Kerala, southern India, offers a variety of day trips with its unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and history, including Munnar’s tea gardens, Alleppey’s serene backwaters, and Kochi’s historic charm.
- Munnar:
- Highlights: Lush tea plantations, cool climate, Tea Museum, scenic beauty.
- Day Trip: Munnar is known for its rolling hills covered in tea plantations. You can spend a day exploring these picturesque landscapes, visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea processing, and take a walk amidst the verdant hills. The cool climate and serene ambiance make it a perfect day trip destination.
- Alleppey (Alappuzha):
- Highlights: Kerala backwaters, houseboat rides, tranquil surroundings.
- Day Trip: Alleppey is famous for its serene backwaters. A day trip could include a houseboat ride through the backwaters, offering a unique and tranquil experience. Enjoy the scenic beauty and a peaceful day on the water.
- Kochi (Cochin):
- Highlights: Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, historic architecture.
- Day Trip: Kochi, a historic port city, offers a blend of history and culture. Explore Fort Kochi to see colonial-era architecture, visit the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and wander through colorful markets. Don’t miss the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace.
- Thekkady:
- Highlights: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Lake, lush forests.
- Day Trip: Thekkady is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Spend your day exploring the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake for wildlife viewing, and immerse yourself in the lush greenery and biodiversity of the region.
- Kovalam:
- Highlights: Beautiful beaches, water sports, vibrant atmosphere.
- Day Trip: Kovalam is known for its lovely beaches. A day here can be spent sunbathing, swimming in the clear waters, and enjoying water sports. The lively atmosphere, beachside cafes, and markets offer a pleasant beach experience.
- Varkala:
- Highlights: Cliff-top beach, Janardana Swamy Temple, beach relaxation.
- Day Trip: Varkala is known for its stunning cliff-top beach. Explore the ancient Janardana Swamy Temple, relax on the beach, and enjoy the beautiful views of the Arabian Sea. The beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere and a variety of restaurants and shops.
- Wayanad:
- Highlights: Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, Banasura Sagar Dam.
- Day Trip: Wayanad is a nature lover’s paradise. A day trip can include visiting the historic Edakkal Caves, taking a dip at Soochipara Waterfalls, and exploring the scenic beauty of Banasura Sagar Dam. While it’s advisable to spend more time here, a day can offer a taste of its natural beauty.
- Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram):
- Highlights: Napier Museum, Kuthira Malika, Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
- Day Trip: The capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum has several attractions. Visit the Napier Museum to explore its art and history exhibits, see Kuthira Malika with its unique horse architecture, and experience the grandeur of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
- Kumarakom:
- Highlights: Bird sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, serene surroundings.
- Day Trip: Kumarakom is known for its bird sanctuary and the scenic Vembanad Lake. Spend your day exploring the bird sanctuary, enjoying the beauty of the lake, and experiencing the tranquil ambiance of the region.
- Guruvayur:
- Highlights: Guruvayur Temple, cultural richness, sacred atmosphere.
- Day Trip: Guruvayur is a sacred destination, known for the Guruvayur Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. A day trip can include visiting the temple, exploring the cultural richness of the area, and experiencing the sacred atmosphere.
Bottom Line
These day trip destinations in Kerala offer a wide range of experiences, from natural beauty and cultural heritage to relaxation and history. While they provide only a glimpse of what Kerala has to offer, they are excellent options for travelers with limited time to explore the state.