If you are a person who loves to be near water and enjoy coastal cities, then Ernakulam is a good tourist destination for you. Home to pristine beaches, magical backwaters, and picturesque views, it will leave you amazed from head to toe. It also offers a vibrant culture that will refreshen you! If you still want more, there are many places to visit near Ernakulam that will give you a unique experience.
10 Best Places To Visit Near Ernakulam
Here is a list of the best places to visit near Ernakulam that will add stars to your vacation. Read along!
1. Alleppey – 58.9 Km From Ernakulam
2. Athirapally Waterfalls – 62.8 Km From Ernakulam
3. Kottayam – 65.4 Km From Ernakulam
4. Thrissur – 75.9 Km From Ernakulam
5. Idukki – 103.6 Km From Ernakulam
6. Guruvayoor – 83.1 Km From Ernakulam
7. Marine Drive – 4.4 Km From Ernakulam
8. Vagamon – 103.1 Km From Ernakulam
9. Munnar – 125.6 Km From Ernakulam
10. Cherai Beach – 30 Km From Ernakulam
1. Alleppey
Alleppey is also known as Alappuzha is the 6th largest city in Kerala. Alleppey offers houseboat rides alongside Kumarakom in Kerala. Back in the earlier centuries, Alleppey is known to have served as a trading port to conduct sea trade with Persian Gulf regions. The entire backwaters ride stretch in Alleppey is dotted with coconut trees that tower the sky and paddy fields that offer a lush green view. There are certain routes in which the Alleppey boat rides operate.
Distance from Ernakulam: 58.9 KM
How to reach: Kochi is the nearest city which is located at a distance of 63 km. The NH47 that passes through Alleppey connects the city to places like Coimbatore, Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram, etc. The Alappuzha railway station situated on the Malabar Coast is well connected to all the major places in other states of India.
Best time to visit: November to February. The months from May to June are usually crowded.
Major Attractions: Krishnapuram Palace, Kuttanad, Mullakkal Temple are some of the major attractions.
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2. Athirapally Waterfalls
Athirapally Waterfalls is one of the top places to visit near Ernakulam. The falls are known for their scenic beauty it offers. During the rainy season, the waterfalls from the top of the hills in several parallel streams. This makes it appear like that of Niagara Falls in Canada. It takes about 15 minutes for one to reach atop the falls and there is great biodiversity that is found in the vicinity. One can swim at the bottom of the falls. The stream forms the Chalakudy river that drains into the Arabian Sea.
Distance from Ernakulam: 62.8 KM
How to reach: Athirapally Waterfalls is very well connected to other major cities like Thrissur, Kochi by road. The two major railway junctions near Athirapally Waterfalls are Thrissur and Kochi. The nearest railway station to Athirapally waterfalls is Chalakudy Railway Station.
Best time to visit: September to January
Major Attractions: Valparai, Munnar, Vazhachal Waterfalls, Cherpa Falls are some of the major tourist attractions
Suggested Read: 10 Charming Homestays In Ernakulam To Feel At Home Even While Being Away!
3. Kottayam
Kottayam is the capital of Kottayam district in Kerala and one of the must-visit places to visit near Ernakulam Kerala. The place is known to have achieved a 100 percent literacy rate. The place is known for the blending of the ancientness of both Hinduism and Christianity in the form of hosting both old temples and being a center of Christianity. One can find some of the oldest churches established in India in Kottayam. During colonial times, many Christian missionaries started spreading their message from Kottayam. The place is a mountainous region with a wide variety of birds, animals, and other flora and fauna.
Distance from Ernakulam: 65.4 KM
How to reach: The KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) Buses operate from all the major parts of the city to Ernakulam. The major railway junction Kottayam is well connected to other major cities in Kerala and other states of India
Best time to visit: October to March
Major Attractions: Pallipurathu Kavu, Saraswathy Palace, Poonjar Palace, Juma Masjid and St Mary’s Orthodox Church. Kottayam serves as the gateway to pilgrim centers like Sabarimala.
Suggested Read: Trekking In Kerala: A Short Guide For Beginners!
4. Thrissur
Thrissur is known for the spectacular religious events that take place every year. The name Thrissur has been obtained from the phrase that conveys the meaning of Land of Shiva. Vadakkunnathan Temple situated in Thrissur is where the extravagant UNESCO awarded event of Pooram takes place. More than 100 elephants are assembled in a single place and more than a thousand of Chenda Melam artists are invited to increase the vibe of the place with the beats. One has to be there to witness this amazing event. Onam and other festivals are celebrated with full josh here as Thrissur is the cultural capital of Kerala.
Distance from Ernakulam: 75.9 KM
How to reach : The KSRTC buses ply from Thrissur to all major parts of the city. It is situated about 80 km from Kochi. The Ernakulam Junction is the nearest railway station located about 68 km from Thrissur
Best time to visit: October to March
Major Attractions: Our Lady of Dolours Syro-Malabar Catholic Basilica, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Elephant Sanctuary near Thrissur.
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5. Idukki
Idukki is one of the best places to visit near Ernakulam. The name Idukki is derived from the Malayalam name Idukku meaning narrow gorge. The gorge is formed by the two rocks where the River Periyar originates. The hills of Idukki district are the home to one of the largest peaks in South India called Anamudi. The lush green hills of Idukki house a variety of wildlife, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary are a must-visit. Due to the umpteen number of rivers that flow through this region, it has become a hotspot for the generation of hydroelectric power.
Distance from Ernakulam: 103.6 KM
How to reach : Kochi is about 90 km away from Idukki and 100 km from Kottayam. The KSRTC buses operate between these routes. The nearest railway junction is Ernakulam located 100 km away from Idukki. There is a railway station at Idukki as well.
Best time to visit: October to May
Major Attractions: Vagamon, Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Idukki Dam
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6. Guruvayoor
Guruvayoor is one of the most frequently visited pilgrim centers in Kerala. Most of the families get the kids ears pierced and the naming ceremony happens near Guruvayoor. The Krishna temple here is known for the powers it possesses. Most of the marriages too happen at Guruvayoor. The temple is known for its excellent architecture built based on traditional Kerala style. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple premises.
Distance from Ernakulam: 83.1 KM
How to reach: Guruvayoor is located at a distance of 27 km from Thrissur and 81 km from Kochi. KSRTC buses operate in this route. The nearest railway junction in Ernakulam.
Best time to visit: March to April
Major Attractions: Punnathur Kotta, Chavakkad Beach and St. Thomas Forane Church
Suggested Read: Monsoon In Kerala: Explore The Coastal Gem!
7. Marine Drive
Marine Drive is a hotspot within the city limits. It stretches from Jankar Jetty in the north to Ernakulam Jn Jetty in the south. Many bridges cross over this drive. It is much more pleasant to walk on these bridges and enjoy the view of sunrise and sunset. The Cheenavala otherwise known as the Chinese Fishing net is one of the top tourist places near Ernakulam.
Distance from Ernakulam: 4.4 KM
How to reach: Located about 3 km from Ernakulam, the place is well connected by road to Kochi and other major places in Kerala. The nearest railway junction in Ernakulam.
Best time to visit: May to June
Major Attractions: Kochi Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Net
Suggested Read: 12 Famous Churches In Kerala That Can Take You By Surprise With Their Magnificence
8. Vagamon
Vagamon, known as Scotland of Asia, is one of the best places to visit near Ernakulam for a Couple. Three hills namely Thangal Hills, which holds the burial ground of Sheikh Fakruddin, Murugan Hills, which is dedicated to the son of Lord Shiva and Kurisumala which was the hotbed of Christian missionaries back in the colonial times surround the entire region of Vagamon. The dairy farm project in collaboration with Switzerland at Kurisumala is a major tourist attraction. National Geographic India has termed Vagamon as one among the top 50 places to visit in India. One can perform a variety of activities like mountaineering, trekking in Vagamon.
Distance from Ernakulam: 103.1 KM
How to reach: Kochi, Kottayam, and Idukki are the nearest cities. One can reach Vagamon from Kochi easily by road. The nearest railway junction in Kottayam.
Best time to visit: September to May
Major Attractions: Thangal Para Rock Formations, Parunthumpara ViewPoint and, Kurisumala Ashram
Suggested Read: 57 Best Places To Visit In Kerala
9. Munnar
Munnar is one of the Places to visit near Ernakulam for a honeymoon or your hills calling. The entire place is known for its beautiful coffee plantations and tea estates. The blue flower known as Strobhilanthus in botanical terms and Neelakurinji in Malayalam and Tamil is known to bloom only once in 12 years here in Munnar. Munnar has a lot of sightseeing locations for one to spend a good three days there.
Distance from Ernakulam: 125.6 KM
How to reach: One can reach Munnar from Idukki district and other Kochi. Tamil Nadu is located very near to Kodaikanal. The nearest railway junction in Ernakulam.
Best time to visit: June to September
Major Attractions: Tata tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park
Suggested Read: 22 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala That Showcase South India’s Exotic Fauna & Flora
10. Cherai Beach
The Cherai Beach is known for the beautiful shells it holds in its sands. The bluish lagoons and the clear waters due to the less crowd is the attractive feature of the beach. If you are looking forward to spending a day at the beaches near Ernakulam which is not too crowded, then Cherai is the right choice.
Distance from Ernakulam: 30 KM
How to reach: One can take a taxi from Kochi or Ernakulam. The nearest railway junction in Ernakulam.
Best time to visit: February to May
Major Attraction: Mattancherry Palace. Hill Palace, Vypeen Island
Further Read: 10 Luxury Resorts In Trivandrum That Beautifully Bring Out The Nature Of Kerala
Ernakulam is one of the best cities to live in Kerala. It has served as the commercial hub of Kerala back in the 17th century and till this date as well. The place is neither too hot in summer nor too cold during winters. The right mix of both sea and lakes in the places around makes Ernakulam an amazing place to visit during all times of the year. The lakes are suitable for boating during all seasons. Ernakulam has good hotels around that fit everyone’s pockets. The place holds a unique position in the list of never to miss places while visiting Kerala.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ernakulam
Which is the best way to reach Ernakulam?
Ernakulam is well connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport to Ernakulam is Cochin International Airport. The nearest junction is Ernakulam which ply train route to all major cities in South India.
Which are the places near Ernakulam that interest children?
Ernakulam is known for the number of dams and biological parks around the region. The children can have a great time boating in the waters of dams and backwaters of Kerala.
Are there any places of historical importance near Ernakulam?
Ernakulam is the place where the colonizers first imprinted their foothold. There are many palaces, British era tea plantations, Jewish synagogues, old Christian churches in and around Ernakulam.
What are the places near Ernakulam that interest the older generation?
The older generation prefers to spend time in divinity. There are many temples, churches, and mosques in Ernakulam. It is a place where all religions reside together in harmony.
What are the places near Ernakulam that interest couples?
The places of interest to the couples are Vagamon, Munnar, Idukki, Alleppey House Boat. One can enjoy every aspect of nature here with their loved ones.
Should one book in advance for the Alleppey houseboat ride?
Yes. But bookings are also done. There is heavy demand during peak season.
Are there any zoological parks near Ernakulam?
The Periyar Tiger Reserve, Eravikulam National Park, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are some of the zoological parks near Ernakulam. Due to its rich green cover, places around Ernakulam are the home to a variety of wildlife.
Which are the best places for shopping near Ernakulam?
Shopping centers like Lulu Mall in Kochi places around Marine Drive are some of the best places to shop. One can also shop in the kiosks of sightseeing locations.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
