Onam is just around the corner. And with it comes a long stretch of holidays. If you have not figured out where to go, we have compiled a small list. Go, explore and remember these trips are planned for a week's time.
1) Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is about 90 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, making it one of the ideal escapes from Kerala. Book yourself a room at Kanyakumari. Make sure you are there at least by nightfall so that you will not miss an awesome sunrise. Once the sun is up, take the ferry to Vivekananda Rock. Stare in awe at the Thiruvalluvar statue as you travel through the choppy waters. Head out to Bay Watch, the water theme park and chill out. But make it a point to return and see the lovely sunset. You will need at least a full day to explore this town. Vattakottai, about 6kms away, is a must visit if you are a history buff. Drop by at Sucheendram temple if you are religiously inclined. Make a stop at Thuckalay and visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace. A visit to Mathur Aqueduct and the Jain temple at Chitharal is a must.
2) Kerala to Bengaluru
Bengaluru has always lured the Malayali. The city is just an overnight journey from most parts of Kerala and is a haven for shopping and sightseeing. You can take a ride on the metro, bargain and celebrate shopping at Commercial Street, MG Road, Convent Road and Shivaji Nagar. You can watch the sunrise or the sunset from Nandi Hills. If you are a movie buff, you can go trekking to Ramanagara, the place where the iconic movie Sholay was shot. The options are endless and you will wish you had more time to explore all the places. Read more
3) Kasaragod to Coorg
Coorg has been the first getaway for people in the Kannur-Kasaragod belt. Just a couple of hours by road and you can explore the verdant greens of Coorg. Often referred to as the 'Scotland of India', Coorg has everything to satisfy the wanderlust in you. You can go trekking up the hills of Mandalpatti or enjoy the Abbi Falls. Plan your trip to Coorg to cover these additional eight places. You can also make a trip via Coorg on your return from Bengaluru.
4) From Wayanad to Gundlupet and beyond
Watch the video. A ride through the forests to Gundlupet is an experience in itself. You can drive on from Gundlupet to Mysuru and Bengaluru. Also see pictures here
5) Kasaragod to Goa
You can plan a long drive with days breaks in between on this 403 kilometer stretch. Ideally, Udupi should be your first halt. You can explore the city and take a boat to St Mary's Islands if you think you have time or leave it for the return. The route to Goa is dotted with many ancient places of worship and some adventure spots. Click here to know more about both the routes.
6) Palakkad to Puducherry
The drive from Palakkad to Puducherry will take about eight hours. It is ideal that you book a room in advance. A walk down the town will leave you in awe. Here is a look at some places to visit and things to do in this town that speaks of a colonial past. Read more
7) Kerala to Ooty, Kodaikanal
A visit to Ooty and Kodaikanal is a must for every Malayali. Both Ooty and Kodaikanal are easily accessible from anywhere in Kerala with frequent buses on this route. But we would suggest a trip on the blue train to Ooty. Read more here
8) The Nilgiri trip
Do you want to explore the wild? Head out to Bandipur, travel to Masinagudi, to Mudumalai. Go on wildlife safaris. If you are lucky you may see baby elephants up close or a tiger with her cubs. It is normal to see monkeys, deer, wild boar and snakes on this trip.
9) Kerala to Mysuru
Mysuru has always been a hit with people from Kerala. In addition to the popular places, we suggest you make a trip to these three not so popular places. And if you love to trek, you can go to Ramnagara, where the Hindi film Sholay was shot.
10) Dhanushkodi
If you have been putting off the trip to Dhanushkodi, this is the perfect time. You can drive, take a train or travel by bus to Dhanushkodi. But if you want to explore the 'Ghost City' of Dhanushkodi, you will have to take one of the mini-buses or a jeep. Most of this city was swept away by a flood in the middle of the night some decades ago. And the fact that there are a bunch of resilient people who still struggle for a life there is its lure. You may not see this if you delay your trip - there is a new road coming up till Arasi Munai, the tip of the land from where, Lord Rama made the bridge that would take him to Ravana's Lanka.
Also read: A trip to Dhanushkodi
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