Discover The Best Road Trips From Kerala For That Dreamy Sojourn

Ever taken a road trip from Kerala to your favourite destinations? If not, this is your chance to experience heaven on Earth. Road trips from Kerala offer blissful scenic landscapes and unmissable breathtaking greenery. The local food at pit stops, romantic viewpoints, and the ancient temples are a non-negotiable. 

With its myriad beaches, historical towns, hill stations, and wildlife sanctuaries, Kerala is a great starting point for all road journeys. So, start booking your private car or a rental cab for the road trip, because this blog will help you set out on your own terms with zero hassle. 

Why Choose Road Trips from Kerala?

Sure, Kerala has the smoothest roads and the most beautiful places to visit. But there are so many other solid reasons to visit the stunning God’s Own Country. Let us learn about them all. 

1. Explore At Your Own Pace

Kerala is every slow traveller’s dream destination. The state doesn’t just give you the space to pause, but also reflect and take your time to explore its hidden gems. The landscapes feel right out of a film, offering the kind of peace you’ve only dreamed of. The hidden waterfalls, hill stations and breezy coastal highways only add to the feels. 

2. Access To Offbeat Places

The smooth roads of Kerala pave the way for exploring many offbeat destinations. There’s Vagamon with its rolling meadows and misty hills. Bekal is another affordable choice for those who love viewpoints and less-explored trails. Basically, there’s something for everyone to explore and have fun. 

3. Enjoy Scenic Drives

We all dream of those moments with headphones on, breeze on our face and peace that reaches beyond the horizon. A road trip to Kerala turns that into reality. From the misty Western Ghats to the tranquil backwaters, the scenic drives here are to die for. Road trips from Kochi make you feel this same thing. 

4. Discover Their Unique Culture

When taking a road trip, Kerala offers the most beautiful cultural insights to draw inspiration from. Indulge in local dishes like Puttu and Appam with Stew, which will leave you licking your fingers. Enjoy a football match with the locals, as Keralans are big on this sport. 

Depending on the month you are expecting to visit Kerala, you can witness their grand festivals first-hand. From Onam to Attukal Pongala and Aranmula Boat Race, you can experience it all. 

Top Road Trips From Kerala

Confused about the road trips from Kerala? Don’t worry, we’ve got just the list for you to cover all the best places nearby, without any inconvenience. 

1. Kerala to Coorg (Approx. 280 km, 6–7 hours)

Drives from Kerala to Coorg feature the most beautiful views of misty hills and coffee plantations. Do make a pit stop at Raja’s Seat and Abbey Falls for the most romantic viewpoints. 

Highlights: Coffee plantations, waterfalls, Tibetan monasteries
Best for: Nature lovers, trekkers, honeymooners
Route suggestion: Wayanad → Gundlupet → Coorg
Must stops: Bandipur National Park, Kabini River, Raja’s Seat

2. Kerala to Ooty (Approx. 270 km, 7 hours)

This smooth road trip from Kerala begins from the stunning Nilgiri hills. Here, you can enjoy the aroma of tea plantations and views that will make you want to stay. 

Highlights: Botanical gardens, Nilgiri hills, tea estates
Best for: Families, nature lovers
Route suggestion: Wayanad → Mysore → Ooty
Must stops: Mysore Palace, Doddabetta Peak

3. Kerala to Pondicherry (Approx. 650 km, 12–13 hours)

If you love coastal landscapes and charming towns, this road trip from Kerala will be your favourite. Explore the Aurobindo Ashram, offering a spiritual experience, and the French Quarter for its unique architecture. 

Highlights: French colonial architecture, beaches, café culture
Best for: Culture seekers, food lovers, long road trip enthusiasts
Route suggestion: Kochi → Coimbatore → Salem → Pondicherry

4. Kerala to Bandipur National Park (Approx. 180 km, 4–5 hours)

This road trip starts from the remarkable Western Ghats, where you can explore the dense forests and wild greenery. Don’t forget to hop on a quick jungle safari with family and friends to see exclusive animals here. 

Highlights: Jungle safari, tiger sightings, wildlife photography
Best for: Adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts
Route suggestion: Wayanad → Gundlupet → Bandipur

5. Kerala to Varkala and Kovalam Beaches (Approx. 200 km, 4–5 hours)

Another fantastic coastal road trip from Kerala, this one is full of lively beaches and relaxing spa centres to unwind. You can also visit the famous Janardana Swamy Temple while you are here. 

Highlights: Cliffside beaches, Ayurveda centres, water sports
Best for: Beach lovers, wellness travellers
Route suggestion: Kochi → Varkala → Kovalam

Best Time to Embark on These Road Trips

Excited about starting, but don’t know when the right time is to do it? We’ve listed that down as well, along with the expected weather in these months. So, you can decide on your preferred month without any confusion. 

1. October To March 

This is the post-monsoon season, which is relatively cooler than most other months. The weather’s quite pleasant, which makes it easier to enjoy outdoor activities. The sky is also quite clear with minimal risk of rainfall. 

2. March To May 

Summer months can be humid, but they are the best time to explore coastal regions. The beaches are not as crowded, with rates being lower than usual. 

3. Avoid Monsoons 

Monsoons are also quite cool, but the heavy rainfall can hinder road trips. The risk of landslides and slippery roads also increases, which increases inconvenience. 

Accommodation Options Along The Routes

1. Recommended Stay 

Depending on the road trip from Kerala that you choose, you can choose from an affordable range of homestays, resorts and hotels at key stops. We recommend you book them in advance, especially before the start of the peak season. 

2. Eco-friendly Stays and Jungle Lodges

Several eco-friendly stays and jungle lodges near wildlife parks are perfect for adventure seekers. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary’s Rainforest Resort and Silent Valley National Park’s Sahyadri Jungle Lodge are the best examples. 

3. Beach Resorts 

If you are a beach person, the beaches near Kovalam and Varkala are worth exploring. Black Beach Resort and Krishnatheeram Ayur Holy Beach Resort are the most beautiful places to explore in Varkala. The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel and Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa are the most preferred resorts in Kovalam. 

4. Booking Tips 

Book in advance so you can visit during peak season without worrying about the price. 

Sample Itineraries: Road Trips From Kerala

These curated sample itineraries will make your road trips from Kerala seamless. You can consider this a list of the average cost, duration, highlights, starting point, and other details to help you plan your trip. 

1. Kerala to Coorg: The Classic Nature & Culture Road Trip

Duration: 3 Days
Ideal For: Families, couples, nature lovers
Starting Point: Wayanad/Kozhikode
Average Cost: ₹6,000–₹10,000 per person (includes fuel, food, stay)

Day-wise Itinerary:

• Day 1: Drive to Coorg via Wayanad → Check-in at homestay → Evening visit Raja’s Seat for sunset views
• Day 2: Explore Abbey Falls → Madikeri Fort → Omkareshwara Temple → Coffee plantation tour → Try local Coorgi cuisine
• Day 3: Talacauvery & Bhagamandala → Return drive to Kerala

Highlights: Misty hills, coffee plantations, Abbey Falls, cultural temples
Inclusions: Accommodation, basic breakfast, fuel estimation
Exclusions: Entry fees, meals outside included, personal expenses

2. Kerala to Ooty & Mysore: Hill Station & Heritage Road Trip

Duration: 4 Days
Ideal For: Families, history buffs, photographers
Starting Point: Kochi/Thrissur
Average Cost: ₹8,000–₹12,000 per person

Day-wise Itinerary:

• Day 1: Drive to Ooty → Coonoor visit → Sim’s Park → Tea estate walk
  Day 2: Ooty Lake → Doddabetta Peak → Botanical Gardens → Try local chocolates and homemade curd
• Day 3: Drive to Mysore → Mysore Palace → St. Philomena’s Church → Brindavan Gardens for evening light show
• Day 4: Local markets → Return drive to Kerala

Highlights: Nilgiri hills, heritage sites, gardens, and local cuisine
Inclusions: Accommodation, breakfast, fuel estimation
Exclusions: Entry tickets, optional rides/activities, meals outside breakfast

3. Kerala to Varkala & Kovalam: Beach & Wellness Road Trip

Duration: 3 Days
Ideal For: Beach lovers, wellness seekers
Starting Point: Kochi/Trivandrum
Average Cost: ₹5,000–₹8,000 per person

Day-wise Itinerary:

• Day 1: Drive to Varkala → Check-in → Cliffside cafes → Sunset at Varkala Beach
• Day 2: Janardana Swamy Temple → Beach yoga/ayurvedic spa → Evening drive to Kovalam → Lighthouse Beach stroll
• Day 3: Relax at Hawa Beach → Local seafood lunch → Return drive

Highlights: Sunsets, beachside cafés, wellness spas, cliff views
Inclusions: Accommodation, breakfast, spa session (optional)
Exclusions: Meals outside the plan, adventure activities

4. Kerala to Wayanad & Silent Valley: Offbeat Wildlife Road Trip

Duration: 4 Days
Ideal For: Wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers, offbeat travellers
Starting Point: Kozhikode/Calicut
Average Cost: ₹7,000–₹11,000 per person

Day-wise Itinerary:

• Day 1: Drive to Wayanad → Edakkal Caves → Pookode Lake
• Day 2: Trek to Chembra Peak → Heart-shaped lake visit → Local homestay experience
• Day 3: Silent Valley National Park safari → Birdwatching → Visit Karimpuzha Dam
• Day 4: Return drive → Stop at local spice plantations

Highlights: Trekking, wildlife safari, waterfalls, offbeat villages
Inclusions: Accommodation, breakfast, safari permits
Exclusions: Trek guides (optional), meals outside plan, personal expenses

What to Expect on Kerala Road Trips

• Depending on where you are travelling, enjoy scenic views of tea gardens, rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings.

• Try local cuisine at dhabas and roadside eateries. Their Sadya, Puttu and Kadala curry are most famous.

• Do utilise every opportunity to click captivating images of the hills and viewpoints.

• Toll fees generally range from ₹50 to ₹150, while the roads are sometimes uneven and narrow.

• Widely available rest stops and fuel stations, where you can also use the washroom if required.

Tips For Planning Your Road Trip From Kerala

• For couples or solo travellers, renting a bike is the cheapest option. For family and friends in a group of 4-6, a rental car is sufficient. You can also self-drive to further cut costs.

• Make sure you check the weather and road conditions before taking a broad trip from Kerala.

• Pack your essentials for safety and convenience. Water for hydration, snacks for on-the-go eating, and a first-aid kit for any unexpected injuries. A portable charger is also highly recommended.

• Start early to avoid night driving in remote areas, as that’s not safe due to minimal lighting. 

• Having a local SIM for better connectivity and keeping emergency contacts helps in risky situations best connectivity and keeping emergency contacts can really help in case of risky circumstances. 

• Since the locals are very respectful of their culture and clean environment, you must doit is imperative that you do the same. 

Suggested Road Trip Packing List

• Kerala’s road trips are long and tedious. Comfortable clothing with light footwear can make the experience very convenient. 

• Do have your sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat handy if you are planning to travel during the summer months. 

• Carry a camera to capture the stunning views and binoculars to spot the exotic wildlife here, even from a distance. 

• Make sure you have all the travel documents handy. Please include your driver’s license and any permits that you may need access to. 

• Unexpected rainfall occurs frequently. So, you might want to keep a rain gear handy as well. 

Travellers Testimonials

“I booked my last trip with TravelTriangle a month ago. Their service is very smooth and fast. Highly recommended.” Sonal and Family

“There’s a reason I always count on TravelTriangle for all my Kerala tours. They help me book the most affordable trips. Plus, the service is very reliable.” Neha Tiwari and Family

“My wife and I love their Kerala tour packages. They are extremely nominal. So, every six months when we have to take a trip to Kerala, we call their agents.” Nirman Ghosh

Conclusion

Kerala is the most beautiful state for those who love road trips. For those who want to explore South India’s diversity and enjoy a safe experience, this state is a dream destination. Ready to take your dream road trip? Plan your personalised trip to Kerala right away with TravelTriangle, where you can get 24/7 support, reliable vehicles, and so much more.

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Ritika Agarwal

Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.