A vibrant potpourri of history, architecture, cascading waterfalls, colonial charm, water cruises, and religious significance describes Cochin, a gorgeous estuary in Kerala. Mother nature has drawn a thin stretch of land in the south of India, Cochin is engulfed in the emerald blue Arabian Sea and the sun-kissed beaches that remain suspended in time. The best places of interest near Cochin are something to be awestruck about. Kochi remains festive throughout the year, with its Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Indian architecture spread across the landscape.
Top Places to Visit near Kochi
Several places to see near Kochi make a great travel spot for those who want some peace and adventure from their next vacation. Let’s take a glimpse of the top 10 places to visit near Kochi by booking Cochin tour packages, perfect for the next holiday getaway: -
- Fort Kochi – A Glimpse of Colonial India
- Mattancherry Palace – History and Culture
- Cherai Beach – A Coastal Escape
- Athirapally Waterfalls – Nature at Its Best
- Munnar A Hill Station Getaway
- Alleppey – The Backwater Experience
- Kumarakom – Serene Backwaters and Bird Watching
- Thekkady – Wildlife and Adventure
- Varkala - Where Cliffs Meet the Sea
- Chimmony Dam - Untouched Charm & Wilderness
Fort Kochi – A Glimpse of Colonial India
Step inside Fort Kochi and you’ll instantly be relocated to a time different than today. The place is steeped in history as a sign of strategy between the Maharaja of Cochin and the Portuguese Monarch. Walk down the K. J. Herschel Road to find a glimpse of a colonial-style Thakur house, a bungalow that once housed the Britishers and a prime location for the National Bank of India during the colonial era. That’s not all! This tourist spot near Kochi was an address to popular historical monuments like the St. Francis Church, the first church of Vasco da Gama, the Dutch Seminary, and the China Vela to name a few.
The streets are lined with charming European-style buildings, quaint cafes, and art galleries. Do remember! Street shops and residents operate at their own pace, so it is best to visit the place during peak hours.
Mattancherry Palace – History and Culture
Want to explore the finest examples of Kerala-style architecture? Mattancherry Palace, also renowned as the Dutch Palace, is famous for its long and spacious halls and central courtyard. Just a 12 minutes’ drive away from Cochin, this double-storey palace holds a lovely collection of Murals, depicting the great epics of Ramayana, the deity of the royal family - Pazhayannur Bhagavathy and the great works of Sanskrit poet Kalidasa, represented inside the palace.
Mattancherryu Palace is one the great places near Cochin to visit to catch hold of the royal lives of the family who stayed here since 1864, portraying daggers, sheathed swords, royal coins issued by the king of Cochin and ceremonial spears decorated with feathers. Small pieces of history for every tourist to admire.
Cherai Beach – A Coastal Escape
The residents of Cochin Flaunt this beach as the best beach near the city of Cochin. Located at the north end of Vypeen Island, this place is a blend of sea and backwaters. If you are a couple or a family, stroll along the seashells of several shapes and get glued to the green groves around the beachfront. Swimming and sunbathing are among the top activities to do for someone to get away from the clamour of city life.
This popular place to visit near Kochi is described as the “Princess of the Arabian Sea” a paradise for someone who wants to spend some quality time with their loved ones. On the other hand, there is a children's park on the beach for kids, speedboats, and water scooters are all available for rent. Visiting these places of interest near Cochin, is impossible to tear away from, once you get there.
Athirapally Waterfalls – Nature at Its Best
For nature lovers, Athirapally Waterfalls is a must-visit destination and a top tourist attraction near Kochi. The waterfall is a marvellous cascade of frothy water pouring down the Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats in Kerala. This waterfall stands at an elevation of 100 metres above sea level and falls to 80 feet level through several streams. This magnanimous waterfall flows through the verdant greenery of the Vazhachal forest towards the Arabian Sea creating an emerald of water jungle, sparkling water flows through, and an azure sky above your head.
Athirapally waterfall is one of the best places to go near Kochi with an unmissable experience for birdwatchers, trekkers, nature lovers, and photography enthusiasts. What’s more! The famous Indian movie “Baahubali” was shot here, as the locals call it the “Niagara of India.”
Munnar – A Hill Station Getaway
If you're up for a longer trip, Munnar is one of the most beautiful places to see near Cochin. Unending pristine tea plantations, wild sanctuaries, and aromatic spice plantations, these places to see near Cochin are where tourists would never want to leave. For shopaholics, this destination is a spice heaven to collect unique organic spices like ginger, cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, & coffee, etc. The place is a confluence of three rivers - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala which create mesmerising views from atop the hills of Munnar.
Britishers stationed in South India would always go on vacation to Munnar for lower than moderate climate, greenery and adventure. So, why not visit places to see near Kochi, Munnar caters to visitors of every age. Try white, dark liquor-filled chocolates with nuts, buy tea leaves sourced from nearby plantations, and stay at an ayurvedic spa resort for a wonderful staycation.
Alleppey – The Backwater Experience
The backwaters of Kerala are made of calm stretches of lakes, lagoons and canals along the Arabian Sea. Take the backwater cruises, that is an experience of a lifetime. Popularly known as the “Venice of the East” this tourist spot near Cochin beholds the houseboat cruises, a magnificent way to see nature at its best. Alleppey is included in the top places to visit in Kerala near Kochi, with a humble and quiet town silently waiting in the backdrop.
Also, visit the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Krishna. The temple offers the famous rice pudding prepared in candy milk, called the Pal Payasam. Other tourist attractions near Kochi include Revi Karunakaran Museum, Pathiramanal Bird Sanctuary, Mannarasala Temple, and Mullackal Street for shopping for local handicrafts, and an outstanding collection of silver and gold ornaments. Just 55 km from Kochi, Alleppey displays experiences never seen before.
Kumarakom – Serene Backwaters and Bird Watching
Kumarakom takes the scenic backwaters to a whole new level with the brilliant green mangrove forests, green paddy fields, coconut palms lining the embankments, blue skies, and flocks of birds skimming the water - that is Kumarakom, a veritable dreamland. Every year, more than seven million tourists visit Kerala, especially Kumarakom a cluster of islands on the eastern banks of Lake Vembanad. The lake has a maximum length and breadth of 8 km. This small water world has plenty of country boats, crafts and canoes that take you to the heart of Kerala.
The best part is that booking resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodations, exclusive leisure options, Ayurvedic massages, yoga and meditation, besides boating, fishing, angling and swimming. Nonetheless, Kumarakom is one of the best places to go near Kochi, with a canal adorned with white lilies.
Thekkady – Wildlife and Adventure
For those seeking adventure, Thekkady is one of the most popular tourist places near Kochi. Known for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, it offers activities like boating, jungle safaris, jungle patrol, Periyar Tiger Trail, bamboo rafting, and guided nature walks. Located about 160 km from Cochin, Thekkady provides a thrilling experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
The sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Kerala near Kochi centred around the large artificial lake formed by a dam across the Periyar river. Thekkady is renowned for a rich diversity of vertebrates, 62 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, 27 species of amphibians, and 38 species of fish. Nothing is better than seeing nature at its best.
Varkala - Where Cliffs Meet the Sea
Varkala, a serene coastal town in Kerala, is a must-visit destination for its stunning natural beauty, spiritual significance, and relaxed atmosphere. The town's famous cliffs, overlooking the Arabian Sea, provide breathtaking shacks on the cliff, housing charming cafes playing global music that are perfect for enjoying sunsets. Varkala is one of the best places to visit near Kochi which has religious significance and is seeped in tranquillity.
Check out the 2000-year-old Janardhan Swami temple, built by King Pandyan for the redemption of his sins. It is also said pilgrims had sought Lord Narada’s help in atoning for their sins by dipping into the holy waters of the sea. Food lovers would be delighted with delectable seafood cuisines made from the raw fish caught by the local fishermen. So, get ready to visit the places of interest near Cochin with lip-smacking flavourful food prepared on the tandoor under the sunset.
Chimmony Dam - Untouched Charm & Wilderness
At a distance of 90 km, this is one of the best places to go near Kochi. Chimmony Dam was constructed across Chimmony Puzha and is surrounded by the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary. The dam provides water supply to the nearby villages. A place of tremendous natural flora and fauna. For tourists, boating is allowed around the reservoir. One thing to be noted is that transportation is limited in the area. It is best to hire a private vehicle to avoid any travel inconvenience.
Want a relaxing picnic around serene water bodies? The Chimmony Dam is the place where a relaxing picnic and other relaxing recreational activities could take shape. Moreover, so many species are seen, such as the Indian giant squirrel, Nilgiri langur and slender loris. Want to do something different? Talk to the local Malaya Community who settle around the sanctuary, as the tribal-based eco-tourism project is booming in the region.
From historic landmarks to serene beaches and lush hill stations, the places to visit near Cochin are truly diverse and captivating. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or adventure, Kochi and its surroundings offer something for everyone. Book a Cochin sightseeing tour to explore these incredible destinations on your next trip and discover why Kerala is known as "God's Own Country."
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