Driving in Kerala, though easy and fun, requires a good awareness of Kerala traffic rules, road conditions in varying terrain, safety regulations, and places with reportedly high traffic. This can pose a challenge for international travelers visiting Kerala for the first time! This guide will help you master driving in Kerala and offer essential driving tips and tricks for a memorable trip experience.
Driving in Kerala is a refreshing experience, especially in its mountains and remote locales. However, it often poses a challenge for international tourists who are not familiar with traffic rules, traffic conditions, types of signages, the rules for one-way traffic, and the actual travel duration to and from a place here, among other things.
International drivers in Kerala often face clashes with Kerala Traffic Police due to a lack of knowledge about rules and regulations, as well as the difference in road conditions here and back home. This greatly hinders their travel experience and can be super frustrating.
So, we have put together some basic tips, tricks, and tactics in this Kerala driving guide to ensure you have a smooth road trip here.
Essential things to carry while driving in Kerala
First things first. You can’t just hop into a car in Kerala without ensuring you have these essential items in your possession!
These are some crucial things to carry while driving in Kerala, or anywhere in India.
ALSO SEE – Best Time To Visit Kerala: Summer, Winter, or Monsoon?
Driving License and/or passport
You must have acquired a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) before coming to India, right? Don’t forget it in your hotel room!
Kerala Traffic Police is strict about traffic rules and treats everyone equally, regardless of their ethnicity or nationality.
While carrying the passport is optional, you must carry a driving license.
Map of Kerala
Most areas in Kerala offer good internet connectivity and allow you to use Google Maps for navigation. However, it’s advisable to carry a map in case you’re in a remote area, an internet shadow zone, or experiencing heavy rainfall which can greatly influence network connectivity.
Also, it’s never a bad idea to carry a physical map no matter where you are in the world considering our phones can run out of battery or the vehicle might break down.
ALSO SEE –Kerala Tourism Map
A map shall also come in handy in case you’re unable to understand the names of locations in Kerala. You can find them in most stationary shops in Kerala, or you can download one off the internet and get it printed before your trip begins.
Water bottles and light snacks
Kerala, being a tropical destination, is humid and sultry. Carry enough water to sustain yourself even on short journeys.
Traffic is unpredictable in Kerala. Even seemingly short journeys can turn lengthy sometimes, especially if it rains.
Even though there are plenty of rest stops and restaurants alongside all highways, tolls, and major routes in Kerala, no harm in carrying a few granola bars or tasty banana fritters during long road trips, right?
ALSO SEE – Kerala In Summer: 10 Most Refreshing Places To VisitÂ
Umbrella and/or raincoat
Kerala rain is unpredictable. Carry an umbrella or raincoat to make it easier for you to access restaurants, restrooms, and other places along the way.
You can buy umbrellas and raincoats in plenty of places across Kerala, including all markets, grocery stores, and even the airports in Kerala.
ALSO SEE- How To Enjoy The Rainy Season In Kerala
Road conditions in Kerala
While Kerala has a well-maintained road network with good quality national and state highways connecting most of its major towns and cities, many of its villages and hilly regions have narrow, winding roads that can be tricky to traverse for outsiders.
The quality of roads in Kerala can vary in some regions courtesy of high rainfall, frequent heavy traffic, and construction projects. Other than potholes and congestion, travelers also face a challenge driving in hilly regions with winding roads and sharp, hairpin bends.
ALSO SEE – Is Kerala Safe to Travel? Tips and Guidelines
Kerala driving tips
Here are some tips for driving in Kerala that you should follow for a safe and enjoyable road trip in Kerala:
- Start your journey early in the day to avoid the traffic.
- Keep a tab on live traffic conditions via GPS and local weather updates in the area.
- Use GPS even for short distances.
- Keep the contact info of your hotel staff, travel agency, and/or car rental agency in Kerala handy. Since roadside assistance is limited in India, you’ll need these contacts in case you encounter trouble with your vehicle.
- Ask local drivers or your hotel staff to educate you about the traffic conditions in the areas you’re visiting and how to beat them.
- Major cities like Trivandrum, Kochi, Kollam, Palakkad, and Thrissur tend to have high traffic. Plan accordingly.
- Drive slow in hilly regions and rural areas as excess fog and low lighting can hinder visibility.
- Watch out for animals crossing the road, especially in the hills and forested regions.
- Avoid driving during heavy rain, especially at night.
- Watch out for unpredictable driver behavior and steer clear of rash drivers.
ALSO SEE – Kerala Tour Plan – Top 10 Tips
Road ethics and traffic rules in Kerala
- Don’t forget that vehicles drive on the left side of the road in India. Overtaking is also done from the left.
- While most areas in Kerala have functioning traffic lights, you may find traffic police personnel using hand signals to control the traffic in some areas. Stay alert and pay heed to them.
- Consistent honking is a common practice on Indian roads. It may seem irritating but you’ll need to get used to it.
- The speed limit in most areas in Kerala is lower than that in your home country. Drive within the allotted limit, especially around residential areas, schools, and hospitals.
- Parking can be challenging as not all places have designated parking spots. Look for a safe space to park to avoid damage or theft.
- If you land in a dispute with someone on the road, avoid handling it personally or using harsh language. Immediately contact the nearest traffic police for assistance and resolution.
- Be polite to Kerala Traffic Police officials and apologize if you make a mistake on the road. Treat them with respect and they’ll not only reciprocate that behavior but also assist you in making your journey more comfortable.
- Be patient and stay calm while driving through the traffic in Kerala.
ALSO SEE – Kochi Budget Travel Tips
Book with a local tour agency
The best way to travel around Kerala by road is to book a car through a reputed rental agency and have an experienced local driver take you around!
This not only frees you from having to deal with congested roads and traffic laws in Kerala but also allows you to sit back and enjoy a comfortable ride. This way, the only thing you’re watching is the beautiful countryside views, not the GPS.
Local drivers in Kerala are familiar with the roads and have an in-depth knowledge of the best routes, shortcuts, traffic patterns, and rules and regulations.
Several local car rental agencies in Kerala let you pick a vehicle as per your preference, number of passengers, comfort level, facilities (AC/non-AC), and budget.
ALSO SEE – Iris Holidays: Award Winning, Govt Approved Tour Agency in KeralaÂ
These local drivers usually have years of experience driving on Kerala roads and are trained to operate all sorts of vehicles in addition to being polite and professional with travelers.
That’s not all. They know more about the state than Google! They’ll act as your guide and show you the best spots in Kerala’s cities and towns for shopping, sightseeing, dining, adventure, and entertainment!
Popular routes for driving in Kerala
If you wish to experience the true joy of Kerala driving, take some of these scenic road trips!
Kochi to Munnar: Resplendent tea plantations, Nilgiri Hills, waterfalls, lakes
Kochi to Alleppey: Stunning ocean and backwater views
Munnar to Thekkady: Lush green forests, tiger reserve, and spice plantations
Kochi to Thekkady: Dense jungles, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spice gardens
Thekkady to Alleppey: Navigate through backwaters on a houseboat cruise.
Trivandrum to Kanyakumari: Scenic Pamban Bridge drive, coastal highways and roads, confluence views
Kozhikode to Wayanad: Misty hills, breathtaking valleys, and winding ghat roads
Alleppey to Kovalam Beach: Smooth drive parallel to the beach, uninterrupted ocean views, cool sea breeze
Thrissur to Athirappilly Falls: Lush forest route, panoramic dam, several viewpoints overlooking Kerala’s largest waterfall
ALSO SEE – Munnar To Thekkady: India’s Most Scenic Road Trip
Driving in Kerala is a thrilling experience as long as you adhere to traffic rules, follow basic safety protocols, and have a good knowledge of the roads and cities in Kerala with high traffic. Once you’ve mastered that, you’ll really enjoy journeying through Kerala’s scenic hills, forests, villages, and cities. Are you ready for an adventure?
Leave a Reply