Aluva is renowned as a scenic town located on the outskirts of Kochi. Earlier not-so-famous among tourists, this place is now gaining massive popularity among people looking for affordable stays in the lap of nature. Since this town is located just 15 km from the city centre on the banks of Periyar River, it is a very good choice for people looking for peaceful tourist attractions. Whether you are planning a family trip to Kochi or want to enjoy some time in the lap of nature and want to explore the best tourist places in Aluva, here is a blog to help you with everything you need to know about this small, yet attractive, town.
About Aluva
Image Credit: Suresh Babunair for Wikipedia Commons
Aluva, formerly known as Alwaye is the second biggest town located in the Greater Cochin City in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. This place is also renowned as an Industrial and Commercial City of Kochi, making it very famous among business travellers. Since this place is also located on the River Periyar, it is also an epicentre of people seeking peaceful holidays in the lap of nature.
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Best Tourist Places In Aluva That You Can Explore
Aluva is a famous destination for pilgrims who join the Mahasivarathri festival, which is held annually at the Shiva Temple. 1000s of people from all of India and other parts of the world visit Aluva to join this grand annual six-day-long festival celebration, but that’s not enough about the tourist attractions of Aluva.
1. Periyar River
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Aluva is located on the banks of the Periyar River, which is a great choice among tourists looking for scenic places to enjoy their time. Since this is a not-so-crowded river, it is very famous among the people looking for amazing results for their photography. If you also want to capture amazing photographs with your group or loved ones, then make sure to visit the Periyar River once during your stay in Aluva. When you are at the Periyar River, you can also visit the nearby tourist attractions like the Shiva Temple and the Seminary Church. Another very famous tourist place located in Aluva is Marthanda Varma Bridge, which offers a good view of Aluva.
Address: Periyar River, Aluva, Kerala, India
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
2. Areekkal Waterfalls
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Another very famous tourist destination is the Areekkal Waterfalls, which is located in Peerumedu in the Idukki district. This is a natural waterfall, which serves as a serene destination for tourists who like to spend a great time with family and friends. This waterfall is surrounded by woods and rubber plantations which add to its natural beauty. If you would like to experience the freshness and beauty of Nature, this is the place to be at. Apart from being a famous tourist spot for visitors, it is also famous among the locals who would like to get rid of the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some time in the lap of nature.
Thanks to picture-perfect landscapes and the solitude this place offers, many people visit here to capture amazing photographs. If you are an adventure lover and would like to enjoy trekking, then also this waterfall can be an ideal choice to visit as this offers endless trails making it an indisputable part of every trekking enthusiast’s bucket list. It is highly suggested to visit this waterfall during the rainy season when this place looks its best.
Address: Areekkal Waterfalls, Koothattukulam, Peerumedu, Idukki, Kerala, India
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
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3. Bastion Bungalow
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If you are a history lover and like to explore tourist attractions with historical values, then visiting Bastion Bungalow can be an ideal choice you can make during your visit to Aluva. This is a very famous tourist attraction destination, which is located near Vasco da Gama Square in Fort Kochi. The best part about this tourist attraction is that it is a fine example of Indo-European style architecture mainly following the Dutch style. Currently, this place serves as the official residence of the Sub-Collector. This construction was made by the Portuguese who built Fort Immanuel during the early decades of the 16th century. When the place was captured by the Dutch in 1663, they started destroying the fort and reduced it to almost one-third of its size.
This building has impressive open verandahs and a tiled roof in geometric patterns. Brick, making it a fine example of Indo-European style architecture. One famous thing about this place is that it also has a network of secret tunnels beneath the bungalow, but nothing has been found yet.
Address: Bastion Bungalow, Fort Kochi, Vasco da Gama Square, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India
Timings: Monday to Friday- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM , Saturday- 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
4. Bhoothathankettu
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Bhoothathankettu is a massive dam located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala and a renowned tourist spot. This dam is located outside the village of Pindimana, which is nearly 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam. The best part about this dam is that it was a natural dam, which was later supplemented by a modern dam impounding the Bhoothathankettu Reservoir. It is known as a natural fortification of hills and forests that guard the place and were built by bhoothams (spirits/ghosts). Apart from visitors looking for scenic locations, this dam is also famous among people who like to enjoy trekking as they can trek through the forests, which can be an exhilarating experience.
When you visit this dam, it is highly recommended to try a boat ride, which can give you a view of the surroundings that is not possible while standing at the dam. During your boat ride, you can also have a glimpse of the legendary Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Among the locals, it is a very famous picnic spot.
Address: Bhoothathankettu Dam, Pindimana, Kothamangalam, Ernakulam, Kerala 686681, India
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children
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5. Cherai Beach
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When you are in Aluva and would like to enjoy your time by the side of a beach, you are lucky as Cherai beach is located at just a 50-minute drive. This beach is located near the industrial district of Ernakulam and to the side of Vypeen Island. It is a peaceful beach, which serves as the perfect destination for those looking for a relaxing swimming experience with the backdrop of coconut groves being the added incentive. The best part about this beach is that it is surrounded by natural beauty and also provides a great view of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets or Cheena Vala.
If you have a hidden desire to see dolphins, then you are lucky as there are many dolphins in the region and this beach is an ideal blend of both the backwaters and the sea. Following the growing number of people visiting this beach, many restaurants and resorts are now set up in the region, offering you delicious food and comfortable stays.
Address: Cherai Beach, Vypin Island, Kochi, Kerala 683514, India
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
6. Museum Of Art And Kerala History
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When you are in any city of Kerala, it makes sense to have a glimpse of the history of Kerala. While the local guides can help you with some knowledge, the accurate one can be obtained only at the history museums. This is why the Museum Of Art And Kerala History is very famous among the people who like to know about the history of Kerala and its surrounding areas. The gallery inside the museum is filled with outstanding Paintings and Sculptures and the Centre for Visual Arts is particularly recommended.
The museum remains open from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm. A light show is also organised by the local authorities so make sure to not miss the light show. Apart from this, a doll museum located at this place is also worth visiting.
Address: Museum of Art and Kerala History, NH 47, Edappally, Kochi, Kerala 682024, India
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults, ₹10 for children
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7. Thrikkakara Temple
Image Credit: Ganesh Mohan T for Wikimedia Commons
Located just 10 kilometres from Aluva, the Thrikkakara Temple is another very famous among the top tourist places in Aluva. This is one of the 108 temples that are dedicated to lord Vishnu in the works of the Tamil Azhwars and is the centre for the Onam Festival. During the Onam festival, this temple is decorated massively as tourists from all over the world visit to experience the celebration during the month of August or September. In South India, Onam is the most important event of the religious calendar. During this time of the year, various types of special rituals and rites are performed in the temple.
The best thing about this temple is that it has beautiful engravings on the walls of its sanctum sanctorum. These engravings show the beauty of traditional Onam celebrations and are known to date back nearly 2500 years.
Address: Thrikkakara Temple, Thrikkakara, Edappally, Kochi, Kerala 682021, India
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
8. Chottanikkara Temple
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This is another famous temple located in the heart of Kochi, which is devoted to the mother goddess Shakti Devi or Rajarajeshwari. According to historians, locals have been worshipping Chottanikkara Devi at the temple in three different forms, which include MahaSaraswati, Maha Lakshmi and Sri Durga. This is one of the most important temples among the 393 shrines spread over 3 Districts of Kerala. Apart from locals visiting this temple to perform Pooja every day, many tourists also visit here throughout the year. So, if you are planning a trip to this place, it is highly suggested to visit Chottanikkara Temple to get the blessings of Maa Shakti Devi or Rajarajeshwari.
The most important festival celebrated at this temple is “MAKOM Thozhal” (worship on Makom day), which happens to appear during the month of Kumbham. As per mythology, Maa Bhagavathy gave darshan to Vilwamangalam Swamiyar on Makom day in her full attire and also comes to the temple every year to give darshan to the devotees in her special appearance.
Address: Chottanikkara Temple, Chottanikkara, Kochi, Kerala 682312, India
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 4:00 AM – 8:45 PM
Entry Fee: Free
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Aluva is a great place to visit when you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing travel experience. With various tourist places in Aluva, it also offers various options for accommodations and restaurants, which further adds to your travelling experience. The next time you plan your trip to Kochi, do not skip visiting the amazing tourist places in Aluva mentioned above.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist Places In Aluva
Is Aluva a good choice to plan a honeymoon trip and why so?
Yes, Aluva is a very famous destination for honeymoon couples who would like to immerse in the natural beauty of Kerala while enjoying all the modern facilities available in the region. There are also many tourist places in Aluva that one can explore on a honeymoon trip.
Are there vegetarian restaurants located in Aluva for tourists?
Aluva is gaining popularity among national and global tourists who visit Kerala to explore its natural beauty. Following the growing demand for veg food options, this region is now getting more and more vegetarian restaurants that serve delicious food to the guests. If you’re also visiting Aluva for the first time, rest assured about enjoying delicious veg food in the region.
Are there any devotional tourist attractions in Aluva?
Aluva is located on the banks of the Periyar River and is also very famous for the Mahasivarathri festival, which is held annually at the Shiva Temple. Apart from this Shiva Temple, there are many other temples in the region like Thrikkakara Temple, Chottanikkara Temple, etc. If you want to visit Aluva to explore the temples, do check the calendar for festivals to make the most of your visit to the region.
Is Aluva a good choice to stay when planning a trip to Kochi?
Yes, Aluva is gaining popularity among global and national travellers who are looking for affordable and comfortable accommodation options as there are many hotels and resorts located in the region. Since this is not a famous tourist attraction, you can grab the best deals on the accommodations for your stay in Aluva.
Is there any airport or railway station in Aluva?
There is a railway station located in the city of Aluva, but it is recommended that you check if the train you are choosing stops at this station. If not, then you can consider reaching Ernakulam Junction railway station and then take a taxi to reach Aluva. Talking about the airport, there is no airport located in the region. The airport is located in Kochi.
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