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Nestled on the south-west coast of India, Kochi is a commercial port city that boasts of a trading history that dates back to 600 years. It is fondly called the Queen of the Arabian Sea and enjoys its status as the financial, commercial, and industrial capital of Kerala. Kochi enjoys great connectivity and proximity to some of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in South India. There are many exciting places to visit near Kochi that will leave you spellbound. You can lose yourself in the stunning backwaters of Alleppey or explore the cool and quaint Varkala. You can sip tea in the extremely picturesque Munnar or bask in the sunlight on the beaches of Kovalam. From stunning, sun-kissed beaches to national parks to enchanting backwaters, Kochi has it all and they are located at a distance of just a few hours from the city.
Thrissur is one of the largest and most important cities in Kerala. It is located at a distance of 81km from Kochi and is a famous pilgrimage site in Kerala owing to some ancient temples that are highly revered by the devotees here.
The term Thrissur has been derived from Tiru Siva Pur, which was the old name of the city. It means the big town of Lord Shiva. The Vadakkumnathan Temple is the most famous temple in the city and a must-visit site lest you happen to find yourself here. It is a massive temple that dates back to 1000 years. It is known for its beautiful collection of mural paintings, some of which are older than 400 years. The Nataraj mural adorning the main gate is a unique piece of art and a major crowd puller.
Other beautiful attractions in Thrissur include the Athirapally Falls, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Vazhachal Falls, and the Vilwadrinatha Temple. These places perfectly capture the natural, architectural, and historical importance of Thrissur.
Gavi in God’s Own Country ‘Kerala’ is a place where you see nature in its most glorious form. If you want to spend some amazing moments in the vicinity of nature away from gaggling crowds and pretentious city life then Gavi is the place to be. Gavi is known for its abundant natural beauty, and that’s why it attracts botanists from all over the country. It is a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve and is home to several endangered species of animals like Nilgiri tahr and lion-tailed macaque.
Located at a distance of 76km from Kochi, Kuttanad, also known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’ is one of the more offbeat attractions in the backwaters paradise of Alleppey. It is adorned with lush green paddy fields, and you will find farmers practicing old methods of farming here, with the traditional sickle and bullock carts. Kuttanad lies dotted with tall coconut trees, and you can see a lot of farming activities happening here during the monsoon season.
Nestled at a distance of 105km from Kochi, Idukki is one of the most enticing weekend getaways from Kochi. It is the second-largest district in Kerala and is counted among one of the most beautiful hill-stations in the state. The Idukki district is also the abode of South India’s highest peak, Anamudi (2695 meters). In addition to this, it is also home to thirteen other peaks with a height of more than 2000 m. It also features the beautiful Idukki dam, which is Asia’s biggest dam and an idyllic picnic spot.
Idukki lies dotted with wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantation centers, and rolling hills covered with lush greenery. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary spread across 70 sq km, is a major tourist attraction here. It is a natural habitat for several diverse species of plants and animals.
Periyar National Park is a protected area covering the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala. It is known for being an elephant and tiger reserve and is often called the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or Thekkady. The park offers stunning views of the Western Ghats and surrounds a stunning lake. It is home to several species including the Gaur, wild pig, Sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, Dole or Indian wild dog and the tiger. Many birds including darters, cormorants, kingfisher, the great Malabar hornbill, and racket-tailed drongo can be witnessed here. The national park is spread over an area of dense 305 sq km and is fringed by low mountain ridges covered with thick tropical evergreen and deciduous forests. You can enjoy nature walks, jungle scouting, bamboo rafting, border hiking, and overnight stays in the jungle here. The Eco-Tourism Centre run by the Forest Department in Thekkady organizes these activities. You can spot wild hogs, deer, gaur, Indian giant squirrel, sambar, Travancore flying squirrel, jungle cat, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Salim Ali’s fruit bat, stripe-necked mongoose, Nilgiri marten and elephants in the jungle. If luck favors you, you can also spot the majestic tiger on the banks of the lake.
Unlike many national parks in the country, Periyar is open all year-round. However, the cooler drier months from October to February are ideal to visit this place. The sheer diversity and beauty of this place makes it one of the most sought-after tourist places near Kochi.
Situated at a distance of just 15km from Kochi, Kumbalangi is India’s first designated ecotourism village. This quaint fishing hamlet is situated on the outskirts of the city of Kochi. It is tucked away from the madding crowd and noisy city life. If you wish to spend some relaxed moments fishing and boating, then Kumbalangi is the perfect place for you. You will see hundreds of fishing nets dotting the backwaters here, and mangroves link land to water and also provide a breeding ground for frogs, prawns, and several fishes. It is a perfect place to visit on a relaxed one day trip from Kochi.
Enchanting deep blue Arabian sea, steep rocky cliffs, and tall palm trees make Varkala one of the most beautiful beaches in India. The most popular beach in this stunning yet secluded beach town is Papanasam Beach. The frothy waves playing at the sun-kissed white sands at one end, and breaking against the formidable red cliffs on the other is quite a treat to the eyes. Another important tourist attraction that you can visit here is the Anjengo Fort, which is located in a beautiful fishing village. The Janardhana Swamy Temple is a 2000-year old temple situated in the beautiful town of Varkala. It is an important pilgrimage center for Hindus.
Situated between the districts of Kannur and Kozhikode in Kerala, Wayanad spread across the Western Ghats is covered with emerald green plantations. During the monsoon, this beautiful region turns into an even more enchanting shade of green. Wayanad enthralls travelers with some interesting prehistoric archaeological silks, tea plantations, and a blanket of thick forests.
Trivandrum combines traditions and customs with modernity. Despite rampant commercialization, the city has not lost its soul. The fast galloping horse of the economy has not tarnished the age-old charm that this city possesses. Home to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the richest Hindu temple in the world, Trivandrum is a splendid city that holds many wonders within itself. If you are a nature and wildlife lover, do visit Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary nearby, and enjoy the crocodile farm there. A visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) Space Museum makes for an incredible learning experience. If you find yourself in Trivandrum, don’t forget to shop for traditional Kerala sarees here.
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Kovalam is a neighbor to the other stunning beach-town of Varkala and is known for its picture-perfect surroundings. The beaches here absolutely surreal, and you will find a lot of cafes, Ayurveda and yoga centers lining the beaches. The shacks here serve delectable seafood. It is a great place to relax and rejuvenate while watching playful waves.
Known for endless dense tea plantations, Munnar is a perfect getaway from Kochi. Perched at the confluence of three mountain streams—Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly, Munnar is truly an escape from the monotonous din of city life. This charming hill town lies at a distance of 130km from Kochi and attracts bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers. A hike through the tree plantations with meandering rivers flowing by your side is an experience you should not miss. The highest peak in the Western Ghats in India- Anamudi- is situated at a distance of 13km from here. If you love hiking, you are in for a treat! This place is ideal for adventure enthusiasts, couples in love, and people who seek bliss in solitude.
If you are looking for a long, relaxed coastal drive then Kanyakumari is where you should head to. It is known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets and is a major lure for photographers for its picturesque surroundings. It is also one of the few places where you can watch the sunset and a rising moon together. Other major attractions here include the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Thiruvalluvar Statue, Our Lady of Ransom Church and the 3000 years old Bhagavathy Amman Temple.
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Kochi is a beautiful city oozing an irresistible charm. It, along with amazing places to see around it, offer an unparalleled holiday experience. From wildlife to beaches to mountains, Kochi has it all. Plan a sojourn to the beautiful city of Kochi and the places around it for a trip of your lifetime.
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April 15, 2024 
