Best nearby Destinations & Day Trips

best nearby destinations

 1. Kumarakom Backwaters

 ~15 km | 30 minutes

 Why Visit?

• Cruise the serene Vembanad Lake on a houseboat or shikara
• Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Enjoy Ayurveda spas, village walks, and lakefront resorts

 Tip: Ideal for relaxation, birdwatching, and photography. Try a sunset cruise.

 2. Vagamon Hill Station

 ~65 km | 2–2.5 hours

 Why Visit?

• Misty hills, pine forests, meadows, and tea estates
• Activities: paragliding, hiking, boating, and camping
• Pleasant weather and beautiful landscapes year-round

 Tip: Great for a cool escape from the plains; carry a jacket during winter.

 3. Ilaveezha Poonchira

 ~55 km | 2 hours

 Why Visit?

• A scenic valley surrounded by hills with no tree cover—ideal for sunrise/sunset
• Perfect for picnics, trekking, and stargazing
• The name means “valley where leaves never fall”

 Tip: Visit during or after monsoon for lush green views and full water reservoirs.

 4. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

 ~12 km | 30 minutes

 Why Visit?

• Ancient Shiva temple famous for its mural of Nataraja and golden elephants
• Significant spiritual site and a center of Kerala temple art

 Tip: Visit during the Ezhara Ponnana festival (Feb–Mar) for a cultural treat.

 5. Marari Beach (via Alappuzha)

 ~60 km | 1.5–2 hours

 Why Visit?

• A clean, quiet, and uncrowded beach near Alappuzha
• Ideal for a relaxed seaside afternoon after exploring the backwaters
• Great for sunsets, seafood, and Ayurveda massages

 Tip: Pair it with a visit to Alappuzha or Pathiramanal Island.

 6. Vaikom Temple & Heritage Village

 ~30 km | 1 hour

 Why Visit?

• One of Kerala’s oldest Shiva temples, with a rich history and peaceful atmosphere
• Historic center of the Vaikom Satyagraha, a major social reform movement
• Enjoy rural life, river views, and temple surroundings

Tip: Try a canoe ride through the surrounding canals.

 7. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

~18 km | 45 minutes

 Why Visit?

• Beautiful multi-level waterfalls hidden among rubber plantations
• A great spot for picnics, trekking, and photography
• Best visited during monsoon or just after

 Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid slippery trails.

 8. Bharananganam & Pala Churches

 ~30–35 km |1 hour

 Why Visit?

• St. Alphonsa Shrine, a major Christian pilgrimage site
• Peaceful atmosphere, beautiful church architecture, and well-maintained surroundings
• Rich Syrian Christian heritage

 Tip: Combine with a rubber estate visit in Pala for a cultural and rural experience.

 9. Pathiramanal Island (via Kumarakom or Alappuzha)

 ~1 hour (including boat ride)

 Why Visit?

• A lush, uninhabited island on Vembanad Lake
• Great for birdwatching, boating, and picnicking
• Rich in flora, migratory birds, and serene views

 Tip: Take a ferry or private boat from Kumarakom Jetty.

 10. Alappuzha (Alleppey)

 ~50 km |  1.5 hours

 Why Visit?

• Known as the “Venice of the East” for its vast backwater network
• Enjoy houseboat rides, seafood, and beachside cafés
• Visit Alleppey Lighthouse and local coir factories

Tip: Great for a day trip or to connect your journey from Kottayam to Kochi.