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God’s own country, Kerala is welcoming for road trips throughout the year because of the pleasant weather and beautiful sites. Some of the best songs Bollywood has delivered; Jiya Jale… from Dil se, Kashmir tu main Kanyakumari ….from Chennai Express, Barso re….from Guru were shot in majestic Kerala. Not only these songs but the latest blockbuster “ Bahubali” was also shot here. So rent a car in Kochi for exploring Kerala.
Kochi also called “Queen of the Arabian Sea” is a beautiful coastal city with a rich heritage and history and is a popular stopover destination for travellers. So, next time you travel to Kochi make sure to explore the scenic spots on the outskirts of Kochi that make a perfect road trip destinations.
Rent a car in Kochi and set off to experience the beauty Kerala has to offer.
Undoubtedly one of the magnificent creation of nature is Athirapally Waterfalls in Kerala. Formed by the Chalakudy River, this waterfall resembles the popular Niagra Falls in North America and has gained itself the name “ The Niagra of India”.
Time: 2 hours
Distance from Kochi: 75 Km
District: Thrissur
The height of the waterfall: 80 feet
Time to travel: September-January
Nearest Airport is Kochi, so if you are travelling from another state the ideal way of travelling is through a car. So, rent a car in Kochi and get ready to witness the breathtaking views your journey has to offer.
The Athirapally Forest is also the natural habitat of different species like the great hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, Indian grey hornbill, Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, and lion-tailed macaque.
The Vazhachal Waterfalls, Charpa Falls, Anakkayam, Sholayar Dam, Valparai and Malayattur Wildlife Sanctuary are the nearby places to visit in Athirapally. It also offers adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, etc.
Alappuzha means “the land between the sea and network of rivers flowing into it”, it is also known as the “Venice of the East” due to the canals that connect it to Kerala’s famous snaking backwaters.
Time: 2 hours
Distance from Kochi: 70 Km
District: Thrissur
Time to travel: August- March
A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a delightful experience. The uninterrupted scene of lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, shimmering water and long canals around Alappuzha make it a delightful destination. Enjoy fresh local delicacies with south Indian filter coffee. Further head to the beautiful Thrissur temples of the area.
Kuttanad, “The rice bowl of Kerala” is also a part of the Alappuzha district and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
A road from Kochi to Thekkady is a scenic vista full of lush greenery and sparkling backwaters. Once you start cruising through the road to Thekkady looking at the beauty around, you will know why Kerala is called “ God’s own country”.
As you pass through the tranquil countryside, rich plantations & thick jungles you are captivated by the bewitching beauty of Thekkady.
Time: 4 hours 24 minutes
Distance from Kochi: 170 Km
District: Idukki
Time to travel: September to March
Periyar National Park which is centered around the large artificial lake formed by a dam across the Periyar river is located in Thekkady. It is home to India’s one of the largest Tiger populations. Periyar National Park is full of nature’s bounty, with great scenic charm along with rich biodiversity.
Kochi to Munnar is one of the most beautiful and scenic road trips of South India. Munnar is a beautiful hill station and was a summer resort for the British before Independence. Munnar is famous for its tea plantations.
Three rivers – Madupetti, Nallathanni, and Periavaru — flow through this town and give it a name “Munnar”.
Time: approx.3 hours 40 minutes
Distance from Kochi: 125 Km
District: Idukki
Time to travel: October- March
The Eravikulam national park is one of the main tourist attraction in Munnar. Many endangered species of Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat called “Varayadu” in Malayalam can be found here. You may also spot gaur, langur, lion-tailed macaque, and Elephants depending on the season and time of travel on your trek to Rajmala, King of hills. The altitude is 1,600 m- 2,000 m above sea level. Rent a car in Kochi and travel to one of the most beautiful and peaceful hill station.
Located in central Kerala, Kottayam is India’s first 100% literate city and is of great commercial and historical importance. It is also known as Letter Capital of Kerala, due to headquarters of more than a dozen publishing houses and newspaper companies as well as several famous colleges and university.
Kottayam is bounded by the Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake on the west. Kottayam is well known as a beautiful Kerala backwaters destination with stunning landscape and beauty.
Time: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes
Distance from Kochi: approx: 63 Km
District: Kottayam
Time to travel: October- March
Being a mountainous region with scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples, and churches make this an attractive tourist destination. The Poonjar Palace is an example of the rich culture of Kerala. The Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Pallippurathu Kavu, Thiruverpu Temple and the Saraswathy Temple are some famous temples situated in Kottayam.
Another beautiful destination in the foothills of western ghats is Vagamon. It is surrounded by 3 hills namely, Thangal hill, Murugan hill, and Kurisumala and is also known as ‘Scotland of Asia’.
Time: approx.3 hours
Distance from Kochi: approx. 103 Km
District: Kottayam
Time to travel: September-May
It is comprised of a beautiful series of hillocks, valleys and cascading waterfalls that make it the ideal getaway destination for tourists. Pine forests, grasslands, meadows and even a popular suicide point at Thangal Hill, add to the natural beauty of Vagamon. It is also famous for a wide variety of orchids. Wild buffaloes, rare species of birds, insects and elephants can also be located in the forests.
The hill station has developed into a prime paragliding hub and is the venue of international paragliding contests that are conducted here every year. Trekking, paragliding, mountaineering, and rock climbing are some of the major activities you can plan.