Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is a renowned stop-over tourist destination. The place rightly carries the essence of Kerala; it breathes the culture related to the prehistoric, historic and modern eras. In addition, the city is adorned with hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, temples, backwater destinations and more.

Individuals looking for a refreshing gateway and exploring places to visit in Kochi in 1 day can refer to the section below!

1. Fort Kochi | 5 km from Kochi

Fort Kochi, nestled by the cruise harbour of Ernakulam Wharf, has a lot to offer. Visitors can explore marvellous architecture, picturesque falls and splendid beaches over here. The place still holds the charm of the British era and Dutch art.  Visitors can find a unique blend of British, Arab, Dutch and Chinese cultures here.

• Best Time to Visit:  Between October to March
• Entry Fee: Free
• Timings:  Best to travel in the daytime
• How to Reach: Nearby railway is in Ernakulam. One can also opt for waterways. 
• Things to do: Enjoy ferry rides, explore different churches and café, and enjoy mouth-watering food.
• Nearby Places to Visit: Santa Cruz Basilica, St Francis Church, Maritime Museum, Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace etc.

2. Cherai Beach | 25 km from Kochi

Cherai beach is among the best places to visit in Kochi in 1 day; that is endowed with serene beauty. The strategic location of the beach has made it a popular tourist destination. The beach is at the intersection point of the sea and backwaters.

• Best Time to Visit:  Between October to March. 
• Entry Fee: Free 
• Timings: Throughout the day. 
• How to Reach:  Via bus or car. One can also take a ferry to Vypeen Island. 
• Things to do: Indulge in swimming and sunbathing, engage in watersports like speed boats, snorkelling etc., explore the scenic beauty, watch dolphin diving in the sea and more. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: Cherai Gowreeswara Temple, Munambam Break Water Point & Beach, Pallipuram Fort, Azheekal Sree Varaha Temple etc.

3. Vaikom | 40 km from Kochi

Vaikom, situated in the northwest part of Kottayam, is famous as a backwater destination. Lake Vembanad lines the town. It is one of the oldest towns, which carries the essence of history. The town used to be the Satyagraha destination. Vaikom temple is located in the heart of the place and is one of the major attractions here. 

• Best Time to Visit: Between November to February. 
• Entry Fee: Free 
• Timings: 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM. 
• How to Reach:  By bus or car. 
• Things to do: Engage in boating, beach visits, religious tours, houseboat riding, attend the musical performance of Panchavadyam etc. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: Mango Meadows Agricultural Theme Park, Fish World, Vamana Swami Temple etc.

4. Kumarakom | 55 km from Kochi

Kumarakom, Queen of Vembanad, is a cluster of many Islands nestled on the Vembanad Lake. It houses several mangrove forests and coconut groves and is considered an enchanting backwater destination. In addition, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is another ideal tourist place to visit in Kochi in 1 day, which hosts many migratory birds like Siberian Stork.

• Best Time to Visit:  Between October to March. 
• Entry Fee: For visiting the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. 
  • Adult: ₹100 per person (for Indians),  ₹ 250 per person (for foreign tourists)
• Timings:
  
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: 6 AM to 4:30 AM. 
  • Kumarakom Backwater Cruise: 11 AM to 5 PM. 
• How to Reach: One can get a bus from the Kottayam bus stand. The nearest railway station is Kottayam. One can commute via boat from Alleppey.
• Things to do: Indulge in water sports, Ayurvedic massage, and meditation, enjoy the boat race, attend the Kathakali Performance, take a houseboat ride etc.
• Nearby Places to Visit: Kumaramangalam Temple, Vagamon, Pathiramanal Island, Aranmula etc.

5. Marari beach | 60 km from Kochi

Marari beach is another simple hangout place in Kochi. It is located in Alappuzha District and is positioned as the world's five-hammock beach. Visitors will get an authentic vibe of Kerala's traditional fishing village here. This sandy beach, lined by swaying palms, bestows visitors with the local charm. Individuals who want to explore and enjoy the Kerala backwater will find this place ideal.

• Best Time to Visit: Between September to March. 
• Entry Fee: Free 
• Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 
• How to Reach: NH 66 passes via S.L. Puram. It is also connected to Kochi international airport. The beach is near NH 47. 
• Things to do: See the Snake Boat Races, and explore the backwater. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: St. Francis Church, Arthunkal, Mararikulam Shiva Temple, Thiruvizha, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala Backwater Canals etc.

6. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary | 63 km from Kochi

For visitors who want to spend their leisure time or weekend amidst a nature-rich region, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is the ideal place. The sanctuary is nestled amidst the dense tropical evergreen grassland patches and deciduous forests. It is the first bird sanctuary that was constructed in Kerala.

• Best Time to Visit: Between October to February (winter months). 
• Entry Fee: Free
• Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 
• How to Reach:  The nearest railway station is Aluva. 
• Things to do: Explore the scenic beauty, ride over the elephant's back etc. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: Bolgatty Island,  Bhoothathankettu Dam, Willington Island etc.

7. Alleppey | 65 km from Kochi

Another ideal weekend getaway destination is Alleppey or Alappuzha, popularly regarded as the Venice of the East. The place is endowed with backwaters as well as beautiful beaches. Houseboat tourism is most prevalent over here. One of the famous attractions in Alappuzha is the Mullackal Chirap.

• Best Time to Visit: Between November to February. 
• Entry Fee: No entry charge. 
• Timings: 5 AM to 7 PM. 
• How to Reach: Take a bus or hire a taxi from the main city of Kochi.  The nearest railway is Alappuzha Railway Station NH 47 passes through the city. 
• Things to do: Elephant Parade, enjoy a rejuvenating spa session, indulge in Kayaking,  Engage in adventure activities like parasailing, surfing etc., etc. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: Mullakkal Bhagavathy Temple, Krishnapuram Palace, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Thakazhi Shree Dharma Sastha Temple etc.

8. Athirapally Falls | 72 km from Kochi

Another noteworthy place for a one-day trip in Kochi is the surreal cascading Athirapally Falls. It is nestled amidst the Sholayar hill range and is surrounded by the Athirapally Forest, which houses several species. The waterfall drops from a height of 80 feet.

• Best Time to Visit: Between September to January. 
• Entry Fee: 
  • Adult: ₹ 30 per person (for Indians), ₹ 100 per person (for foreign tourists).
• Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 
• How to Reach: Nearby railway is Chalakudi Railway station. The place is connected by bus as well. 
• Things to do: Indulge in trekking, go swimming in the base of the falls, stay in the tree house, and participate in adventure activities like river rafting, trekking etc. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: Charpa Falls, Malayattur Wildlife Sanctuary, Anakkayam Vazhachal Waterfall, Sholayar Dam etc.

9. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple | 74 km from Kochi

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, located in Ettumanoor city, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple stands out for its exceptional woodcarvings and murals, highlighting the 16th-century architectural splendour. All the temple walls reflect Dravidian Mural paintings.

• Best Time to Visit: February and March.
• Entry Fee: Free
• Timings: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Morning hours) and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Evening hours). 
• How to Reach: Kottayam is the nearest railway station. Book a taxi or cab. 
• Things to do: Attend poojas and Abhishekam.
• Nearby Places to Visit: Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Fort Kochi, Chottanikkara Temple, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary etc.

10. Thommankuthu Falls | 75 km from Kochi

Thommankuthu Falls, nestled in the southern parts of the Western Ghats, is a significant eco-tourism centre that offers awe-inspiring views to visitors. It is an ideal place for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Thommankuthu is a 12-step fall, often called kuthus by locals, which is set amidst lush evergreen forests that descend to form a pool.

• Best Time to Visit: Between September to May.
• Entry Fee:
  • Adults: ₹ 10 per person.
  • Children: ₹ 5 per child.
• Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 
• How to Reach: Take a bus from Munnar and Thodupuzha. 
• Things to do: Indulge in trekking, rock climbing, horse riding, boating and fishing options; go for a picnic etc. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: Kattadi Kadavu Viewpoint, Valara Waterfalls, St. George Forane Church, Areeckal Waterfall etc.

11. Vazhachal Waterfalls | 78 km from Kochi

Vazhachal Waterfalls, located only 75 km away from Athirapally waterfall, is a major tourist attraction in Kochi. It is formed over the Chalakudy River and falls from an altitude of 300 feet into a huge pool below. Besides being famous for the breathtaking view, Vazhachal Waterfalls stands out for housing several endemic species.

• Best Time to Visit: Between September to February. 
• Entry Fee: Free
• Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM. 
• How to Reach: Hire a taxi or cab from Kochi. Chalakudy is the nearest railway station. 
• Things to do: Stroll through shallow water, enjoy the scenic bath, indulge in nature photography, Arrange a picnic etc. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: Thumboormuzhy Dam, St Sebastian's Church, Sri Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthamba Mandapam, etc.

12. Poonjar Palace | 79 km from Kochi

Poonjar palace is a majestic palace located in Meenachil Taluka. The palace houses all sorts of antiques and bestows visitors with the ruins of history, which include statues, weapons, antiques etc. A sculpture of Nataraja is exhibited in the palace. Even the palanquin and thoni crafted out of single wood give glorious testimony of the bygone era.

• Best Time to Visit: No specific time
• Entry Fee: Free 
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• How to Reach: Via bus or taxi. The nearest railway is Kottayam. 
• Things to do: Explore the antiques and rich history of Kerala. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: Madurai Meenakshi Temple, Sastha Temple etc.

13. Kuttanad | 79 km from Kochi

Individuals who are looking for a place far away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a one-day trip from Kochi can visit Kuttanad. Kuttanad is home to large stretches of green rice fields and is rightly called the 'rice bowl of Kerala'.  Most notably, Kuttanad is a place where farming is carried out 2m below sea level. It is also famous for backwater houseboat tours.

• Best Time to Visit: Between October to March.  
• Entry Fee: No entry fee. 
• Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM. 
• How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Alappuzha. One can also hire a can or take a boat ride from Alappuzha.
• Things to do: Indulge in Canoe rides, long-hour cruises through backwaters, nature photography etc. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: Punnamada Lake, Karumadikuttan, Mannarasala Temple, Basilica of St. Mary etc.

14. Cheeyappara Waterfalls | 84 km from Kochi

Visitors can also include Cheeyappara Waterfalls in Kochi one-day tour package. It is one of the most attractive tourist destinations and is nestled amidst Neriamangalam and Adimali. The waterfall cascades down in sevens steps from an altitude of 1000 feet, giving out a spectacular view.

• Best Time to Visit: Between June to September (Monsoon seasons). 
• Entry Fee: Free
• Timings: No specific time. 
• How to Reach: It is near NH 49 (Kochi-Madurai highway). One can take a bus or taxi. The nearest railway station is Kochi. 
• Things to Do: Nature photography, witness natural beauty, camping, adventure activities like mountaineering, trekking, rock-climbing activities etc. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: Valara Waterfalls, Thommankuthu Waterfall, Cheruthoni Dam, Paniyeli Poru Rapids, Ilaveezhapoonchira etc.

15. Guruvayoor | 86 km from Kochi

Guruvayoor is a famous pilgrimage site that houses the Guruvayoor temple. It is a Hindu temple that is dedicated to God, Guruvayurappan. It is believed that the idol that is worshipped here is 5000 years old. Moreover, the temple construction was such that on every Malayalam new-year day, the first sun rays fell directly on Lord Krishna's feet.

• Best Time to Visit: Between October to February. 
• Entry Fee: Free of cost. 
• Timings: 3 AM to 12:30 PM and 4.30 PM to 10 PM. 
• How to Reach: One can take a bus or train. The nearest railway is Guruvayoor.
• Things to do: Attend grand festivals like Guruvayoor Ekadasi, see the famous tall gold-plated Dwajasthambam and attend the elephant procession. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: Guruvayur Devaswom Elephant Sanctuary, Palayur Church, Parthasarathy Temple, Chowalloor Shiva Temple etc.

16. Marmala falls | 89 km from Kochi

Popularly regarded as the ‘enchantress of the jungle’, Marmala falls is another tourist place to visit in Kochi in 1 day. It is situated in Erattupetta that stands out for its enchanting beauty. This waterfall plummets from an altitude of 200 feet and joins at river Teekay, forming an ethereal aura of mist. Flora and fauna surrounding the place is enchanting, taking visitors close to nature.

• Best Time to Visit: Between June to September (monsoon season). 
• Entry Fee: Free
• Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 
• How to Reach: By bus or car. The nearest railway station is Kottayam.
• Things to do: Enjoy the magnificent and panoramic view of nature, engage in hiking, explore the rocky route etc. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: Periyar Lake, Murugan Hill, Idukki Arch Dam, Palozhukumpara Waterfall, Illickan Kallu etc.

17. Peechi Dam | 97 km from Kochi

Another incredible tourist spot in Kochi for a one-day trip is the Peechi dam. This picturesque dam, constructed across the Manali River, is part of an irrigation project. The dam caters to the drinking water requirements of Thrissur city. The presence of the botanical garden near the dam has enhanced the beauty of the place and serves as an added tourist attraction.

• Best Time to Visit: Between October to March. 
• Entry Fee:
  • Adults: ₹ 10 per person.  
  • Children: ₹ 5 per child.
• Timings: 8 AM to 6.30 PM.
• How to Reach: Thrissur is the nearest railway station. 
• Things to do: Go boating on the reservoir.
• Nearby Places to Visit: Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Malampuzha Garden, Ponmudi Hill Resort, Parambikulam, Bekal Fort, Kappad Beach etc.

18. Munnar | 124 km from Kochi

Munnar is a year-around tourist destination that is situated in Idukki district at the confluence of river Madurapuzha, Kundala and Nallathanni.  It bestows visitors with mesmerising lush green tea estates, scenic views of the hill.  In addition, the scenic views of the lakes and waterfalls attract tourists from all over the world.

• Best Time to Visit: Between September to November. Even between January to March. 
• Entry Fee: For Eravikulam National Park.
  • Adults: ₹ 125 per person (For Indians), ₹ 420 (for foreign tourists).
• Timings: Eravikulam National Park is open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Ernakulam, and Aluva Bus services are also available. 
• Things to do: Engage in camping and trekking, stroll around tea estates, go mountain biking etc. 
• Nearby Places to Visit: Mattupetty Dam, Tea Museum, Pallivasal, Chinnakanal & Anayirangal, etc.

19. Thenmala | 170 km from Kochi

Thenmalam, nestled amidst the dense woods of the Western Ghats, is the first eco-tourism spot in India. The region is famous for producing the highest-quality honey, which is filled with medicinal value. Thenmala is also a UNESCO world heritage site.  Thenmala Dam is a major attraction here and is even considered one of the world's best eco-friendly projects.

• Best Time to Visit: Between December to February. 
• Entry Fee: Each tourist spot has different charges. 
  • For instance, boating and sanctuary entrance fees for adults and children: ₹ 275; foreign tourists: ₹ 625.
• Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM(No musical fountain on Mondays). 
• How to Reach: By bus or car. 
• Things to do: Engage in adventure sports like hiking, trekking, mountain biking; enjoy jungle camping and boating; go for a butterfly safari or visit the tree house.
• Nearby Places to Visit: Thenmala Hanging Bridge, Butterfly Park, Ambanad Hills, Deer Park, Shendurney Sanctuary etc.