Top 17 Road Trips in Kerala

Kerala, often called 'God's Own Country,' is a paradise for travellers seeking natural beauty, culture, and adventure. With its serene backwaters, lush green hills, exotic wildlife, and sprawling tea gardens, road trips in Kerala offer an unparalleled experience.

Whether you're a solo traveller seeking solitude or a family searching for bonding moments, a road trip in Kerala promises to be an enriching experience filled with memories.

Explore the top 17 road trip destinations in Kerala that promise unforgettable journeys and breathtaking vistas:

1. Munnar

Munnar, a gem in Kerala's No. 1 tourist place, offers a road trip filled with mist-covered mountains and tea gardens. The route to Munnar is as mesmerising as the destination, with picturesque views that make every turn worth the ride.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Popularity: Tea estates, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints.
• Activities to do: Explore tea gardens, trek to Anamudi Peak, and visit Mattupetty Dam.

2. Wayanad

Tucked away in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a paradise untouched by time. The road trip to Wayanad treats you to verdant forests, gushing rivers, and quaint villages, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Popularity: Popular for its biodiversity, wildlife sanctuaries, and camping trails.
• Activities: Visit Edakkal Caves, trek to Chembra Peak, explore Banasura Sagar Dam, and indulge in a wildlife safari.

3. Trivandrum

Trivandrum, or Thiruvananthapuram, offers a road trip through coastal vistas and cultural heritage sites. The city is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, with well-preserved heritage structures standing tall amidst lush landscapes.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Popularity: Known for the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum and Kovalam beach.
• Activities to Do: Temple visits, museum tours, and beach outings.

4. Beypore Beach

Beypore Beach is a picturesque stretch of golden sands bordered by palm trees and fishing boats. The road trip to Beypore Beach treats you to serene coastal views and a soothing sea breeze, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May.
• Popularity: Beach, historical port and floating bridge.
• Activities to Do: Sunbathing, water sports, boat riding, sightseeing, and enjoying seafood.

Read more about:

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

5. Vagamon

The road to Vagamon is a thrilling ride through hairpin bends, offering glimpses of green meadows, pine forests, and refreshing waterfalls. This hill station is a quiet retreat away from the bustling city life.

• Best Time to Visit: December to May.
• Popularity: Tea gardens, beautiful meadows and green valleys.
• Activities to Do: Paragliding, trekking, and nature walks.

Know more about:

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

6. Thrissur

Rich in history, culture, and tradition, Thrissur is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, religious sites, and vibrant festivals. The road trip to Thrissur takes you through quaint villages, offering a glimpse into Kerala's vibrant cultural tapestry.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Popularity: Famous for Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur Pooram, and cultural festivals.
• Activities to do: Visit Vadakkunnathan Temple, attend the Thrissur Pooram festival, and shop for traditional artefacts.

know more about:

• Wedding destination in Kerala

7. Kochi

The road trip to Kochi is a journey through the heart of Kerala's historical trade centre, where the colonial past meets modern vibrancy. Kochi's cosmopolitan charm and historical significance make it a unique destination.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Popularity: Popular for its backwaters, Chinese fishing nets, and colonial heritage.
• Activities: Explore Fort Kochi, take a backwater cruise and visit Mattancherry Palace, and shop for spices at Jew Street.

8. Devikulam

Devikulam is a serene hill station known for its lush greenery, sparkling lakes, and tranquil surroundings. The road trip to Devikulam treats you to winding roads, mist-clad mountains, and cascading waterfalls, offering a perfect escape.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Popularity: Sita Devi Lake, tea and spice plantations.
• Activities to Do: Fishing, plantation visits, and nature walks.

9. Alleppey

The drive to Alleppey is through routes lined with palm trees, leading to the backwater haven of Kerala. Known as the 'Venice of the East', Alleppey is famous for its houseboat cruises along the rustic backwaters.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Popularity: Renowned for backwater cruises, Nehru Trophy Boat Race, and Alleppey Beach.
• Activities to do: Houseboat cruises, bird watching, and spa treatments.

10. Athirapally

Embark on a mesmerising journey to Athirapally, home to the majestic Athirapally Waterfalls. The road trip to this picturesque destination takes you through winding roads adorned with dense forests, offering glimpses of Kerala's rich biodiversity.

• Best Time to Visit: September to January
• Popularity: Famous for its waterfalls and natural landscapes
• Activities to Do: Waterfall visits, trekking, and bird watching

11. Kumarakom

Situated on the banks of the serene Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a tranquil backwater destination renowned for its scenic beauty and idyllic charm. The road trip to Kumarakom offers glimpses of Kerala's rural life and verdant landscapes.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March.
• Popularity: Boathouse and water activities.
• Activities to Do: Enjoy in boat house, sunbathing and swimming.

12. Ezhattumugham Nature Village

Tucked away in the lap of nature, Ezhattumugham Nature Village offers a serene retreat amidst lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. The road trip to this hidden gem is characterized by scenic vistas and tranquil surroundings.

• Best Time to Visit: September to February.
• Popularity: Hanging bridge, dam and oil palm plantation.
• Activities to Do: Picnicking, nature walks, and photography.

13. Kollam

Known as the gateway to Kerala's backwaters, Kollam is a charming coastal town renowned for its historic significance and natural beauty. The road trip to Kollam offers scenic views of coconut groves, backwaters, and traditional villages.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Popularity: Ashtamudi Backwaters, Kottarakkara Ganapathy temple, Kollam Beach, and Thenmala Ecotourism.
• Activities to Do: Visit beaches, and temples and enjoy the natural beauty.

14. Thekkady

Nestled amidst the dense forests of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is a nature lover's paradise renowned for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. The road trip to Thekkady offers scenic views of tea gardens, cardamom plantations, and mist-clad hills.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Popularity: Periyar National Park, Mullaperiyar Dam, Green Park Spices and Cultural Centre.
• Activities to Do: Enjoy wildlife safari, explore spice plantations and attend cultural shows.

15. Ponmudi

Perched atop the Western Ghats, Ponmudi is a charming hill station known for its misty landscapes, lush greenery, and winding roads. The road trip to Ponmudi offers breathtaking views of valleys and cascading waterfalls.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Popularity: Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar Dam, Tea Estates,  and Vazhvanthol Waterfalls.
• Activities to Do: Indulge in trekking experience and explore wildlife sanctuaries and tea estates.

16. Bekal

Located along the coast of the Arabian Sea, Bekal is renowned for its historic fort, pristine beaches, and tranquil backwaters. The road trip to Bekal offers panoramic views of the coastline, coconut groves, and traditional fishing villages.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Popularity: Bekal Beach, Chembirika Beach, Bekal Fort, and Kappil Beach.
• Activities to Do: Visit beaches and enjoy kayaking, bamboo rafting and boating.

17. Varkala

Known for its stunning cliffside views and pristine beaches, Varkala is a tranquil seaside town ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. The road trip to Varkala offers scenic views of coastal landscapes, coconut groves, and traditional fishing villages.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Popularity: Varkala Beach, Sri Janardanaswamy Temple, Varkala Cliff and Kappil Beach.
• Activities to Do: Visit beaches and temples and enjoy water sports.

Kerala road trips are not just about reaching a destination; they're about embracing the journey, soaking in the views, and making memories along the way. Each road trip destination in Kerala has its unique charm, offering a mix of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness.