Best Places to Visit Near Kerala For Quick Getaways
Kerala is a world in itself with its myriad hill stations, delicious cuisines and grand festivals. But the spots across its borders hold just as much beauty waiting to be explored. Kanyakumari, Mysore and Rameswaram are just an 8 to 9-hour drive from God’s Own Country.
If you love short weekend trips, road journeys or cross-cultural experiences, these places to visit near Kerala are unmissable.
Why Explore Places Near Kerala?
Travellers who’ve toured across Kerala and want to visit nearby places to explore will love what the outskirts have to offer.
- Short travel time with big rewards for travel enthusiasts.
- Opportunity to explore various art forms
- Learn about Karnataka’s rich history
- Sites are often less crowded
- Budget-friendly visits
Top Places to Visit Near Kerala (Interstate Getaways)
If you’re ready to dive into the unknown, these places near Kerala will blow your mind. Each of them is a must-visit with stunning beauty, views and landscape that will make you come back for more.
1. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
This southernmost tip of India features a stunning confluence of oceans – the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, making Kanyakumari the most surreal beauty. Travellers love their early morning visits here for the iconic sunset and sunrise points.
Must-visit: Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the 133-foot Thiruvalluvar Statue
Distance from Trivandrum: 90 km
Best for – Sunrise/sunset views, Vivekananda Rock, coastal temples
Best time to visit – Oct to Feb
How to reach From Trivandrum – By train: 2–2.5 hrs (₹100–₹250) and cab (2 hrs ₹4,000–₹4,800)
2. Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka
Did you know Coorg is known as the ‘Scotland of India’? It offers so many beautiful places to visit near Kerala with family, including coffee plantations, trekking trails and misty hills with peaceful viewpoints.
Must-visit: Apart from its captivating forests and spice plantations, Coorg is also the origin point of the sacred River Kaveri and the highest peak here, which is 1,750 meters high, Tadiandamol. So, if you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker or travelling with your partner, this region will leave you wanting to explore more.
Distance from Wayanad: 170 km
Best for – Coffee plantations, waterfalls, and peaceful hill escapes
Best time to visit – Oct to Mar
How to reach from Wayanad – By cab ₹3,000–₹4,000 (4–5 hrs).
3. Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka
India’s first planned city and the former Kingdom of Mysore, Mysuru, offers a rich history that dates back to the reign of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. Also known as the ‘City of Palaces’, it is home to the most royal palaces, gardens and temples.
Must-visit: Dussehra is the grandest festival here with processions and Elephant parades. The Mysore Palace is every traveller’s favourite destination for its grand architecture and history. You can also visit the Chamundi Hills and Brindavan Gardens for a wholesome experience.
Distance from Kasaragod: 190 km
Best for – Palaces, heritage walks, and Dasara celebrations
Best time to visit – Oct to Feb
How to reach from Kasaragod – By cab (₹4,500–₹6,000) and KSRTC (Karnataka) overnight buses (7 hrs; ₹300–₹600)
4. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
For pilgrims and heritage seekers looking for a one-day trip to places in Kerala, Rameswaram is an important stop. Famous for the Ramanathaswamy Temple, this city is a key stop on the Hindu Char Dham Yatra. It is also one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples with great mythological significance.
Must-visit: Ram Setu is a non-negotiable stop which connects all the way up to Sri Lanka. The theerthams are also an equally vital spot for those looking to bathe in it and purify their soul.
Distance from Alappuzha: 300 km
Best for – Temples, Pamban Bridge, and spiritual tourism
Best time to visit – Oct to Apr
How to reach – Overnight bus via Madurai (11–12 hrs; ₹700–₹1,000)
5. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Amidst all the places to visit near Kerala, this hill station located in the Shevaroy hills is remarkable. Fewer crowd and affordability make this beautiful place, a quick alternative to Munnar or Ooty.
Must-visit: Spice plantations, trekking trails and boating
Distance from Palakkad: 220 km
Best for – Budget-friendly hill station with lakes and viewpoints
Best time to visit – Oct to June
How to reach from Palakkad – By cab (₹4,500–₹6,000) and by bus: Direct or connecting via Salem (6 hrs; ₹400–₹700)
6. Kabini, Karnataka
Ever spotted a Black Panther? If this made you jump with excitement, Kabini is for you. Much like you, many wildlife lovers come to visit the Nagarhole National Park here each year. Thus, it is a great luxury escape for those who come here for a weekend trip.
Must-visit: Jungle safaris, river lodges, and forest stays
Distance from Wayanad: 120 km
Best for – Wildlife safaris and nature lodges near Nagarhole National Park
Best time to visit – Oct to May
How to reach from Wayanad – By cab (2 hrs; ₹2,000–₹2,800) which is most convenient.
7. Valparai, Tamil Nadu
Valparai is a lesser-known, untouched hill retreat in the Anamalai hills. The wide variety of plantations, forests and wildlife sanctuaries situate Valparai among the top places to visit near Kerala. So, if you are an offbeat traveller or couple, be open to making a budget-friendly visit to this beauty.
Must-visit: Valparai offers misty tea estates with guided tours that are every tea lover’s paradise. Travellers can also enjoy the captivating waterfalls and wildlife sightings that range from lion-tailed macaques, elephants, to leopards.
Distance from Kochi: 150 km
Best for – Scenic drives, tea estates, and waterfalls
Best time to visit – Sep to Mar
How to reach – Buses from Coimbatore/Pollachi (₹150–₹300) and train from Pollachi Junction (₹100 local bus to Valparai)
8. Lakshadweep Islands (Bonus)
India’s smallest union territory and the most remote place, the Lakshadweep Islands, is one of the most beautiful tourist places near Kochi, Kerala. This coral island is home to many inhabited islands and is easily accessible via ship or flight from Kochi. It is ideal for divers, honeymooners and beach lovers, which makes it a top tourist attraction in India.
Must-visit: Lakshadweep’s coral reefs are very popular around the world. The entire place is very clean with crystal-clear waters that attract tourists from everywhere. Don’t forget to enjoy the various marine adventures, eithe,r which range from scuba diving to sailing, canoeing to snorkelling.
Tip: Permits required for Indian citizens
Best for – Coral reefs, scuba diving, pristine beaches
Best time to visit – Oct to Mar
How to reach – Flights from Kochi to Agatti Island (₹4,000–₹7,000 one way) and Passenger ships from Kochi (₹2,000–₹3,500)
Best Weekend Getaways From Major Kerala Cities
This list will guide you to make the best weekend getaways near Kerala. You can add the most preferred ones to your itinerary right away so you can enjoy an affordable trip without too much confusion.
| Kerala City | Nearby Places | Avg. Travel Time |
| Kochi | Valparai, Mysuru, Lakshadweep | 4–8 hrs |
| Trivandrum | Kanyakumari, Rameswaram | 2–5 hrs |
| Wayanad | Coorg, Kabini, Mysuru | 3–6 hrs |
| Palakkad | Yercaud, Coimbatore, Valparai | 3–5 hrs |
Curated Multi-State Tour Itineraries From Kerala
1. Coastal & Cultural Combo – 6 Days
Route: Kochi → Trivandrum → Kanyakumari → Rameswaram
Highlights:
- Beach sunsets and spiritual sunrises
- Visit to Padmanabhaswamy and Ramanathaswamy Temples
- Stay in a seaside resort
Best For: Spiritual travellers, families, culture seekers
Average Price: ₹25,000 – ₹32,000 per person
Inclusions: Accommodation in 3-star hotels, daily breakfast, sightseeing transfers, entry fees at major temples, and all intercity transfers in AC vehicle
Exclusions: Lunch and dinner, personal expenses, pooja charges at temples, and optional add-ons like boating or local guides.
2. Hill to Jungle Escape – 5 Days
Route: Wayanad → Coorg → Kabini
Highlights:
- Plantation stay in Coorg
- Wildlife safari in Kabini
- Sunset trek in Wayanad
Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, couples
Average Price: ₹22,000 – ₹28,000 per person
Inclusions: Stay in boutique resorts or eco-lodges, daily breakfast, guided safari at Kabini, private transfers between destinations, and bonfire night in Coorg.
Exclusions: Lunch and dinner, forest entry permit charges, and camera fees at the wildlife reserve
3. Lakshadweep Lagoon Luxury – 4 Days
Route: Kochi → Agatti Island
Highlights:
- Stay in a beachfront cottage
- Snorkelling and diving
- Island hopping with boat excursions
Best For: Honeymooners, beach lovers, water sports fans
Best For: Honeymooners, beach lovers, water sports fans
Average Price: ₹45,000 – ₹55,000 per person
Inclusions: Flights/ship transfers from Kochi to Agatti, accommodation in beachfront cottages, daily meals, water activities (snorkelling, kayaking), and permit assistance
Exclusions: Scuba diving charges, travel insurance, alcohol, and personal shopping.
Travellers can choose to customise their trip for the most convenient experience as per their preferences with TravelTriangle.
Travel Tips For Cross-Border Travel From Kerala
Different places in Kerala require different documents. They also include diverse travel tips that you might want to keep in mind. So, make sure you follow them to have a comfortable trip to your favourite destination.
1. A Valid Government ID
Make sure you carry a valid government ID. Check the document before you leave for your trip.
2. Weather Conditions
Ensure there’s little to no rainfall is crucial. September to March is the ideal time for all the places to visit near Kerala, as the weather is comfortable, and the hills are misty and cool.
3. Book Accommodation In Advance
In case you are travelling during the peak months, booking your stay in advance will be much more nominal and safer.
4. Follow Cultural Norms Across States
People here speak different languages and follow different customs that may vary. Make sure not to mock their culture, laugh at them or make them feel disrespected in any way.
5. Verify permits (especially for Lakshadweep)
Certain places in Kerala require special permission to travel. This is especially important for those travelling to Lakshadweep. So, make sure you don’t ignore the rules.
Travellers Testimonials
“My partner and I recently visited Rameswaram, Coorg and Mysore with TravelTriangle. They planned the entire trip on our behalf at the best rates. We did not face any trouble or confusion during the trip at all. The agents were so kind too. We are definitely booking again with them.” Nishanth and Family
“I always recommend TravelTriangle to anyone who wants a comfortable, budget-friendly and hassle-free trip to any place. Last time, they proved themselves again by booking a fantastic trip for me and my family, which went so smoothly. We didn’t have to worry about the budget at all. Thank you so much, TravelTriangle, for making this amazing trip possible on such short notice.”
Sanniya and Family
“Since last year, my friend has been recommending TravelTriangle to me. I was scared to take their help because I wasn’t sure if they would live up to my expectations. Surprisingly, they’ve exceeded it with the most affordable trip, smooth itinerary and whatnot. I highly recommend their kind service to anyone who is looking for the most enjoyable places to visit near Kerala on a budget.”
Vaibhav and Family
“I personally love TravelTriangle’s services as they are brilliant at what they do. You can also check out their page and book the best trips without much hassle.”
Deepak and Family
Conclusion
If you thought Kerala was the ultimate beauty, you need only look beyond it. From the Lakshadweep Islands to Rameswaram, there are a variety of landscapes, forests and viewpoints waiting to be explored. Doesn’t matter who you’re travelling with; if you book your itinerary in advance, you’re bound to have the best trip ever. So, why keep waiting? Book your affordable tour to places near Kerala right away with TravelTriangle and explore the magic of the unknown.
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FAQs About Places To Visit Near Kerala
What are the best weekend getaways near Kerala?
Travellers looking for the best weekend getaway near Kerala should definitely visit Mysore (for the Mysore Palace), Rameswaram (for Ram Setu and the 22 Holy wells) and Valparai (for the most nominal experience ever).
Are there good hill stations near Kerala?
Yes. Yercaud is a beautiful hill station near Kerala, which offers stunning beauty and views. Valparai is also a highly recommended hill station to visit.
How do I reach Lakshadweep from Kerala?
Those who are travelling to Lakshadweep from Kerala can either take a ship from Kochi or simply fly from Kochi to Agatti Island.
Can I do a road trip from Kerala to Rameswaram?
Yes. A road trip from Kerala to Rameswaram is every road trip lover’s paradise. It’s an 8 hour, 53 minutes drive. You can make pit stops for meals, snacks and to freshen up between travel time.
Are there wildlife destinations near Kerala?
Yes, places near Kerala are full of wildlife destinations that you are bound to love. Valparai is a beautiful place where you can visit multiple wildlife sanctuaries.
Where to go after Kerala?
If you are done exploring the various regions of Kerala, you can always visit the borders. From Coorg, Rameswaram, Mysore, to even Kanyakumari, you can visit any place depending upon the kind of food you like and the environment you prefer.
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