8 Road Trips From Kerala For That Dreamy Sojourn In 2024!

Kerala, a home to the languid backwaters, sprawling tea gardens, huge coastlines and colourful dance forms, is popularly known as God’s own country. Situated on the Malabar Coast of Southern India, the tiny sliver of paradise is also one of the tropical tourist destinations that one can look for. In addition to its own offerings, it also offers access to several nearby locations that are a treat of its own kind and make for the best road trips from Kerala.

Road trips are undoubtedly one of the most distinguished ways of exploring the unknown. Not only can you yourself customize the itinerary the way you want to, but also can cover the rarest spots which are not possible if travelled through any other mode of conveyances.

8 Best Road Trips From Kerala

Kerala offers a number of nearby destinations that are helpful to make your weekends come to life. In order to keep it less hectic, let us put across a list of 8 best places that are ideal for road trips from Kerala. Set yourself free from the hustle bustle of city life and drive your way to any of the places as mentioned below.

1. Wayanad To Madikeri – 132.1 kms
2. Wayanad To Mysore – 130.8 kms
3. Munnar To Kodaikanal – 167 kms
4. Munnar To Pollachi – 113.7 kms
5. Devikulam To Madurai – 148.4 kms
6. Thiruvananthapuram To Kanyakumari – 90.7 kms
7. Ernakulam To Coimbatore – 180.3 kms
8. Kannur To Mangalore – 143.1 kms

1. Wayanad To Madikeri

If you love to set out on a journey through the scenic landscapes from literary capital, the route of Wayanad to Madikeri is one of the best routes to explore. Break the monotony of everyday regular life and look away from the hustle and clamour of city life, the route is here to welcome all nature lovers to you. Madikeri is a hub offering coffee plantations, scenic highways and hence is a nature’s paradise. Beautifully encompassed with serene greenery in the surroundings, the sloping roads make the route a biker’s paradise.

Things to do in Vagamon: Visit Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Irupu Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Tadiandamol, Bylakuppe Namdroling Monastery
Ideal for: weekend getaway, witnessing coffee plantations
Trip duration: 2 nights and 3 days
Distance from Wayanad: 132.1 kms
Best time to visit: summers and winters

Suggested Read: 20 Places To Visit In Kerala In December

2. Wayanad To Mysore

Are you ready for a peak to the historical side of Karnataka? The imposing and regal palace has become the iconic destination of Mysore. Giving way to one of the biggest cities in the state of Karnataka, it also comes with an enriching history and culture. The city is one of the best places to explore near Kerala and offers an enriching holiday, both for families and children.

Things to do: Explore Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Zoo, Chamundeshwari Temple, binge of sweet Mysore Pak
Ideal for: weekend getaway
Trip duration: 2 nights and 3 days
Distance from Wayanad: 130.8 kms
Best time to visit: Between September to March

Suggested Read: 37 Amazing Things To Do In Kerala For An Incredible Holiday

3. Munnar To Kodaikanal

Looking to witness the glorious greenery around Kerala and the surrounding cities? Bring your travelling shoes forward and embark on the breezy driveway along the beautiful road of Valparai to Kodaikanal amidst the surrounding hills. Offering picturesque forest on either side with tea plantations, waterfalls and exotic viewpoints, the road trip promises to offer an extraordinary experience to the nature lovers Located in the Palani Hills at a height of 7,000 ft, Kodaikanal is the perfect escape to the hills. Relax against the pine hills of Kodaikanal that offers a breathtaking location to relax and also indulge in photography. 

Things to do: Visit Kodaikanal Lake, Pine Forest, Cascade Falls, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Park
Ideal for: exploring theme work, local sightseeing
Trip duration: 1 night and 2 days
Distance from Munnar: 167 kms
Best time to visit: June to October

Suggested Read: 57 Best Places To Visit In Kerala For A Vacation To Remember

4. Munnar To Pollachi

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Pollachi, a gateway to the Western Ghats offers the perfect gateway to the most pristine hills. The calm, quiet and peaceful place is a scenic paradise for the road trip enthusiasts. The roadway from Munnar to Pollachi offers one of the most spectacular scenery with naturally grown sandalwood trees and lush greenery around that makes the ride an unforgettable one. The water coming in from foothills renders a spectacular view that serves as one of the most scenic picnic spots.

Things to do: Visit Wildlife Sanctuary, Top Slip, Azhiyar Dam, Valparai, Solaiyar Dam, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Ideal for: relaxed getaway
Trip duration: 2 nights 3 days
Distance from Munnar: 113.7 kms
Best time to visit: December and January

Suggested Read: Discover the Best Way To Observe New Year’s Celebrations in Kerala

5. Devikulam To Madurai

Located on the banks of the River Vaigai, Madurai is situated in the ancient city. Proving to be an extraordinary adventure, the road journey is a journey to explore. Madurai is popular for rulers who have contributed largely to the city. Offering one of the most significant attractions, Madurai Meenakshi Temple, the temple dates back to the 14th century. Explore the historical jewel that makes it a perfect family getaway.

Things to do: Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, Alagar, Kovil, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Koodal Azhagar Temple
Ideal for: romantic getaway, honeymoon
Trip duration: 2 nights 3 days
Distance from Devikulam: 148.4 kms
Best time to visit: September to November, January to March

Suggested Read: 12 Enthralling Adventure Sports In Kerala To Challenge Your Adventurous Souls!

6. Thiruvananthapuram To Kanyakumari

Travellers wanting to experience the southernmost city must pack their bags to embark on the road trip to Kanyakumari. The ideal meeting point of three seas of India, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal, Kanyakumari is the ideal trip from Kerala. It is a two hour long drive and is bound to take you to a haven of beauty. It can be the perfect opportunity for you to look and reflect on the country’s history to understand the significance of the surrounding area.

Things to do: Visit Thiruvalluvar Statue, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam, Kanyakumari Beach, Arulmigu Bhagavathy Amman Temple
Ideal for: exploring scenic places
Trip duration: 2 nights 3 days
Distance from Thiruvananthapuram: 90.7 kms
Best time to visit: October to March

Suggested Read: Kerala Vs Himachal For Honeymoon: Which Is The Ideal Retreat For Newlywed Couples?

7. Ernakulam To Coimbatore

The trip is for the travellers who wish to hit the road and is also mesmerized by the industrial city and textile production. The drive from Ernakulam to Coimbatore approximately takes about three and a half hours and covers a distance of 164km. Coimbatore, an emerging metropolis, is one of the best places to explore outside Kerala and Coimbatore is a pit destination while heading out to Kochi and Cherai.

Things to do: Visit Marudhamalai, Siruvani Waterfalls, Eachanari Vinayagar Temple, Amaravathi Dam, Koniamman Temple
Ideal for: historical importance, fishing and weekend getaway
Trip duration: 2 nights 3 days
Distance from Ernakulam: 180.3 kms
Best time to visit: Winter season

Suggested Read: 5 Extravagant Hotels Near Kerala For An Easy And Comfortable Stay

8. Kannur To Mangalore

At a distance of 55 kms from Kodaikanal, Mangalore is known for being a major port city in Karnataka and offers the best access to a multiple town popular tourist destinations including Agumbe, Manipal, Udupi, and pious temple of Dharmasthala. The spot is a popular destination for explorers’ road tripping from Kodaikanal. Take out your travelling shoes from Kerala and explore the surroundings in Mangalore.

Things to do: Visit Panambur Beach, Mangaladevi Temple, Ullal Beach, Gokarnatheshwara Temple, Tannirbhavi Beach, St. Aloysius Chapel
Ideal for: historical importance, scenic beauty
Trip duration: 2 nights three days
Distance from Kannur: 143.1 kms
Best time to visit: Between October to March

Further Read: Kerala In November: Places And Events Not To Be Missed Out

Kerala, known for its marine life offers geographical diversity and breathtaking views across all regions located nearby. Just a few hours from the city will take you to the most scenic places in Kerala. Start your engines to embark amidst the lovely green hills and tea plantations through these road trips from Kerala. Explore the amalgamation of historic importance, scenic beauty and the best of southern India by embarking on a memorable road journey from Kerala. But before that you need to plan a trip to Kerala . So, don’t think much and book your tickets now!

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Seema Gurnani

Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!