Visit these Hidden Gems in Kochi for an Extraordinary Travel Experience
“Hidden Gems in Kochi”! Does this phrase excite you? Of course, it does. This city is one of the most visited cities in Kerala and attracts a lot of customers both from India and abroad. People, especially from American cities such as Washington, visit this thriving town to get a glimpse of its unique culture and heritage.
Everyone likes to save more when traveling. No matter what class you choose to fly with, you can save a decent amount of money by making use of the best deals and discounts offered by various airlines. If you are traveling from Washington to Kochi, you can book your flights with Indian Eagle and save more on your budget trip.
Here are some of the hidden gems in Kochi that you can visit to have a mesmerizing trip.
Paniyeli Poru
If you are seeking solitude and want to spend some quality time with yourself or your loved ones, you should head to Paniyeli Poru. Located nearly 30 km away from the city of Kochi, this gorgeous place is a perfect picnic spot for families. You will be left amazed by the spectacular view of the Periyar River and the lush green forests. With a backdrop of the Malayattoor Hills, this place makes for a great weekend getaway from Kochi.
Best Time to Visit: You can visit Paniyeli Poru between December and May.
Indo-Portuguese Museum
If you are into all things history and culture, you must definitely check out the Indo-Portuguese Museum. It offers you a glimpse of the distinct Indian and Portuguese cultures. Built by Joseph Urethra, the former Bishop of Kochi, it is divided into almost five wings that showcase treasure, furniture altar, civil life, cathedral, and procession. You can spend hours discovering all the sections and admiring almost all the collections on display.
Best Time to Visit: You can visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum all throughout the year.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Do you love birds? If yes, you can spend hours bird watching at the serene Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. This ecologically sensitive area is one of the best hidden gems in Kochi. Also known as ‘Kochi’s Green Lung’, draws a lot of tourists annually. It consists of nearly 194 birds of almost 32 species. You can even spot redshank, brahminy kite, marsh sandpiper, white-breasted water hen, and greenshank here. The greenery and natural beauty of this place will definitely leave you in awe!
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is between October and April.
Idamalayar
Idamalayar is one of the top hidden gems in Kochi and a must-visit tourist attraction. This multi-purpose gravity dam is situated at Ennakal, close to Bhoothathankettu. You can admire mesmerizing views of the Idamalayar River from this very place. Enjoy a peaceful drive of nearly 15 km around the lush forests to reach this spectacular dam. Although you will not find any eateries in the surrounding areas, you can always carry something to munch on along with you. Don’t forget to visit Urulanthanni and Kuttampuzha during your trip to Idamalayar.
Best Time to Visit: You can visit Idamalayar between October and May.
Kochareekkal Caves
The Kochareekal Caves are situated almost 28 km away from Kochi and fall enroute to Piravom. It is one of the must-visit hidden gems in Kochi. You will find a lot of ponds, trees and of course caves around this area. The trees here are very old and have long and strong roots, which are used as a support to enter the caves generally. It is also believed that this place was a hiding spot for soldiers during the wars in the region. It acts as a great getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities such as Kochi.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Kochareekkal Caves is usually from September to May.
Illikkal Kallu
Illikkal Kallu is one of the top 5 hidden gems in Kochi and a must visit for nature enthusiasts. Located almost 4000 ft above the sea level, it is one of the highest peaks in the regions of Western Ghats. There are numerous mountain streams that flow down from here in order to form the Meenachil River. Reaching this beautiful place will require a little hard work as you will need to take a nearly 3 km hike. You won’t find any public transport around this area, so you need to drive in your own vehicle or get one on rent.
Best Time to Visit: the best time to visit the gorgeous Illikkal Kallu is between September and May.
There are many other hidden gems in Kochi that you can visit to have an extraordinary travel experience. Have you visited any of the least-explored places mentioned above? If yes, comment below and let us know about your mesmerizing experience.
