2. Willingdon Island

Willingdon Island is a man-made island in the city of Kochi, in the state of Kerala, India. The island was created during the construction of the Port of Kochi in 1936, and named after The 1st Earl of Willingdon, the then Viceroy and Governor-General of British India. 

The island is connected to Ernakulam mainland by the Willingdon Bridge. Willingdon Island houses the modern port facilities of Kochi, including a container transshipment terminal, international cruise ship terminal and Cochin Shipyard.

It also houses several hotels, an oil refinery, the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command and a naval air station INS Garuda.

3. Ernakulam

Ernakulam is a beautiful city located in the south-west of Kerala. Ernakulam is often referred to as the "Gateway to Kerala".

The city's name derives from Sanskrit meaning "the abode of Lord Shiva". Ernakulam was also known as Rishnagiri (meaning "Land of Lakshmi"). It is well-known for its traditional architecture, beaches, and nightlife.

Ernakulam has a number of tourist attractions that include Chottanikkara Temple, Puthuvype Beach, Ernakulam Shiva Temple, BhoothathanKettu Dam & Reserve Forest, etc.

If you are looking for a relaxing vacation, Ernakulam is the perfect place to visit. There are many local restaurants and bars that offer great food and drinks. Plus, the beaches and nature reserves are a great way to spend your time.

4.Aluva

Aluva is a city and municipality in Kochi, Kerala, India. It is located on the northern shore of the Arabian Sea in the central part of Ernakulam district.

It's known for its festivals and culture, and it is home to several historical landmarks. The city has a population of more than 50,000 people, and it's located about 100 kilometers south of Kochi.

Aluva is known for its temples and churches, which are among the most important attractions for tourists visiting Aluva. The oldest temple in Aluva is the Vazhappalli Bhagavathy Temple, which was built in the 13th century CE.

The temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy, who is worshiped by Hindus as a deity who can grant wishes and protect her followers from evil spirits or demons (called "bhootas").

Another famous landmark in Aluva is St. Francis Church. This church was built between 1855-1857 CE by French missionaries who came to Kerala at that time; they wanted to bring Christianity to India because they believed there were many people here who needed salvation from their sins (if they didn't accept Jesus Christ as their savior).

5.Alleppy

Alleppey is a beautiful place in Kerala. The Alleppy town is famous for its backwaters and houseboats. The best way to see the backwaters is by taking a houseboat. There are many options to choose from and most of them are air-conditioned.

One of the most popular attractions here is Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which has many migratory birds visiting it every year. If you are an animal lover then this place will excite you as there are various species of animals like crocodiles, elephants etc., which you can spot here.

Another interesting destination near Alleppy is Kumarakom Lake which is around 15 km away from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and offers boating facilities for tourists who wish to enjoy water sports here such as kayaking, rowing etc..

In addition to these places there are many other attractions in Alleppey such as churches, temples etc., which make this place even more beautiful than before!

6.Kottayam

Kottayam is a city in India that sits on the banks of the River Periyar. It's known for its rich history and culture, as well as its beautiful natural landscape. The city was once part of an ancient Tamil kingdom, and it has remained a cultural center for centuries.

The city boasts many historical sites including St. Mary's Forane Church (built in the 16th century), St. Francis Church (built in 16th century), and Kottayam Devi Temple (built in 1750). These places are all worth visiting if you're looking for a glimpse into Kerala's past.

The city is also a great place to go shopping! There are plenty of stores selling jewelry, clothing, furniture, and art pieces at affordable prices throughout Kottayam City Centre Mall—one of the largest shopping malls in South India!

Another interesting place in Kottayam is the Kunnel House Museum which displays various historical objects from the past eras of Kerala. This museum will give you a glimpse into the life of people during those times and how they lived their lives like kings or queens back then!

7.Vagamon

Vagamon is a beautiful hill station located in Kerala, India. It is famous for its pristine natural environment and cool climate.

The word Vagamon means "place of caves". The region has many caves and rock-cut temples that date back to the 10th century.

Vagamon also has many tea plantations that supply tea to different parts of India and abroad. The main attraction of Vagamon is the Panamkuzhy waterfall, which is one of the highest waterfalls in Kerala state.

It's an area that boasts over 200 inches of rainfall annually—that's around 6 meters! And all that rain means that the area is covered in lush green vegetation and gorgeous waterfalls. The air is clean and crisp, and the views are breathtaking.

8.Idukki

Idukki is a beautiful little village in Kerala, India. It's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, because it has a lot to offer for people who love nature or history.

The village is filled with greenery, and it's surrounded by hills. The town is known for its tea plantations and tea gardens, which have been around since the British colonial times. There are also many waterfalls in Idukki, including the famous Idukki Arch Dam.

Located at the southern tip of the Western Ghats mountain range in Kerala, Idukki is an area that's filled with lush greenery, waterfalls and mountains to climb. It's a great spot for all kinds of outdoor activities, including trekking, abseiling and rock climbing.

9.Kollam

Kollam, in Kerala, is a city of many charms. It has a long history and a rich culture, as well as beautiful architecture and natural wonders that make it a must-see for any visitor to the area.

The city has been known for its spices since ancient times; today it is still one of the largest producers of black pepper in India. It also produces other spices like cardamom and nutmeg as well as rubber, coconut oil and cashew nuts. Kollam is also famous for its cashew factories which produce over 80% of all cashew nuts eaten around the world!

Kollam's most famous attraction is Vamanamoorthy Temple which dates back thousands of years; legend says that Vishnu himself placed rocks there after creating them out of sand at his feet!

There are also many ancient temples throughout Kollam including Thirumandhamkad Temple, Meenakshi Temple and Anandavalli Amman Temple. The city is also home to the Kollam Beach and Ashtamudi Lake which are popular tourist spots.

10.Munnar

Nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Munnar is a picturesque town with cascading hills and tea plantations. It's also known for its breathtaking mountain ranges, hot springs, and waterfalls—and it's only a two-hour drive from Kochi International Airport.

The hills of Munnar, Kerala, are home to some of the most stunning views on earth. Sprawling mountains and lush greenery make this area a photographer's dream.

But it's not just about the view. The tea plantations that dot the landscape lend a unique flavor to your trip. You'll have a chance to meet local farmers and learn about their traditions while sipping on tea grown in the very same fields where you're standing!

Top Things To Do Near Kochi (Cochin)

1. Visit the Dutch Palace: The Dutch Palace in Kochi was actually built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch. It is a beautiful example of colonial architecture and houses some of India's most precious murals.

2. Stroll Through Fort Kochi: Fort Kochi is a beautiful, historic area of Kochi worth exploring. Its atmospheric streets are lined with colonial-era buildings, and there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

3. Watch a Kathakali Performance: Kathakali is a traditional form of Indian dance-drama that originated in Kerala. It is an incredibly beautiful and colourful performance, involving intricate costumes and make-up, and is definitely something not to be missed.

4. Take a Boat Ride in the Backwaters: The backwaters of Kerala are a network of canals, rivers and lakes that make up a stunningly beautiful landscape. Taking a boat ride through this area is a truly magical experience.

5. Visit the Hill Station of Munnar: Munnar is a popular hill station in Kerala, located around 1600 metres above sea level. It is an incredibly scenic place, with beautiful tea plantations, forests and rolling hills.

6. See the Elephants at the Elephant Training Centre: The Elephant Training Centre in Kochi is home to a number of captive elephants which are trained to do various tasks, such as giving rides to tourists. It is an interesting place to visit and learn more about these magnificent animals.

7. Go on a Spice Plantation Tour: Kerala is renowned for its spices, and there are a number of spice plantations located around Kochi where you can learn all about them. Most plantations offer tours which include tastings, so you can sample some of the delicious spices grown there.

8. Take a Cooking Class: If you're interested in learning how to cook Kerala's distinctive cuisine, then taking a cooking class is a great way to do it. You'll learn all about the use of spices and other ingredients, and of course, get to taste some delicious food too!

9. Do Some Shopping: Kochi is a great place to shop for souvenirs and handicrafts, as there are a number of excellent markets selling everything from hand-painted umbrellas to traditional Kerala fabrics. bargaining is expected, so make sure you haggle!

10. Visit Santa Cruz Basilica: The Santa Cruz Basilica is a beautiful Catholic church located in Fort Kochi. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and is well worth a visit for its stunning architecture and paintings.

Best Time To Visit Cochin (Kochi)

The best time to visit Kochi (Cochin) is between October and March, when the weather is cool and dry. This is also the peak tourist season, so be prepared for crowds at popular attractions. April to June is the hot and humid summer season, while July to September brings heavy rains.

November and December can be pleasant, but are also busy with holiday travelers. Outside of these months, you'll find lower prices but fewer crowds. If you're visiting during monsoon season, pack your rain gear and be prepared for some wet weather.