🚗
Road Trip to 15 Top Tourist Destinations of Kerala – A Complete Travel Guide
Starting Point: Thiruvananthapuram | Vehicle: 6–7
Seater Car | Total Trip Duration: 20 Days | Total Distance: ~1600 – 1800 km | Round Trip by Road | Ideal for 4 Persons
Kerala, God's Own Country, is a
tropical paradise of palm-lined beaches, misty hill stations, serene
backwaters, spice plantations, and ancient traditions. Embarking on a road trip
across this enchanting state gives travelers an immersive experience of its
diverse geography, heritage, and culinary richness. This journey begins in Thiruvananthapuram,
the capital city, and follows a scenic route covering 15 top tourist spots,
including coasts, mountains, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Covering over 1,600 – 1800 kilometers of well-maintained
roads, this trip is ideal for a family or group of four traveling by car.
Whether you're cruising by the sea, driving through tea estates, or gliding
along backwater canals, each destination promises unique charm and discovery.
📍 1. Thiruvananthapuram – The Capital Gateway
Begin your journey in the capital city filled with a
mix of heritage, beaches, and spiritual centers. Visit the famous
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, relax at Kovalam Beach, and enjoy the Museum Complex at
Napier.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Arrival at
Thiruvananthapuram, self-drive or rented car
- 🕌 Places to Visit:
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, Kovalam Beach, Shanghumukham Beach
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam,
English widely understood
- 💳 Cash/Card: Carry both
(temples and local vendors prefer cash)
- 🎒 Essentials: Cotton
clothes, water bottle, sun protection
- 🛏 Safe Stay: East Fort or
Kovalam beachside hotels (₹2500–3500/night for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Kerala
Sadhya, fish curry meals
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: Chalai
Market – spices, banana chips
- ⚠️ Precautions: Beware of high heat, carry
sunscreen
- 🕓 Time to Explore: 1 Day
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹3500 for
4 people
- 🛣 Km Covered: Local travel
~30 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹300
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 1 Day
📍 2. Varkala – Cliff Beach Beauty
A scenic coastal town with cliffs overlooking the
Arabian Sea. Varkala is ideal for beach lovers, spiritual seekers, and those
needing rejuvenation with Ayurveda treatments.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Thiruvananthapuram → Varkala (50 km | 1.5 hrs)
- 🕌 Places to Visit: Varkala
Cliff, Papanasam Beach, Janardana Swamy Temple
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam, Hindi
and English understood
- 💳 Cash/Card: Beach shacks
prefer cash
- 🎒 Essentials: Flip flops,
beachwear, sunscreen
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Cliffside
cottages (~₹2000–3000 for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Seafood
platters, continental cafes
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: Cliffside
shops – clothes, shells, Ayurveda oils
- ⚠️ Precautions: Slippery cliff edges, book stays
in advance
- 🕓 Time to Explore: 1 Day
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹3000 for
4
- 🛣 Km Covered: ~50 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹400
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 2 Days
📍 3. Kollam – Backwater Charm
A quiet backwater destination, Kollam offers houseboat
rides, cashew factories, and the majestic Ashtamudi Lake.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Varkala → Kollam (35 km | 1 hr)
- 🕌 Places to Visit: Ashtamudi
Lake, Thangassery Light House, Kollam Beach
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam, Tamil
also spoken
- 💳 Cash/Card: Houseboats
accept cards; markets prefer cash
- 🎒 Essentials: Mosquito
repellent, camera, light clothes
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Lakeside
resorts (~₹2500–4000 for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Cashew-based
curries, fish dishes
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: Cashew
products, handlooms
- ⚠️ Precautions: Verify safety on houseboats
- 🕓 Time to Explore: 1 Day
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹4000
(houseboat split for 4)
- 🛣 Km Covered: ~35 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹300
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 3 Days
📍 4. Alappuzha (Alleppey) – The Venice of the East
Known for its intricate network of backwaters,
houseboats, and lagoons, Alappuzha is the soul of Kerala’s water tourism. A serene
boat cruise through the backwaters is a must here.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Kollam → Alappuzha (85 km | 2.5 hrs)
- 🕌 Places to Visit: Alappuzha
Backwaters, Alappuzha Beach, Revi Karunakaran Museum
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam,
English
- 💳 Cash/Card: Houseboats and
markets prefer cash
- 🎒 Essentials: Sunglasses,
cotton clothes, water-resistant bags
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Backwater
resorts or houseboats (~₹3000–4000 for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Karimeen fry,
toddy shop meals
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: Mullakkal
Street – coir products, souvenirs
- ⚠️ Precautions: Book houseboats early, watch for
mosquitoes
- 🕓 Time to Explore: 1 Day
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹4000 for
4
- 🛣 Km Covered: 85 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹650
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 4 Days
📍 5. Kumarakom – Birdwatcher’s Paradise
A peaceful village by Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is
famous for bird sanctuaries, village life, and luxury backwater resorts ideal
for nature lovers.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Alappuzha → Kumarakom (35 km | 1 hr)
- 🕌 Places to Visit: Kumarakom
Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal Island
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam,
Hindi, English
- 💳 Cash/Card: Cards accepted
in resorts, carry some cash
- 🎒 Essentials: Binoculars,
insect repellent, caps
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Lakeside
resorts (~₹3000–3500 for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Karimeen
pollichathu, coconut-based veg dishes
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: Local
crafts, pickles, handwoven mats
- ⚠️ Precautions: Watch for leeches in forested
trails
- 🕓 Time to Explore: Half-day
to 1 Day
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹3000 for
4
- 🛣 Km Covered: 35 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹300
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 5 Days
📍 6. Thekkady – Spice and Wildlife Kingdom
Home to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady offers
forest safaris, spice plantations, and bamboo rafting. A must-visit for
adventure and nature enthusiasts.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Kumarakom → Thekkady (115 km | 3.5 hrs)
- 🕌 Places to Visit: Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary, Spice Garden, Elephant rides
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam,
English, Tamil
- 💳 Cash/Card: Mostly
card-friendly; buy spices in cash
- 🎒 Essentials: Trekking
shoes, jackets, binoculars
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Kumily or near
forest edge (~₹3000–3500 for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Spicy Kerala
meals, jackfruit-based dishes
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: Spice
markets – cardamom, pepper
- ⚠️ Precautions: Don’t litter in forests, obey
wildlife rules
- 🕓 Time to Explore: 1 Day
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹4500 for
4
- 🛣 Km Covered: 115 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹850
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 6 Days
📍 7. Munnar – The Green Tea Hills
A picturesque hill station with sprawling tea estates,
misty valleys, and pleasant climate. Ideal for honeymooners and trekkers alike.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Thekkady → Munnar (95 km | 3 hrs)
- 🕌 Places to Visit:
Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam,
Tamil, English
- 💳 Cash/Card: Most shops
accept UPI/cards
- 🎒 Essentials: Light
woollens, walking shoes, umbrella
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Near town
center or tea estates (~₹3000–4000)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Puttu &
kadala curry, homemade chocolates
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: KDHP Tea
Factory, spice shops
- ⚠️ Precautions: Mist can reduce visibility –
drive slow
- 🕓 Time to Explore: 2 Days
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹6500 for
4
- 🛣 Km Covered: 95 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹700
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 8 Days
📍 8. Idukki – The Hidden Gem
Less crowded and full of natural beauty, Idukki is
known for dams, forests, and trekking trails.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Munnar → Idukki (60 km | 2 hrs)
- 🕌 Places to Visit: Idukki Arch
Dam, Hill View Park, Ramakkalmedu
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam
- 💳 Cash/Card: Mixed – some
areas are cash-only
- 🎒 Essentials: Warm clothing,
dry snacks, power bank
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Town homestays
(~₹2500–3000 for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Tapioca and
fish curry
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: Local hill
produce, turmeric
- ⚠️ Precautions: Mobile signal may be weak in
interiors
- 🕓 Time to Explore: 1 Day
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹3000
- 🛣 Km Covered: 60 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹450
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 9 Days
📍 9. Vagamon – The Offbeat Hill Station
Surrounded by pine forests and meadows, Vagamon offers
a peaceful and scenic break. Ideal for paragliding, meditation, and trekking.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Idukki → Vagamon (45 km | 1.5 hrs)
- 🕌 Places to Visit: Pine
Valley, Kurisumala Hill, Vagamon Lake
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam,
English
- 💳 Cash/Card: Mostly
cash-based transactions
- 🎒 Essentials: Trek gear,
warm layers
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Hill view
cottages (~₹2500–3000 for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Home-style
Kerala meals
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: Not a major
shopping destination
- ⚠️ Precautions: Avoid night travel, fog issues
- 🕓 Time to Explore: 1 Day
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹2500 for
4
- 🛣 Km Covered: 45 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹350
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 10 Days
📍 10. Thrissur – The Cultural Capital
Famous for its temples, festivals, and cultural history.
A quick city experience in the heart of Kerala.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Vagamon → Thrissur (120 km | 3.5 hrs)
- 🕌 Places to Visit:
Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur Zoo, Shakthan Palace
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam
- 💳 Cash/Card: Cards/UPI
accepted widely
- 🎒 Essentials: Decent attire
for temple visits
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Near Swaraj
Round (~₹3000–3500 for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Kerala thali,
ghee roast dosa
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: Kalyan
Silks, spice markets
- ⚠️ Precautions: Heavy traffic in city center
- 🕓 Time to Explore: 1 Day
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹3500
- 🛣 Km Covered: 120 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹900
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 11 Days
Adv
📍 11. Athirappilly – The Niagara of India
Athirappilly Waterfalls, one of the most iconic natural
wonders in South India, offers stunning views, forest treks, and cinematic
beauty.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Thrissur → Athirappilly (60 km | 1.5 hrs)
- 🕌 Places to Visit:
Athirappilly Falls, Vazhachal Falls, Charpa Falls
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam
- 💳 Cash/Card: Entry tickets
are cash-only
- 🎒 Essentials: Extra clothes,
grip shoes, water bottles
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Jungle lodges
or eco-resorts (~₹2500–3000 for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Kerala meals
with fish fry
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: Local
stalls – bamboo crafts, spices
- ⚠️ Precautions: Slippery paths, follow safety
signs
- 🕓 Time to Explore: Half-day
to 1 Day
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹3000
- 🛣 Km Covered: 60 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹450
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 12 Days
📍 12. Kochi – Queen of the Arabian Sea
A coastal blend of colonial history and vibrant
culture, Kochi is famous for its beaches, markets, churches, and harbor-front
charm.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Athirappilly → Kochi (70 km | 2 hrs)
- 🕌 Places to Visit: Fort
Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, Jew Town, Mattancherry Palace
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam,
English
- 💳 Cash/Card: Card-friendly
tourist zone
- 🎒 Essentials: Camera,
sunblock, comfy shoes
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Fort Kochi
homestays or city hotels (~₹3500 for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Meen curry,
appam & stew, Arabic-style snacks
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: Lulu Mall,
Jew Street antiques
- ⚠️ Precautions: Beware of overpricing in tourist
shops
- 🕓 Time to Explore: 1 Day
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹4000 for
4
- 🛣 Km Covered: 70 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹550
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 13 Days
📍 13. Guruvayur – The Temple Town
Guruvayur is one of the holiest places for Hindus in
Kerala, centered around the revered Guruvayur Krishna Temple.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Kochi → Guruvayur (90 km | 2.5 hrs)
- 🕌 Places to Visit: Guruvayur
Temple, Elephant Camp, Parthasarathy Temple
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam
- 💳 Cash/Card: Temple
offerings by cash, hotels accept cards
- 🎒 Essentials: Traditional
attire (no shirts/pants inside temple)
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Hotels near
temple (~₹2000–2500 for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Temple
prasadam, sadhya, banana chips
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: Temple
street – sandalwood items, lamp sets
- ⚠️ Precautions: Huge crowd during weekends
- 🕓 Time to Explore: Half-day
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹2500 for
4
- 🛣 Km Covered: 90 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹700
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 14 Days
📍 14. Wayanad – The Forest Highlands
Wayanad’s dense forests, waterfalls, wildlife
sanctuaries, and heritage caves make it a true explorer’s paradise.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Guruvayur → Wayanad (200 km | 6 hrs)
- 🕌 Places to Visit: Edakkal
Caves, Pookode Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, Soochipara Falls
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam,
Kannada, English
- 💳 Cash/Card: Carry cash for
tribal markets, rest accept cards
- 🎒 Essentials: Trek shoes,
jackets, torchlight
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Kalpetta or
Vythiri resorts (~₹3500 for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Bamboo rice
biryani, tribal-style Kerala dishes
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: Herbal
products, bamboo crafts, honey
- ⚠️ Precautions: Leeches in forest trails, long drives
– stay alert
- 🕓 Time to Explore: 2 Days
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹6000 for
4
- 🛣 Km Covered: 200 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹1500
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 16 Days
📍 15. Kozhikode – The Land of Spices
Famous for its historic importance in the spice trade
and lip-smacking food, Kozhikode (Calicut) is a cultural and culinary delight.
🔍 Highlights:
- 🛣 Route: Wayanad → Kozhikode (90 km | 3 hrs)
- 🕌 Places to Visit: Kappad
Beach, SM Street, Mananchira Square
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam,
English
- 💳 Cash/Card: Urban area –
cards widely accepted
- 🎒 Essentials: Cotton wear,
shopping bags, camera
- 🛏 Safe Stay: Near railway
station or beach (~₹2500–3000 for 4)
- 🍛 Local Foods: Kozhi
biryani, banana halwa, snacks from Paragon
- 🛍 Shopping Spot: SM Street –
spices, sweets, textiles
- ⚠️ Precautions: Parking congestion in town
- 🕓 Time to Explore: 1 Day
- 💰 Average Expense: ₹3500
- 🛣 Km Covered: 90 km
- 🚘 Fuel Cost: ₹700
- 📦 Total Days So Far: 17 Days
Adv
🚗 Return: Kozhikode → Palakkad → Thiruvananthapuram (via NH 544 + NH 66)
Wrap
up your Kerala journey with a long return drive via Palakkad, a scenic route
filled with lush plains and ghats.
- 🛣 Route: Kozhikode → Palakkad →
Thiruvananthapuram (440 km | 10–11 hrs)
- 🗣 Language: Malayalam
- 🛏 Break Stay Option:
Palakkad if required (~₹2500 for 4)
- 💰 Fuel Cost: ₹3300
- 📦 Total Days: 18 Days (17 +
1 optional night halt)
🧾 Total Trip Summary
- 📍 Total Destinations: 15
- 🛣 Total Kilometers Covered:
Approx. 1800–2000 km
- ⛽ Fuel Cost: ₹14,500–15,000
- 🏨 Accommodation (Avg ₹2500–3500/day):
₹40,000–45,000
- 🍽 Food, Activities, Local Travel:
₹15,000–20,000
- 🧺 Shopping & Tickets:
₹5,000–7,000
- 💼 Emergency Buffer: ₹25,000
- 💰 Overall Estimated Expense for 4 People:
₹95,000–1,10,000
- 📅 Total Days Needed: 18 Days
✅ Ideal Road Trip Tips
- ✅ Carry power
banks, water bottles, and dry snacks
- ✅ Get car
serviced before trip
- ✅ Use Google
Maps offline for hill areas
- ✅ Book key
accommodations in advance
- ✅ Keep basic
first-aid and motion sickness meds
- ✅ Respect local
customs and temple rules
🧭 Ideal Order of Destinations for Kerala Round Road Trip (Starting
from Thiruvananthapuram):
Thiruvananthapuram
→
Varkala →
Kollam →
Alappuzha →
Kumarakom →
Thekkady →
Munnar →
Idukki →
Vagamon →
Thrissur →
Athirappilly →
Kochi →
Guruvayur →
Wayanad →
Kozhikode → Palakkad
→
Thiruvananthapuram
✅ Why This Order
Works:
- Moves northward
along the coast from Thiruvananthapuram to Alappuzha.
- Then cuts
inland east to the Western Ghats (Thekkady, Munnar, Idukki).
- Gradually
transitions northwest to Vagamon and Thrissur, with a smooth flow
to Kochi.
- From Kochi, it swings
further north to cover spiritual and hill destinations (Guruvayur →
Wayanad → Kozhikode).
- Finally loops southeast
via Palakkad back to Thiruvananthapuram – completing a near oval
circuit.
Total Trip Summary (for 15 Destinations)
- 🛣 Total Kilometers Covered:
Approx. 1600–1800 km
- ⛽ Vehicle Running Cost (Petrol @ ₹110/L, avg
15 kmpl): ₹13,000–14,000
- 🏨 Average Accommodation Cost:
₹2500–3500/day for 4 = ₹32,000–40,000
- 🍽 Food & Miscellaneous Cost:
₹800–1000/day = ₹11,000–14,000
- 🎟 Entry Tickets / Activities / Shopping:
₹4000–6000
- 💼 Emergency Buffer: ₹25,000
(Medical, Vehicle, Delays, Misc.)
- 💰 Overall Budget for 4 People (Including
Buffer):
👉 ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000
✅ Travel Tips & Precautions
- Prefer day
driving for safety
- Use Google
Maps with offline backup
- Book hotels in
advance during peak season
- Carry basic
medicines, ID proofs, and emergency contacts
- Respect local
customs and temple dress codes
If
you hire a 6–7
seater vehicle (like Toyota Innova, Ertiga, or similar) with a driver
for this 20-day Kerala round trip covering ~2200 km,
here’s a breakdown of the extra cost estimate:
🚘 Vehicle Rental with Driver – Cost Breakdown
✅ Vehicle Type:
6–7 seater (AC) – Toyota Innova / Ertiga / Similar
📍 Duration: 20 Days
🛣 Total
Distance: Approx. 2000–2200 km
✅ Total Estimated Cost (20 Days):
🔸 If fuel is included in the rental
(₹15–₹18/km):
👉 ₹66,000 – ₹83,000
🔸 If fuel is extra (charged
separately by km):
👉 Rental + Driver Bata: ₹64,000 –
₹80,000
👉 + Fuel:
₹14,000 – ₹15,000
👉 +
Tolls/Parking: ₹2,500 – ₹3,000
👉 ✅ Grand
Total (all-inclusive): ₹80,500 – ₹98,000
📝 Tips:
- Ask if fuel is included (many operators offer per
km basis with fuel at ₹17–₹18/km).
- Get a full quotation with written terms (daily km
limit, night halts, hill station permits).
- Confirm driver food/stay responsibility—some
rentals expect you to cover it separately.
🛑 Disclaimer:
The costs,
travel durations, and recommendations mentioned in this blog are approximate
and may vary based on season, fuel rates, availability, and individual
preferences. Readers are advised to confirm all bookings, road conditions, and
safety measures in advance. The itinerary is designed for informational purposes
and should be customized according to your travel style, health, and time
constraints. The author is not responsible for any unforeseen expenses, delays,
or mishaps during the trip. Always carry valid ID, travel insurance, and
emergency contacts while traveling.
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#CoupleTravelIndia #KeralaByRoad #FamilyRoadTrip #KeralaHolidays
#KeralaDestinations #TravelWithBudget
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