Kerala is actual heaven on the earth. This state is very rich in terms of natural resources and that is why it is known as “Gods Own Country”. Visit of this place is once in a lifetime experience that everyone should have. It is among the popular weekend destinations in India. This magnificent state is situated between the breathtaking Western Ghats and the grand Arabian Sea.

Beyond these well-known charms, Kerala also hides offbeat sanctuaries like Chettuva Backwater, where mangroves, Chinese fishing nets, and heritage fishing villages create a calm and cultural experience.

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The holiday destination has plenty of scenic beauty and fun-filled dream spots. The state has earned the reputation of being beautiful owing to the variety of landscapes like palm-fringed beaches in Varkala, the backwaters in Kumarakom, the beautiful hills of Munnar, and valleys like Thekkady. The commercial cities like Kochi also offer many destinations. Tourist places in Kerala for 2 days trip are perfect for quick trips, and Houseboats can also be hired to enjoy the backwaters between Alleppey and Kollam. The tourists can also visit the luxury resorts around the popular Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. There are some amazing places to visit in Kerala and to visit these places all you need to do is select the best suitable Kerala tour package and that is it!

For serene escapes, consider Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam, a less-crowded eight-armed backwater system ideal for tranquil houseboat rides. Cultural travelers can also add snake boat races in Alleppey and Kathakali dance shows in Kochi to infuse heritage and art into their journey.

Kerala Point of Interest:

The various geographical terrains and out of the world experiences are a must-visit for travelers from many cities of India. The state offers many luxury resorts, retreats, and beach destinations for all kinds of tourists. If you are living in any neighboring state of Kerala and planning your weekend trip to Kerala then here is the detailed guide of custom tour itinerary, locations, how to reach, and many other details. It is a great weekend getaway from certain locations and below are the details of the best weekend trips to Kerala:

Top 11 Weekend Trips to Kerala:

1. Bangalore to Kerala – Plan the Coolest Road Trip from Bangalore to Munnar by Car

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This Kerala tour itinerary from Bangalore is of 2 Nights & 3 Days Trip. The trip begins from Kochi then drive towards Munnar. After a day’s stay, move towards Alleppey and ends at Kochi. This plan is perfect if you are looking for a 2 days trip in Kerala along with a short getaway.

Places to Visit in Munnar:

Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala. Also it is said that the Munnar is a “Piece of Heaven on Earth”. Following are some best Places to visit in Munnar which makes you believe that Munnar is truly a heaven on earth. You can plan your trip from Bangalore to Munnar by car as well.

• Top Station: The highest point in Munnar (1700 m) located at Munnar-Kodaikanal road.
• Mattupetty Dam: The marvelous gravity dam built with concrete. It has been built in the beautiful mountains of Kerala which ensures a marvelous view.
• Tea Factory: This is a prodigious spot in the high ranges of Munnar. The process of tea making can be observed here.
• Eravikulam National Park: Popular for the indigenous Nilgiri Tahr, this is a scenic spot in the Nilgiri ranges of Kerala.
• Pothenmedu Sun Set View: A lofty cliff explicitly the entrance to Munnar, gives a scenic view to behold.
• Chinnakanal Tea Plantation: A popular village in Kerala that offers picturesque views of waterfalls and tea plantations.
• Lock Heart Gap: A renowned viewpoint that offers a spectacular view of surrounding valleys

Hidden Gems Near Munnar: Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (world’s highest tea plantation), Anayirangal Dam, and Marayoor Sandalwood Forests.

Less Explored Destination: Vypin Island:

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Vypin Island in Kochi provides calm to beach lovers because it lacks the bustling touristic crowds normally found on beaches. The coastal town features lovely clean beaches alongside tiny fishing communities in an ambiance of calmness. The place serves as an ideal destination for people who aim to unwind and avoid popular tourist areas.

The unique attraction of this trip is the one-night stay in the Houseboats on the mesmerizing Alleppey backwaters.

Local Food to Try in Kochi & Alleppey: Appam with stew, Kerala fish curry, Puttu with Kadala curry, and Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish).

Shopping Tip: Buy fresh spices, homemade chocolates, and local handicrafts from Kochi.

Read Also: 7 Best National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala to Visit

2. Chennai to Kerala:

The weekend trip from Chennai to Kerala is of 1 Night & 2 Days Trip. The trip starts from Kochi then drive towards Alleppey and ends at Kochi. It’s very short weekend trip where you gonna have chance to relax your self by staying in luxurious houseboats. If you’re looking for two day trip places in Kerala, this itinerary perfectly fits your plan.

The places that are covered in these 2 days are Alappuzha Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Krishnapuram Palace, Pallippuram, and Vembanad Lake. All these mentioned places are the primary tourist attractions of Kerala. If you are searching for tourist places Kerala 2 day trip, these spots are perfect for you. So what are you waiting for plan your one of the best weekend trips just take Chennai to Kerala flight and enjoy the weekends.

The distinctive thing of this trip is  one night keep within the Houseboats on the hypnotic Alleppey backwaters.

How to Reach from Chennai:

• Flight from Chennai to Kochi (1 hr 15 min).
• Train from Chennai Egmore to Ernakulam (12 hrs).
• Road trip by car is 690 km (11–12 hrs).

Extra Experience: Evening Kathakali performance in Kochi, or Ayurvedic massage in Alleppey before houseboat check-in. Add a calm detour to Chettuva Backwater near Thrissur, where mangrove boating and heritage experiences await.

3. Kodaikanal to Kerala – Perfect Weekend Getaways from Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is known as the Princess of the hill station. Visit of Kerala from Kodaikanal is like visit from one heavenly place to another. As this is a weekend trip it is a 1 Night & 2 Days Kerala Trip. The trip starts from Kochi then drives towards Kumarakom and ends at Kochi. During this short but memorable journey, you will explore some of the places to visit in Kerala for 2 days.

Best places to Visit in Kumarakom:

Kumarakom is a beautiful village in Kerala situated on Vembanad Lake. There are some amazing places to visit in Kumarakom. Below are the Best tourist attraction in Kumarakom.

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – This is a popular bird sanctuary located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake.
• Vembanad Lake – The longest lake in India in the Sundarbans of Kerala.
• Kumarakom Beach – A popular beach destination that has many water activities and enchanting beauty.

The main charm of this trip is the one night stay in the Kumarakom. There are various luxurious resorts with pool villa also it is an amazing experience to have night stay at Kumarakom Houseboat as well.

Local Tip: Try toddy (local palm wine) with spicy seafood in Kumarakom. While in Kumarakom, plan a visit to Pathiramanal Island, a tiny lake island ideal for spotting migratory birds.

4. Mysore to Kerala – One of the Best Weekend Destination from Mysore

Mysore is the third largest city of Karnataka and one of the nearest city form Kerala. Journey from Mysore to Kerala is about 5 to 6 hours. Kerala is the perfect weekend getaway from Mysore. This would be a 2 Night & 3 Days Kerala Trip.

The trip starts at Kochi then drive towards Thekkady – A beautiful hill station, post rest and one day’s sightseeing, drive towards Alleppey. The trip ends at Kochi.

Places to visit in Thekkady:

Thekkady is very famous for its wildlife, Nilgiri langurs, and spices. There are some places to visit in Thekkady which are the major tourist attraction of Thekkady:

• Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary– A mountainous tiger reserve in Kerala, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled in the Western Ghats amidst scenic views and natural fauna.
• Periyar Lake– The longest river of Kerala that offers exciting boat rides and scenic outings.
• Tea And Spices Plantation – Kumily is the spice center of Kerala which has beautiful spice gardens and tea plantations.
• Mangala Devi Temple– This is a historic temple located in the scenic forests of Periyar and offers an amazing view of the mountains.

The most appealing thing about this trip is the one-night stay at Thekkady, the biggest jungle destination of Kerala, and the other night in the houseboats on the Kumarakom backwaters which is one of the best places to spend a night with family at Kerala backwaters.

Adventure Idea: Try bamboo rafting in Periyar or elephant rides near Thekkady.

5. Andhra Pradesh to Kerala – Best Places to Visit in Weekend

Andhra Pradesh is a very religious state of India and also this state is famous for it’s mythological and historical legacy. The journey from Andhra Pradesh to Kerala is very short but very unique and refreshing. You can plan a 1 night and 2-day trip from Andhra Pradesh.

The trip starts at Trivandrum then drive towards Kovalam for a day’s sightseeing and ends at Trivandrum.

Best tourist places to visit in Kovalam:

Kovalam is very well-known for it’s beautiful beaches in Kerala. There are other most attractive places to visit in Kovalam as well which are described in detail as below.

• Light House Beach– One of the prime attractions of Kovalam, this beach is a great destination for a fun outing amidst scenic views.
• Hawa Beach– A quiet and serene beach in Kovalam ideal for spending time with family or friends.
• Samudra Beach– Another exciting beach in Kovalam with many water activities to enjoy.
• Kovalam Art Gallery–A highlight for art lovers, this art gallery is an important art destination that has many historic paintings.

The unique attraction of this trip is the one night stay in the small coastal town of Kovalam. Also there are some luxurious five star hotels and resorts in Kovalam where you can enjoy some hospitality and relax yourself. During your stay, you can also explore some one day trip places in Kerala nearby.

How to Reach from Andhra Pradesh:

• Direct flights are available from Vijayawada, Vizag, Tirupati to Trivandrum.
• Train from Vijayawada to Trivandrum takes 20 hrs.

Local Food to Try: Malabar parotta with beef curry, Kerala prawn fry, and coconut water from beachside stalls.

Hidden Gems Near Kovalam: Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple and Poovar Island (serene backwaters).

6. Coimbatore to Kerala – A Fascinating Trip from Coimbatore to Kochi

Coimbatore is the nearest places from Kerala. The distance between Kerala and Coimbatore is 102 kms. You can also plan a short 1 Night & 2 Days trip to Kerala from Coimbatore. The trip starts at Kochi and night stay at Houseboat on the Alleppey backwaters and ends at Kochi.

The major attraction of this trip is the one-night stay in the Houseboats on the mind-blowing Alleppey backwaters. This refreshing weekend trip will give you the best refreshing start to your week and you can get back to your work and new enthusiasm. If you are looking for Kerala tourist places for one day trip, this experience will provide you with a unique chance to explore the serenity of the backwaters while also visiting other nearby beautiful spots for a perfect getaway.

How to Reach from Coimbatore:

• By road: Coimbatore to Kochi is 190 km (5 hrs by car).
• By train: Coimbatore to Ernakulam takes 4–5 hrs.
• By bus: KSRTC and private buses run frequently.

Extra Experience: Take a short visit to Fort Kochi to see Chinese fishing nets and Dutch Palace.

Shopping Tip: Alleppey is famous for coir mats and handloom products.

7. Madurai to Kerala – Among The Best Short Weekend Trips to Kerala

Madurai is situated on the Vaigai River in the spiritual Tamil Nadu. This place is very well known for energy and spirituality. This trip can be the perfect short 1 Night & 2 Days weekend trip to Kerala.

The trip starts at Kochi and the night stay at a Houseboat in Thekkady. The trip ends at Kochi.

The unique attraction of this trip is the one night stay at Thekkady, the biggest jungle destination of Kerala. Also there are various things to buy in Kerala but if you visited Thekkady and haven’t take back spices from Thekkady, your journey would not be completed then.

How to Reach from Madurai:

• By road: 266 km to Kochi (8 hrs).
• By train: Direct trains from Madurai to Kochi (8 hrs).
• By flight: Madurai to Kochi (1 hr).

Food Tip: Don’t miss Kerala-style banana chips and local cardamom tea from spice plantations.

Adventure Idea: Try trekking to Ramakkalmedu near Thekkady for panoramic views.

8. Mangalore to Kerala – Best Romantic Weekend Destination for Couples.

Mangalore is officially known as Mangaluru and it is the chief port city of Karnataka. Kerala is most amazing and best getaway form Mangalore for short weekend trip of 2 Nights and 3 Days.

The trip starts from Kochi and then drives towards Munnar. After a day’s stay, move towards Thekkady for a day and the trip ends at Kochi.

The unique attraction of this trip is the one night stay at the scenic hill station of Munnar and other night stay at Thekkady, the biggest jungle destination of Kerala, along with exploring Kerala one day tourist places.

How to Reach from Mangalore:

• By train: Mangalore to Ernakulam (10–12 hrs).
• By road: 424 km by car/bus (11 hrs).
• By flight: Mangalore to Kochi (1 hr).

Romantic Experiences for Couples:

• Candlelight dinner in a private Alleppey houseboat.
• Tea garden walk in Munnar.

9. Pondicherry to Kerala:

There are some amazing places to visit in Pondicherry stone beach, white town, matrimandir, and Aurobindo Ashram. But if you wanted to know about the best weekend getaway then I would recommend a 2 Night & 3 Days trip to Kerala. This would be the mesmerizing weekend trip.

The trip starts from Pondicherry and then drives towards Kumarakom, after spending a night at Kumarakom and other night at a Houseboat. It ends after a visit at Cherai Beach.

The unique attraction of this trip is the one-night stay at Kumarakom and the other night’s stay at Houseboat in Kumarakom. The visit to Cherai Beach is also a memorable part of the trip.

How to Reach from Pondicherry:

• By road: Pondicherry to Kumarakom is 561 km (11 hrs).
• By train: Pondicherry to Ernakulam (12 hrs).
• By flight: Pondicherry to Kochi (with Chennai stop).

Hidden Gems: Visit Pathiramanal Island (small lake island near Kumarakom, great for bird watching). Don’t miss Munroe Island, where you can explore narrow canals on a canoe, interact with potters, and enjoy raw village life.

10. Ooty to Kerala:

Its biggest waterfall is Athirappilly’s claim to fame. In addition to its stunning scenery due to its location in the Vazhachal forest division, the Chalakudi river and a couple of water theme parks, Athirapally tour is a memorable trip for tourists. This weekend vacation spot is idle due to all of these reasons.

The trip starts from Ooty and then drives towards Athirapally, after spending a day at Athirapally, Charpa Waterfalls, and Vazhachal falls and then It ends after a visit at Thumboormuzhi Dam and Garden.

How to Reach from Ooty:

• By road: Ooty to Athirapally is 246 km (7 hrs).
• By train: Ooty to Coimbatore, then Coimbatore to Chalakudi station.

Travel Tip: Carry raincoats and anti-slip footwear as waterfalls are slippery in monsoon.

Extra Experience: Visit Sholayar Dam on the way, it is a peaceful less-crowded place.

11. Goa to Kerala – Most Relaxing Getaways from Goa

Goa is the most attractive and adventurous tourist place in India. It is the always on the top of the places to visit in India. If you love short vacations, you can also explore some Kerala 2 days tourist places that are perfect for travelers seeking a quick yet memorable getaway. But if you are in Goa and want to visit some other place then Kerala is the best option to explore in a long weekend. You can plan your 2 night & 3 days Kerala Trip.

The trip starts from Calicut from there a drive to Wayanad, after a day’s stay, travel to Vythiri and the trip is wound up at Calicut.

Best places to visit in Wayanad:

Wayanad is another beautiful hill station of Kerala. Not only hill but it is also very famous for its wildlife sanctuary and waterfalls. If you are searching for tourist places in Kerala for 1 day, Wayanad can be a great option. There are some amazing places to visit in Wayanad described as below.

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located between four mountain ranges with wild animals like elephants, Indian Bison, Tigers, and Deer.
• Pookot Lake – A serene lake located between evergreen forests and slopes of Vythiri.
• Lakkidi View Point – A lookout point located amidst valley views in one side and scenic mountains on the other.
• Banasura Hills – One of the tallest mountains of Western Ghats with a peak of 2000 m.
• Meenamutty Waterfall – The three tiered waterfalls is located at a height of 300 m and tourists also enjoy a great hike at the spot.

The unique attraction of this trip is the one night stay at the hill station of Wayanad and other night’s stay at Houseboat at the small and enchanting town of Vythiri.

How to Reach from Goa:

• By road: Goa to Calicut is 578 km (11–12 hrs).
• By flight: Goa to Calicut (1 hr 30 min).
• By train: Vasco da Gama to Kozhikode (14 hrs).

Adventure Idea: Trek to Edakkal Caves in Wayanad for prehistoric rock carvings.

Food Tip: Try Malabar biryani in Calicut and bamboo rice dishes in Wayanad.

Read Also: Planning to Go Kerala? Know How Book Kerala Tour Package from Goa

Best Time to Visit Kerala & Themed Trip Ideas for Every Type of Traveler:

To make the most of your weekend, plan your trip based on seasonal highlights and travel themes:

Best Time to Visit:

• Monsoon (June–August) – Ideal for waterfalls like Athirapally, lush greenery in Wayanad.
• Winter (October–February) – Perfect for houseboat stays in Alleppey and hill stations like Munnar.
• Spring (March–April) – Great for bird watching in Kumarakom Sanctuary and enjoying beach destinations like Varkala.

Interest-Based Themes:

• Eco-tourism Lovers: Try bamboo rafting in Periyar or visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.
• Couples: Go for private houseboats in Alleppey or spa retreats in Vythiri.
• Adventure Enthusiasts: Trek to Chembra Peak in Wayanad or rock climb in Ramakkalmedu.
• Art & Culture Buffs: Explore Kerala murals at Krishnapuram Palace and attend Kathakali shows in Kochi.

Adventurers should check out the Kerala Adventure Carnival in Vagamon, offering paragliding, paramotoring, and more every year.

Pack Your Bags:

Kerala creates an excellent combination of natural beauty and relaxing backwaters together with mountainous hill stations to become an ideal vacation choice for weekend travelers. All travelers seeking relaxation can find their perfect holiday choice between the houseboats of Alleppey and Munnar’s hills or Kovalam’s peaceful beaches throughout Kerala. Visitors can find relaxation across many different terrain types and landforms in this area. Prepare your travel essentials since Kerala stands as “God’s Own Country” for an unforgettable weekend vacation experience.

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