Kakkanad is one among the newly developed areas in the city of Kochi in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Approximated to be about 20 km away from the heart of Kochi, Kakkanad has gradually developed into an industrial and residential area in recent years. Still, there are several other interesting sites to visit in Kakkanad most of which are not easily encountered every time tourists are visiting Kochi and the surrounding regions. The travel enthusiasts can visit the numerous lakes and parks in Kakkanad while those with interest in reserves and religious destinations are also well catered for.
Best Places To Visit In Kakkanad
There are some of the best places to see in and around Kakkanad for your next trip.
1. Kakkanad Kayal
Kakkanad Kayal is a one of the beautiful backwater tourism spots situated in the heart of Kochi city in Kerala state of India. This stunning and calm lake covers an area of more than 350 acres of the land and is supplied by the Periyar River as well as its sheltered number of small islands and forests. The lake also plays a role in nature by acting as a barrier to flooding of Kochi city during the monsoons. It has become one of central attractions for tourists over the years and boating is one of the common forms of pastime activities for the people of Uganda and tourists alike. Boating facilities available are house boats and motor boats whereby the tourist can hire to take a ride round the lake while enjoying the cool breeze and watching the beautiful sceneries around.
Migratory birds are also other common species that can also be found in and around the area of Kakkanad Kayal making it a perfect destination for bird watchers and other lovers of nature. However, pollution and encroachment have been a few challenges that threaten the unspoiled ecosystem that this urban green must offer amid transformation of Kochi into a commercial hub. In conclusion, the construction of the particular type of the Kayal is significant to the geography of Kochi.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Location: Heart of Kochi, near Kakkanad
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2. Changampuzha Park
Image Credit: Nithin D Naik for Wikimedia Commons
Changampuzha Park is one of the beautiful parks in Kakkanad of Kochi in Kerala state. Located in a vast piece of land measuring approximately 25 acres, this park is named after the highly famous Malayalam poet Sri Kumaran Asan, often referred to as Changampuzha Krishna Pillai. The park has a statue and the poem – ‘Veena Poovu’ written by Changampuzha which is the main feature of the park. It has lots of trees and greenery, birds chirping and therefore it is the best place to have early morning and evening walks.
There is also a tiny artificial waterfall and a stream within the park that are equally as adorable. A theatre that is located in the park is an open-air type, in which various cultural events and competitions are held. There are other facilities which include; Seating area, Shaded areas, walkways, children’s playpen, snack bar and well equipped washrooms.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening
Location: Edappally, near Kakkanad
3. Hill Palace Museum
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The Hill Palace Museum is located in Central Kerala at Kakkanad. It was completed in 1865 and was the palace of the Kochi Maharajas up to 1974. Located in the southern part of Kochi city in Kerala, India, the museum spans 52 acres of land and has 49 buildings reflecting the traditional architecture of the place and is related with the Kochi royal family. The museum has many oil paintings, murals, manuscripts, traditional weapons, sculptures, coins and carpets/furniture.
Some of the notable attractions are the crown and the state sword of the Kochi royal family, the musical bow, the murals of bedrooms and banquet halls, the bronze and granite work, carved inscriptions and pillars. It also includes large deer parks and well-trimmed gardens as well. This enormous museum has a great deal of cultural and historical significance and gives the visitors an insight of the culture and historical background of Kochi.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Location: Thrippunithura, near Kakkanad
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4. Vembanad Lake
Image Credit: Anoop Joy for Wikimedia Commons
Some of the other important lakes in India include the Vembanad Lake, which is an extended lake over several districts in Kerala. In the suburb of Kochi city, Kakkanad, the lake occupies a large portion of the area. This part of the lake is also known to be very productive in terms of biological resources and supports several varieties of bird, fish, and other water creatures.
The Vembanad lake stretch at Kakkanad is an exquisite area, with abundant greenery and backwaters which adds beauty to the region. The region has several attractions for tourists and visitors, especially in regard to boating and houseboats in the calm waters of the lake. Some of the races are organised during festivals on the Kakkanad side of Vembanad lake, the most famous being the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The lake is also the source of income for the locals as fishing and inland navigation is a common practice among the people living nearby.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Location: Suburb of Kochi, near Kakkanad
5. Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
Image Credit: Vinayaraj for Wikimedia Commons
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is among the most respected Hindu Shrines in the southern Indian state of Kerala and is near Kakkanad. This temple is devoted to Bhagavathi, a form of the goddess Durga. The temple is known to have curative powers and widely practised in exorcism ceremonies. This temple draws its visitors from all over India in particular people who are in search of both physical and mental healings. This is one of the oldest temples and myths are associated with it as belonging to the villains, royalty, and the general population of several centuries. The architecture includes shrines in the style of the architectural design of Kerala with wood carving and idols of stone. Nava Raatri and Vishu are two such festivals which are celebrated with enthusiasm and attract many people. The temple opens in the morning and closes late at night for darshan and poojas. Preparations from the Prasadam offered vary from simple sweet rice to elaborate sadya meals.
Best Time to Visit: During festivals like Nava Raatri and Vishu
Location: Chottanikkara, near Kakkanad
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6. Wonderla Amusement Park
Image Credit: Jaseem Hamza for Wikimedia Commons
Wonderla Amusement Park is also one of the largest theme parks located in Kakkanad. Located on a vast piece of land, occupying about 30 acres of land, it has many enjoyable rides and activities for people of all ages. Among the major attractions at Wonderla some of them are as follows: Maverick, Drop Zone, Hara-kiri, Equinox 360 and varieties of water rides like Lazy River Road, Wave Pool Rain Disco and Foam Dance Floor. There are also special activities for children such as mini trampolines for bungee jumping, mini locomotives, carousels, boats, and a children’s playground.
Another feature at Wonderla is laser shows, Virtual Reality games and virtual 5D movies, and Musical Fountain. There are several eating places in the park to suit those who prefer local and intercontinental foods. It is very important at Wonderla to ensure children’s and everyone’s safety which is why lifeguards are recruited for all the stations containing water rides and swimming pools.
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Location: Pallikara, near Kakkanad
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Thus in other words, Kakkanad and the surrounding area can be considered as an unconventional tourist attraction if you’re planning a trip to Kochi . It features backwater stretch, greenery, cultural heritage and good food which are an excellent representative of heritage tourism without the rigmarole of too much tourist traffic. This breathtaking combination of natural and architectural elegance is sure to provide an unforgettable vacation! Kakkanad is an emerging area in the city of Cochin. Kakkanad has many tech parks and campuses of companies such as Info Park, Smart City and Lulu Cyber Tower.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kakkanad
Is Kakkanad safe for tourists?
To a certain extent, it is safe for tourists to visit Kakkanad. However, with any location, it is necessary to avoid walking alone at night and never leave your belongings alone.
Can tourists get some good restaurants to eat in Kakkanad?
There are many restaurants and eateries in Kakkanad offering traditional Kerala recipes as well as fast foods and globally renowned food joints.
Are there any parks or recreational site in this area of Kakkanad?
Yes, there are parks and recreational facilities include Rajagiri Valley and Kinfra Hi-Tech Park in Kakkanad.
Is there a public transport service within Kakkanad?
Yes, some of the common local transport systems like buses and auto-rickshaws are easily accessible in Kakkanad. There are also services like taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola.
For what Kakkanad is known for?
Kakkanad is famed for being the Information Technology and Industrial district of Kochi. It accommodates several technology parks, government agencies as well as institutions of learning.
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