spot nestled amidst rolling hills and gushing streams.
  2. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore the rich biodiversity of Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary amidst dense forests and pristine streams.

10. Athirappilly

Athirappilly, often called the "Niagara of India," is famed for its majestic waterfalls, lush greenery, and scenic beauty. Witness the thundering cascades of Athirappilly Falls and trek through verdant forests.

• Best Time to Visit: September to January.
• Places to See:
  1. Athirappilly Falls: Marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of Athirappilly Falls, cascading from a height of 80 feet.
  2. Vazhachal Waterfalls: Visit Vazhachal Waterfalls and admire its scenic beauty, roaring cascades, and tranquil surroundings.

11. Chembra Peak

Drive to the base of Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad, and embark on a trek through lush tea plantations and dense forests to reach the summit. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the heart-shaped Chembra Lake.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March.
• Places to See:
  1. Heart-shaped Chembra Lake: Scenic lake nestled amidst the hills, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for photography.
  2. Tea Plantations: Rolling hills carpeted with verdant tea gardens, perfect for leisurely walks and nature photography.

12. Meenmutty Waterfalls

Journey to Meenmutty Waterfalls, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in Kerala. Drive through winding roads flanked by dense forests and trek through the jungle to reach the cascading falls, surrounded by lush greenery.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May.
• Places to See:
  1. Trekking Trails: Explore the surrounding jungle on trekking trails leading to smaller cascades and natural pools.
  2. Kanthanpara Waterfalls: Scenic waterfall nearby, offering a serene ambiance and opportunities for swimming and picnicking.

13. Vagamon

Discover the untouched beauty of Vagamon, a serene hill station nestled amidst rolling hills and tea plantations. Drive along winding roads flanked by pine forests and lush meadows, soaking in the breathtaking views.

• Best Time to Visit: March to May, June to September.
• Places to See:
  1. Vagamon Meadows: Vast expanse of green meadows offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
  2. Pine Forests: Tranquil forests dotted with towering pine trees, ideal for leisurely walks and birdwatching.

14. Eravikulam National Park

Explore the biodiverse landscapes of Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and a variety of endemic flora and fauna. Drive through scenic roads and embark on wildlife safaris to spot rare wildlife.

• Best Time to Visit: July to September.
• Places to See:
  1. Rajamalai: High-altitude region within the park known for its picturesque landscapes and Nilgiri Tahr sightings.
  2. Anamudi Peak: Highest peak in South India, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

15. Mattupetty Dam

Drive to Mattupetty Dam, a picturesque reservoir nestled amidst rolling hills and lush greenery. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the tranquil waters and soak in the serene ambiance of the surroundings.

• Best Time to Visit: October to April.
• Places to See:
  1. Echo Point: Scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding hills, known for its natural echo phenomenon.
  2. Kundala Lake: Serene lake surrounded by lush tea gardens, perfect for boating and picnics.

16. Meesapulimala

Embark on an adventurous journey to Meesapulimala, the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats. Drive through scenic tea estates and trek through rugged trails to reach the summit, offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Places to See:
  1. Rhodo Valley: Picturesque valley carpeted with vibrant rhododendron flowers, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
  2. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: Highest tea plantation in the world, known for its scenic beauty and panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

17. Kappil Beach

Explore the secluded beauty of Kappil Beach, a pristine stretch of golden sand bordered by lush coconut groves and backwater lagoons. Drive along coastal roads and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of this hidden gem.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Places to See:
  1. Kappil Lake: Serene backwater lagoon adjoining the beach, perfect for boat rides and birdwatching.
  2. Edava Nadayara Lake: Scenic lake nearby, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and opportunities for fishing and kayaking.

18. Kuttanad

Experience the unique beauty of Kuttanad, often referred to as the "Venice of the East," with its vast network of backwaters, paddy fields, and coconut groves. Drive along scenic backwater roads and explore the rustic charm of this tranquil region.

• Best Time to Visit: August to March.
• Places to See:
  1. Paddy Fields: Verdant rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see, reflecting the golden hues of the sun.
  2. Chavara Bhavan: Historic houseboat museum showcasing the traditional lifestyle and culture of the region.

19. Anamalai Hills

Discover the natural beauty of the Anamalai Hills, a biodiverse region known for its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Drive through scenic mountain roads and explore the pristine wilderness of this enchanting landscape.

• Best Time to Visit: September to June.
• Places to See:
  1. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary: Sanctuary renowned for its rich biodiversity, including elephants, tigers, and rare bird species.
  2. Aliyar Dam: Picturesque dam surrounded by lush greenery, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for boating and picnicking.

20. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Drive through dense forests and wetlands, spotting a variety of migratory and endemic bird species.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Places to See:
  1. Bhoothathankettu Dam: Scenic dam built across the Periyar River, offering panoramic views and opportunities for boating and fishing.
  2. Salim Ali Bird Interpretation Centre: Interpretation center showcasing the rich avian diversity of the sanctuary, with informative exhibits tours.

Kerala offers a diverse array of landscapes and experiences for bike enthusiasts. From misty hill stations to tranquil backwaters, each destination promises adventure and serenity in equal measure. With its rich culture, warm hospitality, and stunning natural beauty, a bike trip through Kerala will leave lasting memories.