Road trips in God’s own country are full of adventures and life-altering experiences. If you are in Trivandrum, make a plan to visit the weekend getaways offering stunning views of long sandy coasts, cultural heritages, and lush greenery. Self-drive cars in Trivandrum offer you the freedom to plan your trip at your pace without spending too much.
You can rent a car that suits your budget, travel party, and driving styles to make the most of your trip. And if you wonder what places to visit, here are some irresistible excursions of the city that you can’t skip.
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Visit Kovalam
The Kovalam beach town is located merely 17.7 km from Trivandrum. Overlooking the vast Arabian Sea, this place signifies tranquillity and natural splendor. The Maharaja of Travancore made it a coveted tourist location in the state.
If you are an adventure junkie, Kovalam offers adrenaline-pumping activities like water skiing, kayaking, and surfing.
For a safe journey, plan your trip between September and March after the monsoon when roads can be muddy and slippery due to incessant rains. When visiting Kovalam, take a detour to Lighthouse Beach situated 35 m high on top of Kurumkal hillock.
That’s the beauty of hiring self-drive car rentals as you can take as many diversions from the usual routes as you like. Make your trip as you go and enjoy every bit of it.
Go to Varkala
If you are a beach bum, Varkala is heaven for you. The destination has some of the most idyllic beaches in the state with the famous Janardhana Swamy Temple. You can plan your trip in March or April to enjoy the Arattu festival in Varkala.
For art lovers, the city has a famous culture center displaying Kathakali performances and Kalaripayattu events. History lovers enjoy a visit to the majestic Anjengo Fort and the lighthouse built by the East India Company in 1695.
Plan a Trip to Kollam
The beauty of Ashtamudi backwaters and Thirumullavaram beach are the prime attractions of Kollam. The city is one of the biggest trade hubs for cashew nuts. When you drive through this city, you will explore Ashtamudi Lake covering nearly 30% of Kollam.
Plan a stay here and hire a houseboat to enjoy backwaters from up close. The best time for this trip is from August to March when the temperature is soothing and comfortable.
If you plan a weekend getaway from Trivandrum to Kollam, visit Palaruvi Waterfalls at 300 feet. This location has dense forests and a perfect spot for family picnics. For beach lovers, Kollam has the Thangassery Beach known for its silver sand and historical lighthouse.
Explore Poovar Coastal Region
At 27 km from Trivandrum, Poovar offers sandy, golden beaches with several fishing spots. This beautiful village gives you respite from chaotic city life amid serene natural surroundings. Poovar Beach is the most visited attraction as it separates the Neyyar River from the sea.
Despite being popular, the beach is relatively tranquil without overcrowding. Though it doesn’t offer adventure sports, you can enjoy fishing expeditions here. Choose self-drive cars in Trivandrum that offer you ample boot space to carry the fishing gear without cramping passenger space. Reputable agencies have a wide fleet encompassing SUVs to fit this purpose.
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Visit Thenmala
Thenmala comes within Kollam District. It is an eco-tourism spot near Punalur Town. The city attracts international and domestic travelers due to its numerous hidden gems. To explore them all, drive your car instead of choosing public transport. The drive from Trivandrum to Thenmala takes 1.55 hours to cover 72 km.
During the trip, you can enjoy the views of stunning landscapes and mountains near Thenmala Sanctuary. Plan a trip to Ponmudi tea plantations at a 15-km distance from Thenmala city. You can also enjoy trekking in the sanctuary or visit deer park near the dam. Hiring self-drive cars in Trivandrum will enable you to plan your itinerary with flexibility.
Enjoy a Trip to Kottarakkara
Kottarakkara represents the rich cultural history and heritage of Kerala. You can plan a short vacation or weekend excursion to the city. It may not be as popular as beaches, but it offers several scenic attractions and popular events.
The Travancore royal family initially ruled the city. This weekend holiday spot is home to Kathakali, and you can visit it any time of the year due to pleasant weather. It takes just 1.36 hours if you drive from Trivandrum.
These are some popular places to explore for weekend getaways outside Trivandrum. When hiring self-drive cars, make sure to ask the provider if they offer roadside assistance, verified vehicles, and flexible packages to suit your budget and needs.
