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.

✦ Pro tip: Book Fort Kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets Private Walking Tour or Fort Kochi and Mattancherry Sightseeing Tour

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 Tre,k amongst others.

Exploring the Munnar tea plantations during a 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.

✦ Pro tip: If you have more time on hand, book this full-day Munnar mountain hiking

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 a boat safari on Periyar, and one can see wild animals on the river banks. The river has barren tree logs, and the landscape across the mountains looks breathtaking. Bird and animal sightings are 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 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 the spice gardens, knowing and sniffing the organic produce. A guided tour of Thekkady spice gardens is an 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 the 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.

✦ Pro tip: Book the Sunset Backwater Village Kayaking Tour or Sunset Cruise with Village Life and Local Food

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 in the coconut tree near you. Read in detail: Kerala Backwaters of Alleppey

✦ Pro tip: Book Cruises & boat tours in 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-hour 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 the 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 the Kovalam backwaters. One can lounge around watching the sunset or villagers going about their way. The cruise offers unparalleled views of the 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-day 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 winter months (November to February) are ideal to visit Kerala. The temperatures are moderate and the 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 ranges from 17°C-33°C. It rains quite often throughout 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
• Things to do in Munnar
• 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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Whenever Kerala is mentioned, one imagines tranquil waters lined with coconut trees and slow village life. Well, Kumarakom is exactly this! The small sleepy village of Kumarakom is nestled on the banks of the largest freshwater lake in Kerala ans is home to the backwaters, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, agriculture, boating and fishing facilities. It only made sense to start Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom.

Responsible tourism in Kumarakom: The beginning

Kumarakom was declared a Special Tourism Zone by the Government of Kerala in 2005. In May 2007, the first destination level meeting was held and the Destination Level Responsible Tourism Committee and three working groups on economic, environmental and social levels were formed. The official inauguration of Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom happened in March 2008 and it was the Kumarakom Gram Panchayat that initiated the implementation of Responsible Tourism at Kumarakom.

The advantage of experiencing village life with the locals is the economic, social and environmental sustainability with minimum negative impact. I experienced Community based tourism at Baradpani in Gujarat and I am so glad rural tourism is happening in other parts of India and here to stay!

How to book a Responsible Tourism Tour in Kumarakom?

Tickets can be purchased from the Responsible Tourism Office Kumarakom near the Kavanatinkara jetty. However, due to less influx of tourists post covid, the office is closed. The tour can be arranged by placing a request on this email id: rt@keralatourism.org / dc.rtkumarakom@gmail.com

There are two packages to choose from while in Kumarakom so do not forget to mention which one you want to go for – 

• A day with farmers
• Beyond the backwaters

Where does the tour begin and its duration?

The journey begins from the picturesque Kavanatinkara jetty. A Shikara boat transfers the visitors from the jetty into the narrow backwaters of Kumarakom. A local guide is allotted to each group who briefs the visitors about the Kumarakom backwaters, the landscape, the lush green surroundings, cuisine and wildlife.

Activities under Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom

‘Welcome to Kumarakom’ said Sabu our Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom guide as we walked to our designated Shikara ride. It was interesting to see all the Shikara boats neatly parked on the backwater rocking against each other with the waves of the passerby boat’s motor. It took some direction giving and juggling to get the boat out in the main channel from its parking spot. Once out, we were on our way to the Kumarakom village.

Sabu told us all about the backwaters and how village life was normal in spite of the covid outbreak. We passed the typical village life – men cleaning their boats, women washing the utensils on the bank, ducks feeding in the water and the normal boat traffic along the channel. It certainly reminded me of my trip to Backwaters of Alleppey.

As the broad water channel narrowed a bit, we came across a small section where there was abundant lotus blooming. Sabu bent from the boat and caught hold of a pink lotus and said ‘Let me make a necklace for you’. 

Surprised and curious about how a necklace would be made from a flower we held on tight to our phone video-graphing him while he went about making sections in the lotus stem giving it a beautiful pattern. He pulled out some what seemed like strings from the end of the lotus stem and knotted them together. And voila it really was a beautiful necklace.

As we pondered over his amazing necklace making technique, we reach our first activity place.

Coconut coir making 

Coconut is such a versatile tree and Kerala knows how to best utilise it. From using its fruit for water, and coconut shell in making handicrafts, to using its stem for deriving an alcoholic drink, using its trunk as timber to make houses and boats, and its leaves in making thatched roofs and baskets. 

We arrived at Ajitha’s house who demonstrated how she is utilizing the choirs in making ropes. Coconut coir is made using the coconut husk that is abundantly available here. While she had the raw material ready for us, she draped herself in a checkered skirt locally known as lungi and worn by men and made a kangaroo-like pouch where she kept the coir.

She then put the coir in a small motor run machine and the rope just started forming as she kept feeding more coir and playing a small tug of war with it.

In order to demonstrate how it was traditionally done, she placed herself on a mat on the ground and manually started rolling the coir until a rope was formed. That certainly took a lot of time and it made the hands rough due to the coconut fibres.

Some of my group members tried their hands on this and enjoyed themselves.

Natural shampoo making

The locals have been extremely self-sufficient and rely on garden supplies for everything. Be it fruits and vegetables from the kitchen garden to the fresh fish catch right outside the house, from herbal plants to cure diseases to plants that help in cleaning your hair. 

Sabu walked to the fence of the house and plucked some leaves. He placed them in a bowl with some water and started gently crushing them. Soon enough, foam started forming! It was hibiscus leaves, a plant that readily grows across India. Forget about going to the market and buying chemical-laden shampoo in a plastic bottle!

Coconut tree climbing

As we walked in Ajitha’s kitchen garden which was laden with fruit trees such as jackfruit, passionfruit, papaya, mango, banana and more, we reached some tall coconut trees.

Sabu explained how it was an arduous task to climb coconut trees in the olden times and it required skill and practice to climb them. However, with new technology, there is coconut tree climber equipment that makes the task easy, safe and quick. As Sabu demonstrated the new equipment he mentioned how women are also climbing these trees. Talk about women empowerment! 🙂

Fishing in Kumarakom

We came out of Ajitha’s house after tasking some delicious fruits from her kitchen garden, crossed the road and reached the water canal. Sabu came with a fish net to demonstrate how the local fishermen catch fish.

A big swing and the net went into the water. A few moments later it was pulled out and 2 small fishes were trying hard to breathe. They were safely returned back to the water.

Next, we walked to Sathi’s house to check out the weaving process.

Weaving coconut leaves

As soon as Sathi saw us walking into the compound of her house, she placed a mat for herself, made herself comfortable and pulled some a dried coconut branch. She then carefully started braiding the leaves to form a pattern.

In yesteryears, before the advent of brick, mortar and cement, houses here were made with mud and thatched roof made of weaves of coconut leaves or palm leaves. This kept the house cool and due to the abundant availability in the garden, it could be easily changed when required.

The weaved leaves are now used in ornamenting cafes, or weaving baskets.

I tried my hand on this and kept forgetting the braids. But Sathi was patient enough and taught me well till I could weave without any mistake.

Toddy Tapping

As we walked to another house overlooking the paddy fields, a kingfisher’s call made the heads turn. Two men clad in lungi were busy in their conversation. One of them hung a terracotta pot around his waist and quickly climbed the adjacent coconut tree. This was a shorter tree than the one we previously saw at Ajitha’s house.

The process of making toddy, an alcoholic beverage, begins at the top of a coconut tree, where a toddy tapper climbs to gather the sap. A new unopened bud of coconut flower is cut with a knife leaving 95% on the tree. The whole bud is then beaten and pounded with a hammer, bud gets swollen. The cut bud is bound with a tender coconut leaf or a rope ahead of the cut part, and a paste of taali leaf or clay is applied to the cut portion. This keeps bacterial infection away and makes the bud ooze sap, not allowing it to go dry and heal. The clay helps in extracting more toddy and it smells and tastes different.

After beating the new flower bud for a week the flower begins to ooze sap which can be collected twice daily. The same steps are repeatedly daily– cutting, beating, taali leaf paste application.

We saw the toddy tapping in Kumarakom and the tapper collected fresh toddy which we tried. The fragrance was very strong and it felt like an alcoholic drink. But after tasting it, it wasn’t alcoholic and tasted interesting.

With this, 2 hours of Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom activity came to an end. We had to go back to our Shikara boat and back to the hotel.

FAQs about Village Life Experience at Kumarakom

Is Responsible Tourism happening only in Kumarakom, Kerala?

Four destinations in Kerala – Kumarakom, Thekkady, Kovalam and Vythiri were the pilot destinations where Responsible Tourism in Kerala was experimented. It served as a model for the entire country and due to its success, three more destinations – Kumbalangi, Ambalavayal and Bekal were added.

How do the locals benefit from responsible tourism activities?

95% cost received from the ticket money is distributed among all the village stakeholders. This encourages the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and motivates the locals to continue their traditional practices.

Has Kumarakom won any awards for its responsible tourism initiative?

Yes, all the seven responsible tourism villages have won several awards including Kumarakom. Kumarakom Responsible Tourism Project has won UNWTO Ulysses Award for Innovation in Public Policy and Governance, PATA Gold and Grand and several other national awards. 

Read More Kerala Posts here

• Kerala Travel Guide
• Trekking in Munnar
• Things to do in Munnar
• Places to visit in Thekkady
• Human by Nature
• Places to visit in Cherai
• Glamping in Munnar, Kerala
• Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

Disclosure: I was invited by Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) and Kerala Tourism to explore Kerala. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own.

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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