Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its diverse landscapes offer a variety of thrilling weekend adventures. From scenic trekking routes through the Western Ghats to adrenaline-pumping water sports, Kerala provides countless opportunities for a quick and exciting getaway. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best weekend adventure trips you can enjoy in Kerala, whether you love trekking, biking, or water sports.
Best Weekend Trekking Routes
- Chembra Peak, Wayanad
- Chembra Peak is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Kerala. The trek offers stunning views of lush forests, tea plantations, and the iconic heart-shaped lake near the top.
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and experienced trekkers.
- Agasthyakoodam, Thiruvananthapuram
- Known for its rich biodiversity, Agasthyakoodam offers a challenging trek through dense forests and steep slopes. This trek is particularly famous among botanists and adventure enthusiasts.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Best for: Trekking enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
- Meenmutty Waterfalls, Wayanad
- This is a relatively easy trekking route that leads to the stunning Meenmutty Waterfalls. The path winds through forests and coffee plantations, making it perfect for a peaceful weekend getaway.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best for: Beginners and nature lovers.
- Anamudi Peak, Idukki
- Anamudi, the highest peak in South India, offers a challenging but rewarding trek. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking, making it a must-do for serious trekkers.
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Best for: Experienced trekkers and mountain lovers.
- Ponmudi Hills, Thiruvananthapuram
- Ponmudi offers an easy-to-moderate trek through rolling hills and tea estates. The pleasant climate and scenic views make it a great option for a quick weekend adventure.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best for: Family treks and casual hikers.
Top Adventure Sports for a Quick Trip
- Paragliding in Vagamon
- Vagamon is one of the best places in Kerala for paragliding. The green meadows and rolling hills provide perfect conditions for this adrenaline-filled adventure.
- Best for: Adventure seekers and first-time flyers.
- Rock Climbing in Thenmala
- Thenmala, India’s first planned eco-tourism destination, offers excellent rock climbing and rappelling opportunities. The rugged cliffs provide a thrilling experience for climbers.
- Best for: Rock climbing enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Kayaking in Alleppey
- The calm backwaters of Alleppey offer an ideal setting for a kayaking adventure. Explore the narrow canals and get a unique perspective of Kerala’s village life.
- Best for: Water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Ziplining in Wayanad
- Wayanad’s lush forests and valleys provide the perfect setting for a thrilling ziplining experience. It’s a fun and adventurous activity for those looking for a quick thrill over the weekend.
- Best for: Adventure seekers and thrill enthusiasts.
- Mountain Biking in Munnar
- Munnar, with its hilly terrain and winding roads, is a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts. The cool climate and stunning scenery make it a top spot for a quick biking adventure.
- Best for: Bikers and fitness enthusiasts.
River Rafting, Paragliding, or Skiing Over a Weekend
- River Rafting in Periyar River, Ernakulam
- The Periyar River offers some of the best river rafting experiences in Kerala. The rapids vary from easy to challenging, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
- Best for: Adventure lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
- Paragliding in Varkala
- The cliffs of Varkala offer a unique paragliding experience with stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Paragliding over the beach and watching the sunset is an unforgettable experience.
- Best for: Adventure seekers and beach lovers.
- Waterskiing in Vembanad Lake
- Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala, offers waterskiing opportunities for thrill-seekers. The calm waters provide the perfect conditions for a fun-filled skiing experience.
- Best for: Water sports lovers and thrill seekers.
- River Rafting in Tejaswini River, Kannur
- Tejaswini River in Kannur is another great spot for river rafting, offering rapids that challenge even experienced rafters. It’s a perfect spot for a weekend adventure.
- Best for: Adventure sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Weekend Escapes for Bikers
- Munnar to Thekkady Route
- This scenic biking route takes you through the tea plantations and dense forests of the Western Ghats. The winding roads and cool climate make it an ideal weekend escape for bikers.
- Best for: Adventure bikers and road trip lovers.
- Kozhikode to Wayanad Route
- Biking from Kozhikode to Wayanad offers stunning views of green valleys, waterfalls, and mist-covered hills. The route is challenging but incredibly rewarding for experienced bikers.
- Best for: Experienced bikers and nature enthusiasts.
- Alleppey to Kochi Coastal Route
- This biking route along the coast is perfect for a relaxed weekend ride. You’ll pass by beaches, fishing villages, and coconut groves, offering plenty of scenic beauty along the way.
- Best for: Leisure bikers and coastal lovers.
- Trivandrum to Ponmudi Hills
- A short and thrilling biking trip from Trivandrum to Ponmudi Hills offers breathtaking views of rolling hills and tea gardens. The winding roads provide the perfect challenge for bikers.
- Best for: Bikers and weekend adventurers.
Quick Scuba Diving Spots
- Kovalam Beach
- Kovalam Beach is one of the best scuba diving spots in Kerala. The clear waters and diverse marine life make it perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.
- Best for: Scuba diving enthusiasts and marine life lovers.
- Varkala Beach
- Varkala is known for its stunning cliffs and pristine waters, making it a great place for scuba diving. You can explore the underwater world and experience the beauty of the Arabian Sea.
- Best for: Water sports lovers and adventure seekers.
- Vizhinjam Beach
- Vizhinjam is a lesser-known but excellent scuba diving spot. The clear waters and vibrant coral reefs make it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful dive.
- Best for: Divers looking for an offbeat experience.
- Kannur Coast
- The coastal waters of Kannur offer some of the best scuba diving experiences in Kerala. The marine life is rich, and the visibility is often excellent, making it a favorite among diving enthusiasts.
- Best for: Scuba divers and beach lovers.
Kerala offers a wealth of adventure activities for a quick weekend getaway. Whether you’re into trekking, biking, or water sports, there’s always something exciting to explore. These weekend adventure trips will give you a thrilling experience and leave you wanting more of Kerala’s natural beauty and adventure opportunities.