Kochi, the cultural and commercial hub of Kerala, is surrounded by scenic landscapes, serene backwaters, historic sites, and vibrant beaches. These destinations are perfect for one-day trips, offering a mix of relaxation, adventure, and exploration. Here’s a detailed guide to the Top 21 Weekend Getaways from Kochi, with reasons to visit, major attractions, best times, and dining recommendations.
1. Fort Kochi and Mattancherry
Why You Should Visit:
Located within Kochi, Fort Kochi is a blend of colonial charm, cultural heritage, and artistic vibes.
Major Attractions:
- Chinese Fishing Nets: Iconic structures lining the shoreline.
- Jew Town and Synagogue: A historic area with antique shops.
- Mattancherry Palace: Known as the Dutch Palace, showcasing Kerala murals.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to evening (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Kashi Art Café: Known for its creative ambiance and continental dishes.
- Seagull Restaurant: Offers seafood with waterfront views.
2. Cherai Beach
Why You Should Visit:
Located 30 km from Kochi, Cherai Beach is known for its clean sand and calm waters.
Major Attractions:
- Swimming and Sunbathing: Enjoy the serene environment.
- Dolphin Spotting: A unique attraction for visitors.
- Backwaters Nearby: Explore the merging of sea and backwaters.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to evening (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Chillout Café: Famous for seafood and snacks.
- Aloha Restaurant: Offers Kerala cuisine and international dishes.
3. Athirapally Waterfalls
Why You Should Visit:
Located 70 km from Kochi, Athirapally is the largest waterfall in Kerala, often called the “Niagara of India.”
Major Attractions:
- Waterfall Viewpoint: Enjoy the majestic cascade.
- Trekking Trails: Explore the forest trails around the falls.
- Birdwatching: Spot hornbills and other species.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 3:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Athirapally Bamboo Restaurant: Known for Kerala meals.
- Cascade Retreat Café: Offers snacks and drinks.
4. Alappuzha (Alleppey) Backwaters
Why You Should Visit:
Located 60 km from Kochi, Alappuzha is famed for its serene backwaters and houseboat experiences.
Major Attractions:
- Houseboat Rides: Cruise through the scenic waterways.
- Vembanad Lake: A perfect spot for relaxation and birdwatching.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to evening (6:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Halais Restaurant: Famous for Kerala-style biryanis.
- Indian Coffee House: Offers simple vegetarian meals.
5. Kumarakom Backwaters
Why You Should Visit:
Located 50 km from Kochi, Kumarakom is a tranquil backwater destination ideal for a day of leisure.
Major Attractions:
- Bird Sanctuary: Spot migratory birds such as Siberian cranes.
- Boating: Relax on a houseboat or a shikara.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (6:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Lime Tree Restaurant: Known for its lakeside dining.
- Cocobay Café: Offers local Kerala meals.
6. Munnar (Lower Regions)
Why You Should Visit:
Located 130 km from Kochi, Munnar’s lower regions are accessible for a one-day trip, offering lush greenery and tea estates.
Major Attractions:
- Valara and Cheeyappara Waterfalls: Perfect for photography.
- Tea Plantations: Explore sprawling tea estates.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to evening (5:00 AM departure recommended).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Highrange Café: Serves snacks and light meals.
- Tea County Restaurant: Known for Kerala thalis.
7. Marari Beach
Why You Should Visit:
Located 50 km from Kochi, Marari Beach is a serene destination for relaxation and natural beauty.
Major Attractions:
- Relaxing Shoreline: Perfect for meditation and sunbathing.
- Local Fishing Culture: Interact with local fishermen.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (6:00 AM – 1:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Marari Beach Resort Café: Offers seafood specialties.
- Palm Heaven Café: Known for its traditional Kerala cuisine.
8. Bhoothathankettu Dam
Why You Should Visit:
Located 55 km from Kochi, this dam is a scenic spot surrounded by legends and natural beauty.
Major Attractions:
- Boating: Explore the reservoir.
- Trekking Trails: Walk through the lush greenery nearby.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Dam View Dhaba: Known for Kerala meals.
- Nature Café: Offers snacks and tea.
9. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
Why You Should Visit:
Located 35 km from Kochi, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a spiritual retreat.
Major Attractions:
- Traditional Architecture: Admire the intricate carvings and serene ambiance.
- Vaikom Boat Jetty: Explore the surrounding backwaters.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to noon (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Vaikom Café: Known for light meals.
- Temple Dhaba: Offers vegetarian thalis.
10. Paniyeli Poru
Why You Should Visit:
Located 30 km from Kochi, this is a hidden gem featuring scenic river views and boulder formations.
Major Attractions:
- River Walks: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Periyar River.
- Nature Trails: Ideal for a peaceful escape.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Riverside Dhaba: Offers snacks and meals.
- Boulder Retreat Café: Known for Kerala cuisine.
11. Kalady (Adi Shankaracharya Birthplace)
Why You Should Visit:
Located 45 km from Kochi, Kalady is the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, the great Indian philosopher.
Major Attractions:
- Adi Shankaracharya Temple: A serene spiritual center.
- Crocodile Ghat: A spot of historical and religious significance.
- Kalady Sanskrit University: Offers a glimpse into the town’s scholastic heritage.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to early afternoon (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Temple Side Café: Serves vegetarian snacks and tea.
- Kalady Bhojanalaya: Known for Kerala-style thalis.
12. Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary
Why You Should Visit:
Located 45 km from Kochi, Kodanad is one of Kerala’s major elephant training centers.
Major Attractions:
- Elephant Interaction: Observe elephants being bathed and trained.
- Riverside Views: Enjoy the scenic beauty along the Periyar River.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Sanctuary Dhaba: Offers traditional Kerala meals.
- Elephant Retreat Café: Known for tea and light snacks.
13. Edamalayar Dam
Why You Should Visit:
Located 60 km from Kochi, Edamalayar Dam is a tranquil destination surrounded by lush forests.
Major Attractions:
- Boating and Fishing: Ideal for a relaxing day by the water.
- Birdwatching: Spot various species of birds and butterflies.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 3:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Dam View Café: Known for simple meals.
- Nature’s Retreat Dhaba: Offers local Kerala dishes.
14. Thommankuthu Waterfalls
Why You Should Visit:
Located 74 km from Kochi, Thommankuthu is a picturesque seven-step waterfall nestled in nature.
Major Attractions:
- Trekking and Hiking: Explore the trails leading to the waterfall.
- Natural Pools: Take a refreshing dip in the pools formed by the cascades.
Best Time to Visit:
- Monsoon and post-monsoon (July to December), mornings (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Thommankuthu Café: Known for snacks and tea.
- Waterfall Dhaba: Serves traditional meals.
15. Vagamon (Lower Regions)
Why You Should Visit:
Located 100 km from Kochi, the lower reaches of Vagamon are accessible for a day trip, offering meadows and lush greenery.
Major Attractions:
- Green Meadows: Ideal for picnics and photography.
- Pine Forests: A tranquil spot for nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit:
- Early morning to evening (6:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Spice Garden Restaurant: Offers multi-cuisine meals.
- Meadow View Dhaba: Known for Kerala-style dishes.
16. Chottanikkara Temple
Why You Should Visit:
Located 20 km from Kochi, Chottanikkara Temple is a revered spiritual destination dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy.
Major Attractions:
- Traditional Architecture: Admire the intricate temple carvings.
- Healing Powers: The temple is believed to provide mental peace and well-being.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning or evening (5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Temple Bhojanalaya: Known for vegetarian meals.
- Cultural Café: Offers snacks and beverages.
17. Andhakaranazhi Beach
Why You Should Visit:
Located 30 km from Kochi, Andhakaranazhi is a serene and lesser-known beach.
Major Attractions:
- Tranquil Shoreline: Perfect for an undisturbed retreat.
- Fishing Activities: Watch fishermen at work.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to evening (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Seaside Café: Offers seafood and snacks.
- Azhimukham Restaurant: Known for local Kerala meals.
18. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Why You Should Visit:
Located 60 km from Kochi, this sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Major Attractions:
- Birdwatching: Spot species like the Malabar grey hornbill and kingfishers.
- Trekking: Explore trails through the dense forest.
Best Time to Visit:
- Early morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Sanctuary Café: Known for simple snacks.
- Forest Retreat Dhaba: Offers Kerala thalis.
19. Periyar National Park (Lower Foothills)
Why You Should Visit:
Located 90 km from Kochi, the foothills of Periyar National Park offer a serene escape for nature lovers.
Major Attractions:
- Boating on Periyar Lake: Spot wildlife while cruising on the lake.
- Short Nature Walks: Explore the foothills of this biodiverse sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Periyar Café: Serves snacks and light meals.
- Forest View Restaurant: Known for Kerala dishes.
20. Puthuvype Beach
Why You Should Visit:
Located 15 km from Kochi, Puthuvype is a peaceful and less-commercialized beach.
Major Attractions:
- Lighthouse Views: Climb to the top for panoramic coastal views.
- Clean Shoreline: Perfect for family outings and picnics.
Best Time to Visit:
- Evening (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Lighthouse Dhaba: Offers seafood delicacies.
- Coastal Café: Known for snacks and tea.
21. Ezhattumugham Prakriti Gramam
Why You Should Visit:
Located 50 km from Kochi, this eco-village is ideal for those looking to reconnect with nature.
Major Attractions:
- River Walks: Explore the tranquil Athirappilly River.
- Eco-Friendly Environment: A great spot for picnics and relaxation.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
Restaurants Nearby:
- Prakriti Café: Serves local Kerala meals.
- Eco Retreat Dhaba: Known for light snacks and drinks.
Conclusion
Kochi’s strategic location allows easy access to a variety of destinations, from serene beaches and backwaters to lush green forests and spiritual retreats. These 21 weekend getaways offer something for everyone, whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration. Use this guide to plan your one-day trips and enjoy the recommended dining spots to complete your journey. Happy exploring!