Southern Charms: Best Coastal Road Trips in Kerala and Tamil Nadu

Southern Charms of India’s southern coastline, stretching along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, is a paradise for road trip enthusiasts. Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with their scenic coastal highways, golden beaches, lush backwaters, and rich cultural heritage, offer some of the most mesmerizing road trips in the country. Whether you seek the tranquility of palm-lined shores or the adventure of exploring ancient temples and hidden coastal gems, these road trips will leave you enchanted.

1. Kerala’s Malabar Coast Road Trip: Kochi to Kasaragod Southern Charms

Route:

Kochi – Kozhikode – Kannur – Bekal – Kasaragod (~375 km, 2-3 days)

The Malabar Coast, known for its pristine beaches, historic forts, and spice-laden history, offers an offbeat yet breathtaking journey through Kerala’s lesser-explored coastal treasures.

For the TLOW backpacking experience click on this link

Highlights of the Journey:

1. Kochi: The Queen of the Arabian Sea

Explore the Fort Kochi area with its colonial-era architecture, Chinese fishing nets, and vibrant street art.

Visit the Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, and St. Francis Church.

Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Vembanad Lake.

2. Kozhikode (Calicut): Land of Spices & History

Walk along Kozhikode Beach, where Vasco da Gama first landed in 1498.

Try the famous Kozhikodan Halwa and Malabar biryani.

Visit Beypore Beach and its traditional wooden shipbuilding yard.

3. Kannur: Kerala’s Cultural Capital

Witness a live Theyyam performance, a unique ritual art form of North Kerala.

Relax at Payyambalam Beach and Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach—India’s longest drive-in beach.

Explore St. Angelo Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1505.

4. Bekal & Kasaragod: Forts and Tranquil Backwaters Southern Charms

Bekal Fort, one of Kerala’s most iconic seaside forts, offers stunning sunset views.

Explore the peaceful Valiyaparamba Backwaters, a less-touristy alternative to Alleppey.

Visit the Ananthapura Lake Temple, the only lake temple in Kerala.

Best Time to Visit:

October to March (Pleasant weather, perfect for coastal exploration)

2. The Classic Kerala Coastal Drive: Kovalam to Varkala

Route Southern Charms:

Kovalam – Poovar – Varkala (~80 km, 1-2 days)

This short yet incredibly scenic route takes you along Kerala’s southern coastline, passing through charming fishing villages, golden beaches, and serene backwaters.

Highlights of the Journey:

1. Kovalam: Kerala’s Most Famous Beach Destination

Relax at Lighthouse Beach, known for its iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse.

Enjoy Ayurvedic massages and yoga retreats by the beach.

Try seafood delicacies at beachfront shacks.

2. Poovar: Kerala’s Hidden Backwater Paradise

Take a boat ride through the Poovar Estuary, where the river meets the sea.

Visit Golden Sand Beach, accessible only by boat.

3. Varkala: Cliffside Serenity

Walk along the stunning Varkala Cliff, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.

Visit the Janardhana Swamy Temple, over 2,000 years old.

Enjoy the laid-back vibes of Varkala Beach, famous for its natural springs and yoga retreats.

3. Tamil Nadu’s Coromandel Coast Road Trip: Chennai to Rameswaram

Route:

Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Velankanni – Rameswaram (~600 km, 4-5 days)

This epic coastal drive along the East Coast Road (ECR) is one of the most picturesque road trips in South India. It combines stunning beach views, ancient temples, French colonial heritage, and divine spiritual experiences.

Highlights of the Journey Southern Charms:

1. Chennai: The Gateway to the South

Visit Marina Beach, India’s longest urban beach.

Explore San Thome Basilica and Kapaleeshwarar Temple.

2. Mahabalipuram: A UNESCO Heritage Marvel

Marvel at the rock-cut wonders of Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance.

Try surfing at Covelong Beach.

3. Pondicherry: A Taste of France in India Southern Charms

Stroll through White Town, with its French-style cafes and colonial-era buildings.

Visit Auroville, a global spiritual community.

Relax at Paradise Beach and Serenity Beach.

4. Chidambaram & Velankanni: A Spiritual Detour

Visit Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, a magnificent Shiva temple.

Stop at Velankanni Church, one of India’s most famous pilgrimage sites for Christians.

5. Rameswaram: The Land of Rama’s Bridge

Drive across the Pamban Bridge, India’s first sea bridge.

Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the holiest Shiva temples.

Take a boat ride to Dhanushkodi, the ghost town near Sri Lanka.

Best Time to Visit:

November to March (Pleasant weather for exploring)

4. The Wild South: Kanyakumari to Dhanushkodi

Route Southern Charms:

Kanyakumari – Tiruchendur – Tuticorin – Rameswaram – Dhanushkodi (~350 km, 3 days)

This road trip takes you through Tamil Nadu’s wild and less-explored coastal belt, filled with temples, pristine beaches, and unique landscapes.

Highlights of the Journey:

1. Kanyakumari: The Southernmost Tip of India

Witness the Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

Enjoy the sunrise and sunset over three oceans (Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea).

2. Tiruchendur: Seaside Temple Town

Visit the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.

3. Tuticorin: Pearl City of Tamil Nadu

Explore Manapad Beach, a hidden gem with unique rock formations.

Try fresh seafood at the harbor.

4. Rameswaram & Dhanushkodi: A Journey to the Edge of India

Drive along the Pamban Bridge, an engineering marvel.

Visit Dhanushkodi, the ghost town devastated by a cyclone in 1964.

Stand at Arichal Munai, the last point of India, where myth meets mystery.

Best Time to Visit:

December to February (Avoid peak summer as it gets extremely hot)

Final Thoughts: Coastal Bliss Awaits Southern Charms

A road trip along the coasts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu is a journey through history, nature, and spirituality. Whether you’re exploring Ladakh-like landscapes in Dhanushkodi, sipping coffee in French-style cafes in Pondicherry, or relaxing on Kerala’s golden beaches, each stretch of road offers something unique.

So, fuel up, grab your camera, and embark on a coastal adventure like no other! Which route will you choose first?