Kerala Road Trip Guide 2025 – Best Scenic Routes, Must-Visit Places & Travel Tips
A road trip through Kerala is one of the most rewarding travel experiences in India, offering a blend of lush forests, misty mountains, serene backwaters, pristine beaches, and charming small towns. Whether you’re cruising through tea gardens, hugging the coastline, or driving deep into wildlife-rich forests, every route in “God’s Own Country” feels like a scenic postcard. This Kerala road trip guide covers the best routes, ideal seasons, must-visit stops, driving tips, and everything you need to plan a smooth and memorable journey.
Why Choose Kerala for a Road Trip?
Kerala’s landscapes change dramatically every 50–60 km — from hill stations to spice plantations, waterfalls, paddy fields, riversides, and beach towns. The roads are generally well-maintained, distances are manageable, and every region offers something unique: culture, food, nature, or adventure. It’s perfect whether you’re planning a family trip, a scenic escape with friends, or a romantic journey.
Top Scenic Kerala Road Trip Routes You Must Experience
1. Kochi → Munnar (Hill Station Route)
Distance: ~125 km
Best For: Hills, tea gardens, waterfalls
Highlights: Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Valara Waterfalls, Devikulam, Munnar Tea Estates
This classic road trip climbs from sea level to 5,200 ft, offering a breathtaking transition from tropical greenery to mist-covered hillscapes. The route is famous for long stretches of rolling tea gardens and dramatic valley views.
2. Munnar → Thekkady (Spice & Wildlife Route)
Distance: ~90 km
Best For: Spice plantations, forest views
Highlights: Gap Road, Anayirangal Dam, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
This short but stunning drive connects two of Kerala’s most loved hill stations. Expect winding roads, spice plantation aromas, elephants near forest edges, and panoramic viewpoints along Gap Road.
3. Kochi → Alleppey (Backwater Route)
Distance: ~54 km
Best For: Backwaters, canals, paddy fields
Highlights: Kuttanad, Alleppey Beach, Houseboats
A relaxed, easy drive along lakes, lagoons, and green paddy fields. Once you enter Alleppey, the backwater charm takes over — perfect for a houseboat stay or a day cruise.
4. Alleppey → Kollam (Lakeside Coastal Route)
Distance: ~92 km
Best For: Lakes, beaches, lagoons
Highlights: Kayamkulam Lake, Thottappally, Kollam Lighthouse
This is one of the prettiest low-traffic stretches, running parallel to the Arabian Sea. The entire route feels like a blend of lake views on one side and breezy coasts on the other.
5. Trivandrum → Varkala → Kollam (Cliff & Beach Route)
Distance: ~60–80 km
Best For: Cliffs, beaches, cafes
Highlights: Varkala Cliff, Kappil Beach, Paravur Lake
This route gives you cliffside ocean views, seaside roads, and charming beach towns. Great for relaxed driving and café hopping.
6. Calicut → Wayanad (Forest & Waterfall Route)
Distance: ~85 km
Best For: Forest drives, wildlife
Highlights: Thamarassery Ghat, Lakkidi Viewpoint, Pookode Lake
This ghat road is one of the most scenic in Kerala, with nine sharp hairpin bends, dense forests, misty mornings, and the “gateway to Wayanad” charm.
7. Kochi → Idukki → Vagamon (Offbeat Misty Route)
Distance: ~110 km
Best For: Offbeat hillscapes
Highlights: Idukki Dam, Vagamon Meadows, Pine Forest
Perfect for travelers who want less touristy, more soulful journeys. Expect rolling green meadows, cloud-touching hills, and peaceful routes ideal for slow travel.
