Here are some of the top weekend getaways from Kollam that you can explore in a day:
1. Alappuzha (Alleppey)
- Why Visit: A backwater paradise with beautiful canals and lagoons.
- Major Attractions: Houseboat cruises, backwater tours, beaches.
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants on houseboats and resorts in Alleppey
2. Kovalam
- Why Visit: A coastal town with beautiful beaches and backwaters.
- Major Attractions: Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, Samudra Beach.
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year, but the monsoon season can be avoided.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several beachside restaurants and cafes in Kovalam
3. Varkala
- Why Visit: A coastal town with a beautiful cliff-top temple and serene beaches.
- Major Attractions: Varkala Beach, Janardhan Swamy Temple, Papanasam Beach.
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several beachside restaurants and cafes in Varkala
4. Thiruvananthapuram
- Why Visit: The capital city of Kerala, with historical sites, beautiful temples, and beaches.
- Major Attractions: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, Kovalam Beach.
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram
5. Kochi
- Why Visit: A historic city with beautiful beaches, forts, and palaces.
- Major Attractions: Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Marine Drive.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for Fort Kochi, evening for Marine Drive.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Kochi
6. Munnar
- Why Visit: A hill station with beautiful tea plantations, waterfalls, and mountains.
- Major Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Tea Gardens.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for Eravikulam National Park, afternoon for Tea Gardens.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Munnar
7. Thekkady
- Why Visit: A wildlife sanctuary with diverse flora and fauna.
- Major Attractions: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Spice Plantations, Boat Safari.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for safari.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants and resorts near the sanctuary
8. Wayanad
- Why Visit: A hill district with lush greenery, wildlife sanctuaries, and beautiful waterfalls.
- Major Attractions: Edakkal Caves, Pookode Lake, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for Edakkal Caves, afternoon for Pookode Lake.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Wayanad
9. Coimbatore
- Why Visit: A bustling city with beautiful hills and temples.
- Major Attractions: Isha Yoga Center, Nilgiri Hills.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for Isha Yoga Center, afternoon for Nilgiri Hills.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Coimbatore
10. Ooty
- Why Visit: A hill station with lush greenery, stunning views, and a pleasant climate.
- Major Attractions: Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Tea Gardens.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for Ooty Lake and Botanical Garden, afternoon for Doddabetta Peak.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Ooty
11. Kodaikanal
- Why Visit: A hill station with beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and forests.
- Major Attractions: Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, Berijam Lake.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for Coaker’s Walk, afternoon for Bryant Park.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Kodaikanal
12. Hampi
- Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient ruins, temples, and stunning landscapes.
- Major Attractions: Virupaksha Temple, Hemakuta Hill, Vittala Temple, Hazara Rama Temple.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for sunrise at Hemakuta Hill, afternoon for temple exploration.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several local eateries in Hampi
13. Mysore
- Why Visit: A historical city with stunning palaces, lush gardens, and a rich cultural heritage.
- Major Attractions: Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundi Hills, Jaganmohan Palace.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for Mysore Palace, evening for Brindavan Gardens.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Mysore
14. Belur and Halebid
- Why Visit: Two historical towns with stunning Hoysala temples.
- Major Attractions: Hoysaleswara Temple (Belur), Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebid).
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for both temples.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several local eateries in Belur and Halebid
15. Chikmagalur
- Why Visit: A coffee lover’s paradise with scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and historic temples.
- Major Attractions: Mullayyanagiri Peak, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalhatti Falls, Kemmannugundi.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for Mullayyanagiri Peak, afternoon for Kalhatti Falls.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Chikmagalur
16. Coorg
- Why Visit: A hill station known for its coffee plantations, misty mountains, and tranquil ambiance.
- Major Attractions: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Bylakuppe (Tibetan Monastery), Talacauvery.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for Abbey Falls and Raja’s Seat, afternoon for Bylakuppe.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Coorg
17. Goa
- Why Visit: A coastal state with beautiful beaches, churches, and forts.
- Major Attractions: Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Chapora Fort.
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year, but the monsoon season can be avoided.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Goa
18. Mumbai
- Why Visit: A bustling metropolis with a vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and historical sites.
- Major Attractions: Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves.
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year, but the monsoon season can be avoided.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Numerous options available in Mumbai
19. Bengaluru
- Why Visit: A bustling city with a vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and modern attractions.
- Major Attractions: UB City, MG Road, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime, depending on your interests.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Numerous options available in Bangalore
20. Hyderabad
- Why Visit: A bustling city with a rich history, diverse culture, and delicious food.
- Major Attractions: Charminar, Golconda Fort, Ramoji Film City.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for Charminar and Golconda Fort, afternoon for Ramoji Film City.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Numerous options available in Hyderabad
21. Chennai
- Why Visit: A bustling city with beautiful beaches, temples, and a rich cultural heritage.
- Major Attractions: Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwar Temple, San Thome Basilica.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for beach, evening for temples.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Numerous options available in Chennai
Note: Always check the weather conditions and road conditions before planning your trip. Carry essential items like water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during the summer months.