Kaladi
(35 km):
The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Advaita
philosopher of the 8th century, Kaladi is 10 km from Aluva. Temples
dedicated to Sri Sankara, Sarada Devi, Sri Krishna and Sri Ramakrishna add
to the sanctity of the destination. A place called Crocodile Ghat is where
Sri Sankara took his vows of renunciation. According to legends, a
crocodile caught hold of him and refused to release him until Sankara's
mother Aryamba permitted him to accept Sanyas (renunciation).
Kodanad
(30 km from Kottayam town):
Situated in the high ranges on the
southern bank of the Periyar, Kodanad is one of the largest elephant
training centres in south India. Elephants specially trained for safari
are provided with saddles for riding. There is also a mini zoo for wild
animals here.
Chendamangalam (42 km from Ernakulam
town):
This is a rare geographical combination of three rivers, seven
inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains. The Paliam Palace,
abode of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the erstwhile
Maharajas of Kochi, represents the architectural splendour of Kerala. The
Palace houses a collection of historic documents and relics. The hillocks
at Kottayil Kovilakom presents the unusual sight of a temple, a church, a
mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue, all situated next to each
other. Also interesting is a visit to the remains of the Vypeenkotta
Seminary built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.
Malayatoor
(47 km from Kochi):
Malayatoor is famous for the catholic church on
the 609 m high Malayatoor hill (dedicated to St. Thomas). Thousands of
devotees undertake the pilgrimage to the shrine to participate in the
annual festival - Malayatoor Perunnal (March/April). St. Thomas is
believed to have prayed at this shrine.
Bhoothathankettu
(50 km north east of Ernakulam town):
A picturesque haven situated in
a vast virgin forest, this mythologically popular picnic spot lies close
to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkadu. Two of the main irrigation
projects of Ernakulam district - the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and
the Idamalayar Irrigation Project - are also located nearby. Trekking
through the enchanting wilderness to the old Bhoothathankettu holds
promises of excitement to adventure lovers.
Thattekkadu Bird
Sanctuary (20 km from Kothamangalam on the Kochi - Munnar route):
This sanctuary, nestled in evergreen forests, was discovered by the
renowned ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali and is named after him. The
sanctuary is notable for indigenous birds like the Malabar grey-hornbill,
the woodpecker, rose-ringed and blue-winged parakeet etc. Rare birds like
the Ceylon frog-moth and the Rose-billed roller are also seen here.
Diverse migrant species home in here during season. Wildlife can also be
sighted often.
Athirapally waterfalls (80 km)
Guruvayoor
(108 km):
Sree Krishna Temple (non Hindus are not allowed)
Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary (192 km)
Munnar (130 km):
Hill
station, tea plantations
Kumarakom (92 km):
Lake
Resort, backwater cruises.
Lakshadweep Islands :
Lakshadweep,
a Union Territory of India, is a group of 36 islands, located in the
Arabian Sea, about 300 km off Kochi. Of these islands, Androt, Amini,
Agatti, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadamat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti and Minicoy are
inhabited. The main occupation of the islanders is fishing. The languages
spoken are Malayalam and Mahl. Tourists are permitted to enter through
package tours offered by SPORTS.
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