The distances are calculated from the centre of the city and might vary depending on traffic.

A vast majority of people prefer booking a tempo traveller in Kochi while traveling as a group to different places. The number of passengers can be between 10 to 26 people, hence no one will travel in a car individually. Below are 15 places to visit, distance, time to reach there and why to visit.

Table of Contents

• Fort Kochi and Mattancherry
• Cherai Beach
• Munnar
• Athirapilly Falls
• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
• Kumbalangi Village
• Bolgatty Palace
• Marine Drive
• Tripunithura Hill Palace
• Kodanad Elephant Training Centre
• Vypin Island
• Chottanikkara Temple
• Kalady
• Malayattoor
• Plan Your Route
• In and around

1.Fort Kochi and Mattancherry - Chinese fishing nets at the harbor Colonial lanes Mattancherry spice markets. Get to the head of the line as soon as you can, and beat the crowds.

2. Cherai Beach (25 km, 45 minutes) - Long beach on the island of Vypin with trees of casuarina. Quite during weekdays.

3. Munnar (110 km, 3.5 hours) -  On a 1500 m a.s.l. tea gardens are located. It will consume a lot of your time, so it's best to get it started early. Numerous hairpin bends are on the route, and groups can hire a tempo traveller from Kochi as well as guide who is knowledgeable about the route.

4. Athirappilly Water Falls (70 km, 2 hrs) - The Chalakuddy River-fed biggest waterfalls in Kerala. Large amounts of water after the monsoon and just after.

5.Thattekad Bird Sanctuary - Over 300 species of birds that are found in Kerala's first bird sanctuary. Best seeing is in the mornings or at night.

6. Kumbalangi Village (15km, 30min) -  It is the first model tourism village in India, which has backwater canals, coir making demonstration and traditional fishing.

7. The Bolgatty Palace (10 km, 25 minutes) - Formerly a dwelling place of the Dutch, then the British. It is now an island hotel and is a heritage hotel itself, with a small golf course.

8. Marine Drive (5 km, about 15 minutes) - A walkway along the backwaters in the city centre. It's a more accessory than vacation item, more of a night time thing.

9. Hill Palace, Tripunithura (12 km, 30 mins) - The biggest museum of archaeological artefacts of Kerala is housed in Hill Palace which is in the royal palace of the ruling dynasty of the Kingdom of Cochin.

10. Kodanad Elephant Training Camp (40 km, 1 hr 25 mins) -  Bathing of numerous elephants of the training camp run by the forest department takes place at this facility located near the banks of River Periyar.

11. Kalady (one hour and twenty-five minutes, 45 km) - Adi Shankaracharya was born here. This area is home to two temples.

12. Malayattoor (1.5 hours, 50 km) - A hilltop church with an associated pilgrimage (mostly forest path).

When making reservations for a tourist to Kochi, keep the following in mind:

• The things you will be carrying with you 
• You will determine how many miles you walk in a day.
• Plan your route.

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and Marine Drive are close enough to be able to merge together. Cherai and Vypin Island are a perfect match as well. Don't pack them with too much else, Munnar and Athirappilly are big enough to fill a day with itself, and it is in these places a tempo traveller in Kochi with a local driver makes the most difference.

When making a reservation for a tempo traveller in Kochi, bear the following in mind:

How much you can transport determines how many locations you can visit each day.  Once you've got more than six in the group, it makes sense to have a tempo traveller, because all of you are in a single vehicle rather than two or three taxis starting from different locations.

Most operators base their pricing on rental duration as well as seat numbers (10, 17, 26-seaters are common) and most go beyond a certain kilometre limit for extra charge. Most travel agencies in the city can arrange a tempo traveller in Kochi or a pickup from the airport or a hotel, it is worth to ask when booking a travel.

A Few Practical Notes

When visiting a waterfall or the hills, leave early – before 7 AM, as traffic and crowds start to increase after 9. Waterfalls may close for short periods during times of high flows during the monsoon season, so please check before heading out. Always have cash on hand for temple towns such as Kaladi and Chottanikkara, even when you're traveling in a tempo traveller from Kochi as they may not always have reliable card machines.

FAQs

How far can I travel in one day around Kochi?

It's not too difficult to find 3-4 spots within 25 km. The drive to Munnar and Athirappilly are exceptions as the day gets consumed while traveling.

Is there sense in a tempo traveller in Kochi for a smaller group?

Not really. After 6 or more, it will be more economical. A sedan or SUV is typically less expensive for 2-3 passengers.

Is there a need to pre-book a tempo traveller in Kochi?

Yes, when festivals are coming and on weekends. Those are the days when vehicles sell out quickly, so it's best to give a couple of days' notice.

If you are making a trip from this list, Kalinka Travels has tempo travellers in Kochi in various seating arrangements and the drivers are familiar with the routes of Munnar and Athirappilly.