kochi to varkala road trip

31 Best Stops Between Varkala and Kochi (Cochin)

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How long is the drive from Varkala to Kochi (Cochin)?

The direct drive from Varkala to Kochi (Cochin) is 103 mi (165 km) , and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 56 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Varkala to Kochi (Cochin), we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Alappuzha , as well as top places to visit like Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and Varkala cliff, or the ever-popular Sivagiri Mutt.

Top city between Varkala and Kochi (Cochin)

Best stops along varkala to kochi (cochin) drive, sivagiri mutt.

Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple

Varkala cliff

Varkala beach, jatayu earth's center, thenmala dam, leisure zone and sculpture garden, adventures zone, thenmala ecotourism, thangassery light house, thirumullavaram beach, munroe island, konni eco tourism - elephant shelter, krishnapuram palace, aranmula parthasarathy temple, perunthenaruvi waterfalls, mannarasala sree nagaraja temple, sree krishna swamy temple, ambalapuzha, kalloorkad st. mary's basilica, aruvikuzhy waterfalls, alappuzha light house, alappuzha beach, alleppey nightstay houseboats, discs & machines - sunny's gramophone museum and records archive, ettumanoor shri mahadeva temple, kumarakom bird sanctuary, marari beach, ilaveezhapoonchira, chottanikkara bhagavathy temple.

Attractions

Other popular road trips from Varkala Town

Explore nearby places.

• Kochi (Cochin)
• Tripunithura
• Andhakaranazhy
• North Paravur
• Cherai Beach
• Chendamangalam
• Kodungallur
• Kuruppampady
• Muvattupuzha
• Mararikulam
• Malayattoor
• Kuravilangad
• Kothamangalam
• Athirappilly

All related maps of Kochi (Cochin)

• Map of Kochi (Cochin)
• Map of Maradu
• Map of Tripunithura
• Map of Andhakaranazhy
• Map of Aluva
• Map of Arayankavu
• Map of North Paravur
• Map of Cherai Beach
• Map of Chendamangalam
• Map of Athani
• Map of Vaikom
• Map of Cherthala
• Map of Kottapuram
• Map of Azhikode
• Map of Piramadam
• Map of Kodungallur
• Map of Kalady
• Map of Angamaly
• Map of Kuruppampady
• Map of Muvattupuzha
• Map of Mararikulam
• Map of Malayattoor
• Map of Kuravilangad
• Map of Kodanad
• Map of Chalakudy
• Map of Kattoor
• Map of Kumarakom
• Map of Kothamangalam
• Map of Athirappilly
• Map of Kottayam
• Map of Kainakary

Kochi (Cochin) throughout the year

• Kochi (Cochin) in January
• Kochi (Cochin) in February
• Kochi (Cochin) in March
• Kochi (Cochin) in April
• Kochi (Cochin) in May
• Kochi (Cochin) in June
• Kochi (Cochin) in July
• Kochi (Cochin) in August
• Kochi (Cochin) in September
• Kochi (Cochin) in October
• Kochi (Cochin) in November
• Kochi (Cochin) in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Kochi (Cochin)?

Get inspired for your trip to Kochi (Cochin) with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Kochi (Cochin) Itinerary
• 2-Day Kochi (Cochin) Itinerary
• 3-Day Kochi (Cochin) Itinerary
• 4-Day Kochi (Cochin) Itinerary
• 5-Day Kochi (Cochin) Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from varkala to kochi (cochin).

Yes! You can drive from Varkala to Kochi (Cochin).

How far is Kochi (Cochin) from Varkala by car?

The drive from Varkala to Kochi (Cochin) is 103 miles (165 km).

How long does it take to drive from Varkala to Kochi (Cochin)?

Driving from Varkala to Kochi (Cochin) should take you 2 hrs 56 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Varkala to Kochi (Cochin)?

Gas from Varkala to Kochi (Cochin) would cost around $9 to $21 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Varkala to Kochi (Cochin)?

You could check out Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and Varkala cliff, or the always popular Sivagiri Mutt!

What are the best cities to visit between Varkala and Kochi (Cochin)?

People love visiting Alappuzha, among others.

What's the weather like in Varkala?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Varkala in January
• Weather in Varkala in February
• Weather in Varkala in March
• Weather in Varkala in April
• Weather in Varkala in May
• Weather in Varkala in June
• Weather in Varkala in July
• Weather in Varkala in August
• Weather in Varkala in September
• Weather in Varkala in October
• Weather in Varkala in November
• Weather in Varkala in December

What are some other road trips from Varkala?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Varkala.

• Varkala Town to Kochi (Cochin) drive
• Varkala Town to Munnar drive
• Varkala Town to Bengaluru drive
• Varkala Town to Mumbai drive
• Varkala Town to Mysuru (Mysore) drive
• Varkala Town to Thekkady drive
• Varkala Town to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) drive
• Varkala Town to Kanyakumari drive
• Varkala Town to Kodaikanal drive
• Varkala Town to Chennai (Madras) drive
• Varkala Town to Hyderabad drive
• Varkala Town to Madurai drive
• Varkala Town to Alappuzha drive
• Varkala Town to Pondicherry drive
• Varkala Town to Kalpetta drive
• Varkala Town to Rameswaram drive
• Varkala Town to Coimbatore drive
• Varkala Town to Mahabalipuram drive
• Varkala Town to Madikeri drive
• Varkala Town to Panjim drive
• Varkala Town to Thrissur drive
• Varkala Town to Amer drive
• Varkala Town to Hampi drive
• Varkala Town to Tiruchirappalli drive
• Varkala Town to Yercaud drive
• Varkala Town to Mangalore drive
• Varkala Town to Tirupati drive
• Varkala Town to Kozhikode drive
• Varkala Town to Thanjavur drive
• Varkala Town to Kannur drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

TravelToEat.

• Jul 12, 2022

Kochi to Varkala and top spots in between!

Most weekends end quickly with us staying at home and catching up with chores, watching TV, and napping a lot too. I work on Saturdays and in the blink of an eye, Sunday is over, and here comes Monday. So we decided to take a little trip with the time we had.

There was no clear plan in the beginning. However, we knew there should be a good distance covered on the road, with good food stops in between and it should be easy enough for us to reach back home by night. The route was initially planned through Alappuzha and the destination was decided - Varkala Beach cliff, which was almost a 5 hour's drive from Kochi. We looked over our saved spots and saw that ‘Jatayu Earth’s Center’ was on the list. It was not a must-visit site, however, we did want to see it at least once. So this was added to the list. It was when we began planning for this trip that we came across an article that listed a place in Kottayam as a ‘must visit village in Kerala’ and also planned our return journey to Kochi through a different route. This way we could see more sights along the way.

We started our morning early at 5 am, when it was still misty outside, to get ready and go for breakfast at Kunjunni Nair Café which opens at 6:30 am. Dating back to the 1960s, this is a lovely little old-school restaurant located at Tripunithura, at Alliance junction, opposite Royal Bakers. They serve one of the best masala dosas in Kochi. Dosa was pretty good too. While they are famous for the Bonda-Chutney combination, we haven’t tried it yet. The two times we went there, it was either over or not ready. It is served in the evenings and finishes really quickly. So if you want to try it, I suggest going at around 5 or 6 in the evening.

After breakfast, the next stop on the route was Aymanam - featured on a Conde Nast Traveller as one of the ‘30 best places to visit in 2022’, with many rivers and canals and beautiful scenic green landscapes. Aymanam is also where Arundhati Roy’s book ‘The God of Small Things’ was based and one of the reasons why we were drawn towards it as we both had read and enjoyed it.

A well-known tourist spot nearby is the Ambal viewpoint, where you can see numerous water lilies blooming if it were the right season. We, however, didn’t come at the right time, and instead were greeted with long stretches of water and water plants. Nevertheless, even without the water lilies, we had a slow and silent walk by the waters, soaking in the view and sounds of nature which we realise we missed because we live in a city.

After Aymanam, the next stop was Jatayu Earth’s centre . This is located at Chadayamanagalam in Kollam, and is a good two hours from Aymanam. We spent this time talking and eating snacks all the way as Nandu drove. On reaching the location, we had to pay for parking in cash only. At first view, we saw how well-organised everything was. The entrance was well-maintained with proper parking and there was a lot of greenery surrounding it. We purchased two tickets at the entrance and had to leave our backpacks with the security as no bags were allowed inside. They had drinking water available, so we filled up our bottles and carried our umbrellas with us. We were then led inside with a group of people who arrived along with us. There was a waiting area inside with enough seating for at least 20 to 30 people. A coffee shop with snacks was also arranged within this area. After a while, we as a group was taken to a spot where cable cars were lined up to take us up. Every cable car was designed to fit possibly 4 to 5 individuals at a time. As the cable cars began to move, we alighted it and began the slow ascend.

We reached about 1230 pm, so it was very sunny. Thankfully we had an umbrella and as we stepped out of the cable cars and climbed a flight of steps, we saw the mighty grey stone structure of Jatayu spread across the entire stretch. The entire adventure park is about 65 acres. The story of Jatayu was put on display for all visitors to read. We were in awe of how expansive it was, with each intricate detail so carefully put in. Under the structure was a museum that wasn’t yet open. After a walk around it and taking photos, we had lemon juice from a small café open for snacks and refreshments. There was even a small area that appeared to be like a stage set up for a cultural event. We even mentioned how Cercle could hold a concert here. Little did we know that plans for this were already in motion because a few weeks later, we read that the Cercle event was going to take place at Jatayu. At this height, we could see how the surrounding area was covered with sand, shrubs and trees stretching into the distance. As it is an adventure park originally, there are a number of adventure activities such as ziplining, paintball zone, etc, for visitors. None of this had started at the time of our visit.

Opinion : It's okay for a one-time visit.

Ticket charges are very expensive for what they provide. The whole lounge looks a bit like an airport, but feels unnecessary? Because there's nothing much inside. There are few gaming stations like we see in the malls. It was ₹290 per person for a 200m cable car ride and they provided us with no other options. We can see a usable road when we're up too. They also charge ₹30 extra for parking on top of all this and accept ONLY CASH for the entrance fees! Even roadside fish stalls have UPI these days. The sculpture looks beautiful, but here also you have a small snacks stall which charges you ₹25 for an already-made vaatta lemon juice and again CASH ONLY.

They also have a temple on top and ISKON franchise stalls.

After taking it all in and getting tired of the scorching afternoon sun, we descended back with the group, got into our car, and drove off to our next stop. We put the location to Little Tibet, a lovely little restaurant at Varkala beach cliff; because we TravelToEat ;). It wasn’t too far off and we hoped to reach it in about 1 and half hours. On reaching the location as per the map, we struggled quite a bit here. While Google Maps showed us the way, it led us to the wrong entry point. Only after talking to the local people, did they tell us that it is better to go to the helipad area , which is a wide space with ample parking arranged for those visiting Varkala.

Getting out of the car, the sea spread out before us as we stood at the edge of the cliff, at a height of 24m (as per our reading). As it was already close to 3 pm, with hunger creeping in, we rushed to eat lunch. Little Tibet was within walking distance and served lovely Tibetan/north eastern food. It is located on the top floor and overlooks the beach below. We could see the outlines of people basking in the sun and playing in the waters by the shore. The sea glistened brightly with the rays of the sun. It was a brilliant blue and the view could be easily enjoyed from where we sat. A light breeze was ever present, keeping us cool, as we ordered the Seafood Thukpa, Chicken Mohtuk, and Momos. We ordered the momos to be half steamed and half fried.

The rich, hot aroma of the broth had us drooling the whole time, and boy, it did not disappoint. The broth was super rich in flavour – you could taste the hints of ginger and the lovely blend of spices that I couldn't pinpoint. We mixed it with the hot chilli oil as well and it took the dish to a whole other level.

We stuffed ourselves and walked out of Little Tibet with our hearts and stomachs full. We took a small stroll across the beach, let our feet get wet, and decided to head for the next stop on our list- Sambranikodi via Mayyanad , which is a small village located in Kollam. Its position is such that one can look across to one side to see the Paravur lake and on to the other side to find the Arabian Sea. This was a unique place to visit because you’ll be in between a lake and a sea at the same time! We could only pass by this lovely place and didn’t have time to stop as we were running late to reach Sambranikodi.

You could either plan for Sambranikodi or Thangassery Light House according to your liking. There's also Salim Hotel and Fayalwan Hotel nearby, recommended for Mutton dishes.

Sambrani kodi is a beautiful, picturesque island located within the Ashtamudi Lake at Kollam. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) organised for the island to be a tourist spot and facilitates boat rides and other facilities for tourists visiting the island. At around 5.30 pm we arrived at the spot and parked our car. Being a Sunday, the place was packed and we had to slowly walk our way to the point where we could pay and take a boat ride to the island. However, to our disappointment, they had stopped taking boat rides to the mangrove island at 5 pm. Google Maps indicated that it was open till 6 pm, which is why we planned our arrival before it closed. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the view.

The sun was setting on our day and we decided to head back to Kochi right after 6 pm in the evening. We had stopped for tea and snacks on the route, shortly before reaching Alappuzha and met a nice chaya kada chettan who had strong tea and lovely cauliflower snacks. Unfortunately, we don’t have their location details.

Just as we were nearing Kochi, via Alappuzha NH, through Kumbalam we looked through Google Maps and decided on dinner.

Shibu’s Kumbalam Puttukada is a long-established hotel that serves customers only after 8:30 pm and closes at 3 am the next morning. We parked our car and in the silence of the night when half the town was asleep, we ordered Puttu, mutton, chicken curry, and fried chicken. The place had tons of visitors and was crowded for the most part of the night.

Opinion: It's decent, nothing to rave about. We went in at about 09:30, and had puttu, mutton curry which was a bit chewy(₹175), chicken curry, and chicken fry. The chicken fry was cold, and the curries were super spicy but I liked it. They could put up a fan in the room though, shouldn't hurt the charm. Expect this place to be always busy, it might be difficult to get a seat outside and enjoy the lakeside breeze

The time was around 11:30 pm and we were back at our home with Kaapi and Moosa , our cats. After a shower and feeling warm and fuzzy - the after-effects of a good day - we dozed off.

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10 days road trip in Kerala: An itinerary and Guide

Last Updated on July 1, 2024 by admin

Planning a Kerala Itinerary across the state? This blog on 10 days road trip in Kerala covers all the Kerala highlights for first-time visitors. This classic Kerala tour covers Central and South Kerala tourist destinations.

The first thing that comes to mind when someone says Kerala is the backwaters against the swaying coconut and palm trees. However, there is much more to Kerala than that – the beautiful architecture and heritage of Fort Kochi , tea estates of Munnar , spice plantations of Thekkady , wildlife sanctuaries in Shola forests , landscapes filled with coffee farms and virgin beaches. 

The God’s own Country is power-packed with a plethora of things to do in Kerala , see and experience for all kinds of travellers. Dive into this ultimate Kerala travel guide to assault your senses as I help you plan a 12-day road trip across some of the popular destinations.

In this 10 days Kerala itinerary, I’ll be covering Central Kerala locations such as Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom and Alleppey and South Kerala locations such as Varkala and Trivandrum.

Kochi – 1.5 days

Munnar – 3 days

Thekkady – 2 days

Kumarakom – 1 day

Alleppey – 1 day

Varkala – 2

Trivandrum – 1.5 day

Table of Contents

HOW TO GET AROUND KERALA

This Kerala road trip is based on a self-driven car so as to save time while travelling from one place to another. Ideally, it is best to hire a car that services the 10 days in Kerala trip from point to point.

If you are on a budget and have more days in hand, you can spread out the itinerary to suit your travel style. Public buses serviced by Kerala State Road Transport Services (KSRTC) ply between each town of Kerala and are comfortable and affordable. 

WHERE TO START THE 10 DAYS ROAD TRIP IN KERALA?

It is ideal to start at Kochi (formerly Cochin) which is on the southwest coast of India. All modes of transport – domestic and international are easily available to reach here.

DRIVING OR RENTING A CAR FOR A ROAD TRIP IN KERALA?

While many would feel like driving by themselves during the entire journey but be mindful that this itinerary involves going on mountain roads. I would recommend driving on hills, only if you have done this before. Also, you would probably be too tired driving all-around to actually enjoy the entire journey. 

Car through many rental services like Zoom Cars, Revv, Mychoize, etc. can be received at the Kochi airport. 

If self-drive is not your thing, hire a local guide who will take care of everything for you. On my latest trip to Kerala, everything was taken care my tour guide – C Satish. Car booking, accommodation, kind of places I want to stop at, food preferences and a detailed itinerary. He made the entire trip to Kerala extremely effortless and seamless. His knowledge of his home state is commendable (architecture, heritage culture, flora, food and the list goes on). I highly recommend him for arranging accommodation, planning a Kerala itinerary or even for food recommendations. He is based in Kochi and is a great resource for Fort Kochi Heritage Tour as well.

C Satish can be reached at +91 9495690929

Day 1: Kochi

How to get from kochi airport to fort kochi.

Kochi Airport is around 36 kilometres from Fort Kochi, so having a car to pick up is a must. In my 3 visits to Kochi, I always requested my hotel or tour guide to arrange for a car pick-up. This guarantees that the car driver is genuine and you don’t have to keep checking your phone if you are being taken in the right direction!

App-based taxi and auto services are also available. You can simply download Ola or Uber and book a taxi. However, many times these taxis are not available so charge more for unforeseen reasons.

Pre-paid taxis are also available from the booking counter in the Kochi Airport arrival hall.

Bus service is available for transfer from Kochi airport into Kochi city.

Things to do in Kochi in one day

Kochi, the largest city in Kerala, has historically been an important port city from earlier times. Reach Kochi by late evening so as to start the next day with a visit to Fort Kochi. With a history of the European spice route trade, there are many places in Fort Kochi reminiscent of that bygone era.

Fort Kochi is one of the most happening places in Kochi and has many architectural and heritage places. Beautiful artsy cafes, wall arts and heritage homestays line up the Fort Kochi area.

Fort Kochi Heritage walk

Kochi Beach, Mattancherry Palace, Pardesi Synagogue and St Francis Church are the must-visit places in Fort Kochi. Do not miss out on the working of Chinese Fishing Nets which have been functional for decades.

Shopping is a must while in Fort Kochi so head over to Jew Street for spices, handicrafts, Kerala souvenirs, traditional Kasavu sarees and snacks.

Day 2 in Kochi should be spent at the beautiful Cherai Beach as well as learning about the Chendamangalam Handlooms .

Where to eat in Fort Kochi

Kashi Art Cafe, Oy’s cafe, and Loafer’s corner are some of the best cafes in Fort Kochi and are open for breakfast too.

For lunch, try the traditional Kerala sadya (meal on banana leaf) at Bharath Hotel.

Where to stay in Kochi

For a luxurious experience: Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty

For a heritage experience: Ginger House Museum and Hotel

Medium budget: Abad Atrium , Niko Hotels

If you are a backpacker choose: Zostel, Kochi

Kashi Art Cafe, Fort Kochi

Day 3: Kochi to Munnar

On day 2 start early for the 5-hour road trip to Munnar. For Munnar, it is not about the destination, but the journey. Enjoy the hot and humid air giving way to chilly winds as the car passes the road with tea gardens on both sides.

Famous for the lush tea estates which you can romance along the way while hoping that there is no roadblock due to elephants crossing the highway. Relax and enjoy the valley views while sipping on Chai after reaching! If you are not too tired, you can go for a short hike.

• Things to do in Munnar

A short hike is possible to Echo point which is 15 km one way. Trekking in Munnar is also a great way to explore the tea gardens and Shola forests. Or you may choose some adventure sports like rock climbing and rappelling in other nearby towns of Munnar. Other trekking trails in Munnar include Top Station Trek, Chokramudi Trek, Meesapulimala Trek and Lakshmi Hills Trek amongst others.

Exploring the Munnar tea plantations during Road trip in Kerala

Next, head towards the Eravikulam National Park to sight the endangered Nilgiri Tahr or the mountain goat. The 15 km journey, the waiting line and a small hike up the Kannan Devan hill will consume over 4 hours. On the way back you may stop at the Mattupetty dam and head towards its catchment area if you want to try some water sports.

Other things to do in Munnar include visiting Attukal Waterfalls, Lakkum Waterfalls and paying a visit to Lockhart Tea Factory & Museum.

Where to stay in Munnar

For a luxurious experience: Spice Tree Munnar, Blackberry Hills Spa and Resort

Medium budget: Hotel Cloud Valley

If you are a backpacker choose: Vedanta Wake up

Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park Munnar

Day 5: Munnar to Thekkady

Gear up for another hill station of Kerala which is 4 hours away from Munnar.  

Things to do in Thekkady

After reaching Thekkady, the most important place to visit is the Periyar National Park. Thekkady offers boat safari on Periyar and one can see wild animal gets on the river banks. The river has barren tree logs and the landscape across the mountains looks breathtaking. Bird and animal sighting is possible here and in the 2 visits so far, I have got some great shots! Read in detail about Periyar National Park .

After the national park visit, the evening can be spent attending a cultural program – Kalaripayattu or Kathakali at the Kadathanadan Kalari, Mudra Cultural Centre.

Kathakali performance in Thekkady

Ayurvedic massage in Thekkady is also one of the things to experience. In Thekkady there are many resorts offering ayurvedic retreats offers that are month-long ayurvedic treatment solutions for people suffering from chronic ailments. It is like a resort where people can stay for long durations and get their treatments done with consultation from an in-house doctor.

On the next day before moving to the next destination, spend some time in spice gardens knowing and sniffing the organic produce. A guided tour of Thekkady spice gardens is the awe-inspiring experience of how each spice that we use in Indian cooking is made. 

Read in Detail: Places to visit in Thekkady

Where to stay in Thekkady

For a luxurious experience: Greenwoods Resort , Cardamom County, Thekkady

If you are a backpacker choose: Jungle Paradiso Homestay

Periyar National Park Boat Safari

Day 6: Thekkady to Kumarakom

Move over to lakes from the hills by visiting the town of Kumarakom. Leave early morning from Thekkady and drive 4 hours to reach the idyllic village of Kumarakom

Things to do in Kumarakom

Popular as a spa destination, Kumarakom is lined with luxurious resorts along the Vembanad lake. Kumarakom is gorgeous thanks to the lake and backwaters. Spend the evening watching the sunset by the Vembanad Lake, go on a river cruise or choose to visit the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary.

Sunset on Vembanad lake, Kumarakom

One of the most interesting ways to spend time here is to know and experience the activities under Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom . Learn some crafts and ways of living of the local villagers, interact with them and how easy it is to lead an ethical lifestyle.

Where to stay in Kumarakom

For a luxurious experience: Kumarakom Lake Resort , Aveda Kumarakom  

If you are a backpacker choose: Nallathanka Nest Homestay

Coir rope making in Kumarakom

Day 7: Kumarakom to Alleppy or Alappuzha

Alleppey is the backwater town of Kerala and can be reached from Kumarakom by driving for 1.5 hours.

Things to do in Alleppey

The backwaters paradise of Kerala should be experienced by not spending the time on a houseboat which is expensive but by choosing a homestay on its banks! Take a canoe ride which will take you to small alleys wherein you can also do a village tour and watch the sunset over paddy fields.

Watch the sunrise and chill at the backwaters and watch the boats go by listening to the birds sing on the coconut tree near you. Read in detail: Kerala Backwaters of Alleppey

Where to stay in Alleppey

For a luxurious experience: Sterling Lake Palace Resort

If you are a backpacker choose: Nomad’s Hostel

Canoe ride in Alleppey Backwaters

Day 8: Varkala

This is Day 8 and time for some Vitamin Sea! 

Things to do in Varkala

Varkala is a famous beach town with beautiful virgin beaches – Papanasham and Bekal. Take a dip or just relax by the beach listening to the waves crash.

Visit the picturesque Kappil Pozhi Lake which is approximately 6 kilometres from Varkala town. It is surrounded by coconut trees that give this peaceful and tranquil lake some serious wanderlust vibes. On the way back visit the red laterite cliff which is one of the most popular tourist places.

Where to stay in Varkala

For a luxurious experience: Gateway Varkala

If you are a backpacker choose: Mad about Coco

Kappil Pozhi Lake Varkala

Day 9-10: Trivandram or Thiruvananthapuram

Drive from Varkala to Trivandrum, the Kerala state capital which is a 2 hours journey. 

Things to do in Trivandrum

Trivandrum has a lot of influence of British architecture and can be seen in many buildings. You may choose to visit Napier museum which has historical artefacts, Kerala science and technology museum or Kanakakkunnu Palace.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most important temples of Lord Vishnu and is now the world’s richest temple too. The temple has a sleeping Vishnu idol, which is a unique feature.

Spending a night in the Kovalam houseboat is one of the most popular tourist activities in Thiruvananthapuram. Book a traditional houseboat that is made out of reed, cork, and bamboo. Cruising with Kovalam Houseboat Tours is a great way to spend time in Kovalam backwaters. One can lounge around watching the sunset or villagers going about their way. The cruise offers unparalleled views of backwaters.

Read in Detail: Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

Where to stay in Trivandrum

For a luxurious experience: Vivanta Thiruvananthapuram

If you are a backpacker choose: Bed Pods

Kanakakunnu Palace Trivandrum

This sums up the 10 days road trip in Kerala, India. This road trip offers a plethora of landscapes, sights, and cultural experiences which is bound to leave you rejuvenated!

FAQs related to Kerala road trip

Best time to visit kerala.

The Winters months (November to February) are ideal to visit Kerala. The temperatures are moderate and humidity is less (read: bearable). The hills can get chilly in the morning and night but maintain a comfortable temperature during the day.

However, winter is also the time when most people travel to Kerala. So expect to pay higher charges for cars and hotels. 

Kerala monsoon can be uncomfortable for some but the months of July and August are popular with local tourists who want to chase waterfalls and enjoy a rainy vacation.

Is the weather in Kerala good for a road trip in Kerala?

The average summer temperature is 24°C-37°C; while the average winter temperature range from 17°C-33°C. It rains quite often around the year.

Must try food of Kerala?

Kerala food is a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals mostly cooked in coconut oil. Do try the delicacies like ‘ appam-stew ’, ‘ puttu-kadala curry’, ‘ Avial ’ and ‘ iddiyappam ’ for breakfast or lunch. Just like the North-Indian thali, the Kerala thali is called sadya and is served traditionally on a banana leaf.

You will find the regulars like Idli, Dosai and Uttapam or even Punjabi and Indian-Chinese dishes in most of the places.

Traditional Kerala Sadya

What to wear in Kerala?

Comfortable clothing like a t-shirt and jeans is recommended. Women can choose a knee-length dress. Try to wear camouflaged colours during safaris.

Is Kerala safe for travellers/solo travellers/female travellers?

Kerala is extremely safe for all kinds of travellers, even solo women.

Sustainable tips for an ethical Road trip in Kerala

• Kerala is one of the cleanest states in India, in spite of the tourist influx so let’s try to maintain the same and be disciplined.
• If you come across a wild animal crossing the road/highway, give them time and space. Do not encroach on it by trying to get a selfie.
• Do not write on the palace walls or rocks at the beach. Let’s maintain the pristine heritage.
• Avoid wearing perfumes while going in the seawater or national parks.
• Blend in the culture by wearing the right clothes and eating the local food.

Read More Kerala posts:

• Kerala Backwaters of Alleppey
• Human by Nature: Impressions from Kerala
• Places to visit in Thekkady
• Eravikulam National Park
• Periyar National Park
• Glamping in Munnar
• Chendamangalam Handlooms
• Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom
• Trekking in Munnar
• Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Ketki Gadre

Ketki is an environmental consultant and a sustainable travel blogger, who loves nature, wildlife and heritage. She enjoys bringing places to life through her informative blogs to inspire readers to travel sustainably and become responsible travellers.

10 Best Things to do in Kandy

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The backwaters of Kerala sound beautiful. I love the idea of taking a canoe ride and village tour. Seeing sunsets over the paddy fields would just be icing on the cake.

Kerala has always intrigued me ever since the program to bring bloggers there has been on. I can see some of the beauty through your exceptional photos of unique scenes.

I love that you drove to each destination. My husband and I think that you see so much more of an area by driving yourself from place to place. I’m glad that there are plenty of outdoor activities like hikes and canoeing. Seems like a great trip!

I have always wanted to go to Kerala and your guide reminds me that it is still I destination I want to get to! I was wondering if this is an itinerary that you could do via public transportation as I prefer not to rent a car when I travel solo. Would that be a viable option?

Hi Alison, yes this itinerary is very much doable in public transportation. Luckily public transport is super efficient and safe in Kerala and you shouldn’t face any problem. I hope you have a good time whenever you are in India 🙂

This is a great itinerary. Kerala looks beautiful. I’d love to visit the beaches and the spice plantation. Your sustainable tips are spot on for many locations. My daughter keeps asking to visit India …. perhaps this should be our destination.

I always recommend Kerala as the first place international tourists to go. Northern states tend to be very overwhelming and relatively not safe. I am sure you and your daughter will have an amazing time in Kerala 🙂

This is an area of India that is VERY high on our bucket list of places to visit. Therese has a friend who live near Trivandrum and has shared how wonderful the region is with us. I love that you can do this via public transport too though I have to imagine having a vehicle would offer much more freedom to explore … is driving relatively easy? And by that I mean for a someone not used to India. 😉

It would be difficult to drive on Indian roads if you are not used to it. But you can easily hire a taxi for the duration and it would work out to be cheaper.

This looks stunning, I’d love to get lost in Kerala for a week or so. I’ve never been to India, but I hope to get there soon.

That sunset in Kumarakom is so pretty that I would have to go there just for that shot over the water! Glad to know that the winter is the best time to visit because I’m not a huge fan of summer. Is it still pretty hot or does it actually get cool?

Thank you for showing another side of the country that I might have not known otherwise. This looks so well taken care and peaceful. What I love is that you can experience it as a backpacker as well as on the luxury side. I cant wait to visit India!

This Kerala travel guide is an absolute gem! It’s packed with all the information I need to plan my trip. From the picturesque backwaters to the lush tea plantations, every aspect is beautifully covered. I especially appreciate the detailed itinerary suggestions—it’s like having a local guide right at my fingertips. Thanks for sharing such valuable insights and making my Kerala travel dreams a reality!

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An Itinerary for a lush road trip in Kerala, India

Brightly coloured houses, reticent but smiling locals, and low-lying clouds. Undulating Tea Estates spread out as far as the eye can see, mystic spice plantations and coffee farms spread over acres, walls covered with bright red hibiscus flowers, and roads lined with sunflowers. A road trip in Kerala is a delightful assault to the senses – the colours, the smiles, and the landscapes are bound to leave the traveller in you reeling with joy.

Suggested itinerary for a road trip in Kerala

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a road trip in Kerala before I divulge the route we took and provide tips and tricks to making the most of a road trip to Kerala in 2 weeks:

• Tea Estates and hills at Munnar or Wayanad (3-4 days)
• Spice Plantations and wildlife at Thekkady (3 days)
• Backwaters and houseboats at Kumarakom or Alleppey (3 days)
• Beaches at Varkala or Kovalam (3 days)
• City life in Kochi, with a day trip to Athirappilly (2 days)

Our itinerary for a road trip in Kerala

Of course the itinerary charted above is flexible. You can weed out places based on personal preferences and the amount of time at hand. We had just 10 days in Kerala, so we decided to skip the beaches of Varkala and Kovalam. Here’s the route we followed on our road trip in Kerala:

Budgeting for your road trip in Kerala

Let’s start with the logistics first – car rental and expenses. The overall cost of this road trip will depend on the city of departure and the hotels you choose. Kerala boasts of some stunning hotels and you can choose everything from bespoke hideaways to homestays, depending on your budget and personal preferences. Here’s a list of expenses other than accommodation

• Domestic flights to Coimbatore/Kochi cost under £100/INR 10,000 from most cities in India
• A rental car will set you back by approximately £20-£30/INR 2000-3000 per day depending on the car you choose.
• We spent £45/INR 4500 on fuel for a 10 day road trip. This amount will increase if you decide to drive down to Kovalam.
• It’s easy to eat for less than £5/INR 500 at little eateries across Kerala. They serve delectable food and have a variety of local delicacies on offer. There are also several fine-dining restaurants in the area and some of our favourites are mentioned in the article below.

Driving and Renting a car for your road trip in Kerala

You know just how much we love driving around in new places and this was no exception. Driving in Kerala is much easier than Ladakh (our last road trip in India). Roads are in good shape and drivers are not aggressive. However do beware than this route featured hilly drives and hairpin bends by the dozen, so drive yourself only if you have previous experience driving in hills. Having said that, we loved driving in Kerala. We would recommend it if you’re a seasoned driver who enjoys road trips.

We would definitely recommend renting with an Indian rental company while you are in India as they understand the nuances of the market well. We’ve rented with Myles Cars in India before and enjoyed their service, so we decided to stick to the same provider this time around too. We picked up our car –  Mahindra XUV 500 – from Coimbatore airport. It was

10 Essential Experiences on your road trip in Kerala

• Prance in the tea estates of Munnar
• Go for a wildlife safari at Periyar National Park
• Buy fragrant local spices and loose leaf tea for friends and family back home
• Visit a coffee farm
• Go canoeing in Vembanad Lake
• Stay in a houseboat as your explore the backwaters of Kerala
• Sample Toddy, an alcoholic drink made from the sap of the palm tree
• Try local delicacies such as Meen Pollichathu (fish wrapped in banana leaf), Meen Curry (spiced fish curry), Avial (vegetables in a coconut curry), dosas (savoury crépes), and Ulli Theeyal (shallot curry)
• Hunt down waterfalls at Chelarkovil or Athirappilly
• Make friends – locals in the area are friendly and helpful. Talk to them, pick their brains about scenic spots in the vicinity, and share a meal (or two) with them.

Best time to visit Kerala

The months between November and February are perfect to visit Kerala. Expect moderate temperatures and lush green estates. Of course these are peak months, so expected higher rates and crowds at popular places. We wanted to avoid the tourist hordes, so we visited during March, which is a shoulder month. It was perfect but some days did tend to get extremely hot and humid, especially in the backwaters.

July and August are popular with tourists too as this is peak monsoon season. Kerala’s monsoons are special – expect an abundance of greenery and beautiful waterfalls.

Day by day itinerary for a road trip in Kerala

Day 1: fly into coimbatore and drive to munnar.

This day is reserved for arriving in Munnar, the first stop on your road trip of Kerala. Fly into Kochi or Coimbatore. We chose Coimbatore International Airport because it is serviced by Myles.  We picked up are rental car at the airport and kick started our road trip.

Roads are in great shape and there are lots of supermarkets and restaurants on the way. Stock up on snacks, fruits for your road trip. There’s no need to go overboard as hot food is readily available during the length of this road trip in Kerala. Stop at Thoovanam Falls on the way  – the gurgling waterfall is worth a pitstop only if you’re visiting during monsoon months (July & August)

The scenery will begin to change dramatically as you inch closer to Munnar. The searing sun will give way to a nip in the air. Winding roads punctuated with undulating tea plantations and rolling hills will welcome you to the area.

Accommodation in Munnar

Munnar town is quite crowded and chaotic. We suggest staying in a hotel in a village called Chinnakanal. The village is a convenient forty minute drive from Munnar. Here it is possible to stay in a hotel or homestay in the midst of gorgeous tea plantations. Two hotels that boast of great views in the area are Terrace Greens and Club Mahindra. We chose the former for our stay in Munnar – rooms at Terrace Greens aren’t luxurious but they are spacious and well-equipped. Food is tasty. However the lack of wifi in the rooms lets it down.

The hotel is nestled in the countryside, so make sure you stock up on provisions beforehand. Munnar is twenty kilometres away and Surianelli village, which has a large bustling market, is just 5 kilometres away

Days 1-4: Explore Munnar and Chinnakanal

There are lots of things to do in the area but waking up to the sight of endless tea plantations would have to be one of my favourite experiences in Munnar. Low hanging clouds float over verdant tea estates, lending magic to the proceedings.

But we weren’t just exploring tea estates or photographing them. Here’s a list of other things to see and do in the area:

•  Anayirankal Dam and Lake: a picturesque boating and picnic spot, Anayirankal Dam and Lake provides photo opportunities by the dozen.
• Mattupetty Dam and Lake: one of the most popular sites in the area, it tends to get quite crowded. We didn’t love the viewing area but really enjoyed driving along the lake.
• Top Station and Echo Point: Combine your trip to Mattupetty Dam with a drive to Echo Point and Top Station. This makes for an incredibly scenic drive. Expect gorgeous views of the Western Ghats and magical low-lying clouds everywhere.
• Kolukkumalai tea estate: A bumpy ride gets you to the world’s highest tea plantation, where tea is picked and processed in a traditional fashion. Kolukkumalai is gorgeous and definitely worth a visit.
• A traditional tea factory: It should be illegal to leave Munnar without visiting a traditional tea factory. Watch tea leaves being painstakingly picked and processed into high-quality tea. Make sure you pick a bag or two for friends and family back home.

Day 5: Drive from Munnar to Thekkady

After luxuriating in the green environs of Munnar for a few days, it is time to continue with your road trip of Kerala. Start early as the drive from Munnar to Thekkady is one of the prettiest ones – you will want to stop for photographs every few kilometres.

The drive begins, quite predictably, with endless stretches of tea estates. Gradually these get replaced by spice plantations and coffee farms. Roads snaking through Kerala’s Cardamom Hills are lined with bright red hibiscus flowers and chrome sunflowers. Every once in a while, purple wild flowers make an appearance, as if to add even more colour to the landscape.  Check in to your hotel on reaching Thekkady.

Accommodation in Thekkady

Try to opt for an experiential hotel in the area. Choosing a hotel that in the midst of a spice plantation amplifies the experience manifold. We stayed in Shalimar Spice Garden . Shalimar Spice Garden is a rustic yet luxurious hideaway in Thekkady. The hotel is located in the middle of 30 acres of spice plantations. Rooms are well-equipped, spacious, and boast of huge balconies. The hotel boasts of a gorgeous pool area dotted with hammocks and swings. The in-house restaurant serves delectable food. We loved our stay at Shalimar Spice Garden and would recommend it wholeheartedly.

Days 5-8: Explore Thekkady and Periyar National Park

Spend your days in Thekkady exploring its rich spice plantations, the Periyar National Park, and its surroundings. Here are a few of our favourite things to do in Thekkady on your road trip of Kerala:

Visiting Periyar National Park

Boat tours are coveted at the park because tickets are limited. Apparently you can book tickets online but despite multiple attempts, we were unable to do that.  If you want to get on a boat safari at Periyar National Park, then plan on getting up early. Get to the entrance of Periyar National Reserve by 5.45 am, park your car, get your entrance tickets (INR 65 for Indian Nationals and £3.5/INR300 for foreign nationals) and board the bus operated by the Forest Reserve. If you get onboard the first bus, chances are you’ll get a ticket for the much coveted boat ride (£2/INR150) . This is what we did but to be honest, we didn’t see much (except for a couple of stray birds). The Periyar Lake is pretty early in the morning. But the boat safari at Periyar National Park is definitely not worth the effort, especially if you’ve been to other destinations rich in wildlife such as South Africa or Australia. If you want to visit the National Park, opt for a Jeep Safari at Gavi instead.

Other than visiting Periyar National Park, here are a few of our favourite things to do in the area.

• Chellarkovil: The area boasts of waterfalls and cascades during monsoon season. There was no water at the waterfalls when we visited. But the sleepy village of Chellarkovil makes for a great drive and offers sweeping views of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu too. It’s also a great picnic spot, so make sure you pack a snack or two.
• There are some great treks in Kurushmala Hills – it’s better to opt for guided treks in the area
• The bustling town of Kumily is the gateway to scenic drives in the Periyar Valley. Pandikuzhi is a great place to stop for a picnic or a few photographs.

Day 8: Drive from Thekkady to Kumarakom

This drive isn’t the most scenic of the lot as it passes through lots of busy towns and chaotic villages. If you enjoy hiking, make sure you go for a short hike to Eagle Eock in the village of Parunthumpara on the way to Peerumedu . It offers a vantage point from where one can drink in views of the neighbouring valleys, mountains, and villages. Also try stopping in one of the villages on the way for a meal or a cup of coffee – experience everyday life in a village, explore Kerala’s pastel churches, or photographs its brightly-coloured houses. Upon reaching Kumarakom, you will start spotting glimpses of Kerala’s iconic backwaters and lagoons. Check into your hotel and prepare to be smitten by this quaint village of canals.

Accommodation in Kumarakom

The backwaters of Kerala boast of some stunning hotels. On the recommendation of dozens of friends and readers, we booked a pool villa at CGH Earth Coconut Lagoon Resort . And we couldn’t be happier about it. It is definitely one of the prettiest hotels we’ve EVER stayed at (and we’ve stayed in thousands!). You can park your car at their private parking at Kumarakom Jetty and board their boat, which brings you to the hotel. We promise you will fall in love with the hotel almost as soon as you float into the reception area. The hotel complex resembles a traditional village, intersected by canals and lagoons. We chose a room overlooking the backwaters of Kerala – rooms are luxurious and boast of modern amenities. Can’t recommend this one enough!

Days 8-12: Explore the backwaters of Kerala and experience life on a houseboat

The backwaters of Kerala will seduce you in no time. Spend your days taking in the stunning scenery.

• Go for a languorous canoe ride on Vembanad Lake or a sunset cruise in the backwaters.
• Treat yourself to a traditional Ayurvedic massage, which is bound to leave you feeling rejuvenated.
• Savour local delicacies such as Meen Pollichathu (grilled fish) or Karimeen curry (spicy fish curry), and  Sadya (traditional vegetarian feast) at meal times.
• Go for a bird-watching walk – Kumarakom bird sanctuary is famous for hundreds of species of birds and attracts bird enthusiasts from all around the world.

Spend your last night in Kumarakom on a houseboat. This is an experience like no other. Make sure you choose a traditional houseboat fashioned out of reed, cork, and bamboo. We spent the night on a 1 bedroom houseboat by Spice Coast Cruises and loved the experience. The evening was spent sailing past duck farms, busy villages, and floating shops. We watched the sun set over the backwaters from the comfort of our houseboat. We devoured a three course meal as the day metamorphosed into night. Most of the evening was spent lounging on the boat while staring at the stars. Make the most of it as it will soon be time to drive out of Kumarakom.

Days 12-15: Fly back or continue to the beaches of Kerala

If you have a few more days in Kerala, you should drive from Kumarakom to the southern tip of the state to explore its beaches. Varkala is a perfect pit stop if you like beach destinations sprinkled with bohemia. If you enjoy classic luxury, then choose a decadent hotel in the coastal town of Kovalam .

We had just 12 days in Kerala, so we drove back to Coimbatore International Airport from Kumarkom and boarded our flight back to New Delhi. You can also spend a night or two in Kochi on your way back to Coimbatore. Make sure you drive to Athirappilly Waterfalls if you’re in Kochi.

That’s it – an idyllic 2 week road trip in Kerala, India. This road trip offers a plethora of panoramas, sights, and cultural experiences – it is bound to leave you rejuvenated! We loved our time in Kerala and can’t wait to go back!

Want to experience our road trip in Kerala with us? Check out our vlog from Kerala

Planning a trip to Kerala? Read about our favourite hotels in Kerala

Love road trips? Read about our 14 favourite road trips around the world

Previous Post

A romantic getaway in Kerala with Plush Escapes

Bruised Passports – Q&A with Savi and Vid

81 thoughts on “ an itinerary for a lush road trip in kerala, india ”.

Wow,the pics… Perfect road trip amidst greens! Made me cast back my trip 🙂

So happy you enjoyed reading about our road trip in Kerala Indu 🙂 We loved every bit of it

Hey Hi guys. I am huge fan of your blog. The road trip itenary suggested by you for kerala is amazing. Can i go in the rainy season for the same road trip??

Hey Priyanka – thanks a ton. So happy you enjoyed reading about our road trip in Kerala 🙂 You can go during rainy season but do beware than some roads can get blocked due to heavy rain during that time of year

Beautiful description about my home state. Wayanad is also another beautiful place which is located in north Kerala. You can drive to Bandipur via Wayanad to Ooty- Coonnor and get back to Coimbatore.

Thanks a ton Remya – wish we had time for Wayanad and Ooty on this trip but that gives us a reason to be back soon 🙂

You people are doing a great job I have been seeing your videos and reading your blogs and they are really helpful. Planning vacations are now just reading one of your blog away. Savi and Vid I am a travel enthusiast and you both are my role models. Thank you

This itinerary looks so perfect. I LOVE kerala and keep going back for long weekends (I am from Bangalore). Now I want to visit again! The photos are just brilliant, couldn’t take my eyes off them! The houseboat looks so pretty and charming and cozy. 🙂 You guys should visit Coorg and Sakleshpur next. I am sure you would love both places!

Thanks Ramya 🙂 The houseboat made for quite the experience. We are contemplating going to Coorg next – hope it happens super soon

My native is on your way to Thekkady to Kumarakom, but I should say that I have not visited most places in this place. But your post and these beautiful pictures are inspiring me to explore more of Kerala as soon as I can.

Wow – that’s the greatest compliment EVER Elizabeth. So happy to hear we’ve encourage a Keralite to explore her own state – yay 🙂

I’ll be dreaming of gorgeous tea plantations and house boats tonight, that’s for sure! You guys are the reason my travel lustlist is growing at such a fast rate, haha! You guys have made Kerala sound perfect 💜💜

Aww thanks Adele – hearing from you always makes our day. Travel lustlist growing too fast? That’s our work done then 😉

Beautiful description with jaw droppings pictures. I too had a road trip covering a few parts of Kerala. Must say Kerala is b’tful and need not say how it’s named ‘God’s Own country’. U guys have summed it up so well. My houseboat is dues and will be making it sometime soon. Thanks for reminding me of what I missed. 😘😘 Also, I would second to Remya. Take a drive to Wayanad and go through the raw beauty it has. Staying at Bandipur jungle resort is another amazing experience. Looking forward to your next post. Much Love to U both. 😘😘

Thanks Akanksha – so happy you enjoyed reading the article. Hope you make it to a houseboat soon 🙂 We’ll definitely take that drive to Wayanad sometime in the near future 🙂

I am planning a trip to Kerala, and I am sure I will be stealing most of this itinerary. Thank you. 🙂

Glad you enjoyed it Kaveri – have fun in Kerala 🙂

Kerala is beautiful place of India and it is full with beautiful things. Natural beauty is one of the best attraction. it have one of the biggest beaches of india and so stunning photos you shared.

We are happy to know that you enjoyed seeing the pictures we clicked in Kerala. It is a beautiful place and our trip there was nothing less than magical in the true sense.

Beautiful pictures and article AS ALWAYS! I’ve read quite a lot of travel blogs but this is the only one which does not have even one article which is anything short of amazing! Oh and don’t know why,but mention of my hometown Coimbatore made me super happy! 😀

Thank so much – so happy to know you feel that way. A lot of thought and time goes into putting together each article, so your comment is truly appeciated 🙂 Also, hi five for Coimbatore

The peppercorn picture is the best! Did you ask them to do something funny, or did they just do that on their own?

Thanks Lori – I didn’t. Just struck a conversation and captured it while talking to them 🙂

Perfect itinerary. Sunset from a houseboat picture looks so magical. I like the way you’ll write.

Hey Loreta – great to hear that. Thanks a ton 🙂

Beautiful pictures guys! I am planning a road trip to kerala from hyderabad. We have like 7 days in hand. Not possible to cover all of it I guess.Any itinerary suggestions??

Hey Ruhi – unfortunately we haven’t driven that route yet. Sorry about that 🙂

Hello Savi and Vid, so after reading your this blog post multiple times and checking google again and again, we went for Munnar last week 27th Aug 2017. And yeah we did cover main points you suggested at Munnar..It was raining for first two days but on the day of actual sight seeing, it was lovely sunny out.. Vid, I must tell you, I try to click pictures like you do, the locals, the lush green tea plants and all.. and output is always great. Big Thanks to you both.. Yeah we used public transport for Coimbatore to Munnar , Munnar to Alleppy..KSRTC buses..BOM to Coimbtore and Cochin to BOM flight. PS: We Skipped early morning Thekkady boat ride too 😛

Cheers, Ashay

Thanks a lot for the beautiful message. It’s amazing that you used public transport and covered so much – well done 😀

Do share your photos with us if you get the chance.

WOW I am going to India for the first time next week and have been reading your blog like crazy! Your photos are AMAZING, what kind of camera do you use? Would you say maxi dresses are ok for rajasthan if they are high on the neck but show shoulders? I am in love with all your oufits–such great style !

Hey Sierra – thanks a ton 🙂 Maxi Dresses are ok for Rajasthan but just carry a scarf along to cover your shoulders in busy marketplaces or near religious sites

A very detailed, inspiring and informative post 🙂

Thank you Jo- glad you liked it 🙂

Amazing pictures ..and a very detailed explanation ..next in my list …I have followed ur Slovenia iternary and Kerala in my next bucket list ..Thanks Savi and Vid

Thank you so much Kriti – hope you had a great time driving in Kerala

Very very helpful ! Thanks a ton 🙂

You’re welcome 🙂 Hope y ou enjoyed your road trip in Kerala

I’m coming to kerala with two friends next month! What was your favorite part of your trip? We are thinking about giving thekady a miss and concentrating on munnar and kumarakom/alleppey, curious to hear your opinion of it we only have a week, what would you cut out of your intinerary!

Hey Sierra,

Our favourite part has to be Kumarakom and the night we spent on the boat house. YEs, we’d give Thekaddy a miss and spend longer in Munnar/Kumarakom

For this whole trip which places did you need to take the inner permit for your vehicle? I am wondering as i am also planning the same roadtrip on this route with Myles. Thank you 🙂

From my recollection we did have to take permits in different places but don’t really remember how many places. But I do remember that it wasn’t difficult at all and we didn’t have to do anything in advance

Hi Can u guys suggest me best resort in kovalam i am travelling in june with 1 kid

Hey we stayed at CGH Coconut lagoon and can’t fault it 🙂

wow, these include a lot of information relating to Munnar, its very use full for every visitors. If you are looking for the best resorts and hotels in Munnar http://themunnarqueen.in/

Hey savi n vid.. I love to see yr post on insta.. they r amazing… V r planning for kerala trip.. n i have heard abt bamboo rafting in thekary.. any experiance of it..

Credibility of the post is highly appreciable with the benefits are fantastic. Can view the best work of budgeting trip for Kerala, within the single page of this blog. Not needed for guide at all !!

Hi Savi & Vid. I have been closely following you on Instagram and your posts on travel make me jealous. Wish I could go roam the country (leave aside the world) more frequently. I am mesmerized by every post of yours.

Anyways I have been planning a trip to Kerala in December (we shall start from Kochi) for 4 days/3 nights. My friends and family suggested Munnar-Takkady-Kumarkom (1 night stay at a boathouse). We would reach Munnar by afternoon as we would definitely stop for various waterfalls along kochi-munnar route. But we would stay only 1 night in munnar (I wanted to stay 2 days) and leave next day morning around 11 am for tekkady. Do you think this plan can get hectic? Or should we skip Tekkady/Periyar altogether for a more relaxed holiday? Any suggestions on an itinerary? Any places you feel we should not miss around Munnar (like chinna kanal) if we decide to stay there for 2 days?

Your suggestions could be of great help. Please help out!!

Definitely seems hectic – you won’t be able to enjoy at all 🙂 Best to spend 2 days in and around Munnar and then head to Kumarakom

Hi savi and vid

Loved your post so much that we ended up planning similar itinary for my 31st birthday. Everything u have written , have almost witnessed it. Love every details you put in your every pic. Keep sharing your amazing travel stories and keep inspiring us. Pls tell where we can share pictures with you guys.

Hey Ritika 🙂

Thank you so much – glad you had a great time 🙂 You can either email us the photos at bruisedpassports {at} gmail {dot} com or send us a message on our Instagram: @bruisedpassports 🙂

What a beautiful post and I love the pictures! Kerala is most beautiful place and top tourist destination in India. Munnar is my favorite place in Kerala, it is adorned with lofty mountains, lush greenery, misty clouds, waterfalls and much more. Thank you for sharing the wonderful travel guide for Kerala.

Happy to hear you enjoyed our experience in Kerala 🙂

You know the feeling you get when you stumble upon juuuuust the perfect itinerary , that resonates totally with how you would want your trip to be…this was it ! Thanks for sharing this, so, so helpful write up !

That’s MUSIC to our ears 🙂 Do share your photos whenever you visit 🙂

Hey guys, Thank you so much for sharing this information. I really like to visit munnar.

Happy to hear that!

I have plan to go for summer vacation and search for where to go and reached on your blog where I see Kerala is best place for holiday destination and I will plan for kerala in next week. Thanks for sharing amazing content and photos.

Happy to hear that 🙂

Hi Savi and Vid,

I discovered your Youtube channel a while back and was instantly impressed, inspired and not to mention, instantly subscribed. I’ve enjoyed the many trip reports there and so when I was “Googling” about itineraries for our upcoming Kerala trip and found a link to your blog, it definitely brought a smile and a feeling that this is going to be it. And after going through it and seeing the pictures, I’ll say I was not disappointed at all.

Anyway, to the subject. As I mentioned it’s going to be a Family Trip – 6 adults, Two kids (2 yr and 1 yr). The dates – 20th-27th September. Unfortunately, we don’t have many days. So my question is, can your itinerary be modified to 7 days and will the season be good? Also, I checked Myles but they don’t have availability on those days. Any other Car Rental recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks. Anticipating a reply, even though this blog post is quite old now.

Thanks for your message. Yes you can definitely fit this into 7 days – spend 2-3 days in and around Munnar, 2 days in Thekkady, and 2 nights in Coconut Lagoon 🙂

Haven’t really tried any other rental agency – perhaps you could try Zoomcar?

Have a great road trip in Kerala and share photos with us 🙂

Appreciate the response. We ended up going for 8 days and hiring an Innova. We did 2 days in Kovalam, 2 in Varkala, 1 in Alleppey, 2 in Munnar and 1 in Kochi. It was a great trip. I haven’t uploaded any photos because I’m too lazy for that, unlike you guys. Keep up the good work and happy travels! By the way, just saw your Arctic Cruise video…so awesome!

Nice content and pics especially the sceneries that you have captured are awesome.

Thanks Ram!

Your post is completely fantastic, fabulous and inspiring! Lovely one! Awesome captures. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks a ton Sarah – so happy you found our tips for a roadtrip in Kerala helpful 🙂

Hey guys! Loved the article and the pictures <3 I am planning a road trip to Kerala with my parents and I've included almost all the suggestions given in this itinerary. Also, can I get a suggestion on the kind of clothes I should carry for a comfortable trip in Kerala? I would be travelling there in mid-February. Thank you.

Carry breathable cotton fabrics 🙂

Thanks a lot , nice info, i had been around kerala many times, but planning with family by road from bangalore, your info is really great thanks again

You’re welcome Raji. Hope you have a great road trip to Kerala 🙂

It’s a very beautifully weaved post and very informative as well. Love the pictures.

Thanks for sharing a very nice blog post.

Heyy Savvi and Vid! I have a question: for Houseboats and backwaters, which is a better place to visit : Allepey or Kumarakom?

Hey both are great but we like Kumarakom better

Thanks for sharing nice post

Thanks for sharing a very nice blog post

Nice blog… Visit Oshin Hotels in Wayanad on your next trip to Kerala. https://oshinhotels.com/

Your vivid descriptions and beautiful photos transport readers to each destination, making it feel like we’re right there with you. I appreciate the personal touch you bring to your travel experiences, offering insights that go beyond the typical tourist spots. It’s evident that your passion for exploration shines through every post

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Your ultimate guide for road-tripping through Kerala

Explore kerala’s scenic routes, vibrant culture, and must-see attractions with our comprehensive guide to the ultimate road trip through god’s own country.

By Aquib Nawab

27 Aug, 2024

Looking for an adventure where new spectacles spring at every corner all the time? Imagine riding through twisting roads all around green hills with a tinge of spices in the air and a sound of waves from a distance.

Visualise a ride through vast stretches of coconut trees, visiting small and peaceful hamlets and stopping insatiably at several look out points. Whether you are a traveller visiting Kerala for the first time or are a regular tourist, the landscape, hospitality and culture will charm your heart. This is more than a road trip; it is a journey into the very essence of Kerala .  

Are you all set to take off and enjoy the splendour that Kerala offers? As this ultimate guide showcases, it will be easy for anyone who wants to make a scenic drive and take a trip around Kerala.

Planning your route

Starting point: kochi.

Your first stopover should be at Kochi, a beach city where history meets modern life. Known for its colonial architecture, Kochi offers a peek into Kerala’s history. So while in Kochi, make sure to visit Fort Kochi , the Chinese fishing nets, and the Mattancherry Palace before you hit the road.

Route 1: Kochi to Munnar (130 km)

Your journey begins from Kochi to Munnar , a hill station well known for its tea plantations. The road trip usually takes about 4 hours and consists of some hairpin bends, some beautiful valleys and a good number of waterfalls. While going this way, do not forget to visit Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls. Munnar has several attractions - tea estates, and Eravikulam National Park for trekking or relaxing in the cool climate.

Munnar | Credits: Canva

Route 2: Munnar to Thekkady (90 km)

From Munnar, One can travel to Thekkady, where the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located. The adventure takes around 3 hours, offering the picturesque Western Ghats that complement the journey. There, take a boat ride in Periyar Lake; visit the spice farms or join a jungle hike. This place is also rich in fauna hence you may see some elephants, tigers and other indigenous wildlife.

Thekkady | Credits: Canva

Route 3: Thekkady to Alleppey (140 km)

Next, go for a drive to Alleppey, another stunning and delightful city which is also referred to as the Venice of the East. On average, this route takes about four hours, however, the views of the backwaters in some of Kerala's most picturesque regions make it a worthwhile journey. Houseboats are the major attraction in Alleppey, and staying on one is a must. One can sit idle on the backwaters and drive home the characteristic Kerala cuisine while cruising on the water and appreciating the calm environment.

Alleppey | Credits: Canva

Route 4: Alleppey to Varkala (120 km)

Advance your journey into Varkala, which is mainly coastal and characterised by cliffs and beaches. The driving distance is about 3 hours and is quite manageable. At Papanasam Beach, infamous for its hot and cold springs and waters, bathers can soothe their aching bodies. Or wander to the Janardana Swamy Temple tucked away on a hillside a short walk from town. There are also many cafes and eateries that overlook the azure Arabian Sea that dot the Town.

Varkala | Credits: Canva

Route 5: Varkala to Kovalam (55 km)

Completing the JSPS peak is a drive to Kovalam, the favourite beach of Trivandrum. It only takes less than 2 hours to drive but it is preferable to make it an all-day trip to capture the sights at the coast. The beaches at Kovalam are shaped like a crescent and there are big opportunities for vod water activities or Ayurvedic spa therapies. Spend the last days of your holiday basking in the sun and lounging along the sea.

Kovalam | Credits: Canva

Must-visit stops along the way

1. athirapally waterfalls.

When going from Kochi to Munnar , make a stop on the way to sightsee the Athirapally Waterfalls, which are popularly called the Niagara of India. At 80 feet in height, this gorge waterfall is amazing, especially during the wet season when the water is high. The place is also covered with a lot of vegetation providing an ideal location for picnics and photography. The falls are also nice places for birdwatching because different kinds of birds can be seen there as well. A trip to Athirapally is more of interesting workouts and time in touch with nature than just the sight.

Athirapally waterfalls | Credits: Canva

2. Marari beach

Marari Beach is located just outside Alleppey and is another unexplored beauty where one can get a break from the glorified crowds. This untouched beach is sweet for an evening on the sandy shores or simply a leisure walk. The place is still in its natural state with no commercialization which is an asset for people who want to take a break in the arms of Mother Nature. The waters are calm and ideal for a nice swim, fishermen go about their business even at the beach where there are a lot of them bringing in fish. If you want to relax on a beach, you have to come to Marari Beach which is prevalent in Kerala and is a highlight of the Kerala Road Trip.

Marari beach | Credits: Canva

3. Varkala cliff

Among the most visited places in Kerala , one of the highlights is the Varkala Cliff with the stunning view of the Arabian Sea. There are many cafes, shops and yoga places on the cliff which also makes it exciting and enjoyable to be in all day. There are many counters on the cliff where there is enough room to pause and drink in the views. Just a short distance down the same pathway is the beach below where one can sunbathe, swim, or partake in water sports amongst other activities. Varkala Cliff is another must-visit place in the course of your travels. The scenic beauty vibrant people, and relaxed atmosphere make it even more attractive.

Varkala cliff | Credits: Canva

4. Kumarakom bird sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located a short distance from Kottayam. It is a great place to see birds of different kinds. The sanctuary is maintained over an area of 14 acres and is home to such migratory birds as Siberian cranes, egrets, and herons among many others. To add a fresh angle of bird watching, a boat ride through the sanctuary can provide an opportunity to view the birds in their natural habitat. This, however, is only best done in the early hours of the day and late afternoon when the birds are likely to be spotted. While taking a road trip, the tranquil scenery and wildlife of the sanctuary provide a relaxing break.

Kumarakom bird sanctuary | Credits: Canva

5. Bekal fort

Northern Kerala is no exception regarding places that are worth seeing, if you happen to be visiting the region, you must include the Bekal Fort in your itinerary. The fort, built in the 1600s, has an overlooking view of the beautiful Arabian Sea. The fort itself is intact and right next to it is a lovely beach, thus this place is perfect for history nuts and also nature lovers. There are some features such as the many bastions, the concealed passages, and the lookout towers which help to build up its historical background and a real sense of its function. It is impossible to forget the blend of the beauty of the place and its major historical importance at Bekal Fort during your road trip to Kerala.

Bekal fort | Credits: Canva

Where to eat

If you happen to be in Kerala , it is heaven for foodies. You cannot afford to ignore the local delicacies like appam and stew, Kerala Sadya, and fresh catch, among many other dishes. You can visit small restaurants and toddy shops for a more authentic taste.

• The rice boat (Kochi): This restaurant belongs to the Taj Malabar Resort, and is built on water – it boasts of a ‘seafood focus’. Not to forget the backwaters and making a meal of Meen Pollichathu Thu (fried fish wrapped in banana leaf with coconut milk and spices)
• Rapsy restaurant (Munnar): A ‘must-try’ for tourists, Rapsy offers a wide range of Kerala and continental cuisines. Very popular is the beef fry and parotta .
• Sree muruga cafe (Thekkady): This local restaurant is acclaimed for its typical South Indian style of serving meals on banana leaves. Dosai and thali can also be taken for a real Kerala taste experience.
• Halais restaurant (Alleppey): This restaurant is known for its mouth-watering biryanis and Kerala Malabar food and is popular with both locals and tourists alike. Their special chicken biryani is reputed.
• Cliff lounge (Varkala): Sitting on the Varkala Cliff, this cafe has amazing panoramic views of the sea. Its variety ranges from seafood to in-house fish and croquettes, and even continental fare in between. You ought to try grilled fish and mashed potatoes.
• German bakery (Varkala): This is one of the places you will want to order something. The German Bakery specialises in an assortment of nice, fresh pastries, smoothies, and dishes.
• Villa Maya (Trivandrum): For those who wish to experience the explored range of gourmet dining, Villa Maya is the restaurant for you. Housed in a 300-year-old Dutch house, it serves the most tantalising array of food from the traditional and modern calendars of its people.

Best time to visit Kerala

October to february.

This is the period that most tourists decide to visit the state of Kerala. The average temperature is between 18 ° C which is comfortable enough for the winter period and 32° C which is suitable for an outdoor activity such as road trips and sightseeing.

March to May

Summer in Kerala might be characterised by a hot humid climate having temperatures ranging between 29 degrees centigrade to 40 degrees centigrade. However, if you can withstand the hot season; then this is the best time to go to the hill stations such as Munnar, Wayanad and Thekkady which are cooler than the plains.

June to September

During the monsoon period, the resplendent greenery of the state of Kerala can be seen and this is the most scenic season in this state. Although during these rains it is like general rains, but during these rains sometimes sodium water does imbibe a peculiar beauty to the state. This is the funniest season in Kerala where in the monsoon the temperature ranges from 20 degrees centigrade to 30 degree centigrade.

A tour of Kerala is never complete without a road trip. A bend is a charming view, an interesting village or an undiscovered waterfall. No doubt, Kerala holds great attributes with its different geography, culture and customary hospitality that will guarantee an exciting road trip. Therefore, grab your bags, start the car and prepare to visit India’s best state in a new way!

Whether you have just finished your visit to this beautiful southern state of India or you are just searching for a place to hang out. The Hosteller Munnar , The Hosteller Fort Kochi and The Hosteller Wayanad in Kerala are the best places to recline, spend some time and think back over adventures.

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Best Road Trips to Varkala, Kerala Places to Visit

Varkala is an enthralling tourist destination in Kerala (God’s own country). Every year, a chunk of tourists used to visit this place to spend their holidays amidst a tranquil and scenic natural ambience. This is the sole place in Kerala where you can find stony cliffs adjacent to the sea. You can’t leave Varkala without experiencing its diverse culture and historical marvels.

Road trips to Varkala

There are multifarious ways to reach Varkala via road.

From Bangalore

The distance between Bangalore and Varkala is nearly 700 km via NH44. If you hire a self-drive car rental from Revv for Varkala from Bangalore, it may take 13 hrs. to reach your destination.

The distance between Kochi to Varkala is 169 km via NH66. If you can hire a self-drive and sanitized car from Revv, you can reach Varkala within 4 hrs from Kochi.

From Trivandrum

The distance between Trivandrum to Varkala is only 46 km via NH66. If you take a self-rental car from Trivandrum, you can reach Varkala within 1 hr 15 mins.

Best time to Visit Varkala

The winter season is the best time to visit Varkala. The temperature is very pleasant in the winter season and that’s why it is the ideal time to explore nearby places around Varkala. October, November, December, January, and March are the best months to visit Varkala.

Things to see in Varkala

Whether you are travelling with your loved ones or you want some me-time or want to explore your spiritual side, you will be blessed with everything that you are looking for in Varkala. Let’s take a look at some of the popular Varkala tourist places.

• Varkala beach
• Varkala Cliff
• Ponnumthuruthu Island
• Varkala Aquarium
• Kappil Beach
• Anjero Fort and Lighthouse
• Kilimanoor palace

1. Varkala beach

This is one of the most intriguing places to visit near Varkala. This beach is only 10 km away from the quaint hamlet and offers astounding views of the turquoise waters of the sea. Many people believe that taking a dip in the holy waters of the beach will overcome them to get rid of all ailments and the soul of its sins. Every year, a plethora of tourists used to visit Varkala to purge themselves of their misconduct.

Varkala beach activities

Varkala beach is famous for various adventurous activities.

• Windsurfing: This beach is ideal for those who are ardent lovers of windsurfing. You can enjoy wonderful windsurfing at this place with 2 to 5 feet long tides.
• Parasailing: due to the incessant flow of wind, parasailing is one of the most-loved activities at Varkala beach. To enjoy a perfect parasailing experience, many tourists come to this place.
• Sunbathing: This is another sought-after activity at Varkala beach. This beach embraces tourists with a unique experience of sunbathing with its stunning landscape and promising weather.
•   Sunset: Say goodbye to the departed sun with the perfect blended colors while sitting on the beach.  This beautiful experience you never want to forget in your entire life.

2. Varkala Cliff

Varkala Cliff is just beside the Varkala beach and offers a serene environment where you can indulge in natural beauty and enjoy some quality time. The long and zigzagging stretch of cliffs is adorned with tall and lovely coconut trees on both sides. To make your road trip more memorable, you can enjoy some local snacks on the cliff and even purchase a bunch of trinkets and knick-knacks from local handcraft shops. You can reach the pristine Varkala beach by climbing down to the top of the cliff.

3. Ponnumthuruthu Island

If you are planning to enjoy Varkala sightseeing, then don’t miss this island. This is an uninhabited island that is located 20 km away from Varkala. Spread over 5 hectares, this island offers eye-soothing panoramas. The immaculate azure waters of Akathumuri Lake surround the island and make this entire island an extremely tranquil and peaceful feeling. This place is crammed with exotic migratory birds, rare water birds and other wildlife. It is an ideal place for bird watchers and nature aficionados.

4. Varkala Aquarium

If you are travelling with your kids, then this is one of the popular Varkala attractions. Here, you can see large water tanks that are thronged with exotic species of aquatic life. The zigzag walk along the premises of the aquarium embraces you with astonishing views of various fish, like scorpionfish, angelfish, koi, the local karimeen, and many more. This is a favorite place for animal lovers and inquisitive souls.

5. Kappil Beach

This gorgeous beach is an ideal place where you can spend a day wholeheartedly. Enjoy the glittering waters of the Arabian Sea and dip your toes in the immaculate waters of the sea. You may go for a pleasant walk with your partner on the golden sand or just lay down on the beach with a glass of cocktail and enjoy how the day passes.

6. Anjero Fort and Lighthouse

 Anjero Fort and LightHouse are the two nearby places that you must visit in Varkala. The fort was the first British establishment in India and thus, it is popular among tourists. The architectural design of the fort is stunning and the beautiful picturesque of the fort makes this place an ideal picnic spot. It was believed that the lighthouse was used to guide British ships to shore and from the vantage point. This lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the sea.

7. Kilimanoor Palace

This palace is famous for astonishing paintings and artwork created by one of the eminent artists in Kerala, named Raja Ravi Varma. The area of the palace is 15 hectares, and it also has a studio where Raja Ravi Varma spent time creating his magnificent art pieces. This palace is a must-visited place for art aficionados as well as cultural connoisseurs.

These are Varkala near tourist places that you must visit on your road trip.

Things to do in Varkala

• Water spots: This is one of the popular activities to do in Varkala. Jet skiing, banana boat rides and parasailing are some of the most exhilarating things to do in Varkala to make your trip memorable.
• Varkala Culture center: Varkala is a place that offers modern and conventional culture distinctively. Enjoy Kathakali dance performance and various styles of Kalaripayattu at the Varkala Culture Center.
• Yoga: Yoga and dabbling are the most popular activities in Varkala that you can’t shun. Many ashrams at Varkala offer tourists to attend various yoga sessions.
• Enjoy scrumptious local cuisine: Many cafes at Varkala offer you some mouth-watering South Indian and Kerala cuisine including seafood, filter coffee and romantic dates. Don’t miss these dishes on your trip.
• Shopping: The winding streets of Varkala are the perfect places for shopping lovers. From perfumes to clothing, bamboo products, funky jewellery, and soaps, you find much attractive stuff here. Tibetan handmade products like the flutes, Dorjee, and conches are the most popular shopping items at Varkala.

Now, you have an adequate idea about Varkala and its nearby tourist places that you must visit on your road trips to Varkala. Hire a self-drive rental car from Revv and explore this small land of paradise in Kerala. 

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The official blog of Revv Self Drive Car Rental, was started in November of 2019 with the aim to make leisure travel easy & accessible. The blog covers places to visit in India, new trends in the car rental industry & most importantly how to make your travel/roadtrip easy & memorable.

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A Trip to Varkala, The Mini Goa of South India

Are you looking for a place like Goa in South India? Here is the article about the Varkala trip plan, places to see in Varkala, sightseeing ideas and more details to help you plan the trip.

Plan a Trip to Varkala, The Mini Goa of Kerala, South India

The coastal town of Varkala is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in South India. Also known as the "Hidden treasure of Kerala," Varkala is one of the least explored beaches in the state. This town is known for its hippie culture, delicious food shacks along the beach, and great beach vibes. If you are visiting Kerala anytime sooner, then make sure Varkala is on your bucket list.

It is counted as one of the most beautiful beach towns in the state and resembles the ones in Goa, which is why it is often called "the mini Goa of South India." The best time to visit Varkala is from January to May. Avoid going during the monsoon months of August and September, as the sea can be an unsafe zone during this time. There are some amazing  places to visit in Varkala.

How to Reach Varkala?

To  plan a trip to Varkala , you must have a good idea about the place. If you reside outside Kerala, then trains will be best for you. The train station of Varkala is connected to that of Trivandrum, Coimbatore, Bangalore, and such other prominent cities. If you plan to visit any of these cities, you can first book your train tickets to Trivandrum or Bangalore, tour that city completely and then book your tickets to Varkala.

If you are a resident of Kerala, especially of cities like Kochi or Trivandrum or Alappuzha  then you can hire private cars to Varkala to enjoy the comfort. The time taken from Kochi or Trivandrum or Alappuzha to Varkala is 4.5 hours, 1.5 hours and 3.5 hours respectively.

Rental cars give you absolute freedom to travel at your convenient time. Plus, if you hire a self-driven car, then it is an added advantage for those who love the wheel. Driving can be fun, especially if you have a mystic town like Varkala to explore. 

IndusGo is the best car rental service to opt for, as they provide the best cars and the best services at pocket-friendly prices. There are various car options, and you can hire a rental car for your complete trip and from any location. You are at complete freedom to plan your trip on rental cars from IndusGo. Most travelers to Varkala opt for IndusGo car rental services owing to the flexibility and convenience it provides to its customers. 

What are the best places to visit in Varkala?

There are a ton of natural landscapes and beautiful sea beaches and towns to explore in Varkala. The list is highly enchanting and makes for a thrilling holiday destination. Here are some of the most captivating places to see in Varkala. Make sure you don’t miss out on any of these places if you want to make the most of your Varkala trip. 

1.  Varkala beach

Varkala beach is also known as papanasam beach. This beach is 3 kilometers from Varkala railway station and 10 kilometers from the city center. Now, if you wish to go to the beach first, then you can stay near Varkala railway station. There are quite a number of good hotels near the station. Along with this, some private car rental companies like  IndusGo  offers private cars from railway stations. Therefore, it will be easier and cheaper for you to hire a  rent a car  in  Trivandrum  railway station and start your journey from there. If you are new to Varkala, then do hire the car along with a driver. You should definitely take a bath on this beach for two reasons. Firstly, the beach is very clean and pristine. Therefore, a bath here with your family would be quite enjoyable. Secondly, it is believed that a dip in the waters of papanasam beach will take away all your sins. A lot of pilgrims come to this beach to bathe and get devoid of their sins. However, one word of suggestion will be to be a good human being and not a sinner and then take dips in this beach. 

2.  Varkala Cliff 

The next option to go to is the  Varkala Cliff  which is at a walking distance from  Varkala beach.  Basically, this cliff overlooks the papanasam beach and you should go to this cliff after you visit the beach and take a bath there. The scenic beauty of this area is totally mesmerizing. The climate of this region will enhance your hunger and now will be the time to take lunch while enjoying the beauty of the beach and the cliff.

3. Kappil beach 

 Another beach which is closer to  Varkala cliff  is the  Kappil beach.  In order to avoid the adverse effects of heat, you should carry sunscreen lotions to this beach and you can even try to reach this beach before 12 noon. In that case, it would be ideal not to bathe in  Varkala beach.  Those who have done surfing earlier can try that on the waters of Kappil beach. This place is so calm that sometimes local residents come here for a picnic in the winters. In fact, Kappil beach is an ideal place to come in the winters. Along with the beach, you must take a boat ride on  Kappil Lake.

4. Kappil Lake

 This lake is at a distance of 6 kilometers from Varkala city, this lake is beautifully surrounded by coconut trees. You can take a boat ride on the backwaters of Kappil Lake. While taking the boat ride you would be shown the area where the lake merges with the Arabian Sea. The boat ride will take around 30-40 minutes. These boats are mainly electricity free and run using pedals or oars. Therefore, it will take a longer time to go about the lake than motor boats. However, if you don’t wish to take a boat ride, then you can spend some time in the lap of Mother Nature here and then head for the next location.

Also Read :  Places to Go For a Weekend Drive From Trivandrum

5. Ponnumthuruthu Island

Ponnumthuruthu Island is located 15 kilometres away from Varkala. Take a country boat from Nedunganda and enjoy the backwaters with an exquisite green space that’s perfect for nature walks and bird-watching. This island is renowned for a century-old Shiva Parvathi temple, which is also called 'Thuruthu kshethram' by the natives.IndusGo is the best car rental service to opt for, as they provide the best cars and the best services at pocket-friendly prices. There are various car options, and you can hire a rental car for your complete trip and from any location. You are at complete freedom to plan your trip on rental cars from IndusGo. Most travelers to Varkala opt for IndusGo car rental services owing to the flexibility and convenience it provides to its customers.

6. Anchuthengu And Anjengo Fort 

Anchuthengu Fort was the East India Company's first permanent post on the Malabar Coast. Queen of Attingal gifted this fort to the company and according to local tales,  Anchuthengu And Anjengo Fort  got its name due to the mispronunciation of the Britishers. Anchuthengu is where the fort was built and it is named Anjengo instead.

7. Chilakoor Beach

This beach is a delightful combination of casuarina groves, sunset views, and natural beauty of rural Kerala life. Located only 15 km away from Varkala, this places a perfect hide-out from your daily urban life. 

8. Sivagiri Mutt 

Located on top of Sivagiri hills, Sivagiri Mutt is the ashram and tomb of Sri Narayana Guru,  a saint, social reformer, philosopher and a leader of Ezhava community, who made Varkala his headquarters. Every year,  Sivagiri Pilgrimage takes place from December 30th-January 1st, where tens of thousand devotees attend the functions. You can also visit  Balimandapam , one of the popular pilgrim locations.

9. Odayam Beach 

Odayam Beach, just a few kilometres from Varkala, is a pure stretch of soft sands between the beautiful Thiruvambadi beach and the Cliff beach. You can walk along a coastal path all the way to Kappil Beach in under two hours.

10. Ayurveda spas and clinics 

 Varkala is a great place for Ayurveda treatment. The spas of this place have maintained the legacy of Ayurveda for many years and have given rejuvenation and mental peace to many patients, who could not find relief in other forms of treatments. There are many spas and clinics that offer various types of Ayurveda treatments. By the time you take a ride on the Kappil Lake, you will become very tired and you will need some massage and natural treatment to regain the energy for further touring. These spas are the right place for you after an entire day’s tour. They offer body massage, meditations, oil massage and much more and you will hear good reviews from the clients who go there regularly.

11. Janardana Swami Temple  

After you take a rejuvenating massage from an Ayurveda center, you can visit Janardana Swami Temple, which is quite close to the Varkala beach. This place around 7 kilometers away from the beach. This temple is near 2000 years old. This is a temple of Hindu god Vishnu. The temple basically overlooks the beach and the sea. Just like the papanasam beach, this temple also remains filled with pilgrims. They come here to get some peace of mind and offer their love and respect to the deity. After you visit this temple, it will be almost evening time and now it will be your time to go back to our hotel. 

You can stay the next day for taking rest and watching the nearby shops. You can buy garments for your members of the family and some souvenirs for your friends. You can think of returning to your own city or the city from where you started for Varkala, the next day.

Why should you choose IndusGo?

When you are on vacation, all you want to do is relax. Sit on a beach and enjoy the sunrise, try something new for breakfast, visit local places and markets, search for historic or iconic places, talk to the local people and enjoy your time alone and away from your usual daily life. When you are at the Mini Goa, the Varkala beach, you definitely do not want a schedule fixed by a holiday planner or a tour guide, who tells you about the dos and don’ts in the city. You need to step out and explore the uniqueness of Varkala on your own. Well, we understand roaming in the city without a vehicle can be a problem. 

With IndusGo, book a car rental service in Varkala. We are focused on tailoring the best-suited plans for your car rental to cater to the diverse tourism needs. We have car rental plans for long road trips as well as intercity trip packages to make your vacation an enjoyable one. You can either opt for car rental without a driver at Varkala or go for self-driven cars. We have various cars to suit your needs. At IndusGo, we make it possible for you to quickly and easily book a car online from wherever you are.

Our packages for self-driven cars let you explore and experience the beauty of Varkala without depending on a cab driver. Key features of booking with IndusGo are the flexible start and endpoints, easy online booking, low-security deposit, and Instant refund. IndusGo is also dedicated to offering 24/7 customer support and has a fleet of fully insured cars.

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Places to visit near Kochi – Choose from numerous mesmerizing escapes around the Queen of the Arabian Sea

Kochi or Cochin is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea due to its grand seascape and all-weather harbor. The trading history of Kochi dates back more than 600 years and still stands tall as the financial capital of the state of Kerala. It is a cosmopolitan town with heritage structures, diverse stores, and art galleries and is home to the beautiful art of Kathakali. With the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other, Kochi offers memorable backwater rides, lip-smacking food, and numerous cultural events. Kochi also has no dearth of places to visit nearby.

Savaari’s Curated Roadtrips from Kochi

Varkala, southern varanasi, kumarakom, the backwater paradise, vazhachal waterfalls, a picture-perfect location, perumbavoor, a ‘ little ’ north india in kerala, vagamon, queen of the mist, ezhattumugham nature village, to calm your soul, andhakaranazhi beach, a rare virgin beach, santacruz cathedral basilica, one of the 8 famous basilicas in kerala, thrissur, the cultural capital of india, kanyakumari, the place where india ends, kuttanad, the rice bowl of kerala.

• Pathanamthitta, A prominent pilgrimage center

The unending list of road trips from Kochi

Kochi has a unique blend of British, Portuguese, and Dutch influences that have resulted in the town having a distinct aura of its own. It is a beautiful town blessed by nature, immersed in Indian culture, and strategically located allowing you to visit numerous places in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Being a tourist-friendly town, the highways and roads are maintained in top shape allowing a seamless driving experience. Hence, there are many places to see near Kochi and several opportunities for road trips.

Kerala has long been known as a traveler’s paradise due to the range of experiences offered by the state and the region. A country as diverse and culturally rich as India can be best explored on the road. While driving your car is one option, you tend to miss out on the experience while driving a vehicle since you need to be focused on the road. Therefore, we recommend opting for a Local Car Rental in Kochi by Savaari to explore the region to the fullest . Save & share this handy infographic curated by Savaari for the best places to visit near Kochi. The roads are calling where are you?

Varkala is known for its unique 15m high cliff right next to the Arabian Sea. It is popular for its hippie culture and has a rich and interesting history that has impacted its culture. It is also popular as Southern Varanasi due to the presence of a 2000+ year-old Janardhana Swami temple.

Why do we recommend visiting Varkala?

Varkala is home to some of the most amazing beaches in Kerala along with forts, lakes, springs, and a range of other attractions. The medicinal natural springs and the 2000-year-old temple attract a lot of religious and spiritual travelers to its shores. The hippie presence adds a sense of eclecticism to the town. Overall, a trip to Varkala has the potential of being a rewarding experience.

[ Also read : A detailed travel guide on Varkala ]

Why should you travel to Varkala by road?

While Varkala is gaining popularity as a beautiful destination, it is still unexplored by many. Hence, if you are in Kochi, then make sure that you plan a trip to this beautiful beach town. The drive from Kochi to Varkala is probably one of the most scenic drives as it runs parallel to the Arabian Sea. You can take the Panvel-Kochi-Kanyakumari highway followed by the NH66 to reach Varkala from Kochi within a few hours. This is a beautiful drive with a refreshing change in scenery.

A trip to Varkala is ideal for 

If you are looking for weekend getaways from Kochi, then Varkala can be an ideal destination. You can plan a 3-4 day trip to this mesmerizing coastal town and explore it to your heart’s content. 

You should travel here if you are:

• A beach person
• A history or ancient architecture buff
• A romantic couple looking for a beach vacation
• A religious or spiritual traveler

[ Book a cab from Kochi to Varkala ]

An intricate web of rivers, lakes, and lagoons with beautiful houseboats and lush green forests, Kumarakom is relaxation personified. Kumarakom is set in the backdrop of Vembanad Lake with a wide range of flora and fauna and a world-famous bird sanctuary. 

Why do we recommend visiting Kumarakom?

There is a lot that can be done while in Kumarakom. Right from houseboat rides, bird watching at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and visiting various ancient temples and other structures, to getting Kerala Ayurvedic Massage Therapy, Kumarakom offers it all. It is one of the best places to visit near Kochi within 100 kms.

Why should you travel to Kumarakom by road?

Kumarakom is at a driving distance from Kochi. As you leave the busy city roads and snarling traffic behind, you are welcomed by open landscapes and colorful villages that can help rejuvenate your mind and spirit in no time. To reach Kumarakom, you need to drive from NH66, Cherthala Road, and Cherthala – Thanneermukkom Road to Alappuzha – Madurai Road to reach Kumarakom.

A trip to Kumarakom is ideal for 

Kumarakom is an ideal destination for a one-day picnic or a 2-3 day trip to explore the region. This makes it one of the most popular places to visit near Kochi. 

• Looking for a relaxing vacation
• A romantic couple
• A nature lover

[ Book a cab from Kochi to Kumarakom ]

Close to the Vazhachal Forest and at the edge of the Sholayar Forest lies the famous Vazhachal Waterfall. It is a part of the Chalakudy river stream. It flows through an inclined slope of more than 300 feet and into a pool. 

Why do we recommend visiting Vazhachal Waterfalls?

Vazhachal Waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is formed on the lower stream of Athirapally waterfalls. The surroundings are beautiful and picturesque with the forest department maintaining herbal plantations in the area. 

Why should you travel to Vazhachal Waterfall by road?

Vazhachal Waterfall is situated in the Thrissur District of Kerala. The drive from Kochi to Vazhachal Waterfalls via NH544 passes through various small villages and towns. The roads are well-maintained and offer a smooth ride. To reach Vazhachal Waterfalls, you need to drive from NH66, NH544, Karukutty Ezhattumukham Road, Munnoorppilly Ezhattumugham Prakrithy Gramam Road, and Meloor -Poolany – Adichili -Ezhattumugham Road to Chalakudy – Anamala Road in Pariyaram. 

A trip to Vazhachal Waterfalls is ideal for 

Vazhachal Waterfall is a perfect spot for a one-day picnic from Kochi. There is not much to do here except visit the waterfall and marvel at the surrounding flora. Hence, one day is sufficient to explore the place.

• Looking for a picnic spot near Kochi
• A waterfall lover

[ Vallam kali – The ancient festival of boat racing ]

Perumbavoor is an ancient town located on the banks of the Periyar River. In fact, the river lends its name to the name of the town. It is popular for its small-scale industries and wood industries that attract immigrants from all corners of the country. It is also the starting point of the Perumbavoor Tourism Circuit launched in 2007.

Why do we recommend visiting Perumbavoor?

Perumbavoor is one of the most prominent destinations for tourists in the Ernakulam District of Kerala. This captivating city offers a range of attractions to keep different types of tourists entertained. You can explore the history and culture of the region, enjoy local food, or indulge in various activities based on your interests.

Why should you travel to Perumbavoor by road?

The route from Kochi to Perumbavoor is beautiful and allows you to enjoy the changing sights and sounds as you move from the city toward a rustic location. The route is dotted with a lot of trees and villages. To reach Perumbavoor, you need to drive from Kochi – Panvel Highway, NH966B, NH 85, Chithrappuzha-Ponjassery Road, Puthenkurish Karimughal Road, Karimugal Kaninadu Road, Peringala – Vadavucode Road, to Perumbavoor – Puthenkurish Road.

A trip to Perumbavoor is ideal for 

Perumbavoor is a short distance from Kochi making it an ideal destination for a day picnic with family or friends. You can also take 3-4 days off and take the entire Perumbavoor Tourist Circuit.

• Looking for a weekend picnic destination near Kochi
• A nature lover 

[ Book a cab from Kochi to Perumbavoor ]

Vagamon is the most beautiful hill station near Kochi. The natural beauty of Vagamon cannot be described in words. With carpeted valleys, pine trees, and meandering rivers, Vagamon is right out of a postcard. Unexplored for centuries, Vagamon’s history is not more than 100 years old when the British started tea plantations in the region.

Why do we recommend visiting Vagamon?

Vagamon attracts nature enthusiasts from around the world. If you are looking for a location near Kochi that offers picturesque views and a rejuvenating experience, then Vagamon is the place to visit. Also, if you are looking for adventurous things to do near Kochi, then you can travel to Kochi and take part in various adventure activities based on your preferences.

[ Also read : A detailed travel guide on Vagamon ]

Why should you travel to Vagamon by road?

Driving from Kochi to Vagamon is recommended as the route starts getting greener and more picturesque as you approach the hill station. The local eateries and villages along the way make the journey interesting and memorable. Vagamon has thrived as must visit hill station places near Kochi in recent times.

A trip to Vagamon is ideal for 

At a short drive from Kochi, Vagamm is an ideal destination for a one-day trip from Kochi. You can travel with your family, friends, colleagues, and a romantic partner. 

• An adventure seeker
• Looking to travel as a couple or family

[ Book a cab from Kochi to Vagamon ]

Ezhattumugham Nature Village has been promoted by Kerala Tourism Department as a Nature Village. With breathtaking beauty and a calm ambiance, Ezhattumugham’s lifeline is the river Chalakkudy which breaks into seven flowing streams at one point giving the place its name (Ezhattumugham means The Seven Faces of a River). 

Why do we recommend visiting Ezhattumugham Nature Village?

City life can be loud and stressful. Hence, many people look for an escape to greener environments whenever possible to rejuvenate their minds. Ezhattumugham Nature Village offers the perfect setting for a rejuvenating trip from Kochi and allows you to do nothing while your mind heals itself. It is a great spot for walking through nature and marveling at the natural beauty of the place. This nature village should be on your must-visit places near Kochi on your South India tour.

Why should you travel to Ezhattumugham Nature Village by road?

Ezhattumugham Nature Village is less than 100km from Kochi. When you drive from Kochi to Ezhattumugham, you pass through the flora-rich countryside of Kerala that starts preparing you for a rejuvenating trip ahead. Since there is no public transport that can take you to the village, driving down in your own vehicle or a chauffeur-driven car are the only option.

[ Also read: A detailed guide on Munnar ]

A trip to Ezhattumugham Nature Village is ideal for 

Since there is not a lot to do in Ezhattumugham Nature Village unless you plan to unwind and relax by doing nothing for a longer period, one day is usually sufficient to explore the village.

• A photography enthusiast

Andhakaranazhi Beach is a rare virgin beach in India. It is located just around Pattanakkad and is a perfect place to unwind and relax. While this beach is not yet teeming with tourists, it has been popular in the Malayalam film industry for its picturesque location and panoramic views.

Why do we recommend visiting Andhakaranazhi Beach?

Visiting a beach requires no excuse. The sea and the beach have the capability of taking away all our stress and leaving us feeling refreshed. Andhakaranazhi Beach is a beautiful beach that still has a serene environment since it is not over-commercialized. You can cycle around the village or take a houseboat tour to experience the beauty of the place.

Why should you travel to Andhakaranazhi Beach by road?

Andhakaranazhi Beach is located near Pattanakkad in Kerala. You can take the Aroor – Thoppumpady Road, Baby Marine Road, NH66, Andhakaranazhi Road, and SH66 from Kochi and drive through a picturesque landscape to reach Andhakaranazhi Beach within no time.

A trip to Andhakaranazhi Beach is ideal for 

We recommend visiting Andhakaranazhi Beach for a one-day picnic from Kochi. In fact, you can leave a little later in the day and head back after watching the sunset.

• A family looking for a picnic spot
• Looking for a peaceful and calming vacation

Santacruz Cathedral Basilica, also called Kotta Palli, is one of the 8 famous basilicas in Kerala. Apart from being a place of religious significance, it is also a place of historical significance and architectural grandeur. Built in the early sixteenth century, the Santacruz Cathedral Basilica hosts the Relic of The Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ for a long time. 

Why do we recommend visiting Santacruz Cathedral Basilica?

The Santacruz Cathedral Basilica has two lofty spires and a remarkably bright, white-washed exterior, and a pastel-colored interior. The interiors of the church are mostly Gothic, with the main altar decorated by a famous Italian painter. A visit to this cathedral can help you understand the history and significance of the place while marveling at the fantastic architecture.

Why should you travel to Santacruz Cathedral Basilica by road?

Santacruz Cathedral Basilica is located in the Kochi District of Kerala. You can take the Aroor – Thoppumpady Road and K.J. Herschel Road from Kochi and drive through open landscapes and beautiful countryside steeped in culture. You should definitely add this to your places to visit near Kochi list.

A trip to Santacruz Cathedral Basilica is ideal for 

A one-day trip is sufficient to explore the Santacruz Cathedral Basilica near Fort Kochi as well as the surroundings. You can start early to avoid city traffic and reach there while the weather is pleasant. 

• A history buff
• A religious enthusiast
• Looking for a relaxing time with your friends or loved ones

Thrissur was formerly known as Trichur and historically known as Thrissivaperur. Throughout history, Thrissur has been known to be the hotbed of spiritual, religious, and cultural leanings. While it has been to be the center for Hindu scholarship in ancient times, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam were also believed to have entered India via this region. Thrissur is a wedding destination place for Hindus near Kochi

Why do we recommend visiting Thrissur?

Thrissur is not just about religious and spiritual places. There are numerous forests, beaches, hills, and waterfalls along with a range of man-made activities to help you make the most of your trip. Also, being the cultural capital of India, your trip is going to expose you to various cultural norms that have been maintained for centuries.

Why should you travel to Thrissur by road?

India lives in its villages and small towns. Also, Kerala has been popularly touted as God’s Own Country. If you truly want to experience the magic of Kerala, then a road trip is a must. When you take a trip from Kochi to Thrissur, you drive from NH544 and Thrissur – Shoranur Road. These roads carve through the rural landscape of Kerala and allow you to experience it as per your preferences.

A trip to Thrissur is ideal for 

There are a lot of things to do and explored in Thrissur. Therefore, we recommend a trip of around 3-4 days so that you can take your time to understand the culture, traditions, history, and beliefs of the people of Thrissur. 

• Looking for places to visit near Kochi Airport
• Looking for a weekend getaway with your spouse, family, or friends

[ Book a cab from Kochi to Thrissur ]

Kanyakumari is a rocky mainland that juts into the Indian Ocean and is located at the southernmost tip of India. It is also popularly called Koodal which means that it is located at the confluence of three oceans – the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal. It is the only place in India where you can see sunrise and sunset across the ocean from the same spot.

Why do we recommend visiting Kanyakumari?

There are many reasons to travel to Kanyakumari. First, being located at the southernmost point of India, standing at the edge has a different thrill. Second, it offers some amazing views of the oceans and celestial events (if you are lucky). Third, it is considered to be a confluence of various cultures and traditions. Overall, Kanyakumari can keep all kinds of travelers interested for many days.

Why should you travel to Kanyakumari by road?

The road trip from Kochi to Kanyakumari takes you on a beautiful highway that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea. It also cuts through numerous small villages and towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu allowing you to witness the synergy and differences between the two states. 

A trip to Kanyakumari is ideal for 

There is a lot that Kanyakumari has to offer to different types of tourists. Hence, when you are traveling to Kanyakumari from Kochi, make sure that you plan for 3-4 days so that you can explore every aspect that the city has to offer.

• History and architecture buffs
• Looking to visit ancient temples 

[ Book a cab from Kochi to Kanyakumari ]

Kuttanad is known as Kerala’s “rice bowl,” due to its abundance of lush green rice fields. Travelling through this secluded nook of nature will give you a taste of Kerala’s traditional countryside life. This location’s geography is a unique feature. It is approximately 2 metres below the main sea level, making it the country’s lowest altitude location.

Why do we recommend visiting Kuttanad?

Kuttanad is the face of the Kerala Backwaters, honeycombed by numerous canals, lakes, rivers, and rivulets. Kuttanad’s streams are ideal for sailing over and taking in the best of what the region has to offer in an hour-long cruise on a houseboat or shorter trips on canoes. These excursions provide scenes and scenery that are worth remembering and photographing, making them ideal for nature and leisure enthusiasts. The shacks here serve some of the best cuisines, which are frequently accompanied by fresh toddy. Kuttanad is one of the places that you can visit near Kochi.

Why should you travel to Kuttanad by road?

A journey to Kuttanad reveals the lush beauty and bounty of Kerala’s backwaters like never before. To get to Kuttanad, take the Panvel – Kochi – Kanyakumari Highway and NH 66. As you leave the busy city streets and traffic behind, you are greeted by open landscapes and colourful villages that can quickly rejuvenate your mind and spirit.

A trip to Kuttanad is ideal for 

Kuttanad is an ideal destination for a one-day picnic or a 2-3 day trip to explore the region. The view, the breeze, and the diligent habits of the locals will never leave your mind.

Pathanamthitta, A prominent pilgrimage centre

Pathanamthitta, a treasure trove of religious sites, natural beauty, and ancient villages, is the ultimate vacation destination. It has a unique mix of majestic temples, beautiful waterfalls, dense forests, and holy rivers. Simply put, Pathanamthitta has everything a traveller could ask for in a destination.

Why do we recommend visiting Pathanamthitta?

Pathanamthitta has a plethora of beautiful destinations scattered throughout its landscape. From the majestic Western Ghats to the vibrant rice fields that border Alappuzha, there are numerous opportunities to explore nature while indulging in the many unique traditions that are waiting to be witnessed.

Why should you travel to Pathanamthitta by road?

A road trip is a must if you want to truly experience the magic of Kerala. When travelling from Kochi to Pathanamthitta, take the Panvel – Kochi – Kanyakumari Hwy Road. These roads carve through Kerala’s rural landscape, allowing you to experience it authentically.

A trip to Pathanamthitta is ideal for 

Pathanamthitta has a lot to offer in terms of activities and exploration. As a result, we recommend a trip of 3-4 days so that you can take your time learning about Pathanamthitta’s culture, traditions, history, and beliefs.

The list of destinations around Kochi mentioned above can help you craft memorable trips. However, remember, the region surrounding Kochi has a lot to offer. If you are looking for travel suggestions or itineraries, then talk to our trip experts and get the guidance you need. Furthermore, you can book a top-rated cab service in Kochi with Savaari to your chosen destination now! 

Additional Travel Resources

• Kerala Tourism website
• An Epic Road Trip Across Kerala | God’s Own Country
• Tamil Nadu Tourism website

FULL Guide To Varkala Beach, Kerala | Things To Do, Where To Stay!

Categories Asia , India

Varkala is in the very South of India in the state of Kerala, however when I think of Kerala I think of the backwaters of Kerala and the tea plantations of Kerala , not rugged waves, wild beaches and smoothie bowls, but that’s exactly what Varkala Beach offers and this is why Varkala Beach is such a popular place to visit in South India and it makes Kerala even more diverse!

Varkala Beach must be on your list of places to visit in South India, it’s a chilled beachside town, and although I loved the beachside town of Palolem in Goa , Varkala has much more of an edge than Goa, I really liked this and that’s exactly why I think you should visit Varkala and add it to your Kerala itinerary and South India itinerary !

Varkala Beach Kerala

SIM CARD FOR INDIA

I really recommend having a sim card in India as it makes travel in India so much easier! You may have heard that it’s hard to get a sim card in India but you can get a sim card in Delhi Airport, read this post to see how to buy a sim card in Delhi Airport or if you fly in elsewhere 3 ways to buy a sim card in India and you’ll be connected in just a few hours!

WHAT TO WEAR IN INDIA

If you are a woman, here’s what I recommend you pack and wear in India . Technically you can wear what you like in India in most places but to get fewer stares and feel more comfortable, read my post!

DON’T GET SCAMMED IN DELHI

Most people arrive for the first time into Delhi and get scammed within a few hours! Read my Delhi Travel Tips to help you enjoy Delhi, and the best places to stay in Delhi which is so important!

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Why Varkala is Perfect for Foreigners to India ?

It’s chilled!

I would say this is the main reason I recommend you head to Varkala in Kerala, it’s just so chilled! South India is known to be more chilled than North India but at the same time many places in South India are still very busy and bustling and taking a break on the coast of Varkala is the perfect way to relax from your travels around Southern India.

Goa, of course, is another place you can relax in South India but as I said above, Varkala just has more of a cool edge I think.

Varkala is popular with holidaymakers, Westerner’s and Indian’s but how many people do you know that go to Goa on a 2 week holiday in India, compared to how many people go to Varkala on a 2 week holiday… it’s a different kind of place and vibe and therefore attract people of a more chilled vibe.

There are also plenty of places to stay in Varkala Beach, plenty of places to eat and it’s not crazy expensive either so good for backpackers to India on a budget.

Related Post: 8 South India Travel Tips | Things To Know BEFORE Visiting South India!

How to Get to Varkala Beach ?

Varkala is actually really easy to get to because it has a train station  in the town which is a mainline station in a line running down the west coast of India.

A train from Kochi to Varkala is only 3 hours and my ticket from Varkala to Kochi cost me just 80Rs/ 80p in second seating.. bargain!

If you’re flying into South India, the best way to reach Varkala is to fly into  Trivandrum Airport . Trivandrum is actually quite a big city right in the South of India and from there you can get a 2-hour taxi or a train from Trivandrum Station to Varkala Station.

If you want to arrange a private pickup in advance from Trivandrum Airport to Varkala, have a look at this option on Viator .

I didn’t have any experience with local buses to Varkala and with the train station being a mainline station with regular trains, buses are not really needed however Varkala is well connected by bus  to nearby places in South India too!

If you don’t have much time to stay in Varkala but you want to visit, it is possible to do a day trip from Varkala from Trivandrum City. This tour will make sure you see the best of Varkala in one day !

Note – Be sure to take out cash before you get to Varkala Cliffside as the nearest ATM is in the town which is a 45-minute walk away!

Best Places Stay in Varkala Beach.

There are so many places to stay in Varkala and the accommodation is all guesthouses, hotels and hostels. Although you may find some huts and bungalows, these will not be on the beach, instead, they will be in a garden in a resort.

Varakala’s beach is below a huge cliff so accommodation is all along the cliffside.

When looking for the best hotels in Varkala, be sure to stay along the cliffside or just in, do not stay in the town centre as it is a fairly busy Indian Town and as a backpacker and holidaymaker in Varkala, you’ll want to be on the cliff and by the beach!

For a hostel  in Varkala be sure to check out The Lungi Vibe Hostel ! It’s in a great location just 2 minutes from the walkway along the cliff and a 10-minute walk from the main beach. They serve good value food in their cafe making it really convenient and a cheaper way to visit Varkala on a budget, plus their private rooms and dorm rooms are really well priced.

If you want a guest house in Varkala so you can get a private room at a good price , there are so so many and from what I saw so many of them are good quality. They’re in 2 story buildings, often with a balcony/porch with a table and chairs and hammock (I feel like a hammock is a must here).

If you want to splash out a bit more in Varkala there are plenty of Varkala Beach   Resorts and Hotels in Varkala  and a few of them further down the cliffside have pools. None of them looked overly fancy but if you want more space they are a good option. 

Kerala is the home of Ayurveda and I actually saw most Ayurveda and Wellness Hotels in Varkala out of anywhere else I went. For a wellness stay  in Varkala, I’d recommend Puccini Lala Eco Wellness Resort , they have their own restaurant which you can visit even if you don’t stay (more on that below), they have accommodation of huts in a nice private area as well as their own big yoga shala! Plus an Ayurvedic Doctor onsite with treatment rooms! If you need a bit of a retreat whilst in Varkala, this is the place to go!

For accommodation options in Varkala, have a look on Booking.com. I use Booking.com for all of my accommodation in India as I love the flexible booking options!

Alternatively, if you’re the type of backpacker that is happy to arrive with no accommodation booked, you’ll be happy to hear that you can do this in Varkala! A few times I got asked if I needed accommodation and I did especially when I was walking to my hostel with my bag which just shows that the old school way of travelling does work here still too and this will probably benefit from getting a slightly better price in accommodation.

Things to do in Varkala Beach

I won’t lie, there’s not a huge amount of things to do in Varkala but that’s kind of why it’s is so nice!

The main beach is a great place to sunbathe which is nice as other beaches in Kerala such as Alleppey are huge beaches but very local and not sunbathing beaches. Unlike the beaches in Goa , you will not find beach bar’s along the beach in Varkala. There are a few sun loungers which you can hire but generally, everyone sunbathes on the beach.

The ocean is great for swimming  in too. The waves are big but not too big and it feels really fresh! Which is good because it gets hot down here in South India!

Be sure to head for a  morning walk on the beach , not only is it a nice time to walk before it gets too hot but in the middle of the main beach you’ll see locals and Indian visitors doing a ceremony which I believe is for members of their family that have recently died… a bit morbid but interesting to witness the local culture.

On that note, Varkala’s beach has quite a distinct line of between the local and traditional Indian side, and the foreign side but also Indian holidaymaker side. You can visit the local side but as a woman especially, perhaps put your dress back on rather than being in a bikini, although there’s no rule to say you can’t.

BOOKING TRAINS IN INDIA

India is best travelled by train because its the quickest, cheapest and best way of getting to know the country. For an EASY option of booking trains in India use 12GO to search and book trains really easily. If you’ll be in India for awhile, you can use the local booking system, it’s a bit tricker but possible, here’s my post on how to book trains in India as a tourist .

BEST ACCOMMODATION IN INDIA

I always use Booking.com to book my hotels in India and Hostelworld to book my hostels . India has a great range of accommodation with brilliant hostel chains like Moustache, Zostel and Backpacker Panda as well as homestays to luxury hotels.

GUIDED TOURS IN INDIA

Many cities in India are best seen with a guide , even if it’s just a half day tour on your first day . Cities in India are chaotic and complex and what better way to taste the food and get to know the city than with a local. I recommend Get Your Guide & Viator for the best tours in India!

Thanks to Varkala being fully west facing, there is a great sunset  each night from the beach and cliffside!

The cliffside is home to many many shops so if shopping in Kerala is something you want to do you can shop in Varkala well!

I heard that Varkala is becoming the new Yoga  spot in India and I’d have to say that I agree! The only place I have seen more Yoga being offered is Rishikesh which is the home of Yoga in India right now, but Rishikesh   is all the way up North so it’s great to see so much Yoga in Varkala Kerala! There are lots of drop-in sessions for 300Rs for 90 minutes, Hatha seemed the most popular style of Yoga, but I did see Vinyasa offered a lot too. There are also lots of places offering Yoga Teacher Training and Yoga Retreats are popular in Varkala too!

Although if you’re looking for a Yoga Retreat, I’d recommend Earth Yoga Village in Palolem Goa !

Kerala is the home of Ayurveda so lots of massages  can be found in Varkala. I’d say that a lot of them are not ‘real’ Ayurvedic places where you can see an Ayurvedic Doctor who is fully interested in you but if you want a good massage at a good price, this is the place to do it! I heard 1 hour full body massages being offered for 500Rs.

Surfing  is a popular activity in Varkala thanks to it’s awesome waves.

I didn’t see any boat tours being offered by locals to see Dolphins  however you can see Dolphins from the beach and especially from up on the cliff so make sure you get a seat in a cafe by the water one day and keep your eyes open for Dolphins!

Be sure to keep a lookout for local events  too, I saw a yoga festival being advertised, a yoga and wellness day, healing courses, live music and so much more by looking at all of the flyers and stickers that line the cliffside!

Be sure to take out cash before you get to Varkala Cliffside as the nearest ATM is in the town which is a 45 minute walk away!

HELP WITH YOUR INDIA ITINERARY

I’ve spent many months travelling India in the last few years visiting over 50 places around the country, here are my recommended itinerary posts for India to help you plan your trip!

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1 MONTH SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY IDEAS!

2 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY IN THE NORTH & SOUTH

MY 4 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY!

24 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN INDIA!

Best Places to Eat in Varkala Beach

Varkala is a really nice place for food because there are plenty of options and they all line the cliffside. Most of the options are tourist places but they offer Indian and International Food and there are a few gems that offer more fancy and healthy dishes like Smoothie Bowls and Avo on toast, heaven if you’ve been in India a while and want some International Food!

Here are some of the best places to eat in Varkala:

The White Rabbit

Right on the cliffside, it’s Vegetarian with a cool menu. They offer Indian Dishes like Dosa and Curries but they also offer Smoothies, Smoothie Bowls, Avo on Toast, Burgers and many different types of Buddha Bowls! I sat in here a few times to do work too as the wifi is good! Although still don’t expect the exact dishes of the International dishes you get at home, they do vary a bit!

Coffee Temple

This is a really popular place and not just because of their good coffee. They have a full range of juices and a big food menu, mainly western dishes but things a bit different like Tacos. They also have a full and separate Vegan menu which is really great if you are a Vegan in India! Be warned that this place does get busy though, especially around 11:00-12:00. The wifi is good here too making it a popular place for people to work from!

This is a really cool spot and mainly because of its decoration and its spot overlooking the ocean. Their menu is more like a bible (it’s so heavy), they serve good Indian food but also plenty of western food with lots of western breakfast dishes too! It’s good during the day but also in the evening when all the lights turn on and sometimes they have live music.

The Juice Shack

As you can imagine these guys serve juice and for a really good price! They have a huge range of juices all from just 80Rs. They do serve food too but I was quite disappointed by my food there whenever I ate there so I would recommend just going for the juice!

Tibet Kitchen

Varkala is a long way from Tibet but luckily there is a Tibetan Restaurant and they serve the best Momo’s! Seriously, they’re so good! They also serve lots of other food – Indian and International, but please go here for the momo’s and the friendly staff!

I ate here with my friends on our last night together, we got a table on the rooftop and watched the sunset, the food was nice and the menu was the standard menu of offering everything but for sure the main reason I’d recommend eating here is because of the panoramic view across the beach and cliff.

Puccini Lala Eco

For good, healthy, Vegan food head here! It’s actually Puccini Lala Eco Wellness Resort   but it has a restaurant open to the public and offers Vegan Buffets for Lunch and Dinner as well as a full menu of food and drink. The lunch buffet is 200Rs and the dinner buffet is 300Rs. The wifi is also very good and it’s in a quieter place down the cliffside.

Now you know what Varkala Beach is like, do you need more information to help you plan your India trip??

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A Complete Guide To Varkala Beach, Kerala

Set amid a beautiful setting about 10 km away from the calm and quiet hamlet of Varkala in Kerala, Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach, is a beautiful stretch of sand renowned for its solitude unlike other commercial beaches of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

The backdrop Arabian Sea against the cliffs of Kerala is a unique one since these sedimentary formation peaks are not found anywhere in the otherwise flat coastline of Kerala.

You may also like to read: fort kochi

The following guide takes you through things to do in and around Varkala beach , places to eat, best time to visit and places to stay. Let's take you on a virtual tour of Varkala beach!

Tripadvisor

Varkala Beach

Varkala beach in a nutshell:.

Varkala is an important hub for neighbouring places like Attingal, Kadakkavur, Edava, Kallambalam , Kappil, Parippally and Kili. Varkala is a haven for sun-bathing and swimming. The evening views of the sunset are worth lingering over. There are several small restaurants and snack shops near and around Papasnanam beach, which attracts the maximum visitors both for leisure as well as for religious reasons.

Best time to visit Varkala beach:

Best time to enjoy the beach at its best is between the months of late December and March. The weather is dry and sunny with the temperature hovering around 30 degrees Celcius.

Avoid travelling during the months of April and May when the climate is hot and humid.

How to get to Varkala?

The nearest airports to Varkala are Cochin International Airport (199km from Varkala) and Trivandrum International Airport (41 km from Varkala).

You can hire a private cab, book a bus or take a train to Varkala from Cochin or Trivandrum, all type of transportation is easily available.

How to reach Varkala beach?

Getting around the small town of Varkala, which is mainly 3 km inland, is pretty easy. One can easily hire an auto-rickshaw to commute between the places.

Other than that, exploring the place on foot is also quite popular among the tourists.

A few travel tips for Varkala:

1. Do not underestimate the Kerala sun. Varkala can get extremely hot, so try and complete all your outdoor activities during early morning or evening hours. It goes without saying, a hat, shades and sunscreen should be your best friends while in Varkala.

2. Getting around in Varkala is quite convenient. You can hire a scooty or take easily available autos to travel around the town.

3. Most restaurants and cafes that are not situated on the North Cliff do not serve alcohol. So if that's a priority for you, do call and check beforehand.

Things to do in and around Varkala beach:

1. Go dolphin watching: Varkala Beach is also known as the Pearl of the Arabian Sea, which is basically a cliff beach situated in the coastal city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. Dolphin spotting here is one of the coolest things to experience. 2 Hours boat ride and you get a chance to spot hoards of dolphins.

Mounty camping

2. Water Sports: Varkala is the only place in South India where you can witness the confluence of hills with the sea. Towering, rocky cliffs edging out towards calm waters of the Arabian sea make for the perfect sight to engage in some of the most exciting water sports that you can engage in and one of the most fun things to do in Varkala.

Adventure seekers will find themselves completely at home enjoying jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush and some goosebumps-inducing experiences, this is the place to be for you.

3. Enjoy at Varkala Cliff: Varkala beach and cliff are a ten minutes’ drive away from the town and provide a peaceful environment to soak in the natural beauty, dig your toes into the sand and experience relaxation like never before. The long, winding stretch of cliffs is lined by tall and beautiful coconut trees on both the sides and a paved footpath runs along the entire length.

You can also enjoy various snacks on the cliff and buy a bunch of knick-knacks from the handicraft shops. The immaculate Varkala beach can be reached by climbing down the steps from the top of the cliff.

4. Visit Janardhana Swami Temple: Visiting Janardhana Swami Temple is one of the most religious experiences and most important things to do in Varkala for cultural buffs and devotees of the Hindu religion. Besides, the marvelous architecture of the temple also attracts architects alike. The high arched entrance and tile roof make for an opulent and grandiose styled building.

The proximity of the temple to the beach also allows one to take a leisurely walk in the sun after spending some time at the temple. Visit the temple in March/April to enjoy the main festival Arattu where people pay homage to their ancestors.

5. Anjengo Fort and Light House: Since Anjego Fort and Light House are located only a small distance from each other, visiting the them at Anchuthengu is one of the most interesting things to do in Varkala. The fort is remembered as one of the most important historical sites as it was the first British settlement in India.

The architectural design is admirable in itself and the picturesque settings make it an ideal spot for a picnic. The lighthouse is also known to have guided British ships to shore and from the vantage point, it offers awe-inspiring views of the sea. The European architecture is a tourist attraction too.

6. Attend Yoga Classes: Kerala is a hub for yoga and dabbling in some of these classes can be one of the most interesting activities in Varkala. There is a deluge of studios and ashramas offering yoga classes to noobs and experienced practitioners in Varkala. Whether you are a beginning and looking to learn the basics of the trade or want to deepen your skills, there is something for everyone here.

Experience meditation and soul searching at the next level with the help of some of the most authentic teachers and expert gurus. Most of the schools are surrounded by natural greenery, palm trees and offer classes in open, pollution free environs – thus adding to the serene experience.

7. Visit Varkala Lighthouse: One of the most notable structures in the district is the lighthouse that was built in the 18th century by the British rulers. Visiting the lighthouse if one of the most fun filled activities in Varkala – the pinnacle of the structure offers a bird’s eye view of the spectacular vistas around, the azure waters of the Arabian sea and the pristine shores of the nearby beaches.

The European style architecture of the lighthouse also serves to act as a tourist hotbed. The eminent building with its provincial structure and eye-pleasing perspective of the nearby territories is a must visit tourist destination in Varkala.

(c) Iris Holidays

8. Explore the Local Culture at Varkala Culture Center: If you are looking to explore the traditional culture of Kerala and want to understand authentic art forms of the state, you must pay a visit to the Varkala Culture Center near the north cliff. The spectacularly designed building hosts a cultural evening every evening during the tourist season which consists of dance performances in the authentic Kathakali style by artists well trained in the art form.

The whole experience is one of its kind and transports you to an otherworldly dimension. You can also enjoy the martial prowess of Kalaripayattu masters here.

9: Shopping: For the fashionistas and shopping lovers in you, there is nothing better than grabbing a friend and spend an afternoon in a shopping frenzy in the winding streets of Varkala. The lanes in the city are full of shops that sell everything from hippie clothing, Indian wear, and bamboo products, to Kerala-exclusive perfumes, incense sticks, soaps and oils, and funky jewelry.

You can also hunt for an array of Tibetan handmade products like musical bowls, flutes, prayer flags, and conches. Get some bargain deals and find beautiful and unique products at Varkala.

Where to stay near Varkala beach?

You'll find ample options for staying in Varkala, and pick the one that suits your budget. If you're going with your partner and feel like indulging a bit, you can stay at one of the boutique beachside properties. Otherwise, for backpackers and budget travelers, Varkala has a wide range of hostels as well.

1. Trip is Life

trip is life Varkala

Located on the cliff facing the sea in Varkala, Trip is Life's A-frame cabin is a unique and private space to give yourself a perfect break. You get complete privacy with the comfort of a sea-facing stay and a private garden.

A night stay at the cabin for up to 4 people sharing costs Rs 14000 for accommodation excluding taxes. Meals including breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner can be provided at extra charges.

Check this article on Tripoto to know more about this property.

2. Elixir Cliff Beach Resort and Spa

Elixir Cliff Beach Resort and Spa

Set in Varkala, 1.5 km from Aaliyirakkm Beach, Elixir Cliff Beach Resort and Spa offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center.

The cost for 2 people here would be approximately Rs 9600, and you can book the property here - and read more about the luxurious experience here on Tripoto.

If you are planning a trip to Kerala, you've got to come to Varkala. If you have a short time in hand, do visit the beach but if you have a couple of days try and do all the things mentioned above and more! Varkala beach is a delight to the eyes and trust me, it won't disappoint you!

3. Zostel, Varkala

Zostel Varkala Road

Pastel green and blue building with a horde of coconut trees on three sides and the Arabian Sea in the front, Zostel Varkala is a backpacking hostel dotted with pretty spaces. It provides a kickass sea view from the rooftop and all the rooms. A chirpy reception welcomes you into the hostel, where you’ll be guided further with elaborate and vivid wall art that paints the lives of men and women on its salty shores. A veranda circles all the rooms here, giving you the mandatory balcony space to watch the sun go down or play a game of catch. The rooftop is a fancy business, with patio loungers and ample spots to work, snack, paint, and create. Facilitated with mixed dorms, female dorms, and privates alike, the rooms follow a rustic wooden sense of design and tag along with windows and balconies that bring in the air and the sun.

4. The Lost Hostel

The Lost Hostel

Located on the famous Cliffs & beaches of Varkala, The Lost Hostels Varkala - Helipad offers a sea view with unique facilities in a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Throughout your stay we offer safe and clean facilities with OPEN KITCHEN, free Wi-Fi, en-suite bathrooms, common places to hang out and many more. We strive to ensure that our travelers get to stay with us as a part of the family.

5. Pura Vida, Magnolia Guest House, InDa Hotel

Pura vida. Its literal translation is “pure life.” More than just a phrase, it is a way of living.

Set on the south cliff of Varkala, in Kerala, we found the perfect spot for you to STOP, relax and reflect on where you are are heading, The lush green garden overlooking the Arabian sea, palm trees swaying over your head under the blue sky and golden sand beaches just steps away, all come together to shift the mind to a dimension very few places are able to.

Places to eat at Varkala

1. Darjeeling Cafe, North Cliff

North Cliff Road

A massive dreamcatcher adorns the entrance of this cafe that is dressed in fairy lights and laced with a mood that will make you groove as soon as you are seated. The drinks here are fun and affordable, making this the best place on the North Cliff to get drunk. You can try their Surprise Drink (don’t ask, just order!) with a platter of pan-fried calamari on the side.

2. Blue Water, Odayam Beach

Bluewater Beach Resort

A resort located by the Odayam Beach, Blue Water is a hidden treasure. I suggest that you go for a swim in the beach early in the morning and stop by Blue Water for a hearty breakfast.

Photo of All You Need to Know About Visiting Varkala in 2022: Where to Stay,

3. Trip is Life, South Cliff

Dine at the edge of the cliff and watch a lovely sunset as you sip on their watermelon mojito and indulge in their sandwiches.

4. Soul and Surf, South Cliff

Soul & Surf Kerala

Although Soul and Surf has a limited menu, I thoroughly relished every single dish I had here. I wish that I could go back for more. If you are heading there, do try their mezze platter, Meen Pollichathu (fish wrapped in banana leaf) and prawn tacos.

5. Abba, North Cliff

ABBA Sea Win Beach Resort

Abba has one of the most extensive menus in Varkala. Head here for the lovely ambiance and try their beef chilly, sip on a pina colada and enjoy their bakery items. If you’re going there on a particularly hot day, you must have their peach iced tea.

6. Munthri Panthal, a toddy shop

Munthiri Panthal

Visiting a toddy shop in Kerala is an experience that you must not miss! I would suggest that you visit the shop for breakfast to taste Toddy, a fermented coconut drink, that tastes sweetest when it is fresh early in the morning. I would not recommend Munthri Panthal to vegans or vegetarians since the menu only comprises delicious fried prawns, beef and duck curry. If you are a non-vegetarian and love sea food, your taste buds are in for quite an exquisite treat!

Other places that were recommended to me by locals and friends, which I didn't have the chance to explore are Mamma Champos, Inda Cafe, Coffee Temple, Tiki Boo, and Kalyani Kitchen.

I hope this guide has got your wanderlust going! If you like a good tropical vacay, Varkala checks all the boxes.

You may also like to read: colva beach , vagator beach , beach outfit ideas , varkala resorts

Think we missed out on something? Tell us about it in the comments below. Or write about it here on Tripoto .

Happy travelling! :)

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Further Reads

Unforgettable 10 Days Kerala Itinerary: see the Best of Kerala

Planning a trip to God’s own country?? read my 10 days Kerala Itinerary which will allow you to see the best that Kerala has to offer. I also included a few Kerala travel tips.

Kerala, India’s southernmost state is known as God’s own country and for every right reason. The state is blessed with backwaters, lagoons, tea and spice plantations, wildlife as well a vibrant culture. There are so many things to do in Kerala!!

It is an extremely safe state for family tours, group travelers, as well as women, and solo travelers. That is one of the reasons why it is popular not only in India but also with international travelers. Kerala or Rajasthan is generally the first choice of visit in India.

So here is the Perfect 10-day Kerala itinerary by road to explore the lush greenness and the lovely countryside.

Note: This itinerary starts in Kochi(Cochin International Airport) and finishes in Varkala (leaving from Trivandrum International Airport).

• 1 10 days Kerala itinerary & Kerala Travel Tips
• 2 What is the best way to cover this 10-day Kerala itinerary?
• 3.1 Things to do in Kochi: Kochi Sightseeing
• 4.1 Things to do in Munnar
• 5.1 Things to do in Thekkady-Periyar
• 6.1 Things to do in Kumarakom
• 7.1 Things to do in Alleppey
• 7.2 Should you go to Alleppey or Kumarakom?
• 8.1 Things to do in Varkala
• 9.1 Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram
• 10 Best time to visit Kerala
• 11 Must visit activities in Kerala
• 12 Must try the food in Kerala
• 13 How to reach Kochi, Kerala for 10 days Kerala Itinerary
• 14 Getting around Kerala

10 days Kerala itinerary & Kerala Travel Tips

What I love most about Kerala is lush greenery, amazing backwaters, rolling hills with tea plantations, varying landscapes throughout the state, amazing temples, beautiful beaches, a blend of cultures, and amazing food- it offers everything one can ask for! Every place has its charm and Kerala is special on its own.

In this article, I have covered the Best places to visit in Kerala, must-visit attractions how to get there, and what to do. I have covered most of the things to do in Kerala in this 10-day Kerala itinerary article which may help you to plan your perfect Kerala trip.

What is the best way to cover this 10-day Kerala itinerary?

It is ideal to hire a car or self-drive to cover the maximum number of places possible. However, this itinerary can be covered using public transportation such as a bus.

Ideally, you can fly or ride a train up to Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram which are the major cities in Kerala, and driving from here to other places is ideal. The plus side is both are on the coast so one can cover the entire state either from north Kerala which is Kochi to south Kerala which is Thiruvananthapuram or vice versa.

This itinerary will cover various places from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram(Trivandrum).

Day 1 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Explore Vibrant Kochi

Kochi is the major airport in Kerala and is connected to the country’s most important domestic airports as well as many international ones. Kochi is the economic capital of Kerala and is the perfect Keralean city to orient you towards the state and what to expect. In its modern lanes still lies the traditional heart.

You can see the fort, and Kochi beach, enjoy a traditional meal, and cultural dance, or enhance your senses with a spice market, all in one city. But I suggest that you experience each of these in various places across Kerala.

To make the most of your 10-day Kerala Itinerary , make sure you arrive early in the morning so that you can freshen up and start exploring Kochi right away! I suggest spending one day in Kochi and then moving towards the hills of Munnar.

Things to do in Kochi: Kochi Sightseeing

Thankfully, most of the sightseeing places are all located in one part of the city. Spend the half-day at Fort Kochi and the rest of the day visiting other Places in Kochi. In Fort Kochi, you can visit the Mattancherry Palace and Pardesi Synagogue. Mattancherry Palace is also known as the Dutch Palace which has beautiful mural paintings.

There are so many amazing places to visit in Fort Kochi as it is known for Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture. The famous bamboo Chinese Fishing Nets are still being used for 500 years, it is interesting to learn how they still work! St Francis and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica are also must-visit Places while in Kochi.

Also, check out souvenir shops on Princess Street. Kochi is a good place to watch the Kathakali Dance show which is an ancient dance form of India. If you have more days in hand, I would recommend spending 2 days in Kochi and exploring its cafe scene. One must visit Kashi Art Cafe to see the unique art creations.

Day 2-3 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary: Munnar – Hill Stations and Spice Plantations

Munnar is Kerala’s favorite hill station. Famous for its tea gardens, it is indeed a tourist paradise. Chosen by people of all ages, there is a lot to do or not in Munnar. Ideally, you need 2 days in Munnar.

Leave early from Kochi for a 5-hour road trip to Munnar- One of the Best Hill Stations in India. The city traffic will slowly reduce towards this hill town as the cool breeze will welcome you.

As you go closer to Munnar, the straight roads will turn into zig-zag rods and all you will see around are acres and acres of tea plantations across the valleys.

Things to do in Munnar

Munnar is one of the most popular places to visit in Kerala. It is a great location to spend 2 days amidst the tea plantations and hills. The temperature remains cool throughout the year in Munnar. One of the most popular things to do in Munnar is take a stroll in one of the many tea plantations that are open to visitors.

India produces the best tea in the world and you can take guided tea-tasting tours that explain the history and manufacturing process, you can even taste different varieties of tea at the end of the tour. You can buy what you taste from the retail shop.

Related Read: Ooty- the Tea Capital of India

The next day, pay a visit to one of the many wildlife parks in Kerala. Eravikulam National Park which is situated close to Munnar is famous for the goat species known as Nilgiri Tahr. These mountain goats exclusively roam in the hills of Munnar and it is amazing to catch a glimpse of them in their natural habitat.

It is best to book the tickets online to avoid waiting in line. If you want to cover more wildlife parks, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 2 hours away from Munnar and has sightings of birds, elephants, and spotted deer.

The park will take up most of the morning so you should head towards Mattupety Dam and Tea Estate , Echo Point, and Top Station which are some of the most touristy places in Munnar. These are good places for a photo-op and have a nice relaxing atmosphere.

Apart from this, there are so many places to visit near Munnar and you can even take do many adventure activities in Munnar.

There exist many hiking trails which can be covered with the help of local tour operators or guides. Rock climbing, rappelling, and many such adventure camps also exist in Munnar which offer activities from a few hours to days.

Day 4-5 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Thekkady-Periyar

Thekkady is another hill station in Kerala. While it is okay to give this a miss if you are visiting Munnar,I will highly recommend you to visit Thekkady. Thekkady is 4 hour driving distance and the roads from one hill station to another are nothing short of breathtaking.

Things to do in Thekkady-Periyar

After reaching Thekkady, relax for a bit and then take a stroll in the many spice plantations in the area. Kerala is the largest producer of spices such as black pepper, small cardamom, and cloves.

It is also the largest producer of rubber. Many spice plantations allow visitors and take them on a guided tour where each of these fruits and spice trees is shown and their life cycle is explained.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the cultural event of the Kathakali dance . Kathakali is a religious dance that draws inspiration from the Ramayana and stories from Shiva traditions. It is performed by men in traditional attires with face paints.

It takes hours to perfect the art of getting ready for the performance. All of this is showcased during the show. There are many places where this takes place.

On the next day, get ready to visit Periyar. One of the top things to do in Thekkady is visit the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Thekkady is home to the stunning Periyar river which hosts the elusive Tiger in its forests.

To experience the best of Periyar Tiger Reserve, opt for Bamboo Rafting which includes a trek through the Jungle and a Boat ride. A boat ride on the Periyar River is therapeutic with beautiful and peaceful surroundings.

The ride paints a beautiful picture with broken tree barks in the river, deers drinking water from the riverbank, and cormorants trying to catch a fish. Catching a glimpse of a tiger or elephant is difficult on a boat ride but not impossible.

If you are a serious wildlife enthusiast, you can choose to take up a gypsy ride in the forest or even decide to stay in the forest guesthouse. This whole experience of exploring the untouched beauty of  Periyar Tiger Reserve may take 6-7 hours.

Day 5-6 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Kumarakom

After the boat safari in Periyar, it is time to move to Kumarakom. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a refreshing change from the hills to the lake.

It is located 3 hours from Munnar so by the time you reach Kumarakom it will be evening. So relax and chill on the banks of Vembanad Lake watching the sunset.

Things to do in Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a popular destination lined with resorts for a relaxing stay. There are some resorts located on the banks of Vembanad Lake while some are in the backwaters.

There is an option of choosing a houseboat here. You can choose to stay in Kumarakom and explore Alleppey the next day or choose to spend 2 nights in 2 different places. You can read about my one day in Kumarakom along with many recommendations.

Day 7: Alleppey : Cruising Through Coconut Groves

Kumarakom and Alleppey are located on opposite sides of the Vembanad lake and both have backwaters, which Kerala is famous for.

Things to do in Alleppey

Other than exploring the country life in Alleppey, relaxing by the backwaters, or experiencing ayurvedic massages, there are not many activities to do in Alleppey. If you want to cruise the backwaters and stay a night on a houseboat you might want to choose Alleppey.

The boats leave from both locations but Alleppey has by far the biggest choice for a backwater cruise. You can either choose Kumarakom or Alleppey in this itinerary and save a day. If I had to choose, I would choose Alleppey over Kumarakom for the rugged country life.

If you choose to go for the houseboat cruise, note that the boat sails only for 6 hours. Local regulations reserve the lake for the fishermen at night and all houseboats have to dock by 5:30 pm.

Instead, choose a hostel on the backwater and hire a shikara or narrowboat to navigate through narrow channels. The Shikara boats are available around the backwaters and if you request them they will show you many birds around the area.

Should you go to Alleppey or Kumarakom?

This depends on your choice and what you want to do! If you want to cruise the backwaters and want to spend the night in a houseboat, choose Alleppey. There are more choices to choose houseboats for Alleppey. You will not find many resorts for the stay for the Alleppey.

If you want to experience both the resorts and overnight Stay in a Houseboat or cruise, Kumarakom would be the better choice. Many resorts offer packages for the same.

Day 8-9 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Explore the beaches of Varkala

The day is the 8th day of the Kerala itinerary to visit the beach town of Varkala. Varkala is approximately 4 hours from Alleppey and is famous for stunning and clean beaches all across. Varkala is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala and for good reasons.

firstly, the iconic cliff beach and the shops, and cafes around the cliff make it one of the hippiest places in Kerala. Secondly, it has a beach that is perfect for surfing in India. Thirdly, it has many Yoga ashrams and is known for its Ayurveda. These reasons are enough to include Varkala as one of the must-visit destinations in your 10-day Kerala itinerary.

Things to do in Varkala

Enjoy the evening sipping coconut water overlooking the sunset on Papanasham beach or Bekal beach. Taking a dip in the beach water will relax you from all the driving you have been through in the week! Or perhaps some yoga by the beach may calm your nerves?

On the next day, visit the Varkala cliffs. Varkala is the only place in Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the sea. It is a perfect place to take a stroll, play some volleyballs or simply chill in the many cafes set up on the cliff. Do visit the red laterite cliff which is one of the most popular tourist places in Varkala.

If you want to drive away to do something else, Kappil Pozhi Lake is a serene lake that is approximately 6 kilometers from Varkala town. It is surrounded by coconut and palm trees which makes it tranquil. If an adrenaline rush is on your mind, Varkala offers Paragliding adventure activity over the cliffs, overlooking the ocean.

Anjengo Lighthouse is another place you can visit while in Varkala. Climbing a good 250 stairs from the lighthouse offers a stunning panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

You can try surfing, visit Yoga Ashram, or visit the beaches of Varkala, there are so many things to do in Varkala that keep you relaxing.

Day 9-10 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram (or Trivandrum) is the capital of Kerala and is distinguished by its British colonial architecture and art galleries. Thiruvananthapuram is the last leg of the journey which is located 2.5 hours away from Varkala.

Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

One of the most popular places to visit in Trivandrum is the Shri Padmanabhaswamy temple. The temple is said to be built as an amalgamation of Dravidian and Kerala-style architecture with tall Gopuram.

After visiting the temple, visit the museum complex which is something not to be missed. Also known as Palayam, the Museum Complex houses a museum (Napier Museum), an art gallery (Chitra Art Gallery), churches, a botanical garden, and a few markets. The museum and art gallery inside the complex are known to have restored many historic artifacts and selective paintings.

Next day head to Kovalam, a small beach town located 30 minutes from Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam is most famous for its iconic Kovalam beach and Vizhinjam Lighthouse , a must-visit while in Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam Beach will certainly remind you of one of the North Goa beaches if you have been to one!

Water sports, beachside shacks, people sunbathing on the beach, and overall a lot of crowds will welcome you to the beach. But it has a vibe not to be missed!

The Vizhinjam Lighthouse and promenade along the beach which is lined with stores, cafes, and restaurants are a few of the distinctive features of the beach. After climbing 150 stairs of the lighthouse, you will come across beautiful landscapes not to be missed!

Either go for a swim on the beach, laze around in the lounge chairs or sit back in one of the cafes and read a book. And end your trip by just chilling out by the beach.

Best time to visit Kerala

Kerala enjoys a tropical climate across the year but the best period to visit Kerala is from November to March when the weather is much more pleasant. Most visitors prefer the Indian winter period because it’s warm but not too hot and fewer chances of rain in Kerala.

From April, the temperatures start rising towards 30 degrees and more. Most tourists avoid Kerala during these months but it is a great time to explore the region if the heat doesn’t bother you and the hotel rates are lower with fewer crowds.

June, July, and August are the monsoon season in Kerala which is extremely hot and humid. There are heavy showers and floods are common during this time of the year.

Must visit activities in Kerala

• Kumarakom Boat race which takes place in September and October
• Cochin Carnival which is widely celebrated in January

Must try the food in Kerala

Kerala food deserves a blog of its own because it is influenced by so many different cuisines across the world and has developed a unique flavor that is hard to get anywhere. The distinct curry leaves and coconut used in the local food will keep you coming back for more. Kerala cuisine has an abundance of rice, tapioca, and spices like black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available in plenty here! These dishes are available in humble roadside restaurants as well as resorts.

Some of the must-try vegetarian dishes are:

• Malabar Parotta with Kadala Kurma
• Appam with curry – a soft thin pancake made from rice batter and served with curry
• Puttu and kadala curry – Rice Cake made out of steamed rice flour; cylindrical in shape
• Idiyappam with curry – Noodles made out of rice batter
• Erissery (Lentil & Pumpkin Stew) – a kind of dal curry
• Payasam (Rice kheer) – a dessert made out of milk and rice
• Sadya – a feast consisting of many vegetarian dishes served on Banana leaf

Some of the must-try non-vegetarian dishes are:

• Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (Spicy Fried Chicken)
• ​Kerala Prawns Curry
• Karimeen pollichathu (fish)
• Malabar Parotta with Kerala beef curry
• Fish moilee

If you are fussy about the food then you can find so many cafes and restaurants that serve vegetarian, nonvegetarian, and regular continental dishes. Most hotels and resorts serve a variety of food at their restaurants.

How to reach Kochi, Kerala for 10 days Kerala Itinerary

Kochi has an international airport and is well-connected with most major cities of India and the world. Here is how to reach Kochi.

Reaching Kerala by Air

Cochin International Airport is 25 km away from Kochi city at Nedumbassery. Visitors can board direct flights from Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, etc.

There is also good air connectivity to Kochi from most Gulf countries and South Asian countries. Most people prefer to fly in and out of the Kochi International Airport as Kochi is near most of the sightseeing places to visit in Kerala.

Train to Kerala

Most of the major tourist places of Kerala are well connected by train. Also, India has a heavily connected train network that covers all major cities of India. The state capital of Kerala- Kochi has train connectivity to Ernakulam Junction which is the busiest rail junction in Kerala.

You can board direct trains from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Mangalore, Bangalore, and many others. Internal state connectivity is also good from here. You can reserve a seat in the AC or Sleeper class via the IRCTC website . For shorter journeys, you can travel in a general compartment.

Kochi is well-connected to neighboring cities and states. The NH-17 connects the city to Mumbai, Kozhikode, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Goa. Deluxe Volvo buses, AC sleepers, as well as AC normal buses, are also available right from the cities to across the major destinations.

Kerala KSRTC runs numerous buses within Kerala to reach major tourist destinations. You don’t require any prior reservations to board these Buses. Check the Bus timings online on the KSRTC Website. You can show up at the station and board the bus as per your route. If you want to do a long-duration trip, you can always book the Bus via Red Bus or any other online website.

Getting around Kerala

To reach one destination to another, you can travel via Kerala KSRTC buses. It’s a reliable and convenient option. Trains are also a popular option for transportation around Kerala.

Within cities, you can rely on tuk-tuks or auto rickshaws which are a common way to get around in the cities in India. You can hire an auto for a full day at lower prices than taxis.

If you are a luxury traveler and want a comfortable trip without budget issues, hire a car with a driver throughout your stay in Kerala for your 10-day Kerala trip.

If you like my 10 days Kerala itinerary Post, Pin it for the later:

Mayuri Patel, owner of the fernwehrahee Blog loves to travel and helping you to plan your Next Trip! She is full time Travel Blogger, dreaming about her next adventure! Join her Journeys where she takes you to destinations around the world with the pinch of history & culture!

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One Trip To Another

Chinmay Nema

Alleppey-Varkala - Houseboats and Beach Cafes

For our wing reunion from undergrad, the six of us wanted to go to a leisurely place, where we can spend more time together rather than at parties. Hence Goa was out (:P)! We also wanted a place with good connectivity so that all of us could be back to work via a morning flight. So most hill stations were out. And a place which had enough attractions for us to last 3 days. Kerala was definitely a strong contender, and we finally chose Alleppey - Varkala. And we were not disappointed!

Duration and Time of Visit

3 days, 3 nights January mid

To and From

Day 1: Houseboat tour and stay

• All of us landed in Kochi early morning, around 8 am
• The road was good, but the weather and landscape not particularly exciting
• It was a beautiful boat, simple yet elegant. It had two bedrooms with attached washrooms, an upper deck, a glass-enclosed lower deck, a captain and a cook!
• Tip: I think it’s best to pre-book a houseboat, especially during the busy season. Towards the end, I have shared a list of things to look out for while choosing a houseboat
• It was a slow and leisurely ride, going nowhere in particular, but enjoying the surreal views all along - the infinite lake, the coconut tree studded banks, the fields beyond them and the dozens of other houseboats around us. Sitting on the upper deck, with soft music playing, none of us would have expected six college friends to enjoy it so calmly, that too when they were meeting after about two years!
• There’s a standard itinerary that all boats follow and there is not much you can do differently. So while I had a list of spots I wanted to visit on the tour (based on some research on internet), the captain’s order was clear – “No deviations!”
• We anchored next to a small shop on the bank, so that we could buy some snacks and beverages
• All the meals were prepared on the boat itself. To our surprise, they were quite delicious! Delicious, but spicy - very spicy!
• We chatted, played cards, had fun and to our surprise, all of us dozed off! The atmosphere was just so calm!
• While that was not of interest to us, we still got off, stretched a bit and bought some snacks and drinks from the shop nearby
• This time, we moved out from the wider parts of the lake into smaller straits. The evening weather also improved significantly – it was a befitting end to the day
• The AC on the boat was a saviour! And how can we forget the trippy lights!

Day 2: Last boat ride, Varkala beach and cafes

• Being on the west coast, the actual sunrise was not the attraction, but mornings still have their own charm
• We had one last excursion of ~1.5 hours planned, in yet another direction in the lake. That brought us to the end of this one of its kind experience
• The coastline was beyond imagination - magnificent yet empty beaches. We stopped at multiple spots to just hang around for a while, click pictures and soak it in
• Just before Varkala, there is Kappil Beach , which has sea on the right side, a backwater lake on the left, and lush green all around. We had to stop there!
• Zostel has a beautiful place, with amazing artwork done across. It was very well maintained, with a hospitable staff. But the place was a bit smaller than expected and also, a little off the main cliff area
• The whole of the North Cliff is full of amazing cafes, with beautiful ambience, good menus, groovy music and good vibes
• It was so hard to choose a place, but finally majority ruled for Caffé Italiano
• It is always a good idea to talk to the local people - you’d be surprised at what all interesting information they can share! Give it a shot – and maybe you can find what you are looking for
• We spent about 2 hours in there. My friends preferred to stay closer to the beach. Knowing swimming well, I ventured alone a little further. Watching the sunset from inside the sea is a sight to remember!
• I like to just lie in water - floating on the back, ears underwater, eyes shut. You are able to hear the water - the waves along with the tiny particles moving in the current - and it cancels the rest of the outside noise. This, plus the gentle pressure on the ears, is one of the most calming and meditative sensations I have experienced. Try this whenever you are next in water!
• It is a very pretty place, with beautiful ambience, hip staff, peppy beats and delectable food
• We stayed till late and strolled back to our place

Day 3: Odayam Beach and Jatayu Earth’s Centre

• I didn’t walk far, just till the nearer end of the North Cliff, found a rocky slope and a niche to sit in
• There was a small group of foreigners doing yoga, some couples in the water and some on the beach - everyone and everything tranquil
• I think I enjoy solitude as much as I enjoy company, and try to ensure I get a good dose of both
• For breakfast, we went to the terrace café at Zostel and chilled there for some hours - soulful music, hammocks, reclining chairs and a gentle breeze
• It’s far more beautiful than its more popular neighbour, Varkala beach, and to our pleasant surprise, empty
• We kept walking for a good half hour, stopping to take pictures or just hang around, till we reached the end
• We zeroed in on the beach restaurant of Blue Water resort , enjoying the scene, the café and the company, occasionally taking walks on the beach
• It is a magnificent structure atop a hill, reachable via a cable car
• The grandeur and the history associated with it left everyone spellbound, besides seeing how beautifully it has been maintained
• The sea was different today - we had never seen such huge waves this close to the land. We had a blast in the water that day and got out only because we were completely drained
• We left late evening for Kochi, unable to do anything besides sleeping on the way
• A couple of hours of sleep at an Oyo hotel and we were off to the airport, bringing the escapade to an end

Summary of Things To Do

Things we did:

• Punnamada Jetty
• Houseboat stay
• Kappil Beach
• Varkala Beach
• Odayam Beach
• Jatayu Earth’s Centre

Things we didn’t do:

Alleppey: Since we had only one day, a friend who is from Alleppey suggested we do just the houseboat as the rest of the things were not that great. Still, sharing the list if you have time:

• Beaches: Alappuzha / Marari beach and the Lighthouse, Pozhiyoram, Thumpoly, Punnapra
• Kuttanad (low altitude farming): This is one place I wanted to see but it was a little off-course
• Elephant Training Camp
• Museums: Revi Karunakaran Museum (Crystal Musuem), International Coir Museum
• Temples and Churches: Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple, Nagaraja Temple, Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, St Mary’s Church, St Andrew’s Florence Forance Church, Latin Catholic Church
• Ponnumthuruthu Island: I would have loved to visit this beautiful island
• Varkala Culture Center
• Varkala Aquarium
• Anjengo Fort And Lighthouse
• Janardhana Swami Temple: a very prominent temple of South India

Major Expenses

• Flight: Rs. 5,000 (per person)
• Travel by Cab: Rs. 12,000 (for an SUV for 3 days)
• Houseboat: Rs. 18,000 (6 people)
• Zostel: Rs. 700 / person / night
• Food and drinks

Tips and Resources

• Number of rooms and washrooms
• Aesthetics and hygiene: ask for real pictures, instead of the catalogue images
• Seating area on upper deck and lower deck
• Air conditioner (it is usually very humid on the boat)
• Price (there are boats starting from 9K to 1L)
• Food served as per your preference (esp. veg / non-veg)
• Docking location
• Alternate route: A better route for us would have been to land at Kochi, go to Alleppey, then Varkala and finally catch a flight from Thiruvananthapuram, which is just 1.5 hours from Varkala by road
• Since we were short on time, we decided to spend only one day in Alleppey. On hindsight, I think it was a good decision as there is not much to do in Alleppey, especially for a bunch of college friends. You can also plan keeping this in mind

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900 km road trip with my wife: Took Triumph Scrambler 400 X to Varkala

I prepared the motorcycle for the journey and we packed our luggage in my ViaTerra Claw Mini and essentials in a tank bag.

BHPian Vijesh L recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

You know life is good when last-minute plans become the best adventures you can have. We had to go on a family trip along with my parents to Banglore for 2 days. The trip got cancelled due to some unforeseen circumstances. Suddenly I thought why not plan a trip to Varkala as our previous month’s plan got cancelled at the last moment. So me and my wife decided to take the bike. We started looking for stays at Varkala and planned the itinerary for a 2-night stay. The plan was to leave as early as possible to avoid traffic in Kerala.

I removed the grab handles and fixed the luggage rack back on the motorcycle. Cleaned the chain and washed the bike in the morning. Let the bike and chain air dry for a few hours and then adjusted the chain slack, lubed the chain and checked the tyre pressure. Packed our luggage in my Viaterra Claw Mini and essentials in a Tank Bag.

Day 1, Sep 7th

We started from our home at 5 Am in the morning. Reached Traveloungue, Walayar around 6 am for our first stop. We had a coffee and a cheesecake break.

We resumed our journey towards Varkala. Filled the bike in a petrol bunk and planned to stop for a coffee break after an hour. On the outskirts of Kochi, google asked us to take a diversion and took us through less crowded routes. The roads were excellent but narrow and had too many diversions. With not many options for food and refreshment, we just took a water and stretch break. After another hour of riding, we stopped at a random hotel around 10.30 am to have our breakfast. It was getting very hot and humid. We stopped again around 12 pm for a tender coconut break.

We reached our stay at Varkala around 2.30 pm. Our stay at Point Break Surf and Stay was located at Edava Beach just behind the aquarium which is a lesser crowded beach. The room was small but adequately sized with a cozy ambience and clean washrooms. We were given a welcome drink.

After refreshing, we went to Cafe Sarwaa on the south cliff to have our Lunch. The food was good with an excellent view of the beach from the cliff.

We then returned to our rooms, parked the bike and went to Edava Beach which is just 100 metres away from the stay. We spent some time watching the Sunset from the beach and then proceeded to explore the North Cliff. Wife was busy shopping for souvenirs to give back home. We had dinner at Darjeeling Cafe and returned to our room for the night.

Continue reading Vijesh L's road trip experience for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

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QUICK TOUR OF ALLEPPEY & VARKALA (FROM KOCHI)

ITINERARY SUMMARY

Alleppey (1n), day 1 : travel to alleppey & sightseeing day 2 : visit varkala & travel to kochi, trip starts from: kochi, mode of travel: car (or cab), trip ends at: kochi, total places visited: 7, trip starting point: kochi city, total distance (round trip): 400, travel time (round trip): 10 hr 30 min, trip duration: 2 days, ideal start time: 8 am (day 1) & 9 am (day 2), sightseeing time: %%itinerary_sightseeing_time%%.

DAY 1 : TRAVEL TO ALLEPPEY & SIGHTSEEING

Travel from kochi to alleppey, 1 sri krishna temple - ambalapuzha.

At a distance of 14 km from Alappuzha Railway Station, Sri Krishna Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Ambalapuzha. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Kerala , and among the best places to visit as part of Alleppey packages . Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is believed to have been built during the 15th century AD by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran.It is one of the seven greatest Vaishnava temples in Travancore, and among the major Alleppey places to visit . Built-in typical Kerala style of temple architecture, this temple is famous for Pala Payasam (sweet pudding made of rice and milk) served to the devotees. The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to the Parthasarthi form of Vishnu, holding a .....

2 Alleppey Backwater Cruises

Alappuzha is a magnificent destination in Kerala with a mix of Backwaters and Beach. Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey is situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea close to the banks of Vembanad Lake, among the most famous Alleppey tourist places . Along with Kumarakom, Alappuzha is among the most famous destination of backwaters in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a delightful experience that one must try during Alleppey Trip . It connects Kumarakom and Cochin to the North and Kollam to the South. The never-ending panorama of lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, shimmering water, and long canals around Alappuzha make it a delightful destination. It is popularly known as the 'Venice of the East'. Alleppey is also known for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in Punnamada Lake on the second Saturday of August every .....

3 Mullakkal Raja Rajeswari Temple

At a distance of 4 Kms from Alappuzha Railway Station, Mullakkal Raja Rajeswari Temple is very famous shrine in Alappuzha dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is believed that Goddess Raja Rajeshwari appeared at this site to take care of a Jasmine flower (Mullakkal means 'Jasmine Flower' in Malayalam). The temple celebrates two annual festivals - the Navratri festival (October/November) and the Thaipooyakavadi festival (November/December). The last two days are the most auspicious days. Colorful processions participated by nine elephants are held in the evening. It is witnessed by thousands of devotees. Also several cultural programs including Ottanthullal & Kathakali are staged in the temple. The Thaipooyakavadi celebrated for 41 days in November/December. The whole town will be full of lights and decoration and the last ten days are celebrated with glory.

4 Alappuzha Beach

At a distance of 2 km from Alappuzha Railway Station, Alappuzha beach is a lovely white sand beach on the Arabian Sea coast. It is one of the famous beaches in Kerala , and among the top places to visit as part of Alleppey holiday packages . Known for its swaying beauty and alluring charm, Alleppey Beach or Alappuzha Beach is a scenic marvel for beachgoers. Adding more to the appeal of Alleppey Beach, there is a 150 years old pier that allows the visitors to take a stroll over the playful waves and get soaked with the enchanting beauty of the Arabian Sea! Alappuzha Lighthouse is situated near to the beach. The Children's Park at the northern end of the beach is a good place to hang out for kids. There are no water sports facilities at the beach. Besides, the beach is the venue for the famous Alappuzha Beach Festival. Held in April, the festival hosts an array of events such as .....

Overnight Stay in Alleppey

Day 2 : visit varkala & travel to kochi, travel from alleppey to papanasam beach - varkala, 1 papanasam beach - varkala.

At a distance of about 26 km from Kollam & 48 km from Trivandrum, Papanasam Beach is located in the coastal town of Varkala in Kerala. It is one of the popular beaches near Trivandrum , and among the major Kollam tourist places . Varkala is the second-best Kerala beach resort after Kovalam. Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasham Beach, is a cliff beach situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea. Often called the Pearl of the Arabian Sea, this is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These cliffs are of tertiary sedimentary formation and are named by geologists as Varkala Formation. They are a geological monument as recorded by the Geological Survey of India. The beach is renowned for its natural spring which is considered to have medicinal and curative .....

BREAK FOR MEALS / HOTEL CHECK-IN | CHECK-OUT / SHOPPING / LEISURE

3 janardhana swamy temple - varkala.

At a distance of about 26 km from Kollam, Janardhana Swamy Temple is located in Varkala, which is a coastal town on the banks of Arabian Sea. Situated on top of a small hillock near Papanasam Beach, this temple is believed to be 2000 years old. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Hanuman and it is important for 'Pithrutharpanam'. The temple was maintained by the Pandya Kings. Only Hindus are allowed inside the inner sanctum of the temple. Photography is not allowed inside. Timings: 4 AM to 12 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM

Travel from Papanasam Beach - Varkala to Kochi

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