Top destinations to visit near four airports in Kerala

If you're travelling to the city by flight and if you have some time in hand there are places in an around the city that you can visit easily. Given below are a list of places you can visit that are near to the four international airports of Kerala.

1. Cochin International Airport

Kochi also known as Cochin is a major port city in the coastal state of Kerala. Kochi is popularly known as the queen of the Arabian sea. The city flaunts one of the finest natural harbours of the world. It is also known for its Chinese fishing nets. Here are few places to visit if you have some time in Kochi.

Fort Kochi and Mattancherry

Fort Kochi and Mattanchery are Kerala's two iconic locales known for their diversity and rich cultural heritage. The Indo-Portuguese museum in Fort Kochi, Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, Jewish Synagogue, Bastion Bungalow, Aspinwall House, Ariyittuvazhcha Kottaram in Mattancherry and the existing jetty, a remnant of the British period are of heritage value.

Bolgatty Palace

Bolgatty Palce is a former Dutch palace located in the Bolgatty Island. It is one of the oldest Dutch Palace existing outside Holland. It was built by Dutch traders in 1744 and was later extended and gardens were landscaped around it. The building used to be the Governor's palace for the commander of Dutch Malabar. It was leased to the British in 1909 and the palace served as the home for the British governors. After independence, the palace became the property of the state and was converted into a heritage hotel resort. The palace is famous for its picturesque surroundings and for its serene gardens.

Cherai Beach

Cherai beach is located on the northern end of the Vypin Island of Kochi. It is one of the most visited beaches of the state. It is ideal for swimming because of its low tides and gentle waves. Cherai beach is one of the few places where the backwaters and the sea can be seen in a single frame. The beach is surrounded by greenery and the Chinese fishing nets add to the beauty of the beach.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive is one of the most popular hangout spot for the Kochi residents. It is famous for its sunset and the boulevard of marine drive is a destination for morning and evening walks. The Marine Walkway, the Rainbow bridge, and the Houseboat Bridge are some important landmarks nearby. The ships anchored in the backwaters interests the tourists even more. Marine drive also has benches where the visitors can sit and relax.

2. Trivandrum International Airport

Thiruvanathapuram popularly known as Trivandrum is the capital city of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram is India's largest city in the deep south. The city was referred by Mahatma Gandhi as the 'Evergreen city of India'. Here's where you can go in Trivandrum.

Ponmudi

Ponmudi is supposed to be the mountain ranges that are decorated with a crown of gold. The tribal people believe that the forest gods keep their treasures of gold here. The tourist location of Ponmudi is situated in Thiruvananthapuram district. From Thiruvananthapuram city, it's a 60 kilometre drive to Ponmudi in the Thiruvananthapuram – Nedumangad – Vithura – Kallar route. It is the highest Eco Tourism Centre in Thiruvananthapuram district. Ponmudi's major attraction is the tropical rain forests. Eco Point and Golden Valley are the two important spots in Ponmudi. Top Station is located around 2 kilometres away from Ponmudi. Ponmudi Guest House and KTDC Cottage are available for accommodation.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is built using a blend of Kerala architecture and Dravidian style architecture. It is one of the most famous temples of the nation and one of the most richest temples of the world. The temple is known for its hidden treasure. There are six vaults in the temple that contain a collection of precious stones, gold thrones, crowns, statues, ornaments, precious gems, necklaces, diamonds, gold chains and ancient artefacts.

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach is one of the most pristine beaches of India. It is a favourite haunt for the tourists. It is popular for its shallow waves and low tides. Kovalam has three crescent shaped beaches. The larger of the beach is called Lighthouse Beach.

Poovar Island

Poovar is situated in the Southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram. Poovar used to be trading centre of timber and spices. Now it is tourist site because of its backwater and island which is serene.

3. Calicut International Airport

Kozhikode also known as Calicut is the third largest city in Kerala. Kozhikode is known for its tranquil beaches and its green ambience.

Kakkayam

Situated at a distance of 45 km from this northern city of Kerala, Kakkayam offers you some peaceful moments in nature's lap. Kakkayam shares borders with Wayanad and is also often referred to as the 'Ooty of Malabar.' Pristine forests and mist-laden paths helped Kakkayam win this coveted status. If you reach in the early hours of the day, you can enjoy the forest sights as cold breeze from the Western Ghats ruffle your hair. You can take the Balussery-Estate Mukku-Koorachundu route to reach Kakkayam and the 15-km stretch from here is the dam region.

S M Street

One of Kerala's most historic trade centres – the SM street was named 'sweetmeat' street after the famous halwa stalls that used to line it. It goes back to the era of Zamorin when the king invited Gujarati sweet-makers to set up shop right outside the palace walls. The market has over years turned into a shopping hub and affordable women's fashion is what draws maximum footfall here these days.

Kakkadampoyil

Head to Kakkadampoyil, an idyllic village set in Koodaranhi panchayat in Kozhikode. Surrounded by the Western Ghats, Kakkadampoyil is dotted with scenic spots, green-clad rolling hills, and sparkling streams. Topped with a cool climate, the pristine settings of Kakkadampoyil is drawing the attention of tourists and nature lovers. The village is spread across Chaliyar panchayat of Malabar district and Koodaranhi panchayat of Kozhikode district. The misty mountain tops and the lush greenery often urge visitors to draw parallels between Kakkadampoyil and the Gavi forests of Pathanamthitta, earning it the sobriquet, 'Mini Gavi.'

Kozhikode Beach

The Kozhikode Beach is also known as the Calicut Beach. The beach is on the western side of Kozhikode, situated on the Malabar Coast of India. The beach is a favourite haunt for the sunset viewers. There is a Lion Park for children and a marine water aquarium nearby.

4. Kannur International Airport

Kannur is a beautiful city in the northern side of Kerala state. Kannur is known as land of looms and lores.

Muzhappilangad Beach

Muzhappilangad Beach is the only drive in beach in the state. A drive through the 4.5kms stretch of beach at Muzhappilangad will change your impression of a traditional beach. For one, it is a very peaceful beach, but it is for those who love adventure. For those people who love to drive and do not mind getting their vehicles wet. And once you experience it, you you will love to race on the beach. However, it is ideal to stick to the shores and not get into further in the water if you are using your own vehicle.

Paithalmala

A magical trekking experience through the dense forests, where the smoky mist forms a blanket of captivating chill and calmness is what you could enjoy at the beautiful Paithalmala in Kannur. Besides unbelievably alluring vistas, Paithalmala, which lies about 4500 ft above the sea level, at the majestic Western Ghats close to the Karanataka border, also gifts the thrill of undertaking a unique trek. Monsoon is when the real charm of Paithalmala could be enjoyed in all its scintillating glory. The havy rain clouds that cast a mystic spell over the entire area, falls down as refreshing rain showers that nourishes the earth and our minds as well.

Palakayyam Thattu

Six to seven years ago, Palakkayam Thattu was a deserted hill, almost unnoticed. But the place underwent a stunning makeover in the past few years. Now this small mountain which is 3500 ft above sea level is the hallmark of Kannur. A new promise to the future scopes of tourism. At the foot of the hill, the people of Thaliparambu are excited about the fast developments around them. This is just the beginning of carving a new face of Kannur.

The Kannur Coastline

The sea never ceases to surprise. Every sunset is a unique experience. The setting sun lures in people by the hordes to the sea shore. From toddlers to lovebirds to elders on a stroll, everyone has a reason to go to the beach. The shores of Kannur stand testimony to history. The beaches were integral to Kannur's heritage of assimilation and resistance. Kerala's destiny was shaped by the maritime trade and Kannur and Thalassery were its pivot points. Kannur boasts of a seashore that stretches for 82 kilometres from Thalassery to Ezhimala. No other place in Kerala has such a long unbroken beach. The stretch includes the estuaries of Thalassery, Dharmadam, Valapattanam, and Ezhimala.