Getting from Goa to Kerala

Often while touring India, travellers look at stopping in Kerala after Goa. Both Goa and Kerala and lie on the western coast of India. However, travelling between these two states is not as simple as it appears on the map.

Here are a few suggested travel options from Goa to Kerala

Fabulously green tea plantations in Munnar – Credit: Zoheb Desai

By Train

Probably the best way to get from Goa to Kerala is to take one of the trains running along the coast connecting Goa to Kerala. There are more than half a dozen trains that run between Goa and Kerala. Keep the following points in mind before picking a train between Goa and Kerala.

Most of the trains that connect Goa to Kerala originate from further north of Goa. Some originate from Delhi, Rajasthan while most of them start in Mumbai. Try picking a train that starts from Mumbai as chances of it running delayed are lesser than the other trains.

Some trains reach Goa in the middle of the night between 2:00-3:00 am, while Goa is generally safe it is better to avoid these trains as the railway stations can be deserted at that hour.

Goa has a number of railway stations. If you are staying in North Goa then either Pernem or Thivim should be your boarding station. For south Goa, Madgaon or Cancona should be your boarding station.

Similarly, Kerala has a number of railway stations. If you planning to visit Fort Cochin followed by Munnar and Thekkady you should disembark the train at Ernakulam junction station. If you plan to head to the backwaters then Allepey, or Varkala if you plan to head the beaches in Kerala. Calicut is you stop if you are looking at exploring North Kerala.

The train journey is between 12-14 hours and is advisable to book your train tickets well in advance. Ideally as soon as bookings for your travel date open up i.e. 60 days prior to date of travel.

The train journey from Goa to Kerala is extremely scenic and the cheapest way to get between Goa to Kerala.

Take a beautiful scenic train journey getting from Goa to Kerala – Credit: Mohammed Ali

by bus 

Often travellers think that they can take a bus between Goa and Kerala, since it is possible from Mumbai to Goa. However, this option is not possible.

There are no buses that run between Goa and Kerala. One might think it would be possible if they break the journey into two separate bus journeys. Even then there are no bus options in whichever combination that will take you from Goa to Kerala.

Hiring a car and driver to drive you between Goa and Kerala will be extremely difficult to find, it would be a very long and expensive journey even if you found a driver that agreed to drive you.

Kovalam Beach is a popular tourist destination to visit in Kerala, though overly crowded it is also beautiful

by flight 

One can fly between Goa and Kerala, however, there are no direct flights between Goa and Kerala. You will find most options that fly you to Kochi with a stop or plan change in Mumbai and a few options with a stop or flight change in Bangalore. This one stop flight tends to be more expensive than direct flights between two cities you might take in India. It is advisable to book in advance as the fares for one stop flights can really soar closer to travel dates.

You may have the opportunity to see elephants bathing in the rivers on your holiday – Credit: Tapete Voador Viagens

stops en-route

One can travel from Goa to Kerala using a combination of trains and buses and include few more destinations on their way. You can travel eastwards to Hampi, a gorgeous city of ruins then south to Mysore or Bangalore and finally to Kerala. One can also make stops along the cost in Gokarana, Mangalore, North Kerala and finally Kochi, Kerala.

Take a detour and consider adding Bangalore onto your list of places to visit – Credit: Amit Rawat