goa to kerala road trip

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• Conquering The Coast With Kerala To Goa Road Trip – A Detailed Guide

09 May 2024

The Kerala to Goa road trip is a classic Indian adventure, weaving together the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of two beloved coastal states. It lets you travel through the scenic views of the coastal lines, one that’s bound to leave you spellbound. Buckle up for a journey brimming with swaying coconut palms, historic towns, and hidden beaches. The views, experiences, adventure, and unique food joints along the way bring together the whole experience. This detailed guide will give you all the insights about conquering the Kerala to Goa road trip experience with the routes, tourist attractions and tips.

Best Time To Plan Kerala To Goa Road Trip

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Between October and February are the best time to set out on your Kerala to Goa road trip. The weather is clear and pleasant, the skies are vibrant blue, and the air is crisp and fresh for you to breathe in. Usually, most of the experienced road-tripping experts avoid travelling from Kerala to Goa during the summer months, which is between March to May. Usually, the weather is hot and humid due to the coastline, and it’s uncomfortable spending your days under the bright sun trying to soak in the views of the common tourist attractions.

June to September accounts for the monsoon season in this stretch, so you are bound to experience heavy rainfall and potential road closures. This explains why road trips during these months usually take a back seat. But, what about the crowds? What if you don’t want to go on this road trip from Goa to Kerala during the peak season when the crowd is extensive? Usually, this is where you need to consider visiting during the shoulder season, between October and November. The weather is great, and crowds are manageable, too.

Must Read: Places To Visit Near Aguada Fort

Route For Kerala To Goa Road Trip

When planning a road trip, wondering how to reach Kerala to Goa by road, is possibly the first question that pops up in people’s minds. Before we discuss the best routes, let us highlight the Kerala to Goa distance. Travelling via NH66 is the most common route for your Kerala to Goa road trip. The distance you cover in this route is roughly 761 km. Here’s a breakdown of the different routes so you can choose the one better suited to your needs:

Coastal Route via NH66

This 761-kilometre route, following the Arabian Sea coastline, offers breathtaking ocean views and a relaxed pace. Cruise along palm-fringed beaches and quaint fishing villages. Stop over at historical towns like Calicut, known for its spice trade legacy, and Kannur, showcasing remnants of its colonial past. Indulge in fresh seafood delicacies and soak up the coastal charm. However, be prepared for busier stretches, particularly around major towns, and potentially narrower roads compared to the inland route.

Western Ghats Route via NH 212 & NH 75

Image Source: Pratheesh mishra for wikimedia commons

As we previously discussed, the NH66 route is the one that most road trippers opt for when travelling from Kerala to Goa by road. However, if you want to explore a different and more scenic route, this is it. This route ventures inland through the majestic Western Ghats, showcasing lush greenery, waterfalls, and coffee plantations. Be prepared for hillier terrain and potentially twistier roads. The distance is slightly shorter than the coastal route. Out of the two routes, if you want more familiarity, convenience, and easy accessibility to different amenities and rest stops, we’d suggest sticking to the NH66 route.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Mapusa

Must Visit Places Enroute Kerala To Goa Road Trip

As you cover the Kerala to Goa road trip distance, there are so many amazing tourist attractions for you to stop and explore. You can add them to your itinerary to enhance the road trip experience.

The following are a few to consider:

When you are kick starting your journey from Kerala to Goa by road trip, chances are that you will start it from Kochi. So, while you are there, don’t skip exploring Kochi Fort, which stands out for its charming allure and Portuguese influences. Immerse yourself in the spice markets of Mattancherry and witness the captivating Chinese fishing nets as well. Kochi also offers some of the most delectable Kerala cuisine, so hit one of the local food joints and fill your tummy before the start of the road trip.

Located along the Western Ghats, Munnar is a popular hill station in Kerala known for its rolling hills and misty mountains. Sprawling tea plantations, their emerald greens carpeting the landscape, paint a picture-perfect vista. History buffs can delve deeper at the Munnar Historical Museum. Don’t miss a visit to the Tata Tea Museum, which showcases the evolution of tea production in the region as well.

Suggested Read: White Water Rafting In Goa

Break away from the usual tourist trail in Bekal, Kerala. Visit the historic Bekal Fort, a 17th-century marvel offering panoramic views. Relax on the pristine Bekal Beach, known for its golden sands and calm waves. This is a great spot on your road trip journey where you can step back, relax, and unwind after driving for prolonged hours. Stretch your legs and sip on some coconut water on the beach.

Located away from the crowds, Gokarna is the perfect spot for spiritual seekers. You can relax on the beaches, try some water sports or plan to explore the beach town. Explore the serene Mahabaleshwar Temple and unwind on the pristine beaches of Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach. It’s the laid-back part of your road trip from Kerala to Goa.

Suggested Read: Holiday Homes In Goa

If you have reached Panjim, you have successfully reached Goa. Stroll along the lively waterfront promenade, with colourful shops and charming cafes. Explore the vibrant art scene and indulge in Goan delicacies like Xacuti and Vindaloo. The capital city is also home to some popular flea markets and thrift stores, which you should explore.

Tips To Keep In Mind During Kerala To Goa Road Trip

Image Source: Raghavendra22 for wikimedia commons

Setting out on your road trip from Goa to Kerala involves a lot of planning. These ensure smooth execution of the travel experience, especially ensuring a smooth driving experience. Here are some of the most popular practical tips for how to reach Kerala to Goa by road:

Enquire about car rentals and permits

Choose a reliable car rental company and ensure the vehicle is in good condition. Obtain an interstate permit if needed, especially for self-driven rentals. This is particularly viable for individuals who either don’t own a car or don’t plan to take their car for the road trip.

Plan the route and itinerary

Since the Kerala to Goa road trip is quite long, having a solid plan and itinerary is handy. It enables you to plan the ideal route for the travel, ensuring that you cover all the popular tourist attractions and spots along the way. Accommodation needs

Plan your stay, especially during peak season. Options range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious beach resorts. Consider homestays for an authentic local experience. Avoid leaving the bookings to the last minute.

Try the local cuisine

Kerala and Goa boast distinct culinary traditions. Savour fresh seafood curries in Kerala and explore the unique blend of Portuguese and Indian influences in Goan cuisine.

Pay attention to safety

Embarking on a long road trip requires close attention to safety, from driving safely to being vigilant about the people you trust along the way.

Further Read: Gokarna To Goa Road Trip

A Kerala to Goa road trip promises to etch itself into your memory. From serene backwaters to cascading waterfalls and vibrant cities to pristine beaches, this adventure offers many unique experiences. As you plan your next trip to Goa , consider this road trip option for indulging in an unforgettable exploration of India’s captivating western coast.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kerala to Goa Road Trip

How long does it take to complete the Kerala to Goa road trip?

The Kerala to Goa distance is roughly 761 km via NH66. It usually takes around 12-15 hours with consistent driving for you to reach your destination.

What to buy as souvenirs during the Kerala to Goa road trip?

You can buy coffee, chocolates and spices in Kerala while Goa has a lot of flea markets for you to pick up a few knick knacks.

Are there hotels available en route?

There are different kinds of accommodation options located en route Kerala to Goa road trip. It is ideal to pre-book the accommodation during the road trip and avoid driving the car at night.

Is it possible to go on this road trip solo?

Of course, it is possible to go on the road trip from Kerala to Goa by yourself. If you have all the means and the route sorted, nothing should be stopping you.

What are some must-visit attractions in Goa?

Some must-visit attractions in Goa include its pristine beaches, historic forts, vibrant markets, and delicious Goan cuisine. The exact spots depend on which part of Goa you are in.

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7 Days Road Trip from Goa to Kerala Itinerary

Exploring the beaches of goa, cultural immersion in goa, scenic drive from goa to kerala, cultural heritage tour in kerala, backwater experience in alleppey, adjacent cities.

2 Week South India Itinerary! A Goa & Kerala Itinerary!

Categories Asia , India , Itinerary

Whether you’re visiting India for the first time and want to visit South India to ease yourself in, or you want a beach holiday on the beaches of Goa and you fancy seeing some of the lush green-ness of Kerala whilst you’re there, you can easily put together a 2 week South India itinerary and a Goa and Kerala itinerary !

Goa and Kerala are two separate states in India that run along the West Coast of India, and although they are only 2 of 29 states, they still cover a lot of space in this country so you should plan your itinerary for south India in advance to make sure you can see a lot in both places, and cover the distances to get from one place to another!

I’ll tell you the best places to visit in Goa and the best places to visit in Kerala in this India travel guide.

Based on my experience travelling around South India, I would recommend the perfect Goa itinerary and Kerala itinerary and the best place to travel for 2 weeks in South India as:

Agonda Beach (Goa) – Palolem Beach (Goa) – Kochi (Kerala) – Munnar (Kerala) – Alleppey (Kerala) – Varkala (Kerala)

If you want to see North India in 2 weeks too, check out my Northern India Itinerary here !

2 Week South India Itinerary For Goa & Kerala!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Best time to visit India

Before we get into this India travel blog, it’s worth thinking about the best time to visit India as the country get’s very hot and wet in the middle of the year. November to March are the best times to visit both North & South India.

South India will be warmer than North India in the winter months of December and January, Delhi and further North actually get cold in these months but are still enjoyable to visit with the right clothing.

Outside these months, you can still visit but you’ll find that the heat and humidity will be much higher, especially as you go further South.

SIM CARD FOR INDIA

I really recommend having a sim card in India as it makes travel in India so much easier! You may have heard that it’s hard to get a sim card in India but you can get a sim card in Delhi Airport, read this post to see how to buy a sim card in Delhi Airport or if you fly in elsewhere 3 ways to buy a sim card in India and you’ll be connected in just a few hours!

WHAT TO WEAR IN INDIA

If you are a woman, here’s what I recommend you pack and wear in India . Technically you can wear what you like in India in most places but to get fewer stares and feel more comfortable, read my post!

DON’T GET SCAMMED IN DELHI

Most people arrive for the first time into Delhi and get scammed within a few hours! Read my Delhi Travel Tips to help you enjoy Delhi, and the best places to stay in Delhi which is so important!

Map of South India Places to Visit

Best Time of Year to visit South India

Please keep in mind whilst planning your 2 Week South India Itinerary that you’ll want to visit South India including Goa & Kerala in the Winter Months like Nov-March .

This is the best period to visit Goa and Kerala because the weather will be dry and places will be open for tourism. In the summer months, especially in Goa tourism shuts because the monsoon rains come.

Day 1 – Land in Goa. Travel to Goa Beach

Goa International Airport is the main airport in India because Goa is such a popular place for people to go on holiday to India from abroad and for domestic Indian tourists.

There will be lots of taxi’s waiting outside the airport so you can take a taxi or pre-arrange transport to your first beach in Goa.

Goa has so many beaches and it really depends on what you want from a holiday in Goa on your 2 Week South India Itinerary. Do you want to party? Do you want to chill? Do you want activities? Here’s my blog post on the best beaches in Goa so you can work out which ones you want to visit, and here’s a post on the best shopping markets in Goa if you like Flea Markets.

For the purpose of this itinerary for India, I’m suggesting you visit Agonda Beach and Palolem Beach in Goa as they are both all-round beaches in Goa and close together meaning less travel time as you don’t want to spend all of your holidays in South India travelling between places!

Goa Airport to Agonda Beach is a 1 hour 45minute to 2 hour drive . If you land late, don’t worry as transport will be available all night.

Day 2 & 3 – Goa Beach Days

Spend the next 2 days on your 2 Week South India Itinerary enjoying the beach. If you decide to stay in Agonda Beach you’ll be treated to a long stretch of beachline with nothing to do apart from chilling.

However, if you want to go out on a boat trip you can, or a popular trip from Agonda beach and a place to visit in Goa is Cabo de Rama Fort which you give you a taste of the culture of Goa. Agonda beach is also good for beginner surfers .

Look for the best flights here!

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price! 

Open Skyscanner by clicking here and search for the best flights as you read this post.

Day 4 – Move Beaches

In my opinion, to really experience Goa you need to visit at least 2 beaches in Goa on your Goa Kerala itinerary because each beach is so different. I really recommend spending some time at Palolem Beach , I think this is one of the  best places to visit in Goa because Palolem Beach is super chilled, it’s clean, quiet and has some great cafes!

Agonda Beach to Palolem Beach takes just 15 minutes in a car so I’d suggest leaving early in the morning so you can spend all day in Palolem Beach, and when you arrive at Palolem Beach, head for brunch or lunch at Zest Cafe in Palolem, it’s the best!

Day 5 – Goa Beach Day

Palolem Beach is another beach to chill at however for things to do in Palolem Beach I would recommend going out on a morning boat trip to see Dolphins . If you want to see another beach you can get a tuk-tuk to Patnem Beach which is just around the corner from Palolem Beach.

Here’s my full Guide to Palolem Beach with where to stay, things to do and where to eat!

BOOKING TRAINS IN INDIA

India is best travelled by train because its the quickest, cheapest and best way of getting to know the country. For an EASY option of booking trains in India use 12GO to search and book trains really easily. If you’ll be in India for awhile, you can use the local booking system, it’s a bit tricker but possible, here’s my post on how to book trains in India as a tourist .

BEST ACCOMMODATION IN INDIA

I always use Booking.com to book my hotels in India and Hostelworld to book my hostels . India has a great range of accommodation with brilliant hostel chains like Moustache, Zostel and Backpacker Panda as well as homestays to luxury hotels.

GUIDED TOURS IN INDIA

Many cities in India are best seen with a guide , even if it’s just a half day tour on your first day . Cities in India are chaotic and complex and what better way to taste the food and get to know the city than with a local. I recommend Get Your Guide & Viator for the best tours in India!

Day 6 – Goa Beach Day. Overnight Train to Kochi

Today you have two options on this 2 week South India itinerary, you could get an overnight train from Goa to Kerala , this way you’ll get to spend a full day on the beach and travel overnight experiencing real, India travel. Or you could travel back to Goa Airport and fly from Goa to Kochi in Kerala which takes just 1 hour 20 minutes.

My suggestion would be the overnight train as the trains in India are the best way to see and experience the real India and meet the lovely people of India and it will give you more time on the beach in Goa.

You will need to prebook your train from to Kerala from Goa in advance. The nearest train station to Palolem Beach is Madgaon and the train station for Kochi is Ernakulam Jn. This is the train I recommend booking which you can book on 12Go Asia. I recommend booking 2AC which is Second Class with Air Con.

Book this train here!

Read how to book trains in India here!

Day 7 – Day in Kochi

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a really interesting city in South India which is why I recommend it as part of your 2 week South India itinerary . It’s a port city full of colonial buildings, nice cafes and a small city feel, especially compared to big cities in India.

Fort Kochi / Fort Cochin is the best area to stay in Kochi because it’s where all of the Kochi tourist attractions are. You can easily spend one day in Kochi and things to do in Kochi include spotting the cool street art, visiting Jew Town, St Francis Church, the Folklore Museum and seeing the sunset on a boat trip.

Kochi isn’t that big so you’ll be able to see a lot during your late morning and afternoon in Kochi after arriving on the overnight train.

To help you once you’re on your 2 week India trip, why not take a Lonely Planet India Travel Guide with you.

Day 8 – Travel to Munnar

If you associate Kerala with Tea Plantations then you need to visit Munnar in Kerala, and it’s one of the top things to do in Kerala!

You can get a public bus from Kochi to Munnar but from my experience, it’s quite a stressful experience as buses in India, especially South India, do not run on a regular schedule, you cannot book them in advance as they’re local buses, you often need to change buses and most of the time they are full and very squished.

If you want to get the bus from Kochi to Munnar, read my Munnar blog post for details on my experience. Your Kochi Hotel should also be able to help you as Munnar from Kochi is a popular route for tourists travelling South India.

Alternatively, especially with just 2 weeks in South India and 1 week in Kerala, I would recommend getting a taxi or hiring a private driver to save you time and make the experience less stressful.

The drive from Kochi to Munnar is 4 hours and this journey alone will give you a taste of why Kerala is called ‘Gods Own Country’.

I’d recommend staying at a homestay in Munnar so you’ll be in the countryside of Munnar as that’s the best way to experience it. Munnar Town isn’t that nice so try not to stay there.

I stayed at The Wayside Cottage in Munnar which I enjoyed and it has brilliant reviews from other travellers. Gruenberg Tea Plantation is another Munnar Homestay I’d recommend.

Day 9 – Munnar Day Trip

A trip to Munnar is all about seeing the tea plantations, hiking and seeing some wild elephants if you’re lucky!

It’s very likely that your accommodation in Munnar will be able to help you plan your day in Munnar so don’t worry about planning and booking this in advance too much.

To see what I got up to on my day trip in Munnar, read My Day hiking in the Tea Plantations of Munnar.

Explore the Serene Beauty of Munnar with Private Day Trip – Book Now!

Day 10 – Travel to Alleppey

From Munnar, you need to travel back to the coast to Alleppey as Alleppey, or Alappuzha, as it’s also known. This is the home of the backwaters of Kerala so it’s a must-visit place in Kerala on your 2 week South India itinerary!

The drive from Munnar to Alleppey is about 5 hours and again I’d recommend hiring a driver or getting a taxi for this journey as it will take a long time trying to do it by public bus.

There’s really not that much to do in Alleppey so you can spend the day travelling. Here you have 2 options, if you’ve always fancied staying on a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala and waking up on the water, you can book this for tonight so as soon as you get to Alleppey you can get on the boat, or you can stay near Alleppey Beach and do a boat trip the next day.

Book this tour and enjoy a Relaxing Canoe Cruise through Alleppey Backwaters!

Day 11 – Backwaters of Kerala. Travel to Varkala

If you’re like me, this is probably what you have always associated with Kerala, South India and even India itself! In fact, I wanted to see the backwaters of Kerala so much I saved it for Christmas Day and it did not disappoint!

There are different boat trips of the Kerala Backwaters, you can Kayak, Canoe, take a Houseboat or a Shikara Boat which is what I suggest. Read my full blog post about  Cruising the Backwaters of Kerala from Alleppey   to see all of the boat options and where I suggest you stay in Alleppey and some places to eat!

The boat tours of the backwaters of Kerala only last a few hours and generally leave in the morning, and seeing as there is nothing else to do in Alleppey I’d recommend leaving Alleppey that afternoon/evening and heading further down the coast to Varkala.

You can get the train from Alleppey to Varkala. You can book this in advance read this post on how to book trains in India (I can’t find the train on 12GO Asia so you’ll need to book it on the official Indian train booking system). However, if you don’t mind sitting in a lower local class train you could turn up and book the train on the day . 

Day 12 & 13 – Days in Varkala

Varkala in Kerala is the perfect place to spend your last few days in India and in Kerala in on your 2 week South India itinerary. Varkala has 2 sides, it has a local town but by the beach, it’s a tourist heaven. Home to Yoga and Ayurveda , good waves for surfers, lots of nice cafes, temples and a few beaches , Varkala is the perfect mix of a local and tourist beach.

Here’s my full guide to Varkala for things to do in Varkala, where to stay and where to eat.

HELP WITH YOUR INDIA ITINERARY

I’ve spent many months travelling India in the last few years visiting over 50 places around the country, here are my recommended itinerary posts for India to help you plan your trip!

2 WEEK INDIA ITINERARY, PERFECT FOR YOUR FIRST TRIP!

2 WEEK SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY – GOA & KERELA

1 MONTH NORTH INDIA ITINERARY IDEAS!

1 MONTH SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY IDEAS!

2 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY IN THE NORTH & SOUTH

MY 4 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY!

24 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN INDIA!

Day 14 – Fly to Trivandrum. Fly from Goa.

If you’re staying in India for just 2 weeks it will probably be cheaper to book return flights from Goa , therefore in order to catch your flight from Goa you can get an internal flight from Trivandrum to Goa.  Or you could book a flight out of Bangalore and fly from Trivandrum to Bangalore and then catch your flight home.

Overview of the 2 Week South India itinerary!

To help with booking accommodation, based on the above 2 Week South India itinerary, this is where you’ll spend your 2 weeks in South India:

• Goa Beach 1 – 3 Nights
• Goa Beach 2 – 2 Nights
• Overnight Train
• Kochi – 2 Nights
• Munnar – 2 Nights
• Alleppey – 1 Night
• Varkala – 3 Nights

Have you booked your flight yet??

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price!  Open Skyscanner by clicking here and search for the best flights as you read this post.

My related blog posts to help you plan this trip are:

• Goa: Best Beaches in Goa for foreigners.
• Palolem Beach:   Full Guide to Palolem Beach, Goa | Things To Do, Where To Stay!
• Munnar:  Hiking in the Tea Plantations of Munnar, Kerala!
• Alleppey:  Cruising the Backwaters of Kerala from Alleppey!
• Varkala: Full Guide to Varkala | Things To Do, Where to Stay!
• Now you’ll be set for your trip to India! Enjoy!
• See ALL My India Posts Here!
• See My India Adventure on YouTube Here!

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37 Best Stops Between Goa Velha and Kochi (Cochin)

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How long is the drive from Goa Velha to Kochi (Cochin)?

The direct drive from Goa Velha to Kochi (Cochin) is 472 mi (759 km) , and should have a drive time of 12 hrs 23 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Goa Velha to Kochi (Cochin), we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Kalpetta , Mangalore , Canacona , Thrissur , Kannur , Udupi , and Kozhikode , as well as top places to visit like Benaulim Beach and Varca Beach, or the ever-popular Colva Beach.

Top cities between Goa Velha and Kochi (Cochin)

Best stops along Goa Velha to Kochi (Cochin) drive

Colva beach.

Benaulim Beach

Varca beach, dudhsagar falls, palolem beach.

Syntheri Rocks

Ins chapal (k94) warship museum, kudle beach rd.

Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple

Tala kaveri, sree subrahmanya swami temple payyanur, chelavara water falls, st. angelo fort (kannur fort), muzhappilangad drive in beach, wayanad wildlife sanctuary, tholpetty, kuruvadweep, banasura sagar dam, pookode lake, edakkal caves, lakkidi view point, mammiyur sri mahadeva temple, guruvayur shri krishna temple, sree vadakkumnathan temple.

• Cherai Beach

Athirappilly Water Falls

Marine drive, other popular road trips from goa velha, explore nearby places.

• Kochi (Cochin)
• Tripunithura
• Andhakaranazhy
• North Paravur
• Chendamangalam
• Kodungallur
• Kuruppampady
• Muvattupuzha
• Mararikulam
• Malayattoor
• Kuravilangad
• Kothamangalam
• Athirappilly

All related maps of Kochi (Cochin)

• Map of Kochi (Cochin)
• Map of Maradu
• Map of Tripunithura
• Map of Andhakaranazhy
• Map of Aluva
• Map of Arayankavu
• Map of North Paravur
• Map of Cherai Beach
• Map of Chendamangalam
• Map of Athani
• Map of Vaikom
• Map of Cherthala
• Map of Kottapuram
• Map of Azhikode
• Map of Piramadam
• Map of Kodungallur
• Map of Kalady
• Map of Angamaly
• Map of Kuruppampady
• Map of Muvattupuzha
• Map of Mararikulam
• Map of Malayattoor
• Map of Kuravilangad
• Map of Kodanad
• Map of Chalakudy
• Map of Kattoor
• Map of Kumarakom
• Map of Kothamangalam
• Map of Athirappilly
• Map of Kottayam
• Map of Kainakary

Kochi (Cochin) throughout the year

• Kochi (Cochin) in January
• Kochi (Cochin) in February
• Kochi (Cochin) in March
• Kochi (Cochin) in April
• Kochi (Cochin) in May
• Kochi (Cochin) in June
• Kochi (Cochin) in July
• Kochi (Cochin) in August
• Kochi (Cochin) in September
• Kochi (Cochin) in October
• Kochi (Cochin) in November
• Kochi (Cochin) in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Kochi (Cochin)?

Get inspired for your trip to Kochi (Cochin) with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Kochi (Cochin) Itinerary
• 2-Day Kochi (Cochin) Itinerary
• 3-Day Kochi (Cochin) Itinerary
• 4-Day Kochi (Cochin) Itinerary
• 5-Day Kochi (Cochin) Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from goa velha to kochi (cochin).

Yes! You can drive from Goa Velha to Kochi (Cochin).

How far is Kochi (Cochin) from Goa Velha by car?

The drive from Goa Velha to Kochi (Cochin) is 472 miles (759 km).

How long does it take to drive from Goa Velha to Kochi (Cochin)?

Driving from Goa Velha to Kochi (Cochin) should take you 12 hrs 23 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Goa Velha to Kochi (Cochin)?

Gas from Goa Velha to Kochi (Cochin) would cost around $41 to $96 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Goa Velha to Kochi (Cochin)?

You could check out Benaulim Beach and Varca Beach, or the always popular Colva Beach!

What are the best cities to visit between Goa Velha and Kochi (Cochin)?

People love visiting Kalpetta, Mangalore, and Canacona, among others.

What's the weather like in Goa Velha?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Goa Velha in January
• Weather in Goa Velha in February
• Weather in Goa Velha in March
• Weather in Goa Velha in April
• Weather in Goa Velha in May
• Weather in Goa Velha in June
• Weather in Goa Velha in July
• Weather in Goa Velha in August
• Weather in Goa Velha in September
• Weather in Goa Velha in October
• Weather in Goa Velha in November
• Weather in Goa Velha in December

What are some other road trips from Goa Velha?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Goa Velha.

• Goa Velha to Hyderabad drive
• Goa Velha to Mysuru (Mysore) drive
• Goa Velha to Kochi (Cochin) drive
• Goa Velha to Chennai (Madras) drive
• Goa Velha to Munnar drive
• Goa Velha to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) drive
• Goa Velha to Mahabaleshwar drive
• Goa Velha to Ahmedabad drive
• Goa Velha to Pondicherry drive
• Goa Velha to Kolhapur drive
• Goa Velha to Mangalore drive
• Goa Velha to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) drive
• Goa Velha to Nashik drive
• Goa Velha to Udupi drive
• Goa Velha to Chikmagalur drive
• Goa Velha to Malvan drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
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• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

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Plan a road-trip: Goa to Kerala in 2 weeks

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Goa to Kerala: the best highway food, tried and tasted

The Malabar Coast traverses through four states starting from Maharashtra, past Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and all the way to Tamil Nadu. On a two-week road trip from Goa to Kerala, I took National Highway 66, aka NH66 which is a smooth, straight four-lane highway running parallel to the Western Ghats on one side and the western coast on the other. Except for some major road expansion work from Karwar (Karnataka) to the start of the Kerala border, it’s a quick and painless drive with some very interesting highway pit stops. I usually do some amount of research before I travel but with highway pitstops I’ve learned— especially from this trip—that the best way to do it is based on two parameters: 1. How hungry you are. 2. A quick google map search of ‘restaurants near me’. Any place that has a decent rating (3.5+) and a couple of reviews usually turns up to be worth a stop. 

NH66/ Panvel-Kanyakumari National Highway

Ratna Sagar Pure Veg Udupi Restaurant, Karwar

Ratna Sagar promises a wholesome breakfast

For: crisp medu vadas and fluffy idlis A two-and-a-half drive down south from Goa on NH66 is Karwar, the bordering town and check post between Goa and Karnataka. A ten-minute drive from the border is  Ratna Sagar , clearly visible from a distance, on the left of the highway. With ample parking space, fairly decent toilets and a clean dining area, Ratna Sagar serves freshly-made crisp medu vadas, fluffy idlis and a legitimate sambhar, made with real vegetables and not the sweet watery sambhar we’re served at Udipi restaurants.. Make sure to indulge in some old-school candies displayed in jars at the billing counter. Tip: Even though you’ve entered the south Indian belt, I’d recommend chai over coffee here. Location: 99 kms from Mapusa, Goa. R4MJ+X4W, Tariwada, Kodibag, Karwar, Karnataka 581303. Ph: 083822 25017. Timings: 7am to 11.30pm

Hotel Pallavi, Padubidri

Mangalorean ghee-roast meets Chindian flavours in this chicken chilli

For: Udupi-style chicken chilli On the outside, this slightly dodgy-looking bar and restaurant is one of Padubidri’s most popular family restaurants. It's even more popular for what they call a chicken chilli.  Hotel Pallavi   is lined with four-seater booths that give each group of guests their own privacy to eat and “drink”.  They don’t have a drinks menu but you can ask the waiter and he’ll be happy to serve you any alcohol they have. We received friendly advice to order a beer (or many!) since the food takes its own sweet time. Since we practically had the words “not a local” plastered all over our faces, we were escorted to an air-conditioned room housing four tables. Forget what you know about chicken chilli and delve into this dish where Mangalorean ghee-roast meets Chindian flavours. Also try the kori rotti, a Tulu-Mangalorean-Udupi dish made of kori (chicken in a spicy coconut gravy) and rotti which looks like crisp sheets of dosa. This was by far one of the best rottis I have had.  Tip : Tuck yourself into one of the general cubicles as the air-conditioned dining area has only one waiter servicing all the tables and that can take a while. Location: 25 kms from Udupi city center. 4QRC+3PW, Padubidri Main Road, Padubidri, Karnataka 574111. Ph: 0820 255 5484. Timings: 11am to 11.30pm

Hotel Karthik, Mangaluru

KT coffee is a coffee inspired by tea

By Julia Webster Ayuso

By Prachi Joshi

By Lakshashree Pradhan

By Rituparna Roy

For: KT style filter coffee, tuppa dosa and kadle bhaji About 5kms away from main city of Mangalore is  Hotel Karthik , an iconic restaurant in Ashok Nagar,  popular amongst nearby Infosys employees and those who are passing through. The dining area is one large room with long tables and benches set up back to back each other. We went with  Mangaluru-based chef Shriya Shetty and her husband Varun Shetty who together own an artisanal bakehouse called Buco. We tried the tuppa masala dosa (a crisp ghee dosa), an extra crisp tuppa dosa with sugar which brought back memories of my grandmum’s ghugro (chapati stuffed with sugar and cooked on a tawa till it’s crisp); kadle bhaji (a spiced chana curry topped with sweet and spicy crispy poha), pundi gassi (steamed rice dumplings served with a spicy onion gravy) and to top it, KT style coffee. KT stands for Kalladka Tea, made popular five decades ago by the now rundown Hotel Laxmi Nivas, where they served the tea in a glass with a thick tea concoction at the bottom and hot frothy milk atop. The coffee at Hotel Karthik takes its inspiration from KT and serves a strong and sweet coffee with the coffee concentrate at the bottom layered with hot milk and milk foam.  Tip : If you ask them how they make their KT coffee, they’ll be happy to give you a demo. Location: 4 kms from Mangalore city centre. WR2P+X4M, Kulur Ferry Rd, Urwa Store, Kottara, Mangaluru, Karnataka.  Timings: 7.30am to 12.30pm, 3.30pm to 6.30pm

Hotel Soft, Kannur

The writer outside Hotel Soft

For: not your average chilli chicken and chicken biryani

Sandwiched between a luggage store and a bank is  Hotel Soft which looks like a Hotel Decent, straight out of  Jab We Met . In the basement of the hotel is this clinical looking, white-tiled tiny corridor which is where we were going to dine. The Naadan chilli chicken is availalable as a quarter plate, half plate and full plate; the quarter is good enough for two. I paired my spicy, deep fried, chilli chicken with a porotta and the combo was pretty lethal. The chicken biryani (they were out of mutton that evening) is a big piece of chicken, canopied under biryani rice (yes, it’s a thing!) topped with a spicy gravy. Overall, an excellent meal for Rs350. Tip: The staff only speak Malayalam so come prepared with Google Translate. Location: 2kms off NH66 and 5 mins from the KSRTC Bus Stand, Kannur. V998+RVR, Fort Rd, Kannur, Kerala. Ph:  0497 270 8153 . Timings: 8am to 9pm

Indian Coffee House, Thalassery

Inside India Coffee House, Thalasherry

For: A delicious upma and medu vada breakfast With over 50 outlets across the country, Indian Coffee House, started by the India Coffee Board Workers Co-Op Soceity based out of Thrissur, is an institution. One of the few places you can get yourself breakfast at six in the morning, the  Thalassery branch was a chance discovery whilst heading from Kannur to Kodungallur. Blurry-eyed, I walked into this brightly lit clean dining room, and was greeted by a man in a crisp fanned out turban, a peculiar characteristic of the staff here. We were limited to freshly-fried menu wvdas and a vegetable upma since the kitchen had just opened. Both were delicious and washed down with a steaming cup of coffee. Seems like the menu pricing hasn’t changed since the first outlet opened in 1958. Tip : If you stop by later in the day, try their nool puttu (idiyappam) and kadala curry. Location: 22kms from the Kannur city centre. PFXQ+X7J, MG Rd, Palissery, Thalassery, Kerala. Ph: 0490 232 5574. Timings: 6am to 11pm

Safa Restaurant, Ponnani

The classic combo: beef porotta at Safa.

For: beef porotta This was my first “dhaba” experience on this trip. Located on the right side of the highway,  Safa is at a busy junction but can’t be missed. Tables and chairs are lined up behind an open kitchen where big aluminium vessels hold a variety of Malayali favourites from biryani to beef curry. The spicy, succulent beef is slow-cooked with spices into a juicy gravy and is served with a hot, flaky, Kerala porotta. By far one of the best meals I’ve eaten on the highway. Safa is open 24x7 and has an array of snacks that you can pick up for the journey ahead. Tip : Safa is also popular for its unique tea. Be sure to try it while you’re there. Location: 65 kms from Kozhikode city centre. QWMW+G6X, Chavakkad road, CV junction, Ponnani. Timings: Open 24X7.

All photos by Insia Lacewalla

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Caravan Chronicles: Here’s How We Fell In Love With The Road

The author shares how they worked, cooked, changed, slept in a van and finally made it their home on a 10-day road trip from Goa to Kerala.

Preethi Parthasarathy

Published On Jul 30, 2021 | Updated On Mar 08, 2024

To embrace the van life, all you need to do is hire a van and get started. We took three months to plan our 10-day road trip from Goa to Kerala. The journey started in Goa where three friends, Japleen, Nicky and I, hopped into a caravan that was soon to become our home. We’re beach babies, so the idea of a coastal trip bloomed naturally, and 10 days seemed ideal to cover a journey from Goa to Kerala. We rented our caravan from Carvaa Travelers and began tracing the coastline from Goa, traversing through Karnataka, and making our way into Kerala up till Marari.

On day one, Gurmeet bhaiya , our driver, showed us around the caravan. We began familiarising ourselves with the seats that turned into a bed, the kitchenette and its utensils, the tiny bathroom that we found amusing, and the refrigerator that would house all our snacks. We strung up fairy lights in the van to make it more homely, stocked up the fridge and stuffed our rucksacks into the space under the ‘bed’ meant for luggage. Finally, we placed our slippers on the floor of the caravan, something that turned the vehicle into a home, and off we were!

 Freedom to explore new places in Karnataka

We reached Kumta in Karnataka late at night, and the homestay we’d spoken to let us park our caravan at the beach. It was past midnight, and the excitement of the day had left us tired. Without even taking in where we had arrived, we changed into our pyjamas and curled up in our caravan-bed for the night, passing out before our heads even hit the pillow.

The next morning, we were in for a surprise because that’s when we saw where we had parked. We swung open the caravan door and stepped straight into the soft, golden sands of Bada Beach, a mere 50 steps from the ocean. It was with squeals of delight that we ran towards the water, getting our feet wet and soaking in the morning sun. This was one of our greatest joys. 

Waking up in a different place every single day, usually by the beach. One of the novelties of caravan travel is the flexibility in shaping an itinerary and parking in unconventional places. Every place we stopped at had something different for us.

Our second stop, Mulki, was my favourite. A shared penchant for trying out new things brought us to Mantra Surf Club in Mulki in Karnataka. The property was beautiful, open and spacious. Hammocks slung between coconut trees called out for us to laze in the sun. This was where we had our first surfing lesson and found a whole new way to love the ocean. This was where we shared stories around a bonfire lit under the inky sky. This was where we were at our most energetic, but also our most chill, and we can’t wait to go back.

A drive-in beach in Kerala and making the van our home 

As we caravanned down to Kerala, we spent a lazy day in Kannur, eating local food. We headed out to Muzhappilangad Beach, which is Asia’s largest drive-in beach for a tour of our caravan.

On our penultimate stop, we woke up to a gorgeous and unexpected sunrise over backwaters in Kochi, where we had parked in the backyard of a homestay. We also got a stunning sunset at the Chinese fishing nets and plenty of art cafés to hop through.

When we finally arrived at the silvery sands of Marari. The waves were rough, and we sat a little away from the water on the coarse sands, gazing at the sunset over the waves. The warm colours and streaking clouds lulled us into a sense of peace. Out of nowhere, a giant wave slammed onto us, tossing us on our seats, causing sand to ride into our clothes, and dragging us a few feet towards the water. Spluttering, we picked ourselves up and ran away from the water, thoroughly drenched but also gleeful like children.

That was the moment we realised that the caravan and we had become fast friends. We’d found familiarity in it, our little corners and spaces, and it had become a home. For 10 days, we’d lived, worked, changed, and slept there, and saying goodbye felt strange.

Caravanning isn’t all bed of roses

What one might miss from looking at the van life on social media is that it can get a little rough. 

Day 1 caught us off guard. Every small brake would toss us around like rag dolls. A speed breaker would make our things fall from shelves. Carsickness made an appearance, till we realised laying down on the bed instead of sitting on it solved that problem. Day 1 was a rollercoaster, but Day 2 onwards, we started getting the hang of it, and that’s when the fun began.

The van life is still nascent and relatively new, and some of us have just started embarking on these journeys. In this era of a pandemic, it might be one of the safer ways to travel, and while we did have to work quite hard to find accommodation where we could park, hopefully, there will be more campsites and parking spots in future that will help this new way of travel grow. It’s fun, and I, for one, love the flexibility it offers. Mild discomfort aside, we grew to love the space and found ourselves wanting to do it again.

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Goa to Kerala itinerary 🚌🚊✈ Bus, train, or flight? Backpacking South India travel blog

If you’re making Goa and Kerala a part of your South India backpacking trip, it sounds perfect to go from  Goa beaches  to the Kerala backwaters !

And Goa and Kerala can make a perfect part of your one month south India itinerary .

And it’s not too complicated to get from Goa to Kerala.

Although, it might take some planning in advance as it will be best to book tickets. (Although, there’s always a way if you don’t want to book ahead – it just might take some more flexibility and extra time going through more cities!)

So you have a couple of options.

First, a list of each of the top places to visit to consider making a part of your Kerala itinerary .

Then, what’s on the way from Goa to Kerala, in the state of Karnataka, in case you want to see a few more places in South India.

Then after that, a little bit of info on how to get to Kerala from Goa:

• Goa to Kerala bus?!
• Goa to Kerala train

Goa to Kerala flight

…along with a suggested route itinerary from your main entry point in Kerala!

And if you’ll be flying into Goa, see how much a taxi costs from Goa airport .

Also see more about public transportation within Kerala , including taking an  Alleppey backwaters ferry in part to Varkala , to Munnar , or to Thekkady . Go for the very Kerala experience to get around Kerala! 😉

You can also have a look for some ideas on how to get from Goa to Rajasthan too, along with travel around Rajasthan by bus , local train , and overnight train .

Best places to make a part of your Kerala itinerary when backpacking in South India

1. fort cochin.

Fort Cochin is a cute little area. This is a good place to visit if you’re interested in seeing more of India’s colonial past.

You can also find cultural arts performances here, including the Kathakali classical dance and Kalari martial arts.

It could also be interesting to do some cycling in Cochin .

2. Alleppey

Alleppey is the hub of the famous Kerala backwaters.

This means that with a visit to here, you’ll find a good variety of options for the best things to do in the backwaters .

The houseboat is one of the most popular experiences on the Kerala backwaters.

More budget-friendly activities include canoe , kayaking , cycling and taking the public ferry .

There’s also Alleppey Beach here for some coastal beach vibes so you can get both the backwaters and the beach.

For a unique coastal Kerala experience when in Alleppey on a budget, sleep on a rooftop bed and wake up to ocean views.

You can also take a  sunset beach yoga class  here too. (Or do it on your own on the beach!)

Varkala is one of the most famous beach towns in Kerala.

It’s also a place you can pretty easily find a spot to get a one hour ayurvedic massage or  multi-day ayurvedic yoga retreats . (Kerala is the birthplace of ayurveda which uses natural remedies to stay healthy and get healthy.)

Go here for the coastal vibes so you can have every meal on the Varkala cliff overlooking the ocean.

Munnar is in the hills of the Western Ghats.

It’s famous for the scenic tea plantations, and you can go for a leisurely tea plantation trek in Munnar .

Or you can also go for a slightly more difficult  Meesapulimala Trek  up to the second highest peak in Kerala.

5. Munroe Island

Munroe Island is another place you go to for the backwaters, and it serves as a quieter alternative to Alleppey.

With a Munroe Island backwaters homestay , you can get good Kerala food, go for a sunrise canoe tour, go cycling around the island, and go for a village walk.

For the overview of top things to know about Goa and what beaches to stay near, see this Goa travel guide !

So now, how to get to Kerala from Goa…

Is there anything on the way from Goa to Kerala?

Map: goa to kerala.

View this Goa to Kerala map  on Google maps!

There’s a state that’s between Goa and Kerala, and that’s Karnataka.

If you’re looking to break up your journey between the 2 states, or you just want to explore more of South India, there are a few cities in Karnataka that you might want to look into:

• Hampi (for ruins!)
• Gokarna (for a beach trek !)
• Mysore (for a palace!)

Breaking it up, instead of going straight from Goa to Kerala, is how you’ll be able to get away with less planning ahead of time, as it’s generally easier to go between shorter distances! (Although these still aren’t exactly short distances!)

I went from Goa to Kerala in June 2019.

This was my route to get to Kerala from Goa

• Goa to Hampi train (Panjim to Madgaon bus + Madgaon to Hospet train + Hospet to Hampi bus )
• Hampi to Mysore train (Hampi to Hospet rickshaw + Hospet to Mysore train)
• Mysore to Kerala train (Mysore to Bangalore train + Bangalore to Alleppey train)

In Goa, as long as you have the time and patience, local bus travel is totally possible!

To get to Madgaon (aka Margao), I’ve gone from Palolem to Margao by bus , and also Panjim to Margao by bus. (Both have direct bus options.) 

If you want to skip Hampi and Mysore, also consider:

• Goa to Gokarna train (I went in the opposite direction and took a passenger train from Gokarna to Goa )
• Gokarna to Kerala train

So this option means that you will basically go straight down the coast without heading inland at all.

What about if you’re not looking to break up the journey?

What’s the best way to get from goa to kerala, goa to kerala by bus.

This really isn’t a good option.

The distance between the 2 states is a bit long.

It would be possible to get to Kerala exclusively by bus from Goa, but it would require more than one bus. And it will take you at least 2 days.

Otherwise, one option to consider with overnight stays if you don’t mind taking a few days to get from Goa to Kerala:

• Goa to Hampi bus (1-2 days to explore the Hampi ruins!)
• Hampi to Bangalore bus (1-2 days explore the Bangalore pubs!)
• Bangalore to Wayanad
• Bangalore to Munnar
• Bangalore to Cochin

A good way to check these bus routes is redbus .

Goa to Kerala by train

• North Goa to Cochin  (13+ hours)
• North Goa to Alleppey (14+ hours)
• North Goa to Varkala (19+ hours)
• South Goa to Cochin (13+ hours)
• South Goa to Alleppey (14+ hours)
• South Goa to Varkala (18+ hours)

Check trainman for specific train options from Goa.

Train stations in Goa

The 2 main train stations in Goa that will be helpful to know about:

• Thivim in North Goa
• Margao (Madgaon) in South Goa

So depending on which beach you’ll be leaving Goa from, you can look up possible train routes.

Train stations in Kerala

Some train stations in Kerala that can be helpful to know about:

• Ernakulam (Cochin)

These are all coastal towns.

Ernakulam is the train station for Fort Cochin. Be sure to see how to get from the Ernakulam train station to Fort Cochin .

You may also consider looking into stopping by Kannur in north Kerala for a shorter train journey.

The popular hill stations – like Munnar , Thekkady , and Wayanad – don’t have train stations near them.

This means that they won’t make good access points when you’re coming from Goa by train. Once you arrive to Cochin or Alleppey by train, you can take a bus to Munnar or to Thekkady .

Since these are overnight trains, it’s best to reserve train tickets in advance. Go for 2AC or 3AC.

When arriving to Cochin by train, consider this route:

• Fort Cochin
• Munroe Island

When arriving to Alleppey by train, consider this route:

When arriving to Varkala by train, consider this route:

• Goa to Cochin Airport
• Goa to Trivandrum Airport

Check makemytrip for specific flight options from Goa.

Airport in Goa

There’s one airport in Goa, and that’s located in South Goa, but not too far from Panjim in central Goa:

• Goa airport GOI

Airports in Kerala

For the popular backpacker’s trail, there are 2 airports to know about in Kerala:

• Cochin airport COK
• Trivandrum airport TRV

It is possible to take a direct flight from from Goa to Cochin, but those flights are limited.

So more than likely you’ll end up finding a flight with one stop whether you fly to Cochin or to Trivandrum.

A direct flight from Goa to Cochin is 1.5 hours. Otherwise, it’ll probably take around 4-6 hours to get from Goa to Kerala by flight including time in transit.

Fort Cochin and Alleppey are the top tourist destinations that are near the Cochin airport . If Munnar is your goal, Cochin airport would be your choice too, although it’s a bit further away.

Time from Cochin Airport by taxi:

• To Fort Cochin – 1 to 1.5 hours
• To Alleppey – 2.5 hours
• To Munnar – 3.5 to 4 hours

Varkala is near the Trivandrum airport.

Time from Trivandrum Airport by taxi:

• To Varkala – 1.5 hours

When arriving to Cochin by flight, consider this route:

When arriving to Trivandrum by flight, consider this route:

HAPPY GOA TO KERALA ITINERARY PLANNING!

• Gokarna to Goa
• Alleppey to Cochin
• Kerala to southern tip of India
• Goa to Hampi
• Hospet to Hampi
• Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram
• Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry
• Palolem to Goa airport
• Pondicherry to Madurai
• Madurai to Kerala  (South India)
• Mumbai to Udaipur

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Kerala to Goa drive

Kerala to goa road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Kerala to Goa. If you're planning a road trip to Goa, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start at Kerala drive for about 3 hours

12:13 pm   Kochi stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:13 pm drive for about 1 hour

2:26 pm   Thrissur stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:26 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

5:03 pm   Calicut stay for about 1 hour and leave at 6:03 pm drive for about 2 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 8.5 hours

10:00 am  leave from Muzhappilangad drive for about 3 hours

12:59 pm   Mangalore stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:59 pm drive for about 4.5 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 7.5 hours

8:00 am  leave from Gokarna drive for about 173 hours

97:09 pm (next day)  arrive in Goa

day 3 driving ≈ 173 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Kochi   (20 answers)     questions about Kochi:         Reaching Kochi for Knee surgery ? Thrissur   (3 answers) Calicut Muzhappilangad Mangalore   (3 answers)     Mangalore   (2 mentions) Gokarna   (7 answers)

What are some things to do in Goa?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Goa. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Goa.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Goa to Kerala drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Kerala to Goa . Or get a full Kerala to Goa flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Kerala well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Kerala!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Kerala to Goa

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Magnificent Kerala Tour Packages from Goa

Magnificent Kerala Tour Packages from Goa: 6 Nights / 7 Days Munnar » Thekkady » Kovalam » Kanyakumari » Alleppey » Cochin

Recommended Itinerary

Adventure Tour Packages

Arrival in Munnar

Soon after you arrive at the Cochin Airport or the railway station in Ernakulam, the representative of Swan Tours greet and accompany you warmly to the transfer to your first destination on the Kerala chart that is Munnar. On the way to Munnar from Cochin, you will get a glimpse pf the soothing and serene Cheeyapara & Valara waterfalls along with the cool breeze that welcomes you in Kerala. Soon after your arrival in Munnar, you will witness the confluence of the three streams that are Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundale. Once you are transferred to the hotel where you will stay for the rest of the day, freshen up after checking in the same. Stay overnight after having dinner!

Munnar local sightseeing

In the wake of the early morning breakfast, go out to spot some of the most-sought sightseeing locations counted as the major attractions in Munnar that include vivid places like, Rajamala that is popular for the Eravikulam National Park, the 97 sq km park that houses the mountain goats, followed by the Mattupetty Dam, Echo point and many others amidst the beautiful hills, lush green forests, and rich fauna and flora life. Wind up the day by taking a drive back to the hotel and stay overnight post-dinner.

Munnar to Thekkady

Start your day with the morning breakfast, and check-out from the hotel to take a drive to Thekkady from Munnar that is situated in the Western Ghats in the state of Kerala. Upon reaching Thekkady, you will check-in the hotel that is prescribed to you and takes rest for the day. Later, have lunch and go out on some sightseeing ventures to the Periyar Lake, Periyar Wildlife Reserve, and also experience the elephant safari followed by sightseeing to the agriculture farm and do not skip the amazing adventurous activities like trekking, hiking, camping, and rafting. After the day comes to an end, come back to the hotel and stay overnight in the hotel.

Thekkady to Kovalam

Wake up to the morning breakfast and check-out from the hotel in Thekkady or Periyar to start a guided tour to Kovalam on a drive. En-route also cover Trivandrum that is the capital city of Kerala followed by the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple that is dedicated to the shrines of Lord Vishnu and the sculptures that you get to watch there are breathtaking. After this, you will pay a visit to the Napier Museum where you get to explore the art and artifacts holding huge historical relevance, with a collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot, and ivory carvings. On your arrival at Kovalam finally, you will be dropped at the hotel to a stay where you will check-in and stay overnight!

Kovalam to Kanyakumari

Eat the early morning breakfast and depart for the beautiful excursion to Kanyakumari that is dedicated to the prospects and practices of Swami Vivekanand. Post reaching, pay a visit to the Padmanapuram Palace and Suchindreem Temple, Gandhi Memorial Temple, Vivekananda Rock, Devikanya Temple that are some of the major sightseeing places in Kanyakumari, followed by the admirable sunset. Later, return to the hotel at Kovalam and stay overnight after having a relishing dinner.

Kovalam to Alleppey

Post having the morning breakfast, you will set out on a guided tour to the next transfer to Alleppey from Kovalam. Post your arrival at Alleppey that is popularly known as the backwaters capital of India, that you can experience through a cruise on the backwaters amidst the beautiful villages, and paddy fields along with with local inhabitants that are engaged in choir making, and lastly a visit to the sacred ancient temples and so on. You will check-in a houseboat to stay overnight after enjoying some tasty meals!

Alleppey to Cochin

Enjoy the early morning breakfast and start with your departure for the airport or railway station from where you will head home. Post this you will bid goodbye to the vacation that concludes the Goa to Kerala tourism packages .

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As It Clicks

Travel tales of a techie from india, cruising the coastal lines- road trip from kochi to goa by car.

A road trip to a far destination traversing unfamiliar lands is always special.  The confusion at the strange roads, the taste of raw delicacies at the local food joints and the breathtaking scenes that present itself by surprise amidst the journey leaves a hundred memories to cherish. Our last year’s road trip from Kochi to Goa (800 km) on a single stretch was no exception. From the Queen of Arabian sea to the Pearl of the Orient; touching the Malabar coast of Kerala, the entire Karnataka Coastline, and the South Goa,  the ride was rich with thrills and fantasies.

 Preparing for the journey

The night drive through kerala roads, entering karnataka, marvanthe beach, honnavar, kumta, ankola, way back to kochi, related posts:, leave a reply cancel reply.

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Dil chahta hai - A Road trip from Kerala to Goa!

On Day 1 we had a long drive of 400km from Cochin, Kerala to Manglore, Karnataka. Only destination was Bekal Fort in between.

Om beach, Gokarna

We moved from Manglore and reached Gokarna by Day2 afternoon, It was long and wide highways and had a great riding experience. We booked a stay near Kudle beach.

Goakrna Market

Explored Gokarna in a Day, actually it is not enough to experience to its fullest. We covered Gokarna, Kudle, Om, paradise beaches and Goakarna Market.

roads to goa

We rode to Goa before it turn noon, and reached South Goa by afternoon. We stayed near Palolem Beach. And wander around South Goa for the rest of the day. We went to Cabo de Rama fort, Agonda beach and Palolem beach.

Cabo De Rama Fort, South Goa

Agonda beach, South Goa

On Day 4, we started early morning itself. Our plan wast visit Old Goa as well as North Goa by spending the whole day.

Bom Jesus church, Old Goa

Old Goa Church

roads to Old Goa

We visited the places like Old Goa churches, Anjuna beach, Vagator beach, Baga beach, Chapora Fort etc. Also tried the water sports Para sailing and Jet skiing, which are widely popular in North Goan beaches. By the end of the day we get back to South Goa where we stayed for that night. Traffic was bit tight during that night which took us almost 4 hrs cover just 100 km.

Chapora Fort, North Goa

Anjuna beach, North Goa

Somewhere near Kumta or Bhatkal, on the way back to Kerala

breakfast from Bhatkal

Day 5 was a complete ride day, we rode like 8am -8pm reached Kannur by covering almost 450 km. We were really tired and stayed there for the day.

On day 6, that last day we started early morning the way back to home, in between we spend a few while at Muzhupilangaadu beach at Kannur. Which is one of the longest drive in beaches in Asia.

Muzhappilangad Drive in Beach

Muzhuppilangadu Drive in beach, Kannur

What left then was drive back to home, and reached Cochin by Afternoon. It was really a hot day, we were sweating like anything inside the jackets. The steady rain which washed away all our tiredness after we reached home.

So Pack your bags to Goa! Happy journey!

Read more stories here : Tempting Horizon

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Kerala’s Champakkulam Boat Race 2024 to begin from June; interesting facts

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Created : Jun 13, 2024, 20:00 IST

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Champakkulam in Kerala hosts the oldest Snake Boat Race, a key cultural event attracting visitors. The festival marks the start of boat race season in June, featuring traditional Snake Boats and cultural celebrations.

Champakkulam in Kerala hosts the oldest Snake Boat Race, a key cultural event attracting visitors. The festival marks the start of boat race season in June, featuring traditional Snake Boats and cultural celebrations. Read less

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Champakkulam in Kerala hosts the oldest Snake Boat Race, a key cultural event attracting visitors. The festival marks the start of boat race season in June, featuring traditional Snake Boats and cultu...