Best Places to Visit in Between Kochi and Trivandrum

Kochi & Trivandrum Tourist Places: Best Places to Visit Between Kochi to Trivandrum

As cliche as it sounds but Kerala, is widely known as 'God's own country' for various reasons. Mother nature has bestowed this thin strip of land in southern India with pristine beaches, lush green mountains, brackish lagoons and all other essences that epitomize natural beauty.

Over the past few decades, it has grabbed the attention of tourists across the globe owing to its scenic beauty, Ayurveda, dense forest swarming with rare plants and throbbing wildlife. Now there are a lot of interesting but highly underrated places in the Malabar region situated in northern Kerala, let's take a ride to the most popular destinations in the southern part of the state between Kochi and Trivandrum.

 Transport Options

While Kerala has a dense network of roads compared to the rest of the country, it also boasts of being the first state with four international airports. Traveling via trains across the districts too is a convenient option except in the Idukki district. The distance between Kochi and Trivandrum is 205 km, you can reach Kochi by any of the aforementioned transport options and can commence your dream journey. Alternatively, you can also rent a car via Indusgo by visiting their website www.indusgo.in and get hassle-free services, 24x7 support, and roadside assistance.

Top Places to Visit in Kochi

1.Marine Drive

You can stroll around this picturesque landscape overlooking the serene backwaters or can just sit back and relax whilst gazing the effervescent crowd around you. You can also relish on some lip-smacking dishes from any of the fast food joints in its vicinity. There are various shopping destinations around it, and it is one of the best places to visit in Kochi, all this makes it a perfect destination for people of all ages

2.Fort Kochi

Known for being the first European countries in India, this place symbolizes the history and culture of the Renaissance era. Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, etc. are some of the major attractions in Fort Kochi.  You can also pay a visit to St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Vasco House is another major attraction and is one of the oldest Portuguese buildings in Kochi.

3.Mattancherry

Mattancherry too is a popular destination amongst the tourists thronging in Kochi. Star attraction is the Paradesi Synagogue (India's oldest functioning synagogue), Mattancherry Palace Museum, Mattancherry Pazhayannur Royal temple and Palliyarakkavu temple, Ram Mandir, Samaj temples including the Gosripuram Tirumala Devaswom temple and a Jain Temple. It thus exemplifies a perfect blend of religious integration.

4. Jew Town

This place holds a historical significance since it was here the Jews were offered refuge by the erstwhile ruler of Cochin. One of the perfect places to visit in Kochi for shopaholics and for people who tend to splurge on antiques. One can find ancient items belonging to Jewish, Chinese, Indian, Arabs and European traditions.

5. Andhakaranazhi Beach

An extension of the tiny village of Andhakaranazhi, this beach is located at a distance of 30 km from Kochi. This virgin beach is still non-commercialized which makes it a perfect getaway from your day-to-day life. Filled with immaculate sands, clean waters, and beautiful coastline, this is a place to experience nature. It's an ideal beach to spend some time during the evening watching the sunset and enjoying the waves for the soothing effect on the mind as well as the body.

 Also Read: Kochi to Munnar 2 Days Weekend Trip Ideas 

The Top Destinations in Alleppey

Ever heard of the famous backwaters of Kerala, well this is the place that brags of having beautiful houseboat cruises that permeate through the rustic backwaters, tranquil canals and lagoons. Let's take a look at some of the top places to visit in Alleppey.

1.Kuttanad

Known as the rice bowl of Kerala, it is renowned for its green paddy fields against the backdrop of serene backwaters. It also boasts as one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Tourists gather in large numbers in this part of the world to drench themselves in tranquillity and for its sheer beauty.

2.Alappuzha Beach

Since Kerala has a long coastline of close to 600 km, it comprises of some of the most beautiful beaches in India and without an iota of doubt, Alappuzha beach is one of them. It also hosts many beach events like beach festival, sand art festival and many more.

3.Krishnapuram Palace

This palace is Keralean architectural marvel built by the erstwhile king of Travancore Marthanda Varma. The design of the palace itself is enchanting which grabs the attention of people flocking in large numbers. It's turned into a museum and showcases a wide range of specimens like sculptures, silver-bronze antiques, paintings and many more.

Rent a self drive car in Alappuzha at affordable prices and starting exploring! 

4.Punnapra Beach

Located near a village Punnapra, this beach is a serene getaway famous for its golden stretch of sand and pristine waters. Punnapra beach is a secluded beach that is an appropriate holiday spot, especially for those who love to travel and explore new places. When you are there, do try the famous Ayurvedic massage of Kerala on the beach to rejuvenate body and mind. If you are planning to spend some quality holiday here, then visit the place during the winter season because of the pleasant weather.

5.Marari Beach 

Marari Beach is located in close proximity to Alleppey in Kerala. This island got its name Marari from  Mararikulam, a small and sleepy fisherman's village. It is less of a tourist place and more of a calm place to relax. You can also unwind and enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic treatment there. Visit Marari beach during the months of December to March, when the weather is perfectly sunny and dry. June to late October is not a good time to travel there as due to southwest and northeast monsoons, there are heavy downpours of rain.

Also Read:  Best Places to go for a weekend drive from Trivandrum

Best Places to Visit in Trivandrum

Heading further down south, you will reach Trivandrum district aka Thiruvananthapuram. The capital city of Kerala i.e. Trivandrum city is situated in this district. Let's check out some of the best places to visit in Trivandrum.

1.Varkala Beach

The Varkala beach lies on the outskirts of Trivandrum district, situated in the placid and quiet hamlet of Varkala. An ideal holiday destination for people trying to get rid of the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. It was felicitated as one of the top ten seasonal beaches in the world by discovery channel owing to its stunning beauty of landscapes, brown sand, and jaw-dropping scenic aesthetic.

2.Kovalam Beach

Just like Varkala beach, this too garners a large number of tourists thronging from all over the world. It may also remind you of popular beaches of Goa since you will find a plethora of foreign nationals in their beach wears. This exotic beach is the most famous beach in Kerala and will not fail to give you a visual treat.

3.Padmanabhaswamy Temple

A few years back it hit the tabloids and grabbed the eyeballs of both national and international media. The discovery of one trillion dollars hidden treasure in its chambers spread like a wildfire and since then, people have been flocking in large numbers to get a glimpse of this ancient temple.

4.Napier Museum

It's an art and natural history museum situated in the capital city Trivandrum. It showcases a host of historical artifacts including bronze idols, ancient mammals, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. It also has some interesting exhibits like the skeletal bird, animal and taxidermy galleries.

5.Trivandrum Zoo

The Trivandrum zoo is located in the heart of the city and is one of the oldest zoos in India. Nestled along the stunning landscape and dense growth of vegetation, you can find tigers, panthers, deer, bears, and lioness there along with rare breed of birds and other mammals.

6.Agasthya Koodam 

The Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve is located at a distance of 35.5 km from Trivandrum. This unique forest is situated on the second highest peak in Kerala, Agasthya Koodam. If you are an adventure lover then this is a perfect spot for you to trek. Filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna, this hill is also home to a large number of medicinal herbs.

7.Shanghumukham Beach

 Shanghumukham Beach is an ideal getaway place for those seeking peace and serenity. This place is considered as the ‘Arattukadavu’ (Seat) of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan. During Ganesha Visarjan, this place is filled with thousands of devotees, which makes it an ideal time to visit the place.

8.Poovar Island

When you think of Kerala, you think of backwaters. Well, Poovar Island Resort is a must-visit place if you want to spend a day in a cosy land or water cottages. With an outdoor pool, Ayurveda centres, and great room service is the ideal place to relax and spend your vacation.

Best Kochi Car Rental Options

Kochi is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". You don’t want to miss out on the best sights of this beautiful port city. Choosing a car rental in Kochi gives you the flexibility and independence to commute anytime anywhere. Discover Kerala’s magical countrysides, islands, and churches during your stay in Kochi.

If you are looking for a can rental in Kochi, Indusgo offers the best quality services with a wide variety of vehicles to choose from. You can choose your ride plan with or without fuel charges, with zero security deposit. Indusgo knows that you are looking for a ride and don't have one to come and pick up your vehicle. We cater to such needs by doing doorstep delivery of the car right at your hotel, office, home, or airport.

With Indusgo, you can either select a car rental in Kochi without a driver or go for self-drive cars. We are the most reliable dealers in Kochi who offer a wide range of self-drive rental cars. Cars available are - 

• Maruti Wagon R

• Maruti Celerio

• Maruti Swift

• Maruti Baleno

• Maruti Ignis

• Toyota Etios Liva

• Maruti Brezza

• Maruti Dzire

• Maruti S-Cross

• Maruti Ciaz

• Honda City

• Toyota Innova Crysta

• Mahindra XUV500

• Toyota Fortuner

• Mercedes Benz.

Indusgo is a modern rent-a-car service provider supported by Indus Motors, one of the top dealerships in India. With our flexible online car booking, book a car without any hassle. Select your pick-up, drop-off time and dates, select the car model, and mention whether you prefer to self-drive or need a car rental without a driver, and your booking will be completed. Find your perfect car for a perfect vacation!