Spending a weekend in Kerala is a dream of many Indian households, though you must know about the Kerala weekend getaways places to see everything worth seeing in a short time. Kerala always evokes a picture of gently swaying palms, crashing surf on clean beach stretches, well-maintained rubber and coffee plantations, endless stretches of backwaters, green paddy fields, colourful national parks, and various species of wildlife. You have several Ayurvedic massages and treatments in holistic surroundings that promise good health and peace of mind. The Western Ghats are a sight to see, with the winding Ghat roads trailing up to the mountain tops that have well-furnished resorts and a lot of leisure activity. Kerala’s beauty could not be kept a secret for long, and that’s why you have hordes of tourists worldwide. Somewhat free from pollution, Kerala is one of the most advanced states, with many places of historical interest and picnic spots that you may never find elsewhere. A one-day trip to Kerala may not be enough to see all the places, but you may be able to visit several one-day tour places in Kerala during your visit.
Guide on Kerala Weekend Getaways
Winter is fast approaching, and the best time to plan your Kerala trip. Starting with Cochin, visit the famous Mattancherry Palace , St. Francis Church , and Fort Kochi , and see how the ancient fisher folks fished using the Chinese fishing nets that are in use even today. A visit to the Eravikulam National Park can be memorable and must be part of your trip to Kerala.
After you’ve visited most of the places in Cochin, your next stop is Munnar, one of the most fabulous tour places in Kerala. Visit the Rose Garden , Mattupetty Dam , Eco point , Blossom Hydel Park, and the Munnar Botanical Garden. After visiting a few fantastic locations in this small hill station, you proceed to Thekkady, the next significant place to figure out your weekend in Kerala.
Take a deep breath to get the aroma of fresh tea in the undulating tea gardens before visiting the tea factory at Thekkady , where you can pick up some specially processed tea leaves, dust, and green tea. Your next stop is Kumarakom , a cluster of small islands in the backdrop of the Vembanad lake.
The quaint village teems with wildlife and exotic birds, and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist’s dream come true. While in Kumarkom, you can visit the Arivikuzhi waterfalls, enjoy a cool boat ride across the Vembanad Lake, or laze around on the Kumarakom beach. The Kumarakom backwaters are a sight to see, and a visit to the Bay Island Driftwood Museum can be delightful. Pathiramanal Island and Jatayu Rock are other places of interest. Tourists also love visiting the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Juma Masjid, and St. Mary’s Church in Cheriapally.
Travelling Tips – Before Travelling to Kerala
People in Kerala are polite, friendly, and good-natured, so just enjoy the trip. However, there are a few things you must be aware of before starting a staycation in Kerala.
If you want your Kerala weekend trip to be exciting and peaceful, here are a few dos and don'ts you must follow during your Staycation in Kerala.
| Dos |
Don'ts |
| Do try paragliding if you have a head for heights. It is thrilling with an element of risk involved. |
Don’t try to cover too many places in a few days as you can’t take in the beauty of the sights. |
| Be punctual, and stick with the other group members, lest you are left behind. |
Do not forget to carry your prescriptions and medicines, as some remote areas may have small chemists with limited stocks. |
| Try as many dishes as possible because you can't find such delicious food elsewhere. |
Don't try to enter a household without removing your footwear, as it is considered bad manners to do so. |
| Do shop for some souvenirs to carry back with you to remind you of your memorable trip. |
Don't forget to book your package through a reputed travel agent, and don’t try to book your hotel accommodation on your own. |
Best Time to Visit Kerala
The best part is Kerala enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, and you can go to your favourite weekend getaways in Kerala anytime you feel like it. However, the
best time is September to March. If you are looking for a soothing massage, the monsoon is probably the
best time to visit Kerala . Avail of massages at certified massage parlours or reputed Ayurvedic centres, where a trained masseuse is available.
How to Reach Kerala
Air : Kerala is the only state in India that boasts four airports servicing domestic and international flights. The airports are Cochin, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Trivandrum, the capital city. While Trivandrum is the oldest airport in Kerala, Cochin is the busiest and eco-friendly as it runs on solar power.
Rail : A train journey to Kerala from any part of India can be very memorable, making your trip an unforgettable weekend in Kerala. You rush past scenic views and a stunning coastline, with the Western Ghats looming majestically in the background. The Konkan rail leading into Kerala is an engineering marvel. The trains include Kerala Express, Rajdhani, and Duronto, which have weekly schedules.
Road : Travelling to weekend getaways in Kerala by road can be a thrilling experience. You can get exquisite views of the coastline during your road trip. Four National Highways 17, 44, 47, and 49 connect Kerala, and several state highways and roads crisscross the land. Several luxury buses arrive from major Indian cities, with private and state-owned transport corporations providing regular services.
Sea : Kerala is a coastal state accessible by sea. The famous Kerala backwaters connect to the far-flung Lakshadweep Islands . Travel on luxury cruise ships and boats that touch the Cochin port and Thiruvananthapuram international port.
Things to do in Kerala Weekend Getaways
You can make your weekend getaways in Kerala memorable by visiting a few exciting places. Read about some of the exciting
things to do in Kerala on your weekend trip.
Houseboat rides : The state is famous for houseboats, and you’ll love staying in a houseboat in Allepey, where you can watch some fantastic lush-green landscapes and catch fish from the deck. Hot meals prepared on the boat are a part of the package, and the in-house chef comes up with mouth-watering dishes you’ll love. If you are lucky, they may cook freshly-caught fish.
Snake Boat Race : The action-packed snake boat races take place between July and September and are one of the most-watched activities in Kerala that can make your staycation in Kerala one of your most memorable holiday trips. A traditional event that dates back several centuries is action-packed, with teams vying with each other for the coveted prize. You can also rent your boat and sail along to cheer the talented rowers trained to row with precision.
Thekkady Spice Tour : Kerala is a land of spices, and Thekkady is where most of the spices are grown on the mountain slopes. The spice and tea plantations of Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad grow pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, and tea. Walking across neatly planted rows of spice plants is an unforgettable experience, and the aroma wafting down the mud tracks is divine. You also get a chance to buy fresh, exotic spices at incredibly low prices right where they are grown.
Participate in the Theyyam Festivals : Kerala celebrates colourful festivals, and Theyyam is a life-changing festival you can’t afford to miss during one of your weekend getaways in Kerala. It is a traditional dance form staged in the ancient temples of Kerala. Theyyam artists trace this divine dance form several centuries back. The dances are presented by graceful dancers dressed in finery with intricate makeup on their faces and elaborate costumes depicting mythical creatures.
Best Beaches in Kerala
- Kovalam Beach : One of the most-visited beaches of Kerala is the Kovalam beach , where you will find plenty of action. One of the well-developed beaches in Kerala, Kovalam beach, is often compared with the Calangute and Baga beaches of Goa. Kovalam is pretty close to the capital city Thiruvananthapuram and is easily accessible. It has two coves, Hava, and Lighthouse Beach, which has a string of restaurants that are busy most of the time. Kovalam is a surfing destination, and you can find avid surfers surfing in the sparkling waters.
- Varkala Beach : Varkala beach can captivate you with its ambience and modern facilities. However, despite being a popular beach with breathtaking scenery, it is rarely crowded and lets you loll around peacefully to soak in the sun. The Varkala beach is stunning and picturesque and a much more peaceful tourist centre when compared to the busy Kovalam beach, which is crowded most of the time. The cliff hangs over the Arabian Sea and is accessible through the footpath stretching. You have a range of shacks, restaurants, and tourist homes offering a quick drink and a range of dishes. An ancient legend states that a mineral spring originating from the cliff is believed to have medicinal properties.
- Bekal Beach : Towards the north of Kerala lies the Bekal beach, which is famous for its ancient fort, one of the biggest in Kerala. You will find pristine, unspoiled stretches of sand, with luxury hotels dotting the vast expanse of sand. While part of the beach has sandy stretches, some parts have ups and downs, with rocky terrain sprinkled all over. The distant coconut palms make a striking picture against the horizon, and the sunset is a sight worth waiting for to watch.
- Cherai Beach : Located on Vypeen Island, off Cochin , the Cherai beach stretches for a distance of 10 km. You will have to hop on a ferry at Cochin to reach Vypeen Island, and a short auto-rickshaw ride will take you to the pristine beach. The authorities have added a new walkway, making it easier for tourists to stroll across the expanse of sand. You will notice the beach and the lagoon lying close to each other, which is a rare sight. The breathtaking views are a sight to see, making your Kerala weekend trip memorable.
Best Routes to Explore Kerala in Weekends
Driving across the scenic locations in Kerala is an experience by itself, and hiring a self-drive car lets you explore the less-visited places at your convenience. The magical beauty of the state mesmerizes you, making your weekend getaways in kerala worthwhile.
- Thekkady to Munnar : Thekkady to Munnar is one of the best motorable roads with lush green vegetation on both sides, and fresh permeates throughout your drive. You can stop briefly at the Periyar National Park, where you may spot the Nilgiri Tahr darting across.
- Alapuzha to Changanaserry : Alapuzha to Changanaserry is a drive that can be pretty memorable. Stretching on either side of the road are vast expanses of green paddy fields, a feast to the eye. The well-maintained roads are rarely crowded, ensuring a peaceful and enjoyable drive. You will drive past Kuttanad, considered the rice bowl of Kerala.
- Kozhikode or Calicut : Kozhikode, or Calicut, to Wayanad is a road trip you will thoroughly enjoy, and it should make your best staycation in Kerala a memorable one indeed. With its hairpin bends, the route traverses through mountain terrain with some rare flora.
- Kottayam to Vagamon : Kottayam to Vagamon is probably the most scenic route making your weekend getaways in Kerala enchanting and unforgettable. The fresh air caressing your face is the ultimate experience, making your best staycation in Kerala a memorable one.
- Chalakudy to Valparai : Chalakudy to Valparai is a 107-km drive traversing through thick forests spreading on either side of the road. You cross well-maintained tea gardens that cover the mountain slopes and a few mountain streams and waterfalls along the route. Avoid night travel as elephants cross after nightfall.
Famous Foods to Eat in Kerala
Kerala offers a variety of traditional food that is still prepared the same way for the past several centuries.
- Puttu and Kadla: Puttu and Kadla curry is one of the best dishes you can find in all small and big restaurants in Kerala. The dish contains specially prepared rice powder steamed in cylindrical tubes.
- Appam : Appam with stew is a type of pancake or dosa made from raw rice. A healthy dish, Appam is served with different types of gravies known as paya in local parlance. This staple dish is made from fermented rice batter and freshly extracted coconut milk that adds flavour and a unique taste.
- Karimeen Pollichathu : Karimeen Pollichathu is a non-vegetarian delicacy made in traditional Syrian Christian homes. The freshly-caught pearl-spotted fish is marinated in freshly extracted lime juice and seasoned with red chillies and traditional Kerala spices. It is rolled in a fresh banana leaf and cooked to add the unique flavour it is famous for in Kerala.
- Erissery Pumpkin and Lentil Curry : Erissery pumpkin and lentil curry is a vegetarian delight most people would love. This unique Kerala dish is seasoned with chillies, black pepper, dried lentils, turmeric powder, grated coconut, cumin seeds, and garlic, prepared using sliced pumpkins, raw bananas, or yam cooked in coconut oil to add the unique Kerala flavour. This dish goes very well with rice.
- Idiyappam : Idiyappam is a light noodle-like dish made from powdered rice, water and salt. The thin strands of rice are delicious to eat, and the chutney or raita accompanying this dish is the highlight of idiyappam. It is best to eat Idiyappam in the morning for breakfast.
- Banana Fritters : Kerala is famous for locally grown Nendiran bananas, generally used to make the famous Kerala chips. Another mouth-watering dish made from these bananas is known as pazham pori. Steamed banana slices are deep-fried and offered as delicious fritters that no tourist should miss.
- Palada Payasam : Palada payasam is the Kerala version of Kheer, a traditional dessert served in most Kerala homes during Onam. This rice Kheer is made with milk and ghee, with traditional spices and roasted cashew nuts added to enhance the taste.
Adventurous & Relaxation Activities in Kerala
You can make your Kerala weekend trip exciting and thrilling with various adventure activities like parasailing, cycling, paragliding, trekking, and more.
- Parasailing : With vast expanses of water available at most places in Kerala, water sports like parasailing are very popular. You can choose any seaside or beach resort, strap yourself to a parachute attached to a motor boat and sail behind it to experience ultimate exhilaration. Make sure you have an expert to guide you.
- Cycling : Cycling is one of the easiest adventure activities, especially when you explore new terrain. One of the best places to go cycling during your weekend in Kerala is Munnar, a picturesque location with splendid natural scenery. The best time to go cycling is during winter when the weather is perfect to huff and puff up the mountains on your bicycle.
- Paragliding : Paragliding in Kerala attracts tourists from far and wide. Kerala presents several spots favourable for paragliding. The best time is after the southwest monsoon subsides when the wind speeds are predictable, and it is safe to paraglide. Make sure you don protective gear and take the guidance of an expert before you go paragliding.
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