A road trip from Bangalore to Kochi is one of the most scenic and enriching journeys you can experience in South India. Whether you are riding solo on a motorbike or traveling with your family in a car, this 2–3 day road trip plan helps you explore multiple destinations—not just Kochi but also Mysore, Bandipur, Ooty, and Coimbatore—along the way.
Kochi, known historically as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, has been a major trading port since the 14th century. Its backwaters, islands, colonial-era architecture, palaces, and churches make it one of Kerala’s most culturally rich destinations.
Recommended Route
Bangalore → Mysore → Bandipur → Ooty → Coimbatore → Kochi → Coimbatore → Salem → Bangalore
This circuit ensures you maximize time, avoid unnecessary detours, and enjoy the best attractions across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
1. Why Choose this Route?
This route is ideal for travelers who want to combine hill stations, wildlife, temples, heritage sites, and coastal experiences in one trip. It also offers:
- Beautiful sunrise views on Mysore Road
- Wildlife sightings in Bandipur
- Hairpin bends and viewpoints near Ooty
- Smooth cruising on NH 544 towards Kochi
- Plenty of food stops and fuel stations
The journey blends forests, mountains, colonial towns, and backwaters—perfect for riders and families alike.
2. Suggested Timing for the Trip
-
While going: Start early morning between 3:00 AM – 3:30 AM.
This allows you to reach Kochi around 9:00 PM with sightseeing stops on the way. -
While returning: Start from Kochi in the evening or night, especially if you are comfortable with night driving on highways.
Day 1: Bangalore → Mysore → Ooty → Coimbatore → Kochi
(With Stops and Sightseeing)
1. Start Early: 3:00 AM – 3:30 AM
Leaving before dawn helps you beat traffic on Mysore Road and enjoy a peaceful start.
2. 6:00 AM – Reach Mysore (First Stop)
At sunrise, Mysore Palace looks stunning from outside with soft golden light. Even a quick stop here adds value to the trip.
3. 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Bandipur Tiger Reserve
As you drive through Bandipur forest, you will notice light mist, greenery and a calm environment. Wildlife sightings are common:
- Deer
- Peacocks
- Monkeys
- Occasionally elephants
Drive slowly, avoid stopping inside the forest, and follow forest rules.
4. Breakfast Stop: Karnataka–Tamil Nadu Border
There are many good family restaurants here. This is the ideal place to refresh before entering the ghat section.
5. Ooty Ghat Section
The climb from Masinagudi or Gudalur side offers:
- Sharp hairpin bends
- Dense forest patches
- Mountain viewpoints
- Fresh, cool breeze
Ooty’s pleasant climate and hill views make the journey enjoyable.
6. Optional Stop: Pykara Waterfalls
Spend about 1 hour here if time allows. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and ideal for stretching your legs.
7. Descend to Coimbatore
The downhill road from Ooty to Coimbatore again has beautiful hairpin bends and panoramic mountain views.
8. Optional Stop: Isha Yoga Center (Time Permitting)
If you reach Coimbatore early enough, a short visit to the Adiyogi statue or the Isha Foundation campus is worthwhile.
9. Coimbatore → Kochi (NH 544)
Once you hit NH 544, the road becomes wide, smooth, and perfect for long cruising. Maintain a steady speed and take occasional breaks.
You should reach Kochi by 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Night Stay: Marine Drive, Fort Kochi, MG Road, or Willingdon Island.
Day 2: Kochi Full-Day Exploration
(Backwaters + Fort Kochi + Museums + Heritage Walk)
1. Start Early: 5:00 AM
Reach Marine Drive before sunrise. Public boat services start early and are extremely affordable.
2. Marine Drive → Fort Kochi by Boat
A short 10–15 minute boat ride takes you directly to Fort Kochi. This small journey itself feels refreshing because:
- You get beautiful early morning water views
- The backwaters are calm
- Fort Kochi appears peaceful before tourist crowds come in
3. 6:00 AM – Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi
Walk along the Vasco da Gama Square trail. At this time of the morning:
- The fishing nets look stunning
- Local fishermen begin their work
- Cool breeze and quiet surroundings make it perfect for photos
Spend 1 hour exploring and walking the promenade.
4. Move Around Fort Kochi (Rent a Bicycle or Auto)
Fort Kochi is compact. Most attractions fall within a 2–3 km radius:
- Indian Naval Maritime Museum
- St. Francis CSI Church (where Vasco da Gama was buried once)
- Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
- Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
- Indo-Portuguese Museum
- Fort Kochi Beach
You can comfortably spend the entire day in this region. The heritage streets, cafés, colonial buildings and murals make Fort Kochi one of the best walking destinations in India.
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Day 3: Island Hopping + Kumbalangi Village + Return Journey
Back to Marine Drive for Another Boat Ride
Start from Marine Drive again and use the public boat network to explore nearby islands:
1. Willingdon Island
A man-made island built during British rule. Visit:
- Willingdon Island Walkway
- Harbour viewpoints
- Shipping terminals from a distance
2. Vypin Island
Take a boat from Willingdon to Vypin. Visit:
- Fort Vypin Beach Park
- LightHouse (Optional)
- Scenic views of Fort Kochi across the channel
3. Bolgatty Island
Take another ferry to Bolgatty Island, famous for:
- Bolgatty Palace
- Quiet walking paths
- Marina views
Return to Marine Drive around afternoon and enjoy the waterfront for some time.
Visit Kumbalangi Village (Half Day)
Kumbalangi is Kerala’s first Model Tourism Village, known for its quiet atmosphere and traditional lifestyle.
Here you can:
- Watch fishermen using Chinese fishing nets
- Take small boat rides
- Walk through coconut farms
- Interact with villagers
- Enjoy sunset views over the backwaters
If you love nature and authenticity, you can stay until evening.
Return Trip: Kochi → Coimbatore → Salem → Bangalore
Take NH 544 up to Salem and then NH 44 to Bangalore.
Highlights:
- Wide roads
- Excellent food stops
- Clean fuel stations
- Smooth driving conditions
The journey usually takes 9–11 hours depending on breaks.
Additional Places You Can Visit Around Kochi
If you have more time or want to customize the trip, consider:
1. Famous Temples
- Ettumanoor Shiva Temple
- Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
- Kaduthuruthy Thali Sree Mahadeva Temple
- Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple
- Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
- Vamanamoorthy Temple (Thrikkakara)
2. Backwater Destinations
- Alappuzha (Alleppey) – for houseboats
- Kumarakom – for bird sanctuary and luxury resorts
3. Long Waterway Ride
Take a journey on National Waterway 3 (NW3) from Marine Drive to Kollam. It is one of the most scenic backwater routes in India.
Best Time to Visit Kochi
- October to February: Excellent weather
- June to September: Rain lovers will enjoy monsoon views
- March to May: Hot but manageable with early morning sightseeing
Final Thoughts
This Bangalore to Kochi 2–3 day itinerary is a perfect mix of nature, heritage, backwaters, hill stations and city experiences. With careful planning, you can cover:
- Mysore sunrise views
- Wildlife in Bandipur
- Ooty mountain roads
- Coimbatore attractions
- Kochi’s backwaters, islands and Fort Kochi heritage zone
Whether you’re a solo biker seeking long scenic stretches or a family traveling by car, this route gives you a memorable and well-rounded travel experience across three states.
For more detailed travel guides, itineraries and practical road trip tips, visit PeoplesBLOG.
