Photo Credit : Ponraj Krish from Pixabay
Best Unknown Places in Cochin
The lesser-known places in Cochin are given below list. Those are Ernakulam’s best non-tourist places.
“What is Kochi well known for except the flavors and the Chinese angling nets?” I asked. For some time, the man in the spice shop thought and said, “Kochi–it’s well known to be the way it is.” That’s the place our endeavor began to find this city and the stories it brought to the table. And all of the things to do in Kochi, though past what met the eyes.
For more than 2 centuries, Kochi (or Cochin as locals lean toward) has enamored the creative ability of travelers and pioneers. Vasco Da Gama from Portugal, Ma Huan from China, Niccolo Da Conti from Italy, Zechariah Dhahiri from Yemen are a few travelers who went to and expounded on Kochi.
History makes it clear that Kochi intrigued pioneers because it was a center for the exchange of flavors. Be that as it may, they see a differentiation when one looks history and culture. Stroll around and you’ll understand what we mean. This place is the thing the universe would look like at the time it was made. Individuals of every religion and trust stayed in this city to culminate in concordance.
Things to improve a ride into the wide open. Take a little kayak. What’s more, after the gathering season, you will reach an interesting village that includes paddy fields More misbehaving as a fish cultivates after the season of collecting.
Kochi is a real treat to one’s eye and it has got a lot of hidden and secret places that are untouched by most. So now we can go through a list of unknown tourists places in Kochi:
1. Indo-Portuguese Museum
The Indo-Portuguese Museum is an amalgamation of the culture and architecture of both India and Portugal. It was built in the area of Fort Kochi by the town’s former Bishop, Joseph Urethra. The museum is divided into 5 wings that exhibit Furniture Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life, and Cathedral.
The vintage altar was crafted from the sixteenth-century teak wood. Equally, an Indo-Portuguese monstrance is on show. The robust Portuguese impact in Kochi is witnessed by a chasuble and processional move amassed from the Santa Cruz Basilica. The processional skip is made of silver and wood and at the same time belongs to the seventeenth century because the chasuble, which belongs to the nineteenth century, was converted into obtained from the house of the Bishop.
- Don’t miss: The museum houses some prized artifacts like Indo-Portuguese Monstrance, Processional Cross made of silver and wood, and Coat of Arms of the Francis.
- Opening hours: The museum is closed on public holidays and Mondays.
- Entry fee: For Indians INR 10, and for foreigners INR 25. Unless you happen to be visiting on the first Thursday of the month, however, entry is free.
2.Folklore Theatre and Museum
Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum is one of Cochin’s most popular tourist spots. It exhibits state cultural exhibits and folk-tribal objects. The museum is a 3-story building, opened in 2009, which represents Kerala’s real legacy. The facade of the building has had a very strong architectural influence from Malabar.
The first floor with the architectural style of Cochin is called kalithattu, which means a play floor and displays costumes of Kerala’s various traditional and ritual dance forms such as Theyyam, Ottanthullal, Kathakali, and Mohiniyattam.
Kanjadalam; or lotus petal is the name given to the second floor, decorated with fascinating mural paintings and a chiseled wooden ceiling made of 60-frames.
Here, the theater stages authentic stage plays at 6.30 pm each day. Kerala Folklore Theater and Museum is the result of 25 years of effort and determination from the side of George Thaliath and his wife Annie George, along with inimitable craftsmanship and manpower that 62 carpenters and skilled workers have put in for more than 7 years.
Don’t miss: Folklore Theater and Museum exhibit traditional Kathakali masks, costumes, musical instruments, paintings, ornaments, and historical stone age utensils. Do not miss the manichitrathazhu, Kerala’s traditional ornate door lock while you are entering the building.
- Opening hours: 9.30 am to 7 pm.
- Entry fee: Rs. 100 per head
3. Paniyeli Poru
Paniyeli Poru is a best-hidden gem located on the outskirts of Kochi and a less explored tourist destination in the village of Paniyeli, apt to spend some memorable vacation time. The stunning destination attracts travelers with magnificent rivulets, milky waterfalls, and beautiful streams.
Located nearly 30 kilometers from Kochi, this stunning picnic spot provides mind-blowing views of the Periyar River, taking winding paths between the rocks and dense forest. Most locals often visit this area to relax and enjoy various activities, together with their family or friends. In the backdrop of Malayattoor Hills, each visitor to Paniyeli Poru admires the charm of rocky river regions and rain forests. When visiting this awe-inspiring tourist spot, you’ll feel it’s a pristine gift of nature.
Many travelers arrive in this area after the monsoon to enjoy swimming in the river from December until May. Some of them even cross the region’s streams to reach the small but picturesque island right in the middle of the river. Although this is a tourist spot in progress, Paniyeli Poru lacks enough restaurants and eateries. So, if you intend on visiting this unexplored tourist area, it’s wise to bring food and water. Paniyeli Poru is one of Cochin’s Best Non-Tourist Places and visited by many every day.
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (35 Kms)
- Nearest Railway Station: Aluva (35 Kms); Angamaly (35 Kms)
4. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
An amazing green spot with a wide variety of life and that too in a busy metro is one of the hidden places in Kochi. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, an ecologically sensitive area situated in Kochi’s center behind the Kerala High Court building designated as ‘ Kochi’s green lung’. Mangalavanam’s natural appeal is essentially a bird sanctuary, raised by the Arab Sea that surrounds the sanctuary and gives a panoramic ambiance to it.
The lush dreamland also houses about six mammalian species including a painted bat, Indian flying-fox, Eurasian otter, house rat, and three-striped palm squirrel. Furthermore, we have two amphibian varieties, duttaphrynus melanostictus, and limnonectes limnocharis.
A shallow tidal lake bordered by thick mangrove vegetation, amidst the thick greenery of the Mangalavanam cascades. A canal links the lake to the Cochin Backwaters. And seven species of fish Anabas testudineus, Striped panchax, Blackline rasbora, Orange chromide, Etroplus suratensis, Malabar swamp eel, and Sarotherodon live under the silent depth of this mud. 17 species of butterflies migrate in the fresh air of Mangalavanam, the little beauties that coat the sanctuary with abundances of colors.
Don’t miss: The Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary housed 194 birds of 32 species in 2006. If you happen to spot greenshank, redshank, white-breasted water hen, brahminy kite, and marsh sandpiper, consider yourself lucky. The sanctuary’s beautiful scenery has earned it a spot on Cochin’s list of best tourist spots.
- Hours of opening: 9 am to 6 pm
- Entry fee: No.
Although, bring your water bottles and snacks, as there are far fewer and random eateries indoors.
5. Pooyamkutty River
The river Pooyamkutty and the surrounding woods make it a lovely place for a picnic. The trend-setting film Pulimurugan was shot here. The groves here offer enough hiking possibilities.
Pooyamkutty is a small town in the district of Ernakulam, Kothamangalam Taluk, Kuttampuzha panchayat and within the Kerala State. The nearest town is Kothamangalam, which is 27 km away from Pooyamkutty and takes one hour of travel time. This place is an unknown tourist place within the limits of Kochi.
- Distance: 60.9km via Aluva-Munnar Road
- Transportation: KSRTC bus available
- Risk Factors: In the rainy season the river Pooyamkutti floods the bridge. The Wild Elephants Threat.
- Safety measures: Require forest department permission to cross the bridge and enter the forest.
- Nearby interests: Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Bhoothathankettu Dam, Kuttampuzha, Idamalayar Dam, Urulanthanni (perfect for bird watching), Peendimedu waterfall.
6. Idamalayar
Idamalayar is a concrete multi-purpose gravity dam located at Ennakal, near Bhoothathankettu, on the Idamalayar River, a tributary of the Periyar River in Kerala, South India. Completed in 1985, with a length of 373 meters (1.224 ft), the dam created a 28.3 km2 (10.9 sq mi) multi-purpose reservoir in the scenic hills of the Western Ghats.
A stunning drive that covers 10 to 15 km of lush green land surrounded by forests will take visitors to the Idamalayar dam. The route to follow is the road that connects the Bhoothathankettu dam and Idamalayar Dam. Motor mud racing happens here. It is an elephant center. There are no nearby restaurants.
- Distance: 36km via Kodamangalam
- Transportation: Bus
- Risk factors: Elephants
- Additional interests: Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Urulanthanni (perfect for bird watching), Kuttampuzha, Bhoothathankettu Dam, Idamalayar Dam also offers a drive through the forest.
7. Illithode
Illithode is located about 10kms from Malayattoor and 62kms from Kochi, this charming and picturesque place is bordered on one side by rolling mountains and the other by the beautiful Periyar River. Very few people are aware of the illithode, but this little-known tourist spot attracts more tourists every day. The principal draw here is the river that flows through the wood. Walking through Mahagony’s thick forest will take 15-20 minutes, and Teak to reach the river. One must be very careful when stepping into the river as there are strong undercurrents in certain areas. One can also see monkeys moving through the trees or climbing up. The deep forest and river are the filmmaker’s favorite locations.
Illithode is a tourist eco-spot near the Church of Malayattoor. Periyar is the principal attraction that flows through the trees. That place is loved by filmmakers. There is an off-road track between Idamalayar and Illithodu that is only open during the holy week that starts from March through April. As this place is near Kochi one must take a visit to this place.
- Distance: 47 km via Aluva-Munnar Road
- Transportation: KSRTC, private buses
- Risk Factors: Strong undercurrents
- Additional Interests: Boating, Kodanad elephant training center, Malayattoor Church, Bhoothathankettu, and sanctuary (elephant rides too are available)
8. Kochareekkal Caves
Located around 28 km from Kochi on the Piravom route, Kochareekal Caves is one of the least explored tourist attractions. With large trees, ponds, and caves, this place gives a dense forest atmosphere. Trees have huge roots that give people support in entering the caves(like stair railings). These roots also act as pillars inside the caves.
Still, in good condition, these caves were believed to be hiding places for the soldiers during the battle period. The pond within the premises is another attraction with its origin behind. The water from this pond is used for drinking purposes by the people around it.
Away from the city’s rushes, this place can be accessed by private vehicles. The best time to visit this place is the monsoon season. These cool caves are a perfect place to plan a one day trip. One must never miss this unknown tourist spot near Kochi.
- Areekal waterfalls is a nearby attraction.
- Closest railways stations: Piravom, Ernakulam
- Closest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery.
9. Kuttampuzha
Kuttampuzha, a typical Kerala town in Ernakulam. The bulk of its population is engaged in agriculture and other related activities. Two rivers namely Pooyamkutty and Edamalayar converge at the village. The village air carries the fragrance of the untouched essence of Kerala, still miles away from commercialization. One must come and visit and soak up the soil, the wind and the rivers in its rawness, to know the authentic feel. It is a must-see place in Kochi.
Kuttampuzha is located approximately 30 km from Cochin airport. While railway station Aluva is 40 km away. If you are traveling from Kochi to Kuttampuzha by bus, the route will pass through Kothamnagalam and will be around 60 km long. Look for buses that go to places such as Thattekkad, Pooyamkutty or Kuttampuzha. The nearby tourist destination Thattekkad Bird sanctuary seriously overshadows Kuttampuzha. Thattekkad is certainly a paradise for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts but in terms of natural beauty, Kuttampuzha which is only 7 km away is no less than Thattekkad.
- The best time to visit Kuttampuzha is from October – April.
10. Illikkal Kallu
Illikal Kallu is an important tourist attraction in Kerala (India) district of Kottayam. It is also one of the highest peaks in western ghats, located about 4000 feet above sea level. Illikal Kallu is a rock atop Illikal Mala. The thing that makes this rock unique is that half the rock has fallen off, and there is only the other half. In this peak, many mountain streams flow down to form the Meenachil River. Tourists have to hike 3 km to reach the peak summit.
Illickal Kallu consists of three hills, each of which rises to 4,000 ft above sea level. Each one of the hills has its unique shape. One of them resembles a mushroom, which is why it is called Kuda Kallu (umbrella-shaped rock). The beauty of illikkal kallu and its scenery are similar to the Kodaikanal pillar rocks. The medicinal herb Neela Koduveli is stated to grow here. It is also claimed that this blue flower holds supernatural powers that could increase wealth and ensure a good harvest. It is a must-visit place near Kochi.
Means of transport to the point of departure: Own vehicle, preferably a jeep or a bike. You could even board a bus to the town of Kottayam and then resort to another means of transport up to the trek base.
- Closest railways stations: Kottayam, Ernakulam
- Closest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery.
- Time is taken to travel up to the base of the trek: From Kochi approximately 2 hours and one hour from Kottayam town.
- The total duration of the trek: Nearly 4 hours (from the base of the trek and back)
11. Ramakkalmedu
Ramakkalmedu hill-station is known for its panoramic beauty and windmills, in Idukki district, Kerala, India. The view of the cities of Theni, Thevaram, Vaiga and a few other places located in Tamil Nadu from Ramakkalmedu is fabulous.
As the name suggests, this is said to be the place Lord Rama walked up to in search of his wife Sita, who was taken away by Ravana.
- Closest railways stations: Kottayam, Ernakulam
- Closest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery.
- Time taken to cover this hill station will be around 3 to 4 hours.
12. Mamalakandam
Mamalakandam is a protected area and a 4/4 trekking spot (off-road). The view from the top is lovely, with Munnar parts visible. The place isn’t being promoted because of the tribal community’s presence here. “The Adivasis who reside here can be disturbed by motor vehicles and traffic,” said Sheik Haider Hussain, DFO Malayattoor. “Perhaps they’ll complain,” he told Express.
- Distance: 86km via Aluva-Munnar Road
- Transportation: Self-drive (4/4 vehicles)
- Risk Factors: Trekking by foot, Wild animal attack, and traveling on a bike is extremely dangerous and not advised.
- Safety Measures: Stay away from Entry restricted zones
- Nearby Interests: Inchathotty