From Backwaters To Hills: A Road Trip To Kerala In November & December
Cruising down winding paths with the fresh tea smell and colourful houses peeking from behind lush hills – well, that’s Kerala for you. Every road trip in Kerala feels like a dream, quite literally. From misty tea estates stretching as far as the eye can see to the spice plantations teasing your senses, Kerala is truly God’s own country. And whether it’s through coffee farms or cloud-kissed hills, there are so many unforgettable things to do in Kerala So, put your game face on? Let the wonders of Kerala sweep you off your feet – and don’t forget to add this to your Kerala itinerary.
In this Blog
Day 1: Arrive in Kochi, Drive to Munnar
Distance: 130 km | Time: 4 hours
Begin your journey at Cochin International Airport. Once you land, it is time to ditch the city and head towards the lush hills of Munnar. In just few kilometres from the airport you will notice a wonderful change in the scenery. The urban city roads gradually disappear and are replaced by smooth flowing tea estates and windy hillside road.
While travelling to Munnar by road, visit Cheeyappara Waterfalls – a magnificent waterfall in India that makes a good stop for a little rest and taking some pictures. Continue your drive to Paradise Valley or any cost plantation stay. These villas in Munnar provide peace, a view of rolling tea gardens, and cool mountain breezes.
By the time you reach Munnar it’s likely to be afternoon. For those crazy about spices, tea and homemade chocolates can take a walk around Munnar Town Market.
Day 2: Exploring Munnar
Munnar is a paradisiacal place to visit in Kerala and well, today is all about escaping into its splendour. Rise and shine early as a guided plantation walk awaits you with coffee, cardamom, and pepper dazzled everywhere. After this nature-filled start, it’s time to explore the must-visit tourist spots in Munnar.
Your first stop? The KDHP Tea Museum. This is where every aspect of the romantic relationship of the people towards tea has been documented – from its history to the tea-making process. Of course, also a tasting session is included so try to have some local tea, it’s diving. Up next, head to Mattupetty Dam, where the calm waters that reflects the hills and tea gardens.
Don’t forget to visit the nearby Echo Point, another tourist attraction in Kerala, where your voice will indeed echo across the valley.
If time permits, stroll up to Top Station, located on the southern border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The views out of that place are simply immaculate and the clouds seemed close enough to touch it If you’re fan panoramic, this place is for you.
Day 3: Munnar to Munroe Island
Distance: 260 km | Time: 7 hours
It’s time to say goodbye to the hills and drive through Munroe Island in Kollam. Now, most Kerala itinerary will recommend a stop in Thekkady, but we are skipping that for the more secluded Munroe Island. This undiscovered treasure is located at the junction of Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River and it offers scenic views, traditional Kerala houses, and canals flanked with palm trees.
Spend your afternoon unwinding by the canals with perhaps a glass of coconut water. The beauty of Munroe Island lies in its simplicity – slow life, silence, and the constant sound of water. As the sun goes down, try out some of the local dishes like fish curry and appams.
Day 4: Canoe Ride and Drive to Kovalam
Distance: 80 km | Time: 2 hours
Begin the day with a peaceful canoe ride through the island’s narrow canals. It is calm in Munroe Island and there is a boat ride, unlike the boat rides in Alleppey, cruising through channels of coconut palms and everyday life. Soak in the sight of coconut trees, village huts and daily activities in Kerala.
As you head to Kovalam, make a pit stop at Jatayu Earth Centre, home to the largest bird sculpture in the world. This bird is known to be a mythical eagle that died trying to save Sita from Ravana. After taking in some of the mythology and the views, it is time to head to Kovalam.
Once you reach Kovalam, it won’t be hard to understand why this beach town is so much in demand. The beaches in Kerala, especially in Kovalam are half-moon shaped, the sand is golden, and there is a cool atmosphere. Spend your evening at the lighthouse beach where you enjoy tender while watching the pretty sunset. If you’re a seafood fanatic, this is paradise, enjoy grilled fish, prawn, crab and more at some of the top restaurants in Kerala.
Day 5: Day Trip to Kanyakumari
Distance: 80 km | Time: 2.5 hours
If you’re all about ticking items off your bucket list, then it is only mandatory for you to go on a day trip to Kanyakumari, the southernmost point in India. The distance covered in order to get to Kanyakumari is smooth from Kovalam. And if you’re wondering about the things to do in Kerala’s this place then begin with the Padmanabhapuram Palace, made entirely of timber and is an example of Keralan architecture.
Then, head to Vivekananda Rock Memorial which is situated on a tiny piece of land. A short journey via the boat will take you to the shrine in which Swami Vivekananda is supposed to have meditated. This is the geography where the Bay of Bengal, The Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean meet and it is no less than a fairy world – how the waves brush and beautifully blend into one another.
After your exploration return to Kovalam by evening and, if you like, enjoy the very last of the sunset on the beach.
Day 6: Kovalam to Alleppey
Distance: 160 km | Time: 4 hours
Get up a bit early and head for Alleppey which is touted as one of the best places to visit in Kerala. This stretch is beautiful especially when you chart the beaches of Varkala and Kappil. If time permits, make a quick detour to any of these beautiful beaches. With a beach on one side and a backwater lake on the other make some great memories.
Upon reaching Alleppey, the next step is to enjoy the pleasures of a houseboat. Take a trip to Vembanad Lake and enjoy the backwater scenery consisting of fishermen, houseboats, and hundreds of palm trees. A houseboat in Alleppey is one of the must-do activities in Kerala – so sit back, leave all the work to the clattering of the houseboat, and just enjoy. At night, you’ll dock by a quiet village where you can go for a village walk and meet local people and have a traditional Kerala meal on the boat.
Day 7: Kumarakom & Bird Sanctuary Visit
Distance: 35 km | Time: 1 hour
After having a restful night at the houseboat, head to Kumarakom that is located on the banks of Lake Vembanad. It is a village that exudes peace that allows you to enjoy the beauty of Kerala. Kumarakom is a tourist destination in Kerala that is prone to bird watchers, where you can spot the migratory birds like the Siberian crane.
Spend a soothing afternoon on the shores of the lake, perhaps after a short trip to the local spa. You also shouldn’t miss eating some of the local fish dishes like the Karimeen Pollichathu.
Day 8: Snake Boat Race and Fort Kochi
Distance: 70 km | Time: 2 hours
If there happens to be the Champions Boat League (CBL) event during your trip to Kerala, you are in for a treat. The snake boat race falls among the highly combative and adrenaline-pumping activities in Kerala where teams of rowers race against one another in long traditional boats. The sight of these majestic snake boats slicing through the backwaters is unforgettable.
After the race, travel to Fort Kochi. It’s easy to love this historical town with its ancient Portuguese homes, the Chinese nets, and cosy cafes. Wander around Jew Town, visit the Mattancherry Palace and enjoy a hot cup of a filter coffee inside one of the many artsy cafes. Enjoy some temptingly good Kerala seafood at Fusion Bay or Fort House Hotel.
Day 9: Drive to Athirappilly Falls & Departure
Distance: 75 km | Time: 2 hours
Your Kerala road trip will not be complete without a visit to one of the most popular places to visit in Kerala, Athirappilly Falls, also known as the Niagara of India. Drive through the thick forest and narrow winding roads – this road trip in Kerala will be a treat for you and your camera! Give yourself a few minutes to enjoy this view as well as the waterfall and the greenery around.
After that, it’s time to wrap up your Kerala adventure. Head back to Cochin Airport to catch your flight or drive to the city. Be it the fresh fragrances of spices, the sight of tea estates, or the taste of coconut-based curries, Kerala will stay with you long after you’ve left.
Popular routes for the road trip to Kerala
If you planning to skip the air travel to Kochi International Airport, and drive all the way to Kerala, get ready to road trip with friends or family. There is nothing better than cruising through scenic highways, watching landscapes shift from cities to countryside and lush greenery. From your hometown, no matter wherever you start, the journey to Kerala is as sweet as reaching there. Brace yourself to witness the beautiful sceneries, winding ghat and enthralling towns that make for a perfect pit stops. Additionally, when you are driving, you are able to see some sights that are worth to note. And when it comes to Kerala, you will be dazed with the scenic beauty of nature, tea estates, and unspoiled beaches.
| Route | Distance | Travel Time | Highway |
| Bangalore to Kochi | 550 km | 10 hours | NH 44, NH 544 |
| Chennai to Kochi | 685 km | 12 hours | NH 45, NH 544 |
| Mumbai to Kochi | 1370 km | 24 hours | NH 48, NH 66 |
| Hyderabad to Kochi | 1080 km | 19.5 hours | NH 44, NH 544 |
| Coimbatore to Kochi | 200 km | 4.5 hours | NH 544 |
| Madurai to Kochi | 240 km | 5 hours | NH 85, NH 544 |
| Goa to Kochi | 700 km | 15 hours | NH 66 |
| Pune to Kochi | 1180 km | 22 hours | NH 66, NH 48 |
| Delhi to Kochi | 2700 km | 46 hours | NH 44, NH 544 |
| Kolkata to Kochi | 2250 km | 42 hours | NH 16, NH 44 |
| Ahmedabad to Kochi | 1840 km | 1840 hours | NH 44, NH 48 |
Villas in Kerala
If you’re planning for a road trip in Kerala, you must visit these fabulous villas in Kerala that will surely make your trip unforgettable! Just imagine your stay in Kerala as you relax at the Cave Song in Thekkady, bordering heaps of spice plantations- a dream right? Or how about enjoying the famous backwaters at La Riva Heritage Villa in Alleppey? Over in Kochi, you will find The Periyar Palace and Aqua Vista, perfect for unwinding after a tiring journey. And when going towards Munnar, warm yourself at Spice Notes, Vale Echoes or Titha villa – pure fantasy! Oh, do not forget The Big Chill, La Grove or Novera in Wayand. Your road trip in Kerala will get a whole lot better by staying at these luxury villas in Kerala.
From the hilly regions of Munnar to the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey, a trip to Kerala is indeed a paradise when it comes to road journeys, as it has so much to offer. It treats travellers with beautiful scenic drives, mouth-watering cuisine, and opportunities to experience several diverse things in a day, whether it’s a safari, or spending the night in a houseboat. So go on, pack those bags, and charge that camera because you will be going on one of the best road trips of all times.
