Most Scenic Road Trips in Kottayam, Kerala, India
1. Kumarakom Backwaters
Experience the serene beauty of Kerala's backwaters, with houseboats gliding through a maze of waterways lined with lush green paddy fields and coconut groves.
- Natural Scenery: Offers a unique blend of tranquility and natural beauty
- Bird Watching: Home to a rich variety of migratory birds
- Traditional Boat Rides: Experience the traditional Kettuvallam houseboats
2. Moonakunnam-Erattupetta Pass
Drive through the Moonakunnam-Erattupetta pass to witness breathtaking views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and valleys.
- Tea Plantations: Enjoy the scenic beauty of lush green tea plantations
- Scenic Viewpoints: Multiple viewpoints offer panoramic vistas of the area
- Trekking Opportunities: Ideal for hiking and trekking enthusiasts
3. Pampadum Shola National Park
Journey through the winding roads of Pampadum Shola National Park to explore its evergreen forests and unique flora and fauna.
- Evergreen Forests: Home to diverse flora and fauna, including the Nilgiri Tahr
- Biodiversity Hotspot: A biodiversity hotspot with endemic species found nowhere else
- Eco-Tourism Activities: Offers eco-tourism activities such as bird watching and nature walks
4. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
A paradise for birdwatchers, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary boasts over 250 species of birds in its lush mangrove forests.
- Rich Avian Biodiversity: Home to a diverse range of migratory and resident bird species
- Mangrove Forests: Explore the unique ecosystem of mangrove forests
- Boat Rides: Enjoy boat rides to spot birds in their natural habitat
5. Thumpemon Hill
Drive through winding roads to reach Thumpemon Hill for panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations and valleys.
- Panoramic Views: Offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of the area
- Trekking Trail: Has a scenic trekking trail leading to the hilltop
- Tea Plantation Views: Ideal for photography enthusiasts seeking beautiful landscapes
6. Mullumperiyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Explore Mullumperiyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, tigers, and other wildlife, via a scenic drive through the hills.
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunities for spotting wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and bears
- Evergreen Forests: A lush evergreen forest with diverse flora and fauna
- Scenic Drives: Offers scenic drives through rolling hills and valleys
7. Vembanad Lake
Take a drive around Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in Kerala, to witness scenic fishing villages and beautiful sunsets.
- Scenic Villages: Explore picturesque fishing villages along the lake's banks
- Backwater Cruises: Offers backwater cruises for exploring the lake's scenic beauty
- Sunset Viewing Spots: Features stunning sunset viewing spots
8. Karumadi Kuttan Temple
Drive to the Karumadi Kuttan Temple, a beautiful stone statue of Buddha located amidst picturesque countryside.
- Historical Significance: An ancient stone sculpture dating back to the 10th century
- Scenic Location: Set in a serene and scenic countryside setting
- Cultural Experience: Offers a unique cultural experience in a tranquil setting
9. Vagamon Meadows
Drive through the rolling hills and scenic valleys to reach Vagamon Meadows, a beautiful hill station with lush green meadows.
- Scenic Hill Station: A picturesque hill station offering breathtaking views
- Meadows and Valleys: Features scenic meadows and valleys for exploration
- Adventure Sports: Offers adventure sports like paragliding and trekking
10. Kumarakom-Alappuzha Backwaters
Take a scenic drive to the Kumarakom-Alappuzha backwaters for an unforgettable boat ride through this labyrinth of waterways.
- Labyrinth of Waterways: Explore a complex network of waterways and canals
- Scenic Boat Ride: Enjoy a scenic boat ride through the backwaters
- Fishing Villages: Witness traditional fishing practices in picturesque villages
11. Thottapalli Temple
Take a drive to the ancient Thottapalli Temple, located amidst beautiful paddy fields and surrounded by picturesque countryside.
- Historical Importance: An ancient temple with architectural and historical significance
- Scenic Surroundings: Set amidst beautiful paddy fields and countryside
- Cultural Experience: Offers a unique cultural experience in a tranquil setting
12. Mundakayam-Erattupetta Road
Drive through the Mundakayam-Erattupetta road for stunning views of the Western Ghats, tea plantations, and valleys.
- Western Ghats Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats
- Tea Plantations: Pass through lush green tea plantations
- Scenic Valleys: Drive through scenic valleys and rolling hills
13. Aanavilasam Tourist Village
Take a scenic drive to Aanavilasam Tourist Village for a peaceful retreat amidst lush greenery and serene surroundings.
- Peaceful Retreat: Offers a peaceful and tranquil retreat
- Lush Greenery: Surrounded by lush greenery and serene surroundings
- Activities: Offers activities like boating, fishing, and birdwatching
14. Kaduthurutty Dam
Drive to the picturesque Kaduthurutty Dam for stunning views of the dam and surrounding hills.
- Scenic Dam: Offers breathtaking views of the dam and surrounding hills
- Water Sports: Offers water sports like boating and fishing
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by the natural beauty of hills, valleys, and rivers
15. Kumarakom-Kollam Beach Road
Take a scenic drive along the Kumarakom-Kollam beach road for stunning views of the Arabian Sea and picturesque fishing villages.
- Arabian Sea Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea
- Fishing Villages: Witness traditional fishing practices in picturesque villages
- Scenic Beach Drive: Offers a scenic beach drive with beautiful sunsets