Goa to Kanyakumari Coastal Road Trip : Places to Visit and Where to Stay
India has many road trips to offer, like the scenic Delhi to Shimla road trip or the south Indian Pondicherry to Coorg route. But what about the beautiful coastline of India? Not only does a coastal road trip offers a magnificent view with refreshing breeze bathing your face but also offers a kaleidoscope to explore different cultures.
The coastal road trip from Goa to Kanyakumari via Kozhikode offers alluring sights, various cultural delights and also many other escapades. This classic route takes one through the portuguese streets of goa to driving besides the serene backwaters of Kerala to the tip of India, Kanyakumari. Covering the best places to visit in South India in monsoon, this is a remarkable journey that must be experienced.
Here’s everything you need to know about the coastal road trip from Goa to Kanykumari
This road trip will be divided into five legs over the span of 3 days and 1100 kms where one can explore the western coast.
Day 1- Goa to Gokarna
Day 1 – Gokarna to Udupi
Day 2 – Udupi to Kozhikode
Day 2 – Kozhikode to Alleppey
Day 3 – Alleppey to Kanyakumari
Goa to Kanyakumari road trip route and road map
Before you open google maps and start navigating, let us tell you that Google primarily shows Goa to Kanyakumari via NH 44 that goes through Bengaluru which is exactly the opposite of a coastal road trip.
For this coastal road trip from Goa to Kanyakumari, one needs to take NH 66 route that goes from Calangute to Kanyakumari via Kochi, encompassing nearly 1100 kms and takes nearly 26 hours to complete. But when driving through this mesmerizing coastline, we recommend taking pit stops, staying overnight at some of the most amazing villas in South India, enjoying filter coffee and munching on snacks throughout the journey.
Best time to visit Kanyakumari
Despite being a year around destination that is much preferred during the winters, we recommend visiting Kanyakumari especially during the monsoons. The coastal breeze paired with the dancing palm trees with its rain-washed shine cannot be missed.
Calangute
The starting point of our journey is from a town that is decorated with a balmy labyrinth of restaurants and cafes and roads that are lined with palm trees, Calangute. Beaches that are filled with golden hues and crashing waves of water, the journey through the coast of Goa is simply enchanting. Calangute is filled with amazing experiences that can be explored, here are a few things to do in Calangute.
St. Alex’s Church
One of top places to visit in Calangute that is everyone’s bucket list, this architectural marvel is a must-visit in Calangute. A magnificent church set in the backdrop of the beautiful town, this is one of the oldest churches in India. Featuring beautiful altars, two towers and a dome, St. Alex’s Church is a treat for the eyes.
Parra Road
Located in Mapusa which is near Calangute, this stretch is adorned with a line of dancing palm trees, overlooking the paddy fields with a small church nearby. This is a picture-worthy place that was featured in the movie ‘Dear Zindagi’. Make sure to head out early to get some beautiful pictures as this road gets crowded quickly.
Beach Hopping
Home to the pristine Baga beach, Calangute is the perfect spot for those who want to beach hope and enjoy their fun-filled ride. Hope on from Baga to Blue Lagoona and more beaches nearby. Calangute comes alive in the night, so one can experience the night life before beginning the journey and heading out with a treasure trove of memories.
Where to stay in Calangute?
For those who want to explore the nightlife and then start their journey, Calangute has many stunning villas in its collection. Like Verre Maison, which is a quintessential Goan home with modern amenities or La Tranquillita, which features timeless Goan – Portuguese architecture.
Gokarna
After nearly 4 hours of driving and covering over 170 kms of distance, you will arrive in the quaint town of Gokarna in Karnataka. Gokarna is one of the most underrated places in India that is unexplored by many. The town features many tranquil beaches due to its less known popularity and many sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites. It can be confusing for anyone visiting Gokarna for the first time, so here’s a list of places to visit in Gokarna.
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Boasting intricate carvings and what is believed to be an original image of a Shiva Linga, this is one of the oldest temples built in the 4th century AD. Attracting many tourists from all over India, Mahabaleshwar temple is a cultural delight.
Half Moon Beach
Ever thought about going to a beach by hiking? If not, then this is a calling to Half moon beach. One of the popular tourist attractions of Gokarna, this is a crescent shaped beach that is located in the southern part of Gokarna. The beach is not accessible by road which makes it interesting for those who want a quick hike.
Udupi
By the time it’s sunset and one has travelled 180 kms in 3 hours, comes the picturesque town of Udupi. A place with rich cultural heritage and history, Udupi is on the shores of the Arabian sea and houses many temples and beaches. The aroma of Udupi cuisine and the sea breeze wafts through the streets of Udupi. While you’ve arrived in this town, here are a few places to see in Udupi.
Sri Krishna Math
Attracting devotees from all over the world, Sri Krishna Math is in the bucket list of every Indian. It features a unique statue of Sri Krishna raising a butter pot in his hand. This temple is the reason why Udupi is often referred to as ‘The Mathura of South India’.
Kaup Beach
With a majestic lighthouse towering by its shore, Kaup beach is one of the untouched beaches that offer a tropical retreat. One can also try scuba diving as it is often touted as one of the best things to do in Udupi.
Kudlu Falls
Situated in the dense forests of the western ghats near Udupi, the water in Kudlu falls gushes down from a staggering 300 feet. Kudlu falls is located right near Manga Theertha, which translates into monkey theertha because one will see many monkeys here.
Where to stay in Udupi?
Although there are many homestays in Udupi, we recommend a stay at White Serenity. This homestay in Udupi is testament to Udupi’s heritage and culture and makes one feel at home.
Kozhikode
Driving through breezy coastlines and palm trees for nearly 8 hours, you will enter into the ‘Gods Own Country’, Kerala. Kozhikode is also known as Calicut with many charming beaches dotted across its coastline. A place that offers tranquility like no other, here are a few places to visit in Kozhikode and unwind yourself.
Beypore Beach
Located quite a bit away from the town, this is a quiet and serene beach that doesn’t attract much crowd. Perfect for an evening stroll that can be coupled with coconut water and endless conversations.
Backwaters
If you’re in Kozhikode and you haven’t expired the enchanting backwaters, then you haven’t seen Kozhikode. Hop on a scenic boat ride through the tranquil backwaters and enjoy the lush greenery while listening to stories about Kozhikode from the boat driver.
Explore the Kozhikode’s waterfalls
Kozhikode houses a plethora of undiscovered gems that can be visited while you’re on this Goa to Kanyakumari road trip. Whether it’s the majestic Kayakam Waterfalls or the scenic waters of Thusharagiri falls, one is bound to be mesmerized by these waterfalls.
Where to stay in Kozhikode?
To experience the vibrance and culture of the town, it is recommended to stay in a homestay in Kozhikode. Our personal favourites are the chic and luxurious Stone Villa and Toya Toya by StayVista.
Alleppey
People who choose to chase the sunset and continue their drive from Kozhikode will reach this beautiful town of Alleppey after seven hours. The ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey or Alappuzha boasts several magnificent attractions that can be enjoyed while you’re in Goa to Kanyakumari road trip. It is also one of the last stops before Kanyakumari, so make sure to check out these places to visit in Alleppey.
Houseboat in Kuttanad
Kuttanad is known as the ‘rice bowl of India’ and is renowned for its expansive fields of rice. Kuttanad is a small part of Alleppey that offers an enchanting setting for nature lovers. One must experience an hour-long cruise on a houseboat or shorter trips on the canoes.
Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
The Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a sacred place of worship dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple’s exquisite architectural splendor makes it a must visit place in Alleppey. Apart from its captivating beauty, the temple is renowned for its delectable rice pudding, called Pal Payasam, which is a popular offering.
Watch snake boat race in Alleppey
The snake boat race in Alleppey is a well-known and thrilling water sport held at various canals in the area. The Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race in Alleppey is particularly renowned and draws significant attention. Among the many amazing things to do in Alleppey, watching a snake boat race is a must-do thing.
Where to stay in Alleppey?
There are many options for accommodation in Alleppey. To make the most of their time at Alleppey, do check out these homestays in Alleppey.
Kanyakumari
On our last stop of the coastal road trip, Kanyakumari from Alleppey takes approximately 6 hours. Kanyakumari is a tranquil and serene place where the waters of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the mighty Indian Ocean meet together. The deafening seashores with the rich cultural history, makes it one of the top places to visit in South India. Blessed with its unique geography, cultural heritage and the vibrant street markets, there are endless things to do in Kanyakumari.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
The story of Swami Vivekananda tearing through the tides of water and reaching the rock has been recited since ages. This rock memorial serves as a testament and inspiration to Swami Vivekananda’s work and life. As one walks through the memorial, one can feel the energy and enthusiasm that Swami Vivekananda carried. The memorial can be visited through a 10 minute ferry ride.
Kanyakumari Temple
A temple carries a mystical aura as one enters its courtyard. With sounds of waves rapping on the coast and carrying the history of Kumari Amman, this is one of the top places to visit in Kanyakumari. When in a temple, do watch out for a ring of light in the sea which some say is the shining ruby of the goddess’ nose ring.
Sunset Point
The perfect ending in this Goa to Kanyakumari coastal road trip, enjoy the sunset at the Sunset Point which is near the Swami Vivekananda Memorial. Watch the ever changing hues of the sky at the Sunset Point and cherish the memories this scenic road trip has created.
Driving through windy roads, dancing palm trees, enchanting shorelines and sanctimonious places, we have covered some of the best places to visit in the rainy season in India.
For those wanting to explore more road trips in India, do check out these blogs below –
1) Your Guide to a Successful Road trip
2) Road trip from Delhi to Manali – Distance, Halts & Where to Stay
3) Short Road Trips from Mumbai & Pune during Monsoon
