Mumbai to Kerala Road Trip Planner: Routes, Attractions & Travel Tips (2025)
Embarking on a road trip from Mumbai to Kerala via National Highways offers one of India’s most scenic and culturally diverse driving experiences. This approximately 1,400–1,600 kilometre road journey takes you through the heart of Western and Southern India, showcasing everything from bustling metropolitan cities to serene hill stations and ancient temple towns. The route primarily follows NH 48 from Mumbai through Maharashtra and Karnataka, transitions to NH 44 near Bengaluru, and finally connects to NH 544 to enter Kerala’s lush green landscapes. With excellent road infrastructure between Mumbai and Kerala, well-maintained toll highways, and abundant amenities—including fuel stations, highway restaurants, and comfortable accommodations for long road trips—this route ensures a smooth and memorable journey. The trip typically takes 22–26 hours of driving time, making it ideal for a 2–3 day road trip itinerary with stopovers in major cities like Pune, Bengaluru, or Coimbatore. It’s one of the best ways to experience South India by car.
Mumbai to Kerala Highway Routes: Your Coastal Journey Options
The most reliable route from Mumbai to Kerala follows NH 48 through Pune and Bangalore, then connects via NH 44 to Salem before taking NH 544 through Coimbatore and Palakkad to reach Kochi, covering approximately 1,400-1,600 kilometers in 22-26 hours of driving time. This route offers excellent road conditions with well-maintained toll highways, multiple fuel stations, and comfortable overnight stopover options in major cities like Pune, Bangalore, and Coimbatore. Alternative coastal routes using NH 66 provide scenic Arabian Sea views but may involve longer travel times and more traffic through smaller towns. The journey passes through diverse landscapes from Maharashtra’s Western Ghats to Karnataka’s plateau regions before descending into Kerala’s lush coastal plains. Plan for strategic breaks in major cities, carry sufficient cash for tolls, and consider the monsoon season (June-September) when road conditions may vary, especially in ghat sections.
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Mumbai to kerala by bus
Taking the bus from Mumbai to Kerala is a budget-friendly adventure that spans approximately 35-36 hours with transfers. Most travellers catch buses from Mumbai to Kochi (Ernakulam) first, then connect to their final Kerala destination. Popular operators like Kallada Travels offer comfortable Volvo AC buses starting around Rs 3,200, with some sleeper options departing Mumbai at 2:15 PM and reaching Kochi by 2:30 AM. The 1,077-kilometre journey can be easily booked through platforms like redBus, MakeMyTrip, or Goibibo. While it’s longer than flying, you’ll save money and witness India’s diverse landscapes transform from Maharashtra’s urban sprawl to Kerala’s lush greenery, making the journey itself part of your Kerala experience.
Mumbai to Kerala Highway Journey – Major Stops Guide
Your road trip from Mumbai to Kochi spans approximately 1,200-1,600 km, taking 2-3 days with overnight stops. You can choose the inland route (NH 48, NH 44, NH 544 via Bengaluru/Salem) for faster travel on major highways, or the coastal NH 66 route for scenic ocean views. The Mumbai-Goa section of NH-66 is nearing completion (expected by June 2025), which will significantly improve travel time on the coast.
Road Trip: Mumbai to Kerala
Total Distance: ~1,400–1,600 km Travel Time: ~22–26 hours (excluding breaks)
Route Map & Highways:
| Section | Major Cities/Towns | Highway(s) Used |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai to Bengaluru | Mumbai → Pune → Satara → Kolhapur → Belgaum → Hubli → Chitradurga → Tumkur → Bengaluru | NH 48 |
| Bengaluru to Salem | Bengaluru → Salem | NH 44 |
| Salem to Kochi | Salem → Coimbatore → Palakkad → Thrissur → Kochi | NH 544 |
Mumbai, Maharashtra: Gateway to India’s Western Coast
Places to Visit in Mumbai
- Marine Drive: Mumbai’s iconic seafront promenade offering sunset views
- Gateway of India: Historic monument overlooking Mumbai Harbor
- Elephanta Caves: UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut temples accessible by ferry
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: Victorian Gothic railway architecture
- Dhobi Ghat: World’s largest outdoor laundry showcasing Mumbai’s working culture
What Makes Mumbai Special
As a prominent Arabian Sea gateway and one of the key coastal cities in India, Mumbai is the ideal starting point for a coastal road trip. Whether you’re exploring the Mumbai skyline or visiting popular attractions before heading south, the city sets the tone for an unforgettable Mumbai to Kerala Road trip via NH-66, one of India’s best coastal highway experiences.
1. Pune (150 km from Mumbai)
Pune is the perfect first stop on a Mumbai to Kerala road trip, offering a refreshing break from the city’s chaos. As the cultural capital of Maharashtra, it’s ideal for a weekend getaway from Mumbai with its pleasant weather, historical attractions, and vibrant food scene. The city is well-connected, with highway-side restaurants, fuel stations, and a mix of budget and luxury stay options, making it a convenient and traveller-friendly stopover.
Places to Visit:
- Shaniwar Wada Palace – Historic Maratha empire fortress
- Aga Khan Palace – Beautiful architecture and Gandhi memorial
- Sinhagad Fort – Scenic hilltop fort with panoramic views
- Pune University Campus – One of India’s most beautiful university campuses
- Koregaon Park – Upscale area with cafes and shopping
2. Kolhapur (230 km from Pune)
Kolhapur makes for an ideal midway stop on a Mumbai to Kerala road trip, known for its royal heritage, traditional crafts, and famous Kolhapuri cuisine. This historic city in Maharashtra offers a peek into the region’s princely past, along with well-developed highways, comfortable lodging, and plenty of dining options for road trippers. Whether you’re interested in cultural experiences or just a great meal, Kolhapur is a must-visit road trip stop.
Places to Visit:
- Mahalaxmi Temple – Ancient goddess temple, architectural marvel
- New Palace Museum – Royal artifacts and Kolhapur’s regal history
- Rankala Lake – Scenic lake perfect for evening walks
- Panhala Fort – Historic hilltop fort with strategic importance
- Kolhapuri chappal workshops – Famous traditional leather footwear
3. Hubli (280 km from Kolhapur)
Hubli marks your entry into Karnataka and serves as a major commercial hub in North Karnataka. The city offers excellent highway amenities and is known for its efficient transport connectivity to various parts of South India. Travelers can enjoy authentic North Karnataka cuisine and experience the region’s unique cultural blend.
Places to Visit:
- Chandramouleshwara Temple – Ancient Chalukyan architecture
- Unkal Lake – Beautiful artificial lake with gardens
- Nrupatunga Betta – Hilltop with panoramic city views
- Siddharoodha Math – Important pilgrimage center
- Hubli-Dharwad twin city area – Explore the cultural contrast
4. Bengaluru (350 km from Hubli)
Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley, offers world-class amenities and serves as the perfect overnight halt for long-distance travelers. The city provides numerous accommodation options from budget to luxury, along with excellent dining and entertainment facilities. Its strategic location makes it an ideal base to rest and rejuvenate before continuing to Kerala.
Places to Visit:
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden – 240-acre garden with diverse flora
- Bangalore Palace – Tudor-style architecture inspired by Windsor Castle
- Cubbon Park – Green lung of the city, perfect for morning walks
- Commercial Street & Brigade Road – Shopping and dining hubs
- Vidhana Soudha – Impressive government building architecture
5. Salem (160 km from Bengaluru)
Salem serves as the crucial junction point where you transition from NH 44 to NH 544 toward Kerala. This steel city of Tamil Nadu offers good highway facilities and is known for its industrial significance and natural beauty. The route through Salem provides spectacular views of the Shevaroy Hills and Western Ghats.
Places to Visit:
- Yercaud Hill Station – Scenic hill retreat in Shevaroy Hills
- Mettur Dam – One of South India’s largest dams
- Sugavaneswarar Temple – Ancient temple with architectural significance
- Kottai Mariamman Temple – Popular local deity temple
- Salem Steel Plant – Industrial heritage site (external viewing)
6. Coimbatore (160 km from Salem)
Coimbatore, the textile capital of South India, offers excellent infrastructure and serves as the gateway to Kerala’s hill stations. The city provides top-notch amenities for highway travelers including quality hotels, restaurants, and medical facilities. Its proximity to the Western Ghats makes it a scenic and refreshing stop.
Places to Visit:
- Marudamalai Temple – Hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Murugan
- VOC Park & Zoo – Family-friendly park with recreational facilities
- Gass Forest Museum – Unique forest and wildlife exhibits
- Brookefields Mall – Modern shopping and entertainment complex
- Velliangiri Mountains – Sacred peaks known as “Kailash of the South”
7. Palakkad (55 km from Coimbatore)
Palakkad marks your official entry into Kerala and is famously known as the “Gateway of Kerala.” This border town offers the first taste of Kerala’s lush green landscapes and unique culture. The Palakkad Gap, a crucial geographical feature, provides stunning views as you descend into God’s Own Country.
Places to Visit:
- Palakkad Fort – Well-preserved 18th-century Tipu Sultan fort
- Malampuzha Dam & Gardens – Beautiful reservoir with boating facilities
- Silent Valley National Park – UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (nearby)
- Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary – Rich biodiversity and elephant sightings
- Dhoni Hills – Scenic hills perfect for trekking and nature walks
8. Thrissur/Kochi (Final Destination – 80 km from Palakkad)
Thrissur and Kochi mark the perfect final stops on a Mumbai to Kerala road trip. While Thrissur, Kerala’s cultural capital, is known for its temples and traditional art forms, Kochi blends historic sites with modern amenities. Both cities offer tourist-friendly infrastructure, including comfortable stays, local cuisine, and easy highway access, making them ideal road trip endpoints in Kerala.
Places to Visit in Thrissur:
- Vadakkunnathan Temple – Ancient Shiva temple, architectural masterpiece
- Thrissur Zoo & Museum-Well-maintained Zoo and natural history museum
- Athirapally Falls – Kerala’s Niagara, spectacular waterfall (30 km away)
Places to Visit in Kochi:
- Fort Kochi – Historic area with Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences
- Marine Drive – Scenic waterfront promenade
- Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) – Museum showcasing Kerala’s royal history
- Chinese Fishing Nets – Iconic cantilever fishing nets
- Jew Town & Synagogue – Historic Jewish quarter with antique shops
Travel Tips
- Plan overnight stays in Pune, Bengaluru, or Coimbatore for comfortable journey breaks
- Carry cash for toll payments and local purchases
- Keep emergency contact numbers and medical kit handy
- Check weather conditions, especially during monsoon season
- Fuel up at major cities as some highway stretches have limited fuel stations
Places to visit in Kerala
Backwater Bliss
- Alleppey (Alappuzha): Known as the Venice of the East, this serene town offers traditional Kerala houseboat experiences, sunset boat rides in Alleppey, and glimpses of village life along Alleppey canals—a must for those exploring the best houseboat cruises in Kerala.
- Kumarakom: Set on the scenic Vembanad Lake, it’s a perfect and peaceful escape. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for bird watching tours and rare migratory sightings.
- Kollam: As the gateway to Kerala backwaters, Kollam charms visitors with scenic boat rides in Ashtamudi Lake and its legacy as a cashew industry heritage town. A great pick among offbeat backwater destinations near Trivandrum.
Hill Station Escapes
- Munnar: Known for its rolling tea plantations in Munnar, misty hills at 1,600 meters, and rare Nilgiri Tahr sightings. Enjoy breathtaking valley views from Munnar tea estates.
- Wayanad: A lush region of coffee plantations in Wayanad, Western Ghats wildlife, and treehouse resorts for nature lovers. Explore ancient caves and elephant corridors.
- Thekkady (Periyar): Famous for boat safaris in Periyar Lake, where you might spot wild elephants. Don’t miss the spice plantation tours in Thekkady featuring cardamom and pepper cultivation in Kerala.
Beach Destinations
- Kovalam: Known for its three crescent-shaped beaches in Kovalam, especially Lighthouse Beach, this spot is famous for Ayurvedic massages by the sea, fresh seafood, and gentle waves ideal for water sports.
- Varkala: Featuring dramatic red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, Varkala is home to natural mineral springs with healing properties. It’s a favourite for spiritual beach getaways in Kerala.
- Marari Beach: A pristine beach near Alleppey, where traditional fishing villages offer authentic local experiences. With palm-lined shores untouched by mass tourism, it’s perfect for a peaceful coastal retreat in Kerala.
Cultural & Historical
- Kochi (Fort Kochi): A vibrant colonial heritage town in Kerala featuring Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi, Portuguese churches, Dutch palaces, and art cafés with fusion cuisine along narrow streets.
- Thrissur: Known as the cultural capital of Kerala, it’s famed for the Thrissur Pooram festival with decorated elephants and traditional percussion. Explore ancient temples and Kerala classical arts hubs.
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram: This richest Hindu temple in the world showcases Dravidian temple architecture and is a major Vishnu pilgrimage site in Kerala, drawing devotees and curious travellers alike.
Homestays to stay in Kerala after a long drive
The Rain, Alleppey
Le Jardin, Kochi
Paradise Valley, Munnar
Titha Villa, Munnar
Cardamom Casa, Munnar
Kurinji Amaze Kodai, Kodaikanal
Brook’s Retreat, Ooty
Under the Stars, Ooty
Villa Aruvi, Ooty
Image banner: Generated by AI
Written by: Elita Almeida
