Nothing is more perfect than a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle. Just a short 2-3 day vacation can prove so effective, especially for your work life and mental state of being. The rejuvenation felt after not taking any work calls or projects during your break is something every person should experience. And if you’re doing it in the Queen of the Arabian Sea, there’s even more value-added to that experience.
But now, you want to go beyond Kochi and see what lies ahead of this place of immeasurable beauty. You want to lengthen your expanse over God’s Own Country. Then let us tell you something my friend; you’ve come to the right place! Continue reading our article to know how you can make the best of vacationing in God’s Own Country with these weekend getaways from Kochi.
Munnar – Indulge In The Greenery Of Kerala’s Tea Capital
There’s a reason we have put Munnar on the top of the list of weekend getaways from Kochi. If you’ve ever wondered how heaven meets earth, you should visit Munnar to get a bigger picture of it. You will steer away from the coastline heat by sipping on a cup of chai while overlooking foggy mountains touching the sky. Now that’s a sight you don’t want to miss!
Speaking of chai, Munnar is all about tea, all thanks to its high altitude which makes the crop favorable to grow. These shades of green coloring the floor, alongside the sweet chirping of birds, makes Munnar an ideal destination to unplug and be one with nature. Apart from lush tea plantations, Munnar is home to a ton of activities as well such as rock climbing, bike riding, and even watersports. And oh! For an even more memorable experience, don’t forget to visit its tea museums and tea factories.
If you’re looking for an affordable place close to these activities, then you should definitely check out goSTOPS Munnar. Trust us, your stay with us will be enriching! We’ve got comfy common rooms, plenty of cozy nooks to curl up with a book, and some breathtaking views of the fog-crested hilltops.
Distance from Kochi: 126 km (approximately 3 hours)
Places to visit: Lockhart Tea Factory & Museum, Kanan Devan Hills Tea Museum, Carmelagiri Elephant Park, Lakshmi Hills, Cheeyappara Waterfalls.
Varkala – Serenity In A Beach Town
Looking for a destination where you can just kick back and relax while sipping on a cocktail? Varkala is the ideal place to do that. What makes this town special is that its sandy beaches are impeccably clean, and the crowds are not at all maddening. An ideal place to get away from the commotion of traffic noise and experience peace like no other!
Visit the Varkala beach, which is just 10 km from the town of Varkala, for its healing waters in its springs. It is said that many ailments were cured by just having a dip since these waters have medicinal properties. And you can always rely on the beach’s water sport activities like paragliding to get a bird’s-eye view of the coastal belt.
If you’re looking for a beach with swaying coconut trees dotted on the red hills of Varkala, then Thiruvambadi beach is the best place to get such a scenic view. This is definitely the best place to picnic with family, friends, or even by yourself.
Distance from Kochi: 160 km (approximately 4 hours)
Places to visit: Saint Sebastian’s Pilgrim Church, Varkala Aquarium, Kappil Beach, Bali Mandapam
Thrissur – Immerse Yourself In The Cultural Capital Of Kerala
Thrissur is the spiritual and cultural domain of Kerala. And, it’s the place to feel a sense of union with the people of Kerala by participating in their festivals and rituals. Home to several temples, and churches, the monumental infrastructure in Thrissur will never cease to amaze you. Visit the Vadakkumnathan Temple for its aesthetic murals. Witness the country’s most celebrated Thrissur Pooram festival and pay heed to the colorful display of fireworks burst at certain intervals of the festival.
There is also a certain vibe of spirituality embedded in the waterfalls, museums, and beaches in Thrissur. It’s like, the spiritual tone never ever leaves you and you’re always in a state of zen! If that’s what you’re lacking right now, then pack your bags and travel to Kerala’s spiritual mecca.
Distance From Kochi: 84 km (approximately 2 hours)
Places to visit: Basilica Of Our Lady Of Dolours, Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, Chavakkad Beach, Athirappilly Waterfalls, Heritage Garden
Alleppey – Be Still In The Venice Of The East
The backwaters of Kerala somehow serenade you. It may be the soft whistles of the rising air or the gentle sounds of ripples caused by sailing houseboats, such a soothing tone is a rarity. And if you are yearning for such an experience, then Alleppey is the place for you. With its calming backwaters, lush areas for trekkings, and exquisite cuisine, Alleppey (Alappuzha) has drawn in tourists from far and near. Also, drop into one of their ayurvedic massage centers and relieve the tension in your muscles. Do it ASAP! You don’t want to feel as stiff as an ironing board, especially after all that working-from-home!
A trip to Alleppey would be incomplete without a stay in a houseboat covering the length of the lake. Spend a day or two in them and catch up on lost conversations with your loved ones. Also, gorge on the food that Alleppey has to offer.
goSTOPS has a property in Alleppey just a short distance away from all these fun activities. If you ever need a place to crash, to meet like-minded travelers, to get all sorts of creature comforts on a great budget, remember us!
Distance from Kochi: 53 km (approximately 1 hr)
Places to visit: The Royal Krishnapuram Palace, Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Alappuzha beach, Marari Beach
Kumarakom – Another Backwater Destination To Be Still In
There is so much to do in Kumarakom. Hands down, you would need at least 2 – 3 days to fully cover the beauty of this tranquil city, which is what makes it a perfect weekend getaway from Kochi. Along with its serene backwaters, you have waterfalls, lakes, and even a beach to complement the sightseeing experience. If you fancy the local drink made of the flower sap of the coconut palm, toddy shops sprouted in every nook and corner will come to your rescue. Be prepared to be in good spirits, figuratively and literally!
Distance from Kochi: 47 km (approximately 1 hr)
Places to visit: Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Beach, Vembanad Lake
Next Steps
Journeying through the green expanse of Kerala is a real treat, especially for those who want to get their eyes off the concrete jungle for a while. And with Kochi being in proximity to the many other delights of Kerala, traveling is much easier. What now? This question is left to you to answer. We helped in bringing to light some of the best weekend getaways from Kochi. It’s up to you to now decide if you want to engage in Kerala’s enchantment.
FAQs
Which Is The Best Month To Visit Kerala?
For a more pleasant experience, visit Kerala between September to March (the onset of the winter season). The summer season can get a tad too hot. That’s why people usually move to the hill stations to beat the summer heat.
What Are The Top Weekend Getaways From Kochi?
Each weekend destination has a charm of its own and cannot be compared to each other. You can visit Munnar, Alleppey, Varkala, Thrissur, and Kumarakom to enjoy the weekend since these are some of the best weekend getaways from Kochi!
Is Kerala Expensive?
Kerala is not at all heavy on the pockets. There are a couple of luxury restaurants and hotels, but you can always choose accordingly. Public transit is cheap as well, so your traveling costs within city limits are reduced. Plus, you will save a lot more on accommodation if you choose any of our goSTOPS properties in Kerala.
