MUMBAI to KANYAKUMARI – This beautiful Coastal Drive will make you go for a Road Trip right now.
Mumbai >> Ratnagiri >> Panaji >> Murudeshwar >> Mangalore >> Kannur >> Kozhikode >> Alappuzha >> Kanyakumari
Approximately 1644 km
MUMBAI TO RATNAGIRI
The driving distance between Mumbai and Ratnagiri is 331 km. The main places covered during the journey from Mumbai are Kolad, Mahad, Chiplun & Hathkhamba.
Best places to visit on the way to Ratnagiri from Mumbai
Kolad, nestled in the Sahyadri Hills is a small village in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. This place is famous for adventure water sports like River Rafting and in monsoons you can enjoy the natural beauty. The majestic valleys and scenic environment make Kolad a treat to the eyes. You have to experience the fourteen kilometer stretch White River Rafting in the river Kundalika River.
Mahad is considered as the Land of freedom fighters and this town lies on the banks of river Savitri. The most popular tourist attraction in this place is the holy shrine of Shri Varad Vinayak Temple. This shrine is one of the ‘Ashta Vinayak’ shrines in the state of Maharashtra. This place is a stop-over for tourists travelling to Konkan and Mahabaleshwar.
Chiplun is famous for Malvani Cuisine. The top sightseeing places in Chiplun are Vashishti River, Marleshwar Temple, Guhagar Beach, Sawatsada Waterfalls, Lord Parashurama Temple and Koyna Dam.
Ratnagiri is a beautiful port town in Maharashtra surrounded by gorgeous hills of the Sahyadri ranges. This place has a diverse range of tourist attractions in the form of temples, beaches and monuments.
Ratnagiri is famous for Haapus Aam (Alphonso Mango). You can also buy Cashews, Aam Panna, Kokum Sharbhat, Sandan and Amboli.
These are some popular traditional foods from Konkan, the range includes seafood and meat too.
Khaproli – A thick pancake made from rice, lentils, and spices eaten dipped in sweetened coconut milk.
Kismoor – A Goan side dish made with toasted dried prawns, onion, grated coconut and spices.
Ras Shirwale – Freshly made rice noodles dipped in coconut milk that has been sweetened with jaggery.
Kaakdichi Tausoli – A sweet cake made with cucumber, grated coconut and broken rice.
Ratambi Che Sarbat – Pulp of ripe fruit is used for making sharbat, and dried rind of fruit is used as a substitute for tamarind.
Ukdya Tandlachi Pej – Tandalachi Pej is a healthy rice porridge where rice grains are cooked in water with some salt.
Patoli – A rice cake filled with grated coconut and jaggery before being steamed in a turmeric leaf.
Olya Kajuchi Usal – Tender cashew nuts in a spicy curry (Vegetarian).
Kombdi Vade – A Konkani dish made of Chicken & Rice Dumplings.
The top attractions to visit in Ratnagiri are Ratnadurga Fort or Bhagawati Fort, Ganapatipule Beach, Jay Vinayak Temple Jaigad, Kunkeshwar Beach, Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, etc.
RATNAGIRI TO PANAJI
The driving distance between Ratnagiri and Panaji is 236 km. The main places covered during the journey from Ratnagiri are Rajapur and Oros.
Best places to visit on the way to Panaji from Ratnagiri
Rajapur town situated on the banks of river Arjuna. There are many interesting places in Rajapur such as Aryadurga Temple, Ambolgad Beach, Bakale & Madban Beach, Godwane Beach etc.
Oros lies on the NH-17 in the Malvan / Sindhudurg area of Konkan region few kilometers ahead of Kasal. The most popular tourist destinations are Sindhudurg and Tarkarli Beach. Tarkali Beach is one the most beautiful beach in India and this beach has finest white sand.
Panaji, also known as Panjim, is the state capital of Goa, located in the banks of Mandovi River. Places to visit in Panjim are Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, Casino Royale, Goa Archaeological Museum, Se Cathedral, Reis Magos Fort etc.
BEST BEACHES IN GOA
Calangute Beach – Calangute is a town in North Goa, famous for its beach. Normally it’s a little crowded but try and explore the shack and beach located away from the main beach.
You can have a lot of fun as there are good water activities and food joints.
Palolem Beach is situated in Canacona in southern Goa. Palolem is well known for its famous “silent” discos, which are held directly on the beach or in some bars.
Agonda Beach – The long and isolated stretch of Agonda Beach is perfect for those wanting to relax and do nothing. There are restaurants and beach shacks around for drinks & snacks; the sand & water is good too.
Butterfly Beach – After Palolem Beach or Agonda Beach get a boat ride to Butterfly Beach. If you wish, you can trek through the thick forest, when the sun is up, along with a guide from the Agonda side of the island. Otherwise, boat rides are the only option to reach Butterfly Beach.
Baga Beach – Baga a seaside town in Bardez, Goa. Baga has become the most happening beach on North Goa. One can have a drink at the beach shacks or can just simply sit at the beach and enjoy the drink.
Anjuna Beach is in North Goa, 22.2 kilometers from Panaji. It is a beautiful stretch of coastline and the site of a noted flea market. Bars and other eating hubs were available to have a party.
WHAT TO EAT IN GOA?
Ros Omelet is a snack and street food in Goan cuisine. In Konkani, Ros mean “gravy” and this gravy is based on chicken, chickpeas, or coconut milk.
Fish Thali – Fish is a staple in Goa and Fish Thali is one of the favorite dishes of every Goan.
Fish Recheado is prepared by giving slits to the fish and stuffing a special traditional masala in it. Then the fish is coated with semolina and then shallow fried in hot oil.
Pork Curry – The traditional Goan coconut-based curry flavored with salted pork.
Prawns Balchao is a fiery dish from Goa that is almost like a pickle.
Chicken Xacuti is a curry prepared in Goa, with complex spicing, including white poppy seeds, sliced or grated coconut and large dried red chilies.
Bebinca is a type of pudding and a traditional Indo-Portuguese dessert with layers of cake made with plain flour, sugar, ghee (clarified butter), egg yolk, and coconut milk.
WHICH IS THE BEST DRINK IN GOA?
Feni is a favorite local drink in Goa and has been a part of Goan food tradition. This drink is made either from cashew or coconut palm sap, which is then fermented and distilled.
King’s Pilsneer Beer – King’s beer has 0.5% less alcohol content than normal beers and has no after taste as all other beers have.
Urak is a popular name in goa during summer season. Urak is the first distillation obtained from the fermented cashew apple juice.
Kokum Juice or Sherbat is not only delicious but it also has several health benefits.
Port Wine also known as Vinho do Porto, was first brought to Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century AD. This is typically the sweet, red wine, and is often served as a dessert wine.
Armada is One of Goa’s first spiced liqueurs. This is prepared by using Brazilian sugar, Indian spices and Portuguese fruit, made without any artificial flavor or color it has 30% alcohol.
Sol Kadi is a famous and evergreen Goan drink. Freshly prepared from Kokum or Aamsol and Coconut Milk.
PANAJI TO MURUDESHWAR
The driving distance between Panaji and Murudeshwar is 220 km. The main places covered during the journey from Panaji are Gokarna and Honnavar.
Best places to visit on the way to Murudeshwar from Panaji
Gokarna is a favorite among travelers who seek a peaceful vacation and this place is more laid back and less commercialized than Goa.
The beautiful weather, adventurous trekking experience, plenty of rocks and sparkling clean sand at beaches etc. makes Gokarna Special for the tourists. Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach, Namaste Café, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Mirjan Fort, Koti Tirtha, Nirvana Beach, Bhadrakali Temple etc. are the most popular places to visit in Gokarna.
Honnavar is a port town in Coastal Karnataka. Apsarkonda Waterfalls, Eco Beach, Hanging Bridge, Kodlamane Shree Vishnumurthy Temple, Apsarakonda Beach etc are the top attractions in Honnavar.
Murudeshwar is a town in Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka. Murudeshwar is one of the most famous tourist places to visit in Karnataka, for its pilgrimage importance apart from the beach. Murudeshwar is famous for the world’s second-tallest Shiva statue (123 ft) & tallest temple tower (249 ft) of Murudeshwar Temple.
The sea on three sides surrounds the temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri. This is a great place to watch the sunset.
Murudeshwar Shiva Temple, Karnataka
MURUDESHWAR TO MANGALORE
The driving distance between Murudeshwar and Mangalore is 155 km. Udupi is one of the popular destinations that comes on the way to Mangalore from Murudeshwar.
Best places to visit on the way to Mangalore from Murudeshwar
Udupi is famous for Krishna Temple and also popular for Udupi cuisine. Kosambari (dal salad), Koddelu (sambar), Avalakki Upkaari (red chilli poha), Holiges (sweet pancake) and the master piece Masala Dosa are the famous cuisines everyone must try in Udupi.
Kaup Beach & Malpe Beach are the must place to visit when you are in Udupi.
St. Mary’s Islands, Four small islands together form the St. Mary’s Islands. Each of these islands is interconnected and have their specialty. Coconut Island, North Island, Darya Bahadurgarh Island and South Island are the four islands that comprise St. Mary’s Islands. Tourists can reach St. Mary’s Islands only through the ferries from Malpe.
WHAT & WHERE TO EAT IN MANGALORE?
Mangalore is famous for its cuisine. You must and must try Anjal Tawa Fry (King Fish), Korri Roti (Chicken), Bangude Rava Fry, Fish Curry & Rice, Prawn Ghee Roast, Chicken Ghee Roast, Kane Fry and of course try the boiled Rice & Ganji.
Machali Resturant, Image Credits – Shirin
MANGALORE TO KANNUR
The driving distance between Mangalore and Kannur is 144 km. Bekal is one of the popular destinations that comes on the way to Kannur from Mangalore.
Best places to visit on the way to Kannur from Mangalore
The main places covered during the journey from Mangalore are Bekal and Chirakkal.
Bekal, a small town in Kerala which is renowned for its beaches, backwaters, and forts. Bekal Fort & Beach, Kappil Beach, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Nityanandashram Caves etc. are the popular places to visit.
TOP SIGHTS IN KANNUR
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach – Muzhappilangad is considered to be the longest drive-in beach in Asia. It is a wonderful experience driving through the white sanded beach which is 5 km long.
Rajarajeswara Temple, where women are allowed to enter only at night, is a Shiva Temple located in Taliparamba in Kannur district of Kerala.
The temple is one amongst the 108 Shiva Kshethrams to be built by Parashurama and is considered a Shaktipeetham. It’s believed to be the place where the head of Goddess Sati fell off.
Muzhappilangad Beach, Rajarajeswara & Parassinikkadavu Temple; Credits – Kerala Tourism
Parassinikkadavu Temple located on the banks of the Valapattanam River. Visitors offer alcohol to Lord Muthappan. This temple allows entry of people from all caste and religion that makes it unique. Even dogs are allowed to enter this temple, as this temple is the only temple of Kerala with the entrance gate having embellishment of dog’s statues on both the sides.
Palakkayam Thattu is the one of the hill station in Kannur and this is the best choice for people who are interested in adventure activities.
Peralassery Sri Subramanya Temple – The principal deity of this temple is Sri Subramanya. The massive temple pond is world-famous.
Payyambalam Beach is one among the five beaches that is collectively known as Kannur Beach. They are Payyambalam Beach, Meenkunnu Beach, Adikadalayi Beach, Baby Beach and Thayyil Beach.
Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple is a prominent Shiva temple in Kerala, located on the banks of Bavali River. This temple is also known as Dakshina Kasi and the Vaishaka Festival at Akkare Kottiyoor is world famous. This Temple is open only for 27 days for Vysaka Festival (which comes approximately from 15th may to 15th June).
FAMOUS CUISINES YOU MUST TRY IN KANNUR (BASED ON THE REVIEWS)
KANNUR TO KOZHIKODE
The driving distance between Kannur and Kozhikode is 91 km. Vatakara and Koyilandy are the popular destinations that comes on the way to Kozhikode from Kannur.
Best places to visit on the way to Kozhikode from Kannur
Lokanarkavu Temple, Image Credits – agesh
Vatakara – Lokanarkavu Temple, Kunjali Marakkar Museum and Kunjallur Narasimha Murthi Temple are the top attractions here.
Koyilandy – Kapad Beach and Vythiri are the best tourist attractions in Koyilandy.
Kozhikode is situated on the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. Kozhikode beach is on the Western side of Kozhikode and this beach is a favorite haunt of sunset viewers. This is the best place for trying out seafood delicacies like Squid, Prawns, varieties of Fishes, etc.
Kozhikode is famous for HALWA. Mittai Theruvu/SM Street – The Sweet SPOT of Kerala is an ideal place to buy Halwa. Earlier this street was famous for Kozhikkodan Halwa, now one can buy anything and everything including Kozhikkodan Halwa, banana Chips and a variety of other sweets, etc.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KOZHIKODE
Kozhikode Beach is one of the most popular attractions of Kozhikode, which gives an unforgettable sunset sight to our eyes. The best part of beach is crystal clear water and some great street food.
The Dolphin’s Point, Marine Water Aquarium, Lighthouse and Lion’s Park are other attractions that make the beach worth a visit.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary lies in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of Kerala. This bird sanctuary spreads over a cluster of islands where Kadalundipuzha River flows into the Arabian Sea.
Thali Maha Shiva Kshetram is a 14th Century built Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The main deity here is a Shiva linga, which is believed to have been installed by an avatar of Parasurama, the person believed to be the creator of Kerala. This temple was destructed by Tippu Sultan during their invasion of Kozhikode and was later renovated.
Beypore is a fish market and an ancient port town. The charming beach is just like a treasure of peace and calmness with its scenic atmosphere.
Mananchira Square – A scenic park with beautiful lawns, fascinating sculptures, musical fountain and traditional Kerala style buildings make Mananchira Square the most visited spots in the area.
Mananchira Park, Kozhikode
FAMOUS DISHES YOU MUST TRY IN KOZHIKODE (BASED ON THE REVIEWS)
KOZHIKODE TO ALAPPUZHA
The driving distance between Kozhikode and Alappuzha is 233 km. Guruvayur, Kodungallur, Ernakulam, and Cherthala are the popular destinations that come on the way to Alappuzha from Kozhikode.
Best places to visit on the way to Alappuzha from Kozhikode
Guruvayur, a temple town is famous for Guruvayur Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan, one of the most revered forms of Lord Vishnu.
Mammiyoor Shiva Temple, Chavakkad Beach, Chowalloor Siva Temple, and Punnathur Kotta (Elephant Camp) are the other top sights near Guruvayur.
Cherthala town is well known for Karthyayani Devi Temple, located in the center of the town. Other attractions are Thiruvizha Sree Mahadeva Temple, Arthunkal Beach, St Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, and Kanichukulangara Devi Temple.
Alappuzha is often termed the “Venice of the East”. Alappuzha is famous for backwaters, beaches, lagoons, paddy fields, local toddy etc.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN ALAPPUZHA
Alappuzha Beach is one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala. This beach is a famous picnic spot having an old lighthouse nearby.
Marari Beach is one of the perfect locations for holidaying with family and friends. This beach is 16 km away from Alappuzha. The sea water is very clean and ideal for swimming.
Andhakaranazhi is a coastal village which is 31 km away from Alappuzha. This place is still unexploited and it’s a good place to visit with your family and friends.
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple famous for the ‘Palpayasam’, a delicious sweet pudding made of rice and milk. The idol of the deity is linked to the idol of Lord Parthasarathy’s form of Lord Vishnu. The history of this temple relates to Guruvayur Temple, Thrissur.
Fearing the raid of Tipu Sultan the sacred idol of Guruvayur Temple was brought to the Ambalapuzha temple and kept it safe for 12 years. This is one of the highly recommended places to visit.
Mullakkal Bhagavathy Temple – This temple is also known as Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple. This temple is situated at the heart of Alappuzha city. Inside the temple, you will get to witness the 20 feet tall idol of the goddess.
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a very ancient and internationally known center of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods (Nagaraja). This temple is famous for “Uruli Kamizthal” (an offering done by the childless couple). Mannarsala’s heart and soul is Valia Amma (Mannarsala Amma).
Chettikulangara Temple is one of the most renowned Hindu temples in Kerala and the main deity is Sree Bhadrakali, who was born out of Lord Shiva’s third eye.
Kuttanad, the ‘Granary of Kerala’ is known as the Netherlands of Kerala. Kuttanad, lies at the very heart of the backwaters.
Punnamada Lake is the longest lake in India. This lake is also known as Vembanadu Lake. This lake is renowned for the famous boat race called Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
Cruising in a house boat for a few hours in this famous Kayal is a great relaxing and unforgettable experience.
Pathiramanal is a small island in Muhamma Panchayat. The name Pathiramanal means ‘midnight sand’. A 1.5-hour motor boat ride or 30-minute speedboat trip from Alappuzha gets you here. The scenic beauty of both sides of the lake as well as that of the island is mind blowing.
YOU MUST TRY THE FAMOUS DISHES IN ALAPPUZHA (BASED ON THE REVIEWS)
LOCAL TODDY SHOPS YOU MUST TRY IN ALAPPUZHA (BASED ON THE REVIEWS)
Toddy + Beef Fry, Karimeen, Duck Roast, Crab Roast & Pork Curry @ Kakkathuruthu Toddy Shop
Toddy + Duck Curry, Crab Roast, Fish Curry, Appam & Beef Fry @ Kailasam Toddy Shop
Toddy + Duck Curry, Fish Fry & Fish Curry @ Kudapuram Toddy Shop
Toddy + Kuzha, Chicken Curry, Fish Curry, Snake Head Fish Fry @ Garudakari Toddy Shop
Toddy + Fish Fry, Prawns Curry, Duck Roast & Thala Curry @ Chungam Toddy Shop
Toddy Shop Food, Alappuzha
ALAPPUZHA TO KANYAKUMARI
The driving distance between Kozhikode and Alappuzha is 247 km. Thiruvananthapuram is one of the popular destinations that comes on the way to Kanyakumari from Alappuzha.
Best places to visit on the way to Kanyakumari from Alappuzha
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala and is known for the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Beaches of Kovalam & Varkala, Backwaters of Poovar & Anchuthengu and its Western Ghats territories of Ponmudi and Agastyamala.
Thiruvananthapuram & Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of peninsular India. Kanyakumari is surrounded by sea on all sides, namely the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Kanyakumari is famous for Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
Ferry service is available that runs between Kanyakumari to reach Vivekananda Rock Memorial. It was built in 1970 in honor of Swami Vivekananda who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock. This is an excellent place to watch the ocean and meditate. The sun rises from the horizon next to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue.
Evening sun set is very famous where the sun sets majestically with a rocky backdrop and its photographer’s paradise. Kanyakumari is famous for its Hindu pilgrim center, as well as for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunsets.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KANYAKUMARI
Kanyakumari Beach is located at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
Gandhi Mandapam – Gandhi Memorial is a unique structure that was completed in 1956. It has been built in such a way that on 2nd October, which is the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, the rays of the sun pass through a hole in the top of the building.
Padmanabhapuram Palace – Padmanabhapuram is the former capital city of the former Hindu Kingdom of Travancore. The palace was constructed by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal who ruled Venad between 1592 and 1609.
This palace is also known as Kalkulam Palace and it’s a must place for history lovers. The carvings on wood and stone that decorate the walls, ceiling, and furniture are beautiful. You can hire a guide and that person will explain the stories behind different spaces within the palace.
Places to visit in Kanyakumari
Suchindram Temple – This temple is also known as Arulmigu Thanumaliya Perumal Temple. It’s the only shrine where the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu & Maheshwara) is worshipped on one idol. There are a lot of shrines inside the temple complex which are dedicated to different deities.
Outside the temple, there is an Anjaneya statue which is 22 feet tall and is carved in a single granite block. The ‘Alankara Mandapam’ of the temple is known for its 18 feet high musical pillars which were carved out of a single rock.
Vattakottai Fort – A costal fort, spreading over an area of 3.5 acres built in 18th century during the rule of Travancore Kingdom. It was designed by the Dutch captain De Lannoy and is an interesting fort extending to the sea.
Sothavilai Beach – This is the longest beach in Tamilnadu, which stretches over 4 km. This is an unexplored beach with white sand and clear water extending indefinitely to meet the horizon miles and miles away is indeed a sight to behold.
Vattakottai Fort, Kanyakumari
