Vypeen
Vypeen is a beautiful island that is located at a distance of 1.8 km from Kochi. During the colonial times the Portuguese had a great influence on this land and even today some of the Anglo Indians living here still speak Creole an ancient Portuguese language.
The highlight of this island is the Cherai beach which is one the longest beaches to be found in Kochi. The Kuzhuppilly Beach and the Puthuvype Beach are also located here. Tourists have a great interest in visiting Church of Our Lady of Hope which is a famous religious spot here.
The Palipuram fort also called the ayikkotta or Alikotta was built by the Portuguese somewhere in 16th century. It has a hexagonal shape which makes it look quite distinct.
How to get here
You can reach the island through the Goshree bridge that starts from the Kalamukku in Vypeen and takes you to the Marine Drive in Kochi. You can also opt for the ferry services that run from Kochi to Vypeen and vice versa.Mattancherry
Mattancherry is a small town that is located on the western end of the city of Kochi. It was a popular trading hub and merchants used to come here to buy spices like pepper and turmeric. The main tourist attraction of this place is the Mattancherry palace and the Paradesi Synagogue.
These ancient monuments have great historical importance and you get an idea about the influence of the colonial powers on Kochi. Other interesting places include Mattancherry Pazhayannur Royal temple, Ram Mandir, Palliarakkavvu temple and the Venkatraman temple.
How to get here
Mattanchery is situated in the district of Ernakulam and is approximately at a distance of 4.1 km from Kochi. You can reach this town by buses or by hiring a taxi. You can board your bus from the Mattancherry bus terminal and it will about 10 minutes to reach your destination.Edapally
Edapally is one of the upcoming cities in Ernakulum and is located at a distance of 10.4 km from Kochi. Economic development has brought about good infrastructural growth as well as large generation of employment too.
Institutions like Amritha Institute of Medical Science and famous shopping malls like Lulu Cochin Mall as well Oberon Mall has opened up here.Various religious spots include Puthukkalavattam Mahadeva Temple, Ponekkara Bhagavathy Temple, Thrickovil Sree Krishna Temple, Punnakkal Bhagavathy Temple, Edappally Ganapathy Temple.
You also have the ancient Edapally Juma Masjid and the St. George's Forane Church belonging to the administration of Syrian Catholic Diocese. It is also the place where the famous Edapally palace known as Elangalloor Swaroopam is situated.
How to get here
Opting a road transport would be best alternative to reach Edapally from Kochi. It will take about 25 minutes to reach here provided you don’t get blocked in traffic. The best and shortest route would be the Kundannoor Willington Island Road that then connects to Salem-Kochi-Kanyakumari Highway.Tripunittura
During the reign of Kochi Mahaja’s Tripunittura was then the capital and even today the royal family is seen to reside here. The kings were very fond of classical art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Carnatic music and as such this city had prospered in the line of arts. The RLV College of Music and Institute of Fine Arts and the Kalmandalam are famous institutions located here.
Tripunittura has many places of worship too including temples and churches. The famous Kodankulangara Temple, Sree Poornathrayesa Temple, Airettil Temple, Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharma Sastha temple, Chakkamkulangara Temple, Ayani Temple, Tharmekkavu Temple, Sharil Temple, Pavamkulangara Temple, Thevarakkavu Temple are all located here. Churches like St.George's Jacobite Cathedral and St. Mary's Forane Church are also seen here.
How to get here
Tripunittura is located at a distance of 12.9 km from Kochi. Least time consuming route would be Kundannoor Willington Island Road that would take you from Kochi to the heart of Tripunittura. Bus would be the best option to reach here and it would take around 20 minutes for the travel. The Tripunithura railway station also connects to prominent cities and even express trains do have a stop here.Perumbalam
If you want to see the backwaters and natural beauty of Kerala this would the real location. It is a small island that is situated on the Vemband lake in the district of Alappuza.
Highlights of this place is the paddy cultivation, fishing and the manufacture of various products from coir. This is tourist location and many guest houses and resorts provide accommodation for its travelers.
How to get here
Perumbalam is located at a distance of 19.5 km from Kochi and you can reach here with both bus as well as boat service.
To improve connections between Kochi and Perumbalam a project of the government is in plans.But currently the best option would be to a take a bus upto Cherthala. From here you can take a ferry or boat ride to Perumbalam.
Aluva
Aluva is a commercially developed town but it’s got a peaceful environment that is hard to find in a city. It’s situated on the Periyar river and this small town is popular for the festivals celebrated.
Shivratri has huge crowds coming to celebrate and honor Lord Shiva in Shivratri Manappuram on the sandbanks of Periyar river. You can also see the famous Alwaye Palace here which used to be the summer home of Travancore Maharajas.
Some of the famous religious spots include the Sree Krishna Temple, Pottachira Sree Krishna Temple, Uliyannoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, Kunjunnikara Juma Masjid,and the St.Dominic Church. Marthanada Varma Bridge was first bridge to be put on the river Periyar and its design has been adapted for many other bridges across Kerala.
How to get here
Aluva is located at a distance of 21.4km from Kochi. It would take you about 40 minutes by road and the best route would be the Salem-Kochi-Kanyakumari Highway.
This town is well connected with buses and regular train services to all major places. Both private and KSTC buses have regular bus services between Kochi and Aluva.