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Kochi is one of the famed cities in “Gods Own Country” Kerala. Culturally diverse this sprawling cosmopolis is also widely regarded as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” and for the right amount of reasons. With a history that dates back to the yesteryear era, the city also had a reputation for being the seat of the Portuguese empire for quite a long time in its heydays.

Although the locale is mostly used as a transit point to en route towards the sizzling destinations in Kerala, Kochi has many wonderful destinations on the outskirts apt for a road trip. So, get ready to have a blast as this handbook gradually takes a detour towards the various places that serve as ideal destinations for a road trip from Kochi.

10 Best Places For Road Trips From Kochi

Are you looking for the most refreshing road trips from Kochi? Kochi is surrounded by numerous mesmerizing escapes that are loved for their mystic beauty. If you’re looking for places to go for a relaxing weekend getaway, then here are some of the best places for a road trip from Kochi.

  • Munnar – 126.2 Km From Kochi
  • Alleppey – 60 Km From Kochi
  • Kanyakumari – 294 Km From Kochi
  • Trivandrum – 207.2 Km From Kochi
  • Vagamon – 110 Km From Kochi
  • Thrissur – 85 Km From Kochi
  • Mysore – 346.5 Km From Kochi
  • Fort Kochi – 5 Km From Kochi
  • Athirapally – 67 Km From Kochi
  • Ezhattumugham Nature Village – 47 Km From Kochi

1. Munnar – 126.2 Km From Kochi

it is so wonderful

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Taking the top spot on the list is Munnar! If you are someone who loves to enjoy the green carpet and some exciting adventurous activity on the go, then Munnar is an apt destination for you. One of the quaint little hill stations in Kerala, a trip to Munnar will be etched in minds forever. The overall journey from Kochi to Munnar will take 4-5 hours and will be full of fun. Serpentine roads, spice gardens, dense forests, and small waterfalls all make the journey up until the place quite interesting. And the list does not culminate here, as once you get to the place tea plantations, scenic lakes, and loads of adventure activities will be there to welcome you. One of the ideal places to visit in Kerala, this road trip will always be special.

Things to do in Munnar: Visit tea plantations, Spice gardens, Sightseeing, Boating
Ideal for: : Adventure, family, friends, etc
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days etc
Distance: 126.2 km
Best Mode of Transport: Car or Jeep
Weather: 24℃
Best time to visit Munnar: November-March

Must Read: 10 Best Hotels In Kochi For A Perfect Holiday

2. Alleppey – 60 Km From Kochi

it is so beautiful

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Narrowly missing out on the top spot on the list is Alleppey, also known as the seventh-largest city in the state and a paradise for water lovers. Adorned with lagoons, lakes, serpentine boats, and canals, a visit to Kerala is incomplete without visiting Alleppey. One of the prime attractions that pull visitors to the place is the stay at houseboats. The boats have gorgeously decorated rooms coupled with lip-smacking dishes to satiate the taste buds. Depending on the number of people one can either choose a large or a small boat and enjoy stunning views of the backwaters, during the sunset.

Things to do in Alleppey: Boat rides on Lagoons
Ideal for: Adventure, family, friends, etc
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days etc
Distance: 60 km
Best Mode of Transport: Car or Jeep
Weather: 30℃
Best time to visit Alleppey: October-March

Suggested Read: 26 Enchanting Places To Visit Near Kochi  To Cover God’s Own Country!

3. Kanyakumari – 294 Km From Kochi

Kanyakumari is the wonderful place

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This legendary town at the southernmost tip of India is widely regarded as a pilgrimage hub for many and hence is at the third spot in this list. Ancient temples, wide horizons with magnificent views of the ocean infuse the right dose of glamour to this otherwise sleepy town. While the Kanyakumari beach is always bustling with activities, the other places around the locale are also worth visiting. And to double all the excitement, one should travel all the way to the legendary Vivekananda Rock Memorial which is situated on the other side of the mighty Bay of Bengal. With such bountiful attractions within its perimeter, a road trip to Kanyakumari is a must from Kochi!

Things to do in Kanyakumari: Beach walk, Pilgrimage, Sightseeing
Ideal for: Family, friends, etc
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days etc
Distance: 294 kms
Best Mode of Transport: Car or Jeep
Weather: 32℃
Best time to visit Kanyakumari: All year around

Suggested Read: 9 Homestays In Kochi Which Promise To Make Your Stay Worth The While

4. Trivandrum – 207.2 Km From Kochi

Trivandrum is good for sightseeing

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The capital city of Kerala has a distinctive reputation of its own in terms of beauty and history and thus has claimed the fourth position in the list. Home to one of the beautiful beaches in the country “ The Kovalam Beach ” this city shall be included in the bucket-list of every traveler. The beach sees major footfalls of tourists due to the azure waters, a plethora of recreational activities, and water sports. Also, in the epicenter of the city is the historical Padmanabhaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the prime deities in Hinduism. With so much to see and enjoy, Trivandrum is a true wonder in every way.

Things to do in Trivandrum: Beach walk, Pilgrimage, Sightseeing
Ideal for: Family, friends, etc
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days etc
Distance: 207.2 kms
Best Mode of Transport: Car or Jeep
Weather: 30℃
Best time to visit Trivandrum: October-February

Suggested Read: 18 Hill Stations Near Kochi For An Escape To Nature’s Lap

5. Vagamon – 110 Km From Kochi

Vagamon is the best place to go

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One of the prime reasons why Vagamon is famous among the wanderlusts out there is because of its natural beauty that cannot be described in words. The hill station has to its name green valleys, meandering rivers, thick pine forests, and above all adventurous activities. While the route to the top of the hills presents a beautiful picture of nature’s glory before the eyes, the sports activity like paragliding, trekking, and mountaineering is a huge call for all the thrill-seekers out there. An ideal place to visit while on a road trip from Kochi with friends and family.

Things to do in Vagamon: Paragliding, Mountaineering, Sightseeing, Trekking
Ideal for: : Family, friends, etc
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days etc
Distance: 110 kms
Best Mode of Transport: Car or Jeep
Weather: 28℃
Best time to visit Vagamon: October-April

Suggested Read: 5 Waterfalls In Kochi That Reflect ‘Go With The Flow’ In The Best Way

6. Thrissur – 85 Km From Kochi

Thrissur is the best place to visit

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Thrissur is one such town in the state which is known for its rich and glorious culture. With a myriad range of temples and churches, it comes as no surprise that the town is famous for the cultural heritage it poses. Apart from the religious places scattered around the town, there are a lot of other spots where one can get a quick sneak peek into the history of the town during the medieval age. Museums around the town are bedecked in rich historical; significance along with the Kodungallur Kovilakam palace that once belonged to the royal family. For nature lovers heading out to Thrissur zoo will be worth the time and effort.

Things to do in Thrissur: Sightseeing, Pilgrimage
Ideal for: : Family, friends, etc
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days etc
Distance: 85 kms
Best Mode of Transport: Car, bike or Jeep
Weather: 30℃
Best time to visit Thrissur: October-April

Suggested Read: 26 Enchanting Places To Visit Near Kochi To Cover God’s Own Country!

7. Mysore – 346.5 Km From Kochi

mysore is the best place

Image Credit: Prof TPMS for Wikimedia Commons

Taking the last spot on the list is Mysore! Located at a distance of 261 km away from Kochi, this elegant locale will surely refresh you at every step. The city is home to the articulate and gorgeous Mysore palace and also served as the seat for the Maharajas of Mysore for around six centuries. While the town is blessed with a relatively cool climate, there is an array of locales worth checking out like the Philomena Church, Chamundeshwari Temple, and Tipu Sultan Fort.

Things to do in Mysore: Sightseeing, Pilgrimage
Ideal for: Family, friends, etc
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 days etc
Distance: 346.5 km
Best Mode of Transport: Car, or Jeep
Weather: 26℃
Best time to visit Mysore: All year around

8. Fort Kochi – 5 Km From Kochi

Fort Kochi Beach In Kochi

Image Credit: Ranjit Siji for Wikimedia Commons

Fort Kochi is located at a distance of 5 kilometers from the city and is one of the most popular road trips from Kochi. The fort is near the cruise harbor of Ernakulam Wharf and exhibits a unique blend of Dutch, British, Arab, and Chinese culture. You can also capture the spellbinding sights of the Chinese fishing net during sunsets from the fort. Fort Kochi is among the most popular one day trips from Kochi.

Things to do near Fort Kochi: Sightseeing, Photography
Ideal for: Family, friends
Ideal trip duration: 1 day 
Distance: 5 km
Best Mode of Transport: Car, or Jeep
Weather: 26℃
Best time to visit Fort Kochi: November to February

9. Athirapally – 67 Km From Kochi

Athirapally Waterfall

Image Credit: Jan Joseph George for Wikimedia Commons

Athirapally, an enticing land of thriving rivers, lush green forests, and cascading waterfalls is among the most refreshing road trips from Kochi featuring spellbinding vistas. The place is home to the largest waterfalls in Kerala and is ideal for planning weekend treks, picnics, and family vacations. The bewitching sites of Athirapally have been captured in numerous films. It is one of the most interesting one day trips from Kochi.

Things to do in Athirapally: Swimming, Jungle Safari
Ideal for: Family, friends
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Distance: 67 km
Best Mode of Transport: Car, or Jeep
Weather: 26℃
Best time to visit Athirapally: September to January

10. Ezhattumugham Nature Village – 47 Km From Kochi

Image Credit: Shreedevi for Wikimedia Commons

Ezhattumugham is a stunning nature village located on the outskirts of Kochi. This beautiful hamlet is nestled amid the thick forests which are known for offering refreshing getaways. Ezhattumugham literally means ‘seven faces of a river’ and the Chalakudy River bifurcates into seven streams. 

Things to do in Ezhattumugham Nature Village: Sightseeing, visit the theme park, water sports adventure
Ideal for: Friends, romantic, adventure
Ideal trip duration: 2 days 
Distance: 47 km
Best Mode of Transport: Car, or Jeep
Weather: 26℃
Best time to visit Ezhattumugham Nature Village: September to February

Further Read: 32 Things To Do In Kochi On A Holiday In This Kerala Port City

Road trips with family or friends are always a perfect way to create an everlasting memory. And if the destinations are as jaw-dropping as mentioned on the list above, then the trip just poses as an additional excuse. These road trips from Kochi have the right amount of uniqueness to evoke a nuanced feeling in the minds of every intrepid traveler. So next time do not just plan a vacation to Kerala but also go for a road trip and enjoy life like a true traveler.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Road Trips From Kochi

What can I do in Kochi in a single day?

The town of Kochi has to its name many beautiful locales worth exploring. One can plan a visit to Fort Kochi, wander around the Kochi port, or go for an adventure tour in Wonderland Amusement Park.

What is the most favorable time to visit Kochi?

Kochi is situated in the gorgeous state of Kerala. Although the locale experiences hot and humid climate all around the year, the favorable time to visit will be from October to March.

What is the distance between Kochi and Vagamon?

The overall distance between the two destinations comes around 110 kms that can be covered in 3 hours.

How to reach Munnar from Kochi?

Munnar is well-connected by road to all the major cities of the state, Kochi being the nearest. It takes around 4 hours and a total distance of 126 kms to reach from Kochi to Munnar.

Is Vagamon better or Munnar?

Vagamon and Munnar are both hill stations in Kerala. While the former is known for adventure activities, Munnar, on the other hand, is known for natural beauty.

How many days are required to visit Vagamon?

On average, a trip to Vagamon can be completed in a single day. But to experience the destination to the core it is better to stay for two days and enjoy all the activities.

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