If you’re dreaming of winding roads lined with coconut palms, lush backwaters, and misty hills, then a Kerala road trip in 2025 should be on your bucket list. Whether you’re starting from Bangalore, Hyderabad, or traveling in your own car, this guide will help you craft the perfect Kerala road trip itinerary — with routes, travel tips, and links to Kerala trip packages to make planning easier.
Kerala is uniquely shaped for a road trip. The state stretches along the Arabian Sea, from Kasaragod in the north to Trivandrum in the south — offering varied landscapes,
from beaches and backwaters to hills and spice plantations.
Popular Road Trip Route: Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Varkala →Trivandrum Distance: ~650 km | Ideal Duration: 7–9 Days Best Time: October to March
Use this interactive Kerala Road Trip Itinerary to visualize the route and customize your
plan.
A Kerala road trip from Bangalore is one of the most popular self-drive options. You’ll pass through scenic Western Ghats, wildlife sanctuaries, and coffee estates on your way in.
Suggested Itinerary (7 Days):
• Day 1: Bangalore to Wayanad (~6 hours)
• Day 2: Explore Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam
• Day 3: Drive to Munnar (~7 hours)
• Day 4: Munnar sightseeing – Eravikulam National Park, tea estates
• Day 5: Head to Thekkady for wildlife safaris
• Day 6: Backwaters at Alleppey or Kumarakom
• Day 7: Drive back to Bangalore or continue south to Varkala
Tip: Break the journey with overnight stops and use Google Maps for real-time traffic updates.
Planning a Kerala road trip from Hyderabad? It’s a longer journey (~1,100 km), but totally worth it if you have 9–10 days to spare.
Sample Route: Hyderabad → Coimbatore → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Kochi →Trivandrum To save time, you can fly into Coimbatore or Kochi and rent a self-drive car from there.
This makes the trip more manageable and flexible.
Kerala Itinerary 3 Days – For a Short Escape Ideal for a weekend road trip from nearby cities.
• Day 1: Arrive in Kochi, explore Fort Kochi & Mattancherry
• Day 2: Drive to Alleppey, enjoy a backwater cruise
• Day 3: Return via Marari Beach for a scenic detour
Kerala Itinerary 4 Days – For Quick Explorers
• Day 1: Kochi to Munnar
• Day 2: Explore tea gardens and viewpoints
• Day 3: Head to Thekkady for wildlife or spice plantation tours
• Day 4: Return or continue to Alleppey (optional)
This short trip blends hills, nature, and some culture.
This is the ultimate Kerala road trip plan for travelers who want to soak in the best of Kerala at a relaxed pace.
• Day 1: Kochi arrival and city exploration
• Day 2–3: Munnar – waterfalls, tea estates, Eravikulam Park
• Day 4: Drive to Thekkady for wildlife, boating in Periyar
• Day 5: Alleppey houseboat stay or backwater cruise
• Day 6: Drive to Varkala – beach and cliffside cafes
• Day 7: Trivandrum – Padmanabhaswamy Temple, relax, fly out,
For a customizable plan, explore this curated Kerala road trip itinerary that includes transport, stays, and activities.
• Munnar – Tea plantations, cool weather, scenic drives
• Alleppey – Backwaters, houseboats, sunset kayaking
• Thekkady – Periyar Tiger Reserve, spice gardens
• Varkala – Cliffs, beaches, and cafes
• Kumarakom – Quiet backwaters, bird sanctuary
• Kochi – Historic port city with art cafes and architecture
These are staples on many of the best road trips in Kerala.
Planning a Kerala trip by your own car? Here are some essentials:
• Carry all vehicle documents, including PUC and insurance
• Prefer early morning drives to avoid local traffic
• Google Maps is reliable, but always check local weather
• Fuel stations are widely available, even in remote areas
• Toll charges apply on major highways — keep FASTag active
The advantage of your own car is that you control the pace, the music, and the detours.
Final Travel Tips
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Stay options: Mix of homestays, boutique hotels, and eco-resorts
• Must-carry: Camera, offline maps, sunscreen, rain gear (in case of showers)
• Food: Don’t miss Kerala Sadya, Malabar parotta, seafood thali
Looking for pre-planned travel support? Browse curated Kerala trip packages that take
care of logistics, allowing you to focus on the journey.
