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Weekend Getaways near Kochi

Hectic work schedules can be really tiresome and in such times a weekend getaway to a nearby place would be totally refreshing. Kochi has ample tourist attractions but if you want to see more you can also plan visits to some nearby places in Kochi. 

The city is well connected with air, rail, and road transport thereby making it easy for tourists to travel by.You can explore the wildlife at various sanctuaries or find more about our ancient history from the museums. Here are some interesting spots near Kochi where you can go for a weekend.

Bhoothathankettu Dam Address

Bhoothathankettu Dam

Bhoothathankettu is a famous tourist spot which is located 50 km away from Kochi and 10kms away from Kothamangalam in the district of Ernakulam. This dam gives you a beautiful view of the River Periyar and the green environment surrounding it. 

In Malayalam Bhoothathankettu means Fort of Spirit and there is mythological story behind this name. As per the legend some demons planned to flood the Trikkariyoor temple where Lord Shiva was being worshipped. In this attempt huge boulders were brought to riverside of Periyar but Lord Shiva did not want this to happen. 

So when the demons were busy in their task he made a noise similar to a one a rooster makes at break of dawn. Demons left their task undone and ran away fearing that morning light would come soon. Hence it got its name and it is believed that even today you can see some of boulders on the river banks.

As a tourist spot boating is a common here and you get to hire speed boats or pedal boats. Nearby area also has tree houses and play area for kids. It is an ideal picnic spot and you can also get refreshments from nearby restaurant too. If you like a little adventure you can also go for rock climbing and explore the forests.

Location: Latitude: 10.14284, Longitude: 76.654828
DTPC, Ernakulam, Tel : +91 484 2367334

Entrance Ticket : INR 10 per person.

Boating costs:

INR 500 for 4 people for the speedboat
INR 125 per person for 1 hour

Bhoothathankettu Timings: Timings of activities around the dam vary.

Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are a nature lover this would be an ideal spot to visit. This sanctuary is situated at a place called Peechi in the Thrissur district and from Kochi it will take about 2 hours by road to reach here. Its forests cover the zone of the Chimminy wildlife sanctuary and Palappilli-Nelliyampathi forests.

Best time will be from February to May month.

It is a home to around 39 species of mammals, amphibians and snakes. Birds and fishes of varied species can also be spotted here. The best time to visit the sanctuary would be October to March and numerous guest houses are also available to people who wish stay here.

Address: FCMM+97V, Chimmini Dam Road, Pariyaram, Kerala 680304
Phone: 094900 22369

Entry Fee: Adult Rs10 ; Child: Rs 5
Timing: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM, Open all week

The Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary

This bird sanctuary was established under the initiative of Dr. Salim Ali, an internationally acclaimed ornithologist. It is located in the Ernakulum district and is about 58 km away from Kochi. According to his survey this place had around 167 birds which was the primary reason for the creation of the bird sanctuary.

One of the best places to stay near the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is Amritara Hornbill Camp.

It covers an area of 25 square kilometers and is flanked by Periyar as well as Idamalayar River. Marshy areas and the thick forest are an ideal habitat for all the species that exist in this sanctuary. Rare species of birds like Malabar shama, Ceylon Frogmouth, Peninsular Bay owl and many more can be spotted here. Apart from birds mammals, reptiles and different varieties of fishes can also be seen here.

Address: Kothamangalam, Nyayapally PO, Pooyamkutty - Mankulam Rd, Thattekad, Kerala 686681
Phone: 085476 03174
Timings : 7 am to 5 pm
Entry fee:  Rs 20 for Indian citizens and Rs. 200 per person for foreigners. There may be additional charges for camera equipment, guides, attractions and parking.
 

Cheeyappara Waterfalls near Kochi

The Cheeyappara Waterfalls is located between the Neriamangalam and Adimali. It is easily accessible from Kochi (83 km) and you can reach either by bus, taxi or even a rickshaw. The blue water set against the lush green environment is sight not to be missed. It is an ideal picnic spot to spend with your family or friends.

You can take a dip in the cool water or if you like a little adventure you can go for trekking which is a common sport here. Tourists who wish to stay back can avail the accommodation services.

Address: NH 85, Kochi-Madurai-Tondi Point Rd, Chillithodu, Kerala 685561
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: 1800 425 4747
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: free of cost

Chendamangalam

Chendamangalam has religious significance as there are temples, churches, mosques and remains of a Jewish Synagogue. It is about 36 km away from Kochi and it will take around 50 minutes by road. 

The green meadows, rivers and the small hills surrounding this area adds to its scenic beauty. Other highlights here is the Vypeenkotta Seminary that was once built by the Portuguese. 

The very famous Paliam Palace is also located here and it is more than 450 years old. It was once the home of the Paliath Achans who were the Prime Minister to the Kochi Maharaja.

Kerala Folklore Museum

The Kerala Folklore Museum promises to mesmerize you with its architectural styles of Cochin, Malabar as well as Travancore. It is situated in Thevara, Ernakulam, Kochi District, and may take around 10 minutes by road. 

It was built under the leadership of George Thalliath and it took over seven years to complete the construction. Some rare manuscripts, jewelry and musical instruments of ancient times have been displayed here. 

Apart from that even costumes worn for the different dance forms of Kerala have also been put up here.

Address: 2059C, No 26, Pandit Karuppan Rd, near Thevara Ferry Road, Junction, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala 682013
Phone: 070347 77499
Timing: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: For adult Rs 100 and Students Rs 50.
Best time to visit:    October, November, December, January, February

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