Trips & Adventures

That sounds like an epic road trip! The journey from Goa to Kerala takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes along India’s western coast, passing through charming coastal towns, lush forests, and vibrant cities. Here’s a breakdown of must-see spots, scenic routes, and food joints to check out along the way:

1. Goa to Gokarna (₁₄₀ km)
   Scenic Spot: Om Beach in Gokarna is a fantastic first stop with its unique, tranquil crescent-shaped shoreline. It’s great for unwinding and enjoying the laid-back vibe before hitting the road again.
   Food Joint: Namaste Café on Om Beach serves delicious seafood and local dishes with stunning beach views.
2. Gokarna to Udupi (₂₀₀ km)
   Scenic Spot: Stop by Murudeshwar for the incredible sea-facing Shiva statue and temple complex. The views from here are absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunrise.
   Must-See: Maravanthe Beach is a unique spot where the road runs between the sea and the river. It’s a short detour but very photogenic.
   Food Joint: Once you reach Udupi, treat yourself to a traditional Udupi-style meal at Woodlands Restaurant. Don’t miss their dosas and authentic South Indian coffee.
3. Udupi to Mangalore (₆₀ km)
   Scenic Spot: Kapu Beach is a peaceful, scenic beach with a historic lighthouse you can climb for panoramic views. It’s a bit off the main route but worth it.
   Food Joint: In Mangalore, stop at Giri Manja’s for authentic Mangalorean seafood, especially their fish curry and neer dosa.
4. Mangalore to Kannur (₁₅₀ km)
   Must-See: Bekal Fort near Kasaragod is one of the largest forts in Kerala and offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. It’s a great place to explore and capture some beautiful photos.
   Scenic Drive: As you cross into Kerala, you’ll notice the landscape shift to lush coconut groves and backwaters. The coastal drive from Kasaragod to Kannur is exceptionally scenic.
   Food Joint: In Kannur, try MVK Restaurant for traditional Kerala meals. Their fish fry and spicy biryani are local favorites.
5. Kannur to Kozhikode (₁₀₀ km)
   Scenic Spot: Stop by Thalassery to explore its rich history and colonial architecture, including the Thalassery Fort. The town is also known for its biryani, which has a unique flavor.
   Food Joint: In Kozhikode, don’t miss Paragon Restaurant for their famous Malabar biryani and fresh seafood. Paragon is a beloved spot for locals and travelers alike.
6. Kozhikode to Kochi (₁₈₀ km)
   Must-See: Athirapally Waterfalls, known as the “Niagara of India,” is a bit of a detour but well worth it. The falls are majestic, especially during the monsoon season.
   Scenic Drive: The route from Kozhikode to Kochi is lined with coastal views and lush greenery. Consider taking breaks along the way to enjoy the serene backwaters and quiet beaches.
   Food Joint: In Kochi, head to Dhe Puttu for Kerala’s famous “puttu” (steamed rice cake) served with unique sides. For seafood lovers, The Rice Boat at Taj Malabar offers great food with stunning waterfront views.
7. Kochi to Alleppey (₅₅ km)
   Must-See: Alleppey is famous for its backwaters, so a houseboat ride or even a short canoe trip is a must-do. Spending a night on a houseboat can be a unique and memorable experience.
   Food Joint: Try Cassia in Alleppey for a mix of local Kerala dishes and some international cuisine.
8. Alleppey to Varkala (₁₂₀ km)
   Scenic Spot: Varkala Cliff and Beach are stunning. The red laterite cliffs, overlooking the Arabian Sea with plenty of quaint cafes, offer a chilled-out vibe perfect for unwinding.
   Food Joint: Darjeeling Café on Varkala Cliff is popular for its amazing sunset views and diverse menu, ranging from continental to local Kerala dishes.
9. Varkala to Trivandrum (₄₅ km)
   Must-See: End your trip in Trivandrum with a visit to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. You can also explore Kovalam Beach nearby.
   Food Joint: Try Villa Maya for a mix of Kerala and international dishes in a beautiful heritage building with a unique ambiance.
   Tips for the Trip
   Road Conditions: The coastal route has decent road conditions, but be cautious of narrow roads in some stretches, especially during the monsoon.
   Fuel Stops and Maintenance: Make sure your bike/car is in top shape, as some stretches have limited service options. Carry essentials like a toolkit, tire repair kit, and emergency supplies.
   Best Time to Travel: October to February is ideal as the weather is cooler, and the monsoon recedes, making the scenery lush and roads safer.
   Stay Hydrated and Plan Breaks: It’s a long journey with lots of scenic distractions, so plan regular stops and stay hydrated, especially if you’re traveling in warmer months.
   This trip will give you a rich mix of cultural, scenic, and culinary experiences that capture the essence of India’s southwestern coast. Enjoy your adventure, and happy travels!

A Goa to Kerala road trip is one of the most scenic drives in India, covering lush Western Ghats, coastal highways, and backwaters. The journey spans around 700-800 km, depending on the route, and can take 15-20 hours of driving time.

Route Options & Road Conditions

Route 1: NH66 (Most Scenic & Coastal Route) – ₈₀₀ km
Goa → Gokarna → Udupi → Mangalore → Kannur → Kozhikode → Kochi → Alleppey → Trivandrum

• Follows the Konkan Coast, offering breathtaking beaches, temples, and seafood stops.
• NH66 is mostly smooth but has occasional rough patches in Karnataka and Kerala.
• Avoid night driving in hilly areas near Ghat sections.

Route 2: NH48 & NH544 (Faster, Inland Route) – ₇₂₀ km
Goa → Hubli → Davangere → Mysore → Wayanad → Kochi → Trivandrum

• Passes through hill stations, coffee plantations, and national parks.
• Better roads with lesser traffic compared to NH66.
• Ideal if you want to explore Mysore and Wayanad.

Must-Visit Scenic Stops & Attractions

Goa to Karnataka

1. Gokarna (Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple) – Serene alternative to Goa’s crowded beaches.
2. Murudeshwar – Famous for its Shiva Statue and Beach Temple.
3. Maravanthe Beach – Unique highway stretch with Arabian Sea on one side and a river on the other.

Karnataka to Kerala

4. Udupi – Known for Sri Krishna Temple & Udupi Cuisine (must-try Masala Dosa at Mitra Samaj).
5. Mangalore (Panambur Beach, St. Aloysius Chapel, Ideal Ice Cream Parlor) – Great seafood options.
6. Bekal Fort (Kerala) – Overlooking the Arabian Sea, featured in Bollywood films.

Kerala Coastal Route (NH66)

7. Kannur (Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach) – India’s only drive-in beach, perfect for a car/bike ride.
8. Kozhikode (Paragon Restaurant) – Famous for Malabar Biryani and Kerala Sadhya.
9. Kochi (Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace) – Best for history lovers.
10. Alleppey (Backwaters & Houseboat Stay) – A must for a relaxing experience.

Kerala Inland Route (NH48/NH544)

11. Coorg – Coffee plantations and waterfalls.
12. Mysore (Mysore Palace & Chamundi Hills) – Perfect cultural detour.
13. Wayanad (Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Tea Estates) – Ideal for nature lovers.

Best Food Joints Along the Way

Shetty Lunch Home (Kundapura, Karnataka) – Best for Neer Dosa & Chicken Ghee Roast.
Machali (Mangalore) – Famous for Mangalorean Seafood.
Rahmath Hotel (Kozhikode) – Try Malabar Biryani.
Paragon (Kochi & Kozhikode) – Must-visit for authentic Kerala food.
Hotel Annapoorna (Coimbatore, if taking NH48) – Best South Indian breakfast (Idli, Vada, Dosa).

Road Trip Tips

Best Time: October – March (Avoid monsoons due to road conditions).
Driving Duration: Split the journey over 2-3 days for a relaxed experience.
Fuel Up in Major Cities: Mangalore, Kozhikode, Kochi have reliable petrol pumps.
Stay Options: Beach resorts in Gokarna, Mangalore, Kannur & houseboats in Alleppey.
Keep Cash: Some rural areas have limited digital payment options.
Check Toll Booths: NH66 has multiple tolls, so carry FASTag.

This Goa to Kerala road trip is perfect for adventure, beaches, food, and culture! Have you finalized your stopping points or need specific suggestions?