Kerala, known as 'God's Own Country,' is a lush tropical state on India's southwest Malabar Coast, celebrated for its serene backwaters, verdant tea plantations, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. It is one of the most literate and developed states in India, offering a unique blend of Ayurvedic traditions, diverse wildlife, and vibrant festivals.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Alleppey Backwaters & Houseboat
The most popular day trip from Kochi, visiting the famous Alleppey (Alappuzha) backwaters. Take a shikara (small canoe) through narrow village canals, visit a coir mat weaving cooperative, and optionally take the scenic Alleppey-Kottayam public ferry through the backwaters.
Highlights: Shikara ride through village canals · Punnamada Lake views · Coir weaving demonstration · Alleppey-Kottayam backwater ferry (scenic return) · Karimeen pollichathu lunch by the water
Munnar Tea Gardens
A full-day trip to Munnar, Kerala's premier hill station, featuring rolling tea estates, the KDHP Tea Museum, Echo Point, and spectacular Western Ghats scenery. The drive itself through Adimali and Neriamangalam Pass is scenic.
Highlights: Tea estate panoramas from Pothamedu Viewpoint · KDHP Tea Museum and factory tour · Echo Point · Mattupetty Dam · Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri tahr spotting)
Thrissur & Athirapally Waterfalls
A half-day or full-day trip combining cultural Thrissur (the cultural capital of Kerala) with the spectacular Athirapally and Vazhachal waterfalls in the Sholayar forest range. Visit Vadakkunnathan Temple and explore the Thrissur Pooram grounds.
Highlights: Athirapally Falls ('Niagara of India') · Vazhachal Falls · Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur · Kerala Academy of Letters Museum · Thrissur Sakthan Tampuran Palace
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary & Vembanad Lake
Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on the banks of Vembanad Lake — the largest lake in Kerala and one of India's premier birdwatching destinations. November to February is peak migration season with Siberian cranes and dozens of migratory species.
Highlights: Bird sanctuary walk (100+ species) · Vembanad Lake boat cruise · Traditional Kuttanad rice paddy fields (below sea level) · Kumarakom village cycling
Kovalam Beach & Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The most natural day trip from Thiruvananthapuram — a morning visit to the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple followed by an afternoon at Kovalam's beautiful beaches. Alternatively, continue 30km further to Poovar Island.
Highlights: Padmanabhaswamy Temple darshan (dawn visit recommended) · Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam · Ayurveda treatment at Kovalam resort · Sunset at Kovalam Lighthouse · Seafood dinner on the beach
Varkala Beach & Janardana Swami Temple
A day trip to Varkala's stunning red-cliff beach, one of Kerala's most dramatic coastal landscapes. The sacred Janardana Swami Temple at the cliff's edge is one of Kerala's important Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites.
Highlights: Varkala Cliff promenade walk · Papanasam Beach · Janardana Swami Temple (108 Vaishnavite divyadesam) · Cliff-top sunset dining · Ayurveda massage
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady)
A full-day excursion to Periyar Tiger Reserve for a morning boat safari on Periyar Lake — one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Kerala. Wild elephants regularly come to drink and bathe at the lake shore.
Highlights: Periyar Lake boat safari (wild elephant spotting) · Thekkady spice garden tour · Bamboo rafting · Kumily spice market · Elephant encounter (optional, ethical sanctuaries)
Wayanad Wildlife & Edakkal Caves
A full-day trip to Wayanad — Kerala's misty highland district — combining a jeep safari at Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, prehistoric Edakkal Caves, and a scenic drive through Vythiri's coffee and pepper estates.
Highlights: Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary jeep safari · Edakkal Caves (prehistoric rock carvings) · Banasura Sagar Dam viewpoint · Vythiri coffee plantation walk · Soochipara Falls
Multi-day tours from Kerala
If you have longer than a day, these are organised multi-day trips that start here.
Browse multi-day tours from KeralaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.