Your ultimate guide for road-tripping through Kerala

Looking for an adventure where new spectacles spring at every corner all the time? Imagine riding through twisting roads all around green hills with a tinge of spices in the air and a sound of waves from a distance.

Visualise a ride through vast stretches of coconut trees, visiting small and peaceful hamlets and stopping insatiably at several look out points. Whether you are a traveller visiting Kerala for the first time or are a regular tourist, the landscape, hospitality and culture will charm your heart. This is more than a road trip; it is a journey into the very essence of Kerala. 

Are you all set to take off and enjoy the splendour that Kerala offers? As this ultimate guide showcases, it will be easy for anyone who wants to make a scenic drive and take a trip around Kerala.

Planning your route

Starting point: Kochi

Your first stopover should be at Kochi, a beach city where history meets modern life. Known for its colonial architecture, Kochi offers a peek into Kerala’s history. So while in Kochi, make sure to visit Fort Kochi, the Chinese fishing nets, and the Mattancherry Palace before you hit the road.

Route 1: Kochi to Munnar (130 km)

Your journey begins from Kochi to Munnar, a hill station well known for its tea plantations. The road trip usually takes about 4 hours and consists of some hairpin bends, some beautiful valleys and a good number of waterfalls. While going this way, do not forget to visit Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls. Munnar has several attractions - tea estates, and Eravikulam National Park for trekking or relaxing in the cool climate.

Munnar | Credits: Canva

Route 2: Munnar to Thekkady (90 km)

From Munnar, One can travel to Thekkady, where the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located. The adventure takes around 3 hours, offering the picturesque Western Ghats that complement the journey. There, take a boat ride in Periyar Lake; visit the spice farms or join a jungle hike. This place is also rich in fauna hence you may see some elephants, tigers and other indigenous wildlife.

Thekkady | Credits: Canva

Route 3: Thekkady to Alleppey (140 km)

Next, go for a drive to Alleppey, another stunning and delightful city which is also referred to as the Venice of the East. On average, this route takes about four hours, however, the views of the backwaters in some of Kerala's most picturesque regions make it a worthwhile journey. Houseboats are the major attraction in Alleppey, and staying on one is a must. One can sit idle on the backwaters and drive home the characteristic Kerala cuisine while cruising on the water and appreciating the calm environment.

Alleppey | Credits: Canva

Route 4: Alleppey to Varkala (120 km)

Advance your journey into Varkala, which is mainly coastal and characterised by cliffs and beaches. The driving distance is about 3 hours and is quite manageable. At Papanasam Beach, infamous for its hot and cold springs and waters, bathers can soothe their aching bodies. Or wander to the Janardana Swamy Temple tucked away on a hillside a short walk from town. There are also many cafes and eateries that overlook the azure Arabian Sea that dot the Town.

Varkala | Credits: Canva

Route 5: Varkala to Kovalam (55 km)

Completing the JSPS peak is a drive to Kovalam, the favourite beach of Trivandrum. It only takes less than 2 hours to drive but it is preferable to make it an all-day trip to capture the sights at the coast. The beaches at Kovalam are shaped like a crescent and there are big opportunities for vod water activities or Ayurvedic spa therapies. Spend the last days of your holiday basking in the sun and lounging along the sea.

Kovalam | Credits: Canva

Must-visit stops along the way

1. Athirapally waterfalls

When going from Kochi to Munnar, make a stop on the way to sightsee the Athirapally Waterfalls, which are popularly called the Niagara of India. At 80 feet in height, this gorge waterfall is amazing, especially during the wet season when the water is high. The place is also covered with a lot of vegetation providing an ideal location for picnics and photography. The falls are also nice places for birdwatching because different kinds of birds can be seen there as well. A trip to Athirapally is more of interesting workouts and time in touch with nature than just the sight.

Athirapally waterfalls | Credits: Canva

2. Marari beach

Marari Beach is located just outside Alleppey and is another unexplored beauty where one can get a break from the glorified crowds. This untouched beach is sweet for an evening on the sandy shores or simply a leisure walk. The place is still in its natural state with no commercialization which is an asset for people who want to take a break in the arms of Mother Nature. The waters are calm and ideal for a nice swim, fishermen go about their business even at the beach where there are a lot of them bringing in fish. If you want to relax on a beach, you have to come to Marari Beach which is prevalent in Kerala and is a highlight of the Kerala Road Trip.

Marari beach | Credits: Canva

3. Varkala cliff

Among the most visited places in Kerala, one of the highlights is the Varkala Cliff with the stunning view of the Arabian Sea. There are many cafes, shops and yoga places on the cliff which also makes it exciting and enjoyable to be in all day. There are many counters on the cliff where there is enough room to pause and drink in the views. Just a short distance down the same pathway is the beach below where one can sunbathe, swim, or partake in water sports amongst other activities. Varkala Cliff is another must-visit place in the course of your travels. The scenic beauty vibrant people, and relaxed atmosphere make it even more attractive.

Varkala cliff | Credits: Canva

4. Kumarakom bird sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located a short distance from Kottayam. It is a great place to see birds of different kinds. The sanctuary is maintained over an area of 14 acres and is home to such migratory birds as Siberian cranes, egrets, and herons among many others. To add a fresh angle of bird watching, a boat ride through the sanctuary can provide an opportunity to view the birds in their natural habitat. This, however, is only best done in the early hours of the day and late afternoon when the birds are likely to be spotted. While taking a road trip, the tranquil scenery and wildlife of the sanctuary provide a relaxing break.

Kumarakom bird sanctuary | Credits: Canva

5. Bekal fort

Northern Kerala is no exception regarding places that are worth seeing, if you happen to be visiting the region, you must include the Bekal Fort in your itinerary. The fort, built in the 1600s, has an overlooking view of the beautiful Arabian Sea. The fort itself is intact and right next to it is a lovely beach, thus this place is perfect for history nuts and also nature lovers. There are some features such as the many bastions, the concealed passages, and the lookout towers which help to build up its historical background and a real sense of its function. It is impossible to forget the blend of the beauty of the place and its major historical importance at Bekal Fort during your road trip to Kerala.

Bekal fort | Credits: Canva

Where to eat

If you happen to be in Kerala, it is heaven for foodies. You cannot afford to ignore the local delicacies like appam and stew, Kerala Sadya, and fresh catch, among many other dishes. You can visit small restaurants and toddy shops for a more authentic taste.

• The rice boat (Kochi): This restaurant belongs to the Taj Malabar Resort, and is built on water – it boasts of a ‘seafood focus’. Not to forget the backwaters and making a meal of Meen Pollichathu Thu (fried fish wrapped in banana leaf with coconut milk and spices)
• Rapsy restaurant (Munnar): A ‘must-try’ for tourists, Rapsy offers a wide range of Kerala and continental cuisines. Very popular is the beef fry and parotta.
• Sree muruga cafe (Thekkady): This local restaurant is acclaimed for its typical South Indian style of serving meals on banana leaves. Dosai and thali can also be taken for a real Kerala taste experience.
• Halais restaurant (Alleppey): This restaurant is known for its mouth-watering biryanis and Kerala Malabar food and is popular with both locals and tourists alike. Their special chicken biryani is reputed.
• Cliff lounge (Varkala): Sitting on the Varkala Cliff, this cafe has amazing panoramic views of the sea. Its variety ranges from seafood to in-house fish and croquettes, and even continental fare in between. You ought to try grilled fish and mashed potatoes.
• German bakery (Varkala): This is one of the places you will want to order something. The German Bakery specialises in an assortment of nice, fresh pastries, smoothies, and dishes.
• Villa Maya (Trivandrum): For those who wish to experience the explored range of gourmet dining, Villa Maya is the restaurant for you. Housed in a 300-year-old Dutch house, it serves the most tantalising array of food from the traditional and modern calendars of its people.

Best time to visit Kerala

October to February

This is the period that most tourists decide to visit the state of Kerala. The average temperature is between 18 ° C which is comfortable enough for the winter period and 32° C which is suitable for an outdoor activity such as road trips and sightseeing.

March to May

Summer in Kerala might be characterised by a hot humid climate having temperatures ranging between 29 degrees centigrade to 40 degrees centigrade. However, if you can withstand the hot season; then this is the best time to go to the hill stations such as Munnar, Wayanad and Thekkady which are cooler than the plains.

June to September

During the monsoon period, the resplendent greenery of the state of Kerala can be seen and this is the most scenic season in this state. Although during these rains it is like general rains, but during these rains sometimes sodium water does imbibe a peculiar beauty to the state. This is the funniest season in Kerala where in the monsoon the temperature ranges from 20 degrees centigrade to 30 degree centigrade.

Conclusion

A tour of Kerala is never complete without a road trip. A bend is a charming view, an interesting village or an undiscovered waterfall. No doubt, Kerala holds great attributes with its different geography, culture and customary hospitality that will guarantee an exciting road trip. Therefore, grab your bags, start the car and prepare to visit India’s best state in a new way!

Whether you have just finished your visit to this beautiful southern state of India or you are just searching for a place to hang out. The Hosteller Munnar, The Hosteller Fort Kochi and The Hosteller Wayanad in Kerala are the best places to recline, spend some time and think back over adventures.