Alleppey(Alapuzha)
Situated 63 kms south of Kochi along the coast, Alleppey is connected to Kochi by rail and road. It is called the Venice of the East due to its extensive canal network. Alleppey is perhaps better known as the venue for the annual Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race, a much-publicized, widely-attended activity. This race is attractive also because of the waterways on which it is held.
Cheruthuruthy
Cheruthuruthy is about 110 kms away from Kochi. It is the base of the Kerala Kalamandalam-the world famous art and dance academy where training in various traditional forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam etc are imparted.
Kalady
Kalady is situated 45 kms north-east of Kochi, on the banks of river Periyar. It is a tiny village cradled in green fields. Kalady is the birthplace of Sri Adi Sankaracharya, the monotheist Hindu philosopher. He traveled throughout India, spreading his theory of Advaita or monotheism. There are two shrines dedicated to him- the Adi Sankara shrine and the 8-storey painted Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthambam which is a must-see.
Kodanad
Kodanad is 30-40 kms north-east of Kochi situated on the lower ranges of the Western Ghats on the banks of river Periyar. It is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. There are trained elephants available for riding by tourists. The reserve also houses a mini zoo.
Kodungalloor(Cranganore)
Kodungalloor is 35 kms north of Kochi. The world famous port here was destroyed by a flood which led to the formation of Kochi harbour. St. Thomas, the apostle, is believed to have landed here in 52 AD. Cheraman Mosque, the first mosque in India, built in the form of a Hindu temple, is situated here.
Munnar
About 140 kms on NH49, Munnar is a hill station ideal for a relaxing holiday away from the tropical lowlands. The tea gardens and cardamom plantations give Munnar a beautiful look. The Munnar-Kodaikanal (another hill station) road is believed to be the steepest road in South-East Asia.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady
Situated 190kms east of Kochi, is a natural habitat for elephants, bisons, antelopes, samburs, monkeys and bears. A boat ride through the man-made lake in the heart of the world famous wildlife sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural surroundings.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad bird sanctuary is located 60kms east of Kochi near Kothamangalam. Thattekad is located on the northern bank of river Periyar. It is a tropical evergreen forest in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Spread over 25 sq kms, was once regarded as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India. In spite of recent developments and deforestation, this sanctuary is still home to a large number of rare and exotic bird species.
Thrikkakkara
Located 10 kms east of Kochi, between Aluva and Kalamassery, this place is famous for the Vamanamoorthy Temple, a King who’s worshipped on Onam, a famous festival of Kerala. Thrikkakara has beautiful landscape with its scenery of river, hills and paddy fields. The Vamanamoorthy temple is the only temple in Kerala with the deity of 'Trikkakara Appan' or 'Vamanamurthy' who is Lord Vishnu himself in disguise. Inscriptions from the 10th to 13th century can be found here.
Chendamangalam, North Paravoor
Situated 42 kms from Kochi, Chendamangalam is well known for handloom weaving and coir making. The annual fair called "Mattachanda" (Barter System) is held here on the eve of the harvest festival, Vishu, in April. This place is blessed with scenic beauty- three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains.
Pazhur
Pazhur is located at 25 kms towards the southeast of Kochi, near Piravom. Lord Siva Temple is located here which is believed to be nearly 1800 years old. The place is famous for astrologers who are believed to have been blessed with divine powers.
Aluva
21 kms from Ernakulam, Aluva (Alwaye) is located on the banks of the Periyar River. The Shivarathri festival celebrated here during March/April every year, is a colourful and crowded affair with vendors selling their wares and devotees staying awake the whole night to pay homage to their ancestors. One of the main attractions in Aluva is the Alwaye Palace which is situated on the banks of the Periyar River. The old palace building, with beautiful circular verandas overlooking the river is now used as a Guest House.
Munikkal Guhalayam
Munikkal Guhalayamis located atop a hill at Chengamanad, 30 km north of Kochi. The word "Munikkal Guhalayam" literally means sages rock cave. It is believed that 2000 years ago sage Jangaman had lived here, and the place was initially known as Jangaman, which was later changed to Chengamanad.
Malayattur
47 Kms from Kochi, the place is famous for the catholic church of St. Thomas, on top of the 600 feet high Malayattur hill. Thousands of devotees visit the church between March-April when the annual Malayattur festival is conducted.
