10 Scenic Road Trips from Cochin with Car Rental for Nature Lovers

Scenic Road Trips from Cochin with Car Rental for Nature Lovers

A reliable chauffeur-driven car rental in Cochin makes it easy to explore the breathtaking landscapes around Kochi(Cochin). Scenic road trips from the city take you through lush forests, rolling hills, waterfalls, and picturesque viewpoints that nature lovers will truly appreciate.

Travelling by **car rental in Cochin** gives you the freedom to stop, explore, and enjoy the natural surroundings along the way. Here are some of the most popular and scenic road trips from Kochi that every nature enthusiast should experience.

Scenic Routes for Car Rental in Cochin

Cochin (Kochi) and nearby popular destinations, such as Munnar and Alleppey, are a paradise for nature-loving travellers, best explored with a car rental service in Cochin. From the misty Munnar hills and lakes to the backwaters of Alleppey and the Thekkady wildlife reserves, the routes themselves provide breathtaking views.

1. Cochin to Munnar

Distance: 125–130 km approx.

Travel Time: 3–4 hours approximately

Route: Highways (NH 85) and mountain ghat road

The road to Munnar passes through hills, waterfalls, and wide tea plantations. Travellers enjoy cool weather and fresh mountain air here. Tea gardens cover the slopes in every direction. Visitors often stop at Echo Point and Attukal Waterfalls to enjoy the scenery.

2. Cochin to Alleppey

Distance: 54 Km approx.

Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours approximately

Route: Flat roads

A drive-through car rental from Cochin to Alappuzha (Alleppey) brings travellers to Kerala’s famous backwaters. Palm trees line the canals and lagoons, making it a stunning scenery.

The golden beaches and the slowly moving houseboats across the water make it a magnificent paradise. Visitors often take a boat ride to see the village life and the paddy fields along the waterways.

3. Cochin to Thekkady

Distance: 155 Km approx.

Travel Time: 4.5–5 hours approximately

Route: Highway (NH 183), Hilly, and Forest roads

The scenic drive to Thekkady is charming with views of hills, lakes, waterfalls, and tea/coffee plantations. Periyar National Park in Thekkady is a major tourist attraction for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

4. Cochin to Athirappilly

Distance: 67–70 Km approx.

Travel Time: 2–3 hours approximately

Route: Hill climb, narrow and forest road

The drive from Cochin to Athirappilly Waterfalls takes travellers through lush forest routes and quiet villages. The waterfall drops from a wide rocky cliff. Many travellers visit during the monsoon season, when water flow increases. The lush green surroundings make the atmosphere pleasant to view.

5. Cochin to Vagamon

Distance: 100–105 Km approx.

Travel Time: 3.5 hours approximately

Route: Hilly roads

The Cochin-Vagamon road trip is scenic, with hairpin bends. It is home to 3 beautiful hills: Murugan, Thangal, and Kurisumala. October to March is the best time to visit, as nature’s beauty is at its peak and the climate is pleasant and calm.

6. Cochin to Kumarakom

Distance: 50–52 Km approx.

Travel Time: 1.5 hours approximately

Route: Highways

Cochin to Kumarakom is an easy drive through the highways. It is visited to see calm backwaters and lakeside villages. Vembanad Lake and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are the main attractions to visit here. Enjoy birdwatching and the scenery created by Kerala’s largest lake.

7. Cochin to Mararikulam

Distance: 42 Km approx.

Travel Time: 1.5 hours approximately

Route: Coastal road

Travellers visiting Mararikulam from Cochin for a quiet beach experience enjoy the coastal road. They enjoy the natural scenery of coconut trees lining the shore, the fishing boats rest near the sand, and the sunset.

The beach stays less crowded than many other coastal destinations in Kerala. Therefore, it is an ideal destination for people seeking offbeat destinations.

8. Cochin to Wayanad

Distance: 277 Km approx.

Travel Time: 7–8 hours approximately

Route: Long highway and Ghat

A road trip from Cochin to Wayanad has many hairpin bends and offers views of the Western Ghats along NH 66 and NH 766.

Many travellers also visit Edakkal Caves and Banasura Sagar Dam upon reaching Wayanad.

9. Cochin to Kuttanad

Distance: 78 -79 Km approx.

Travel Time: 2 hours approximately

Route: Backwater village roads

Kuttunad is a backwater, travellers drive through here to see wide paddy fields and peaceful canals. It is also known as the ‘Netherlands of Kerala’. Farmers grow rice in fields that lie below sea level and enjoy the three rivers, Pamba, Meenachil, and Achankovil. Village roads pass through green farmland and backwater channels.

10. Cochin to Ponmudi

Distance: 229 Km approx.

Travel Time: 6–7 hours approximately

Route: Steep, hilly road and Highway

The winding roads in nature’s lap are best discovered on a road trip. The lush greenery along the road serves as a delightful view. Stop at the viewpoints to see misty valleys and mountain scenery. The cool climate makes the hill station a refreshing getaway.

Summary

Cochin is a city in God’s own country, with stunning views and a diverse landscape to explore on vacation. With a car rental in Cochin, it’s easy to discover all these places as per your own itinerary. These road trips will give you plenty of opportunities to discover some of the best natural views en route. Since these car rental services also have a driver, you can sit back and relax on the trip without actively driving the hilly roads.