Kochi is one of the most gorgeous spots in Kerala. The city truly represents the culture of Kerala. The places near Kochi are a combination of beautiful Hill stations, Flora and Fauna, Backwaters, and much more. Tourist spots neighboring Kochi give a perfect weekend getaway to people exploring the region or adrenaline junkies alike. From Munnar to Alleppey here is a list of places you shouldn't miss while exploring places near Kochi.

Found near Kottayam-Idukki Border, Wagamon, famously recognized as Vagamon, is a peaceful, offbeat hill station in Kerala. With an enjoyable climate throughout the year, this astonishing tourist area has gliding streams and dense green hills encircling it. The tea plantations, pine woods, waterfalls, and mesmerizing grasslands are all that make Vagamon the true escape. Visitors can also try many activities like trekking, paragliding, and rock climbing. &nbsp;
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Picnic spot, Adventure sports, beautiful views</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: June to September</li>
 <li>Duration: 1 Day</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Adventure Activities: Trekking at Murugan Mala, Off Roading, Paragliding</li>
 <li>Places to visit in Vagamon: Vagamon Lake, Thangalpara, Vagamon Pine Forest, and Marmala Waterfalls</li>
</ul>

The fact that there are so many places to tour near Kochi creates it one of the most famous tourist destinations. From the likes of cities like Munnar, Thrissur, or Kottayam, to wonders of nature like Athirapally Waterfall, Cherai Beach, Vazhachal Falls, etc. Places around Kochi are vastly different which makes it very exciting to visit and explore the whole region. These places cater to the needs of the different types of tourists paying a visit here and make Kochi a very popular tourist destination in the whole country.

Alleppey is very popular because of its backwaters. It is located 65 km from Kochi. It is a famous tourist destination due to its beautiful canals, backwaters, and beaches. Houseboat rides are a must to experience in Alleppey. The marvelous beaches of Alleppey are also very significant tourist attractions where you can enjoy kayaking. Marari beach, Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, and St. Mary’s Forane Church are some of the other notable spots to visit.&nbsp;
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Backwaters, Beaches, Elephant Parades, House boats</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: October to March</li>
 <li>Duration: 1 night/2 days</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Places to visit nearby: Alleppey Beach, Mullakkal Bhagavathy Temple, Vembanad Lake, Kerala Backwaters, Marari beach</li>
 <li>Activities to do: kayaking, Spa sessions, House boat stay, Shopping</li>
</ul>

Kumarakom is the most visited tourist spot in Kerala. This small village island is located on Vembanad lake and is very popular because of its backwaters, greenery, houseboats, and bird sanctuaries. This village is one of the most scenic territories.
Kumarakom bird sanctuary is among the top destinations in the area. You can lease motorboats or houseboats for bird watching. The Vembanad lake contributes to the beauty of the site by giving stunning views to spectators. Kumarakom is regarded as an excellent weekend getaway near Kochi that lures a large number of tourists itself.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Juma Masjid, House boat rides&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: September to February</li>
 <li>Duration: 1 night/2 days</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Activities to do: Fishing, Skiing, Wind Sailing, House boat ride</li>
 <li>Places to visit in Kumarakom: Juma Masjid, Kumarakom bird sanctuary, &nbsp;Bay island, Driftwood Museum</li>
</ul>

Athirapally Falls exists 78.6 Km away from the Kochi bus stand. At 80 ft tall it is the largest waterfall in Kerala. This waterfall has been featured in various movies like 'Bahubali' due to the cinematic views one gets around the fall. The fall is situated between thick jungle and is a delight for bird lovers as you can spot four rare endangered Hornbill species. You will be able to get a sight of marvelous Sholayar Peaks standing over the rushing falls. There is a pool above the falls where you can swim and unwind.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Movie shoots, Largest waterfall in Kerala, Sholayar Peaks, Sholayar Dam</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: May to March</li>
 <li>Duration: 4-5 hours</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Activities to do: Bird watching, sightseeing, swimming</li>
 <li>Places to visit nearby: Sholayar Dam, Illithode, Chapra waterfalls</li>
</ul>

The cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is a very popular pilgrimage in the state. The very famous &nbsp;Athirapally Falls is also located here. The town is home to beaches like Nattika beach and water sports like boating, swimming, etc. The Vadakkumnathan temple is one of the most well-known temples here. The town is also known for the celebration of Thrissur Puram, which you can witness in April and May.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Pilgrimage, Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur Pooram Festival</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: October to March</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 nights/3 days</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Activities to do: Paintball, Go Karting</li>
 <li>Other Places to visit in Thrissur: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Basilica Of Our Lady of Dolours, and Thrissur Zoo, State Museum, Charpa falls, Peechi dam</li>
</ul>

Gorgeous and astonishing &nbsp;Keezharkuthu Waterfalls aka the Rainbow falls is another attractive waterfall in the Munnar region. This waterfall's beauty is so renowned that many photographers visit here to get perfect clicks. The fall is surrounded by lush greens and elegant tea plantations and proves a delight to one's eyes. Due to these colorful coverings, this fall is named rainbow fall. The flow of the fall remains uniform all year and it is accessible to the public throughout the year.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Photography, Tea plantations</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: Through the year</li>
 <li>Duration: 4-5 hours</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Adventure Activities: Camping, Trekking, Rock climbing</li>
 <li>Other Places to visit nearby: Nyayamakad Waterfalls, Rose garden, Tea museum</li>
</ul>

The Salim Ali bird sanctuary is named after the 'birdman of India', Dr. Salim Ali. The sanctuary is home to 270 species of birds like the Nilgiri wood pigeon and Indian Hornbill. This sanctuary is heaven for bird lovers. In the sanctuary amongst lush greens, visitors can do bird watching and also stay in Bird Song Homestay between nature and birds. The site is certainly a treasure for vacationers arriving on leisurely journeys around Kochi. One can also perform activities like boating, fishing, etc
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Rare species of birds</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year</li>
 <li>Duration: 1-2 hours</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Activities to do: Bird watching, Boating, Fishing</li>
 <li>Other Places to visit nearby: Rose gardens, Valara falls, Anamundi peak</li>
</ul>

The natural wonder of the seven-step Thommankuthu Falls is located in Idukki District. Thommankuthu Falls offers an extraordinary scenic view with the seven-step waterfall and numerous smaller falls as well. It is surrounded by thick woods that one can explore with the assistance of a guide. You can also perform trekking, camping, or rock climbing. There is a pool at every step so you can go for a swim. Other activities like boating and fishing are also available.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Natural beauty, Eco tourism</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: September to May</li>
 <li>Duration: 1 day</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Activities to do: Trekking, Camping, or Rock climbing&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Other Places to visit nearby: Kattadi Kadavu Viewpoint, Meenuliyan Para, and Kottapara Hilltop</li>
</ul>

At 1600 m above sea level, Munnar is a largely travelled destination. It is a proper tourist junction with hotels and activities that have captivated tourists for years. It's all-around views, consisting of tea plantations, beautifully constructed towns, unique flora and fauna, enormous peaks, and dams, make it the complete destination for tourists. Munnar is home to some of the best waterfalls that lie between the hills of Munnar like Atukkad Waterfall which is a great couple destination. Some additional regional attractions are the Salim Ali bird sanctuary and the rare Neelakurinji flower which blooms once every 12 years.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Tea plantations, Waterfalls</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: September to November and January to March</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 night/3 days</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Activities To do: Visit tea plantations, Camping and Trekking at echo point, Mountain Biking at Suryanelli</li>
 <li>Places to visit in Munnar: Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak, The Blossom International Park, and Attukad Waterfalls, Kolukkumalai</li>
</ul>

Places to visit near Kochi

India > Kerala > Kochi

8 Apr 2026

Explore in Kochi

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