Trip Guide From Bangalore To Kerala: A Journey Beyond the Horizons

Making plans to travel to Kerala

Before initiating any research to plan your trip to Kerala, it's crucial to determine the duration of your stay. The number of days you can spend there will depend on the available leave from your schedule.

If you have ample vacation time, it's recommended to consult a tour operator to assist you in exploring Kerala's various tourist attractions and finalize the appropriate duration for your trip. Once you have settled on the ideal number of days, fix your arrival and departure dates accordingly.

Once your Kerala vacation package is complete, you can proceed to purchase your tickets to Kerala. For subsequent flight reservations, it's advisable to book flights to Cochin. However, if Kovalam or Kanyakumari are your first two destinations, you may opt for Trivandrum instead. On the other hand, if Wayanad is your initial stop, Calicut becomes a worthwhile choice.

How Do You Get To Kochi?

Cochin, also known as Ernakulam and often written as Kochi, offers multiple transportation options for reaching the city. You can make a bus reservation to Ernakulam while some trains only stop at one station, giving you the choice of scheduling your trip to either Ernakulam North or Ernakulam South. For train reservations, use the station codes ERN or ERS. If you opt for a flight, book it to Cochin or Kochi, with the location code COK.

When planning your Kerala tour, it's highly recommended to prioritize reaching Cochin as quickly as possible to maximize your time exploring the various places covered in our Kerala tour packages. If you live in bangalore and looking for a kerala trip then the best option for you is our Bangalore To Kerala Tour Package.

Kerala can be accessed from Coimbatore, Bangalore, Mysore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and other nearby cities by train, flight, or bus. The bus is the preferred option from Coimbatore, while travellers leaving from Bangalore can choose between all three alternatives. A bus journey from Bangalore to Cochin typically takes 9 to 12 hours, but nowadays, multi-axle Volvo buses can cover the distance in 9 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions. Occasionally, buses have experienced delays at the border checkpoint between Tamil Nadu and Kerala due to inspections.

The Bangalore-Cochin route is well-served by buses, making it a viable choice for travellers from Bangalore heading to Kerala. Look for sleeper buses for added comfort. If train tickets are available, the train journey from Bangalore takes around 12 hours, though ticket availability can be a challenge. In any case, aim to book a bus or train that arrives in Cochin early in the day. If you prefer flying, ensure your flight arrives no later than noon.

The Journey Of Kerala From Bangalore

The most favourable transportation options from Hyderabad are by train or air. Buses should be considered only as a last resort due to their lengthy travel time, taking approximately 18 to 22 hours.

Mangalore offers both buses and trains for transportation. You have the option to travel directly to Cochin from Mysore via bus, or you can first journey to Bangalore and then proceed to Cochin. If you are departing from Chennai, you have the choice of travelling by bus, train, or flight to reach Cochin. The travel time by train and bus from Chennai to Cochin is around 12 hours. This alternative should be seriously considered if you are planning a trip to Kerala from Chennai, Mangalore, or Mysore.

For those travelling from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai, or any other destination, Kerala can be reached by train or flight. If you are arriving from another country, you have the option to fly directly to Kerala or land at one of the major city airports and then proceed to Kerala by train.

To avoid complications, it is essential to make all reservations in advance. Once your ongoing travel plans have been finalized, you may purchase a return ticket. However, exercise caution when selecting destinations and departure times for the return ticket. It is advisable to reserve it only after the entire package or itinerary has been decided.

Pick Your Kerala Vacation Spots

This is another element to keep in mind when making travel plans to Kerala. Choosing the ultimate locations to visit is necessary at this point. You need to balance your interests and the number of days you have at this point. Here is a quick rundown of the top tourist destinations included in our Bangalore to Kerala Tour Packages to help you understand this.

Popular Tourists Destinations In Kerala

Cochin: This is typically where travellers fly into Kerala land. If you want to tour Cochin's attractions, you can either do it the day after you arrive or, if you have time, on the day before you leave.

Munnar: Munnar is the most recommended tourist destination in our Kerala vacation packages. Hill resort in Kerala called Munnar. To see that 100 times would be nice. 

Thekkady: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is accessible from Thekkady when you go boating. In Thekkady, both ecotourism and adventure tourism are very common.

Allepey: This is the location for a houseboat cruise, Alleppey/Kumarakom. Alleppey has a stunning beach as well as a variety of resorts where visitors can relax.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian city of Thiruvananthapuram is a well-liked tourist destination. Kovalam and Varkala, two nearby beach villages, are well-known. The city is well known for its unique architectural style, which combines British and Dravidian influences with elements of Kerala architecture. 

Kanyakumari: Even though Kanyakumari is in Tamil Nadu, it is still advised to visit if you have time if you're heading up to Trivandrum.

Athirappilly-Vazhachal: Athirappilly-Vazhachal Falls is Kerala's most renowned and tallest waterfall, standing over 80 feet tall. When you witness the water rushing into the ground, it's impossible not to be astounded by the power and splendour of the natural world. Ornithologists value this region greatly, and bird watchers will find a wide variety of unusual and eye-catching species here.

Guruvayoor: Guruvayoor is a popular destination for pilgrims because of its illustrious Krishna temple. An elephant sanctuary with more than 65 elephants is located here.

Wayanad: In Kerala's northern region, Wayanad is a popular tourist destination. About 300 kilometres separate Wayanad from Cochin.

Create A Tour Itinerary For Kerala

The itinerary is a crucial aspect when planning a Kerala tour as it determines the balance between sightseeing and quality free time with family. Take a look at the major tourist destinations listed above and create a personalized list of places you would like to cover from our Kerala tour packages.

In the following sections, I will provide detailed information about each of these places, including the required travel time for your convenience. After going through this post, you will be able to decide on the places to visit based on the leave you can take from your office. Once the places of visit and the number of nights at each destination are finalized, preparing the itinerary will become a seamless process.

Cochin

In most cases, Cochin serves as the arrival point in Kerala. If you have sufficient time to spare, dedicating a full day to exploring Cochin is highly recommended. The city offers a plethora of sightseeing spots, including Marine Drive, Chinese fishing nets, and Fort Cochin, where you can visit attractions like the Dutch Palace, the Jew Synagogue, and more.

However, if you are short on time, I suggest proceeding directly to your first destination from Cochin. Munnar is about a 4 to 5-hour drive, Thekkady is a 5-hour drive, Alleppey is a 2-hour drive, Guruvayoor is 2 hours away, and Athirapilly-Vazhachal can be reached in a short 2-hour drive. If Kovalam is your first choice, it's better to arrive at Trivandrum to avoid a hectic 6 to 7-hour journey on the same day of arrival. Properly finalizing these travel options is essential when planning your Kerala tour.

Keep in mind that during any travel, you need to consider the time required for halts for sightseeing, meals, and other activities. If your first destination is Alleppey Houseboat, aim to reach Cochin by 9 AM, allowing you to check in to the houseboat by noon. If your arrival in Cochin is after 10 AM, it's best not to plan the Alleppey Houseboat cruise on the same day, as check-in time is at noon and check-out is at 9 AM the next day. Similarly, if you arrive in Cochin after 3 PM, avoid planning any travel on that day. Instead, consider staying in a hotel near the airport or railway station, depending on your mode of arrival.

Stay Near Airport

Most hotels near the airport offer complimentary pick-up services, which can help you save on transportation expenses for that day. It's essential to inform your travel agent about your mode of arrival so they can make the appropriate hotel reservation accordingly. Cochin Airport is situated approximately 20 kilometres away from Cochin City and the railway station.

If you plan to stay in Cochin on the day of your arrival, keep in mind that the standard check-in time for most hotels is 12 noon. If you anticipate reaching early in the morning, inform your travel agent in advance so they can arrange for an early check-in if possible. However, note that breakfast may not be complimentary for this early check-in day, and it's subject to room availability.

If you intend to travel to other destinations on the same day, it is advisable to head directly to your next destination rather than spend a half-day sightseeing in Cochin before continuing your journey. Especially if you arrive in Cochin by train, bus, or after a long flight, taking some time to refresh yourself before starting the drive to your next destination can be beneficial. This allows you to enjoy the trip right from the beginning and also provides an opportunity for sightseeing along the way. Coordinating your first destination based on your arrival time is of utmost importance. Paying attention to these details while planning your Kerala tour can significantly save time and enhance your overall travel experience.

Munnar 

Munnar, a picturesque hill station, holds a prominent place in our Kerala tour packages due to its breathtaking beauty. It boasts numerous tea plantations and offers over a dozen captivating places to explore nearby. A visit to Munnar is an absolute must when touring Kerala, with its pleasantly cool climate prevailing throughout the year. Located 140 kilometers from Cochin, Munnar is a gem you wouldn't want to miss.

To gain a deeper insight into Munnar and its wonders, we recommend reading our blog post titled "13 Must-Visit Places in Munnar" while planning your Kerala tour.

When traveling to Munnar, it's advisable to spend at least two nights there to fully experience its charm. The travel time from Cochin is listed as 4 to 5 hours, but realistically, it takes around 7 to 8 hours to reach Munnar due to the numerous sightseeing opportunities en route. The journey offers delightful encounters with waterfalls, rolling hillsides adorned with tea gardens, and even the chance to visit spice plantations. Embrace the scenic beauty and avoid rushing to reach Munnar; enjoy the travel experience to the fullest. By evening, you'll find yourself arriving in Munnar, ready to explore further.

Once you reach Munnar, if you have time, consider spending some moments in the local market. If your hotel is situated away from Munnar town, it's better to have meals and engage in activities within the town before proceeding to your hotel. Driving back to town at night may not be safe due to potential foggy conditions on the roads. Prioritizing safety will ensure a pleasant and memorable stay in Munnar.

Final Words

In final words I would like to say, the journey from Bangalore to Kerala offers a captivating experience that transcends horizons. From the vibrant city life of Bangalore to the serene and lush landscapes of Kerala, this trip guide has showcased the diverse wonders that await travellers. Whether you seek to immerse yourself in the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, explore the misty hills of Munnar, or indulge in the rich cultural heritage of Kochi, Kerala has something to offer every wanderer.