Some of the quick getaways from Kochi include :-
Kodungaloor
Before Kochi became one of the most important harbours of India, Kodungaloor, 32 kms away, occupied that pedestal. It is said to be the same Muziris where the apostle St Thomas landed in AD 52. Cheraman Juma Masjid, one of the oldest mosques of south India, is situated en route to Kodungaloor.
Kalady
The pilgrim centre of Kalady, located 45 kms from Kochi, is the birthplace of Shankaracharya, credited for the revival of Hinduism under his Advaita philosophy in the 8th century AD. There are two shrines here in his memory.
Thekkady
If you want to watch a plethora of flora and fauna in their natural habitat, then head for Thekkady, 190 kms from Kochi. The Periyar lake within is a congregation point for elephants and other animals.
Alleppey
65 kms from Kochi, Alleppey is backwater country. The houseboat ride from Kochi to Alleppey is as exotic as it gets with green paddy fields stretching as far as the eye can see and houses which are islands in a sea of water. By train or road it is just an hour away.
Athirappally and Vazhachal waterfalls
Its about 35 km from Kochi, is a must for nature lovers. The two waterfalls separated by a few kilometers are distinct in nature. While one falls unhindered through a massive height, the other cascades in a rush.
Lakshadweep
From Kochi there are ships available to take you to Lakshadweep, a group of 36 islands, about 300 km off Kochi in the Arabian Sea.
