Around Kochi

Kochi one of the exotic backwater destination, offers you a kaleidoscopic overview of the natural scenic beauty with the touch of old world charm, that reminds you of the Europeans that ruled the city for centuries. It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to leave. Apart from being a top tourist destination, Kochi serves the base from where you can make some exciting excursion. Some of the important sightseeing destinations around Kochi includes :

Malayattoor :

Malayattoor is an important religious place, located 47 km away from city of Cochin. The place is known for its Catholic church, dedicated to the famous apostle of Jesus Christ, St Thomas, who sowed the seeds of Christianity in this part of the world. The church houses a statue of St. Thomas and the imprint of the feet of the Apostle on a rock. Malayattoor is a famed Christian pilgrimage attracts pilgrims not only from Kerala but from other parts of the country.

Kodanad :

Kodanad, located at the distance of 30 km from Kochi, is the head quarters of Malayattur forest Division. Popularly known as ‘Elephant Kraal’, it is the largest center for training for training elephants in South India. Elephants are given special training to do work which human’s can’t like transporting logs, exploring the jungles, etc. Kodanad is also known for the Malayattur church, located on the hilltop, that can be best reached by trekking.

Bhoothathankettu :

Bhoothathankettu, wisely spread in the vast virgin forests is a scenic spot, located 50 km from Kochi. Lying close to the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, it is one such place where you can hang out with your family members or the friends for that perfect weekend gateway. . Two of the main irrigation projects of Ernakulam district - the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar Irrigation Project - are also located close to it. It is also considered as a ideal trekking destination outside Kochi.

Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary :

Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary, 20 kms away from the city of Kochi, is a birding paradise. The wild tropical deciduous forests of teak, mahogany and Sal are a home to 350 species of birds that includes Malabar gray-hornbill, woodpecker, rose-ringed and blue-winged parakeet, Ceylon frog-moth, Rose-billed roller, etc. Other exotic birds are the Malabar trogon, White-bellied treepie and Heart-spotted woodpecker. One can also spot herds of elephant and some other species of the migratory birds that approach the region during the monsoons every year.

Kaladi

Kaladi, located around 35 kilometers from Kochi, is the birthplace of the great Adi Shankararcharya, who was a great philosopher in ancient India. It is said that a crocodile caught hold of his leg and left it only when his family agreed to Shankararcharya's decision to become a saint.


Alappuzha

Alappuzha distinctive backwater destination situated near to the city of Kochi. Also known by the name of Venice of the East, it is famous for the fascinating house boats, its exotic beaches and the popular backwater races. A remarkable land of the region is Kuttanad, which is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.