A visit to Kochi will not be complete without a visit to nearby places Alappuzhaa (63 km on N.H. 47).This 'Venice of East', sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Vembanad lake is criss-crossed by canals. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held here every second Saturday in August. Alappuzha is also famous for its coir products. Alappuzha is connected with Kochi by road, rail and water. But the best way to travel is by boat through the backwaters, enjoying the lush vegetation and beautiful scenery.

An important commercial and pilgrim center. The Udyogmandal, Ambulamugal, Kalamaserry and Periyar rivers runs through Aluva. The Shivarathri Festival is celebrated on the banks of the Periyar every March/April. At other times, this river bank proves to be an excellent picnic and bathing spot.Aluva is considered the outskirts of Kochi and is connected by road and rail.Angamali (10 km on NH 47)The fastest growing town in Kerala Angamali is the gateway to many places of tourist and religious interest like Kaladi, Malayattur etc. The Little Flower Hospital, the largest eye hospital in South India, is located here.

It is connected to Kochi by road and rail.Cheruthuruthi (110 km) Home of Kerala Kalamandalam, a famed arts academy. Training in various dance forms, but especially in Kathakali, is imparted here The nearest railhead and bus terminus is at Shoranur, 3 km away.

This temple town is a pilgrim center famed for its Lord Krishna temple, known as 'Guruvayoorappan'. Guruvayur is connected with Kochi by road and rail. Devotees from all over the world visits this divine place to get showered by the blessings of Lord Sree Krishna. The temple got the name 'Guruvayoor' as the deity was installed by Guru and Vayu (Guru – Brihaspathi, the guru of Devas and Vayu – the deva of Air). Guruvayoor is also known as 'Dwaraka of South India. Other than Guruvayoor, there is Mammiyoor Shiva temple in Guruvayoor, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The famous Punnathoor Kotta is another place of interest in Guruvayoor. The place is famous for elephant pound.

This important pilgrimage centre, is on the banks of the River Periyar. It was here the Bhakti Saint Sri Sankaracharya was born. It is only after the 19th century, Kalady began to known to the outside world. Literally 'Kaladi' means Footprint. Earlier the city was known as Sasalam. The name 'Kalady' has connections with the story of Sree Shankara. Kalady is connected to Kochi by road. Some of the interesting places in Kalady are Shankara Temple, Ramakrishna Adwaitha Ashramam, Sri Adhi Shankara Keerthi Sthambha Mandapam, Aryadevi Samadhi Mandapam, Thekke Madam and several temples like Sri Krishna Temple, Manickamangalam Karthyayani Temple etc.

A famous port before nature destroyed it and formed Kochi harbour. St. Thomas the Apostle landed here. The Kodungallur Bagwati Temple is very famous famous for its 'special payers'. Kodungallur also has the first mosque in India, a shrine built in the form of a Hindu temple. Kodungallur is connected to Kochi by road and water.

An important commercial area, it is the gateway to the famed rubber and tea plantations of Kerala. The Mahatma Gandhi University is located here. It is the home of Malayalam Journalism. Kottayam is connected with Kochi by road and rail.

A hill resort famous for its lush green tea and cardamom plantations. An ideal holiday spot, it has a cool and stimulating climate. The Mist Valley Resorts, overlooking Munnar town is a ideal place to spend the hot summer months. The rare species of Nilgiri Tahr can be seen in the Ernakulam game Sanctuary not far from here. Anaimudi, the highest peak in South India, is in these hills. The Munnar - Kodaikkanal Road is the steepest road in South East Asia.

An important cultural and commercial centre. Thrissur, the largest town in Kerala is called the cultural capital of Kerala. The famous Pooram festival is celebrated here every April / May. The Museums, and the Vaddakkuntham Temple are all worth visiting. After Kochi, Thrissur is the most important commercial town in Kerala.Thrissur is connected with Kochi by road and rail. The Peechi Dam, 26 km from Thrissur, is a good picnic spot and is ideal for a holiday.