Get ready to explore Kerala like never before as Zostel is all set to welcome you in Ernakulam, known as the beating heart of Kochi. It is tucked away along the sun-dappled sands of Kerala's southwest coast and offers a symphony of hues and cultures. The modern-day streets of Ernakulam resonate with the old-world charm of Kochi, making it a unique beach destination. From island hopping to museum tours to water sports, there’s something for everyone. So, gear up to explore Kochi's best kept secret like a local.

We have listed everything you’ll need to plan a trip to this charming coastal town. Read on to find out places to visit, cafes to try, and things to do in Ernakulam.

Best time to visit Ernakulam

Winters, from October to February, is the ideal time to visit Ernakulam. Cooler temperatures and pleasant weather allows one to explore Ernakulam in the best way during these months. At this time of the year, there are also numerous festivals and cultural activities that provide a chance to experience the local culture. The months of Monsoons, from July to September, are also comparatively cooler and is a good time to get ayurvedic treatment in Ernakulam. During Summer (March to June), the average temperature gets very high and hence once should avoid planning a trip to Ernakulam in these months.

Guide to Kochi and Ernakulam

Find the best of attractions and offbeat experiences in and around Kochi, Ernakulam, and the magnificent islands in between. How? With our detailed guide, of course!

Places to visit in Ernakulam

Marine Drive: Yes, you can call it the marine drive of the South. Taking a stroll along the alluring walkway at the edge of the backwaters of marine drive, Ernakulam is one of the most relaxing things you can do in Ernakulam. For some adventure, you can go on a boat ride for an enthralling experience. The place is also surrounded by cafes where you can try the local delicacies. After midnight, you can also see the shimmering rainbow bridge from here.

You can enjoy a ferry ride at Marine drive, Ernakulam (Source: Unsplash)

Ezhattumugham: This is a small eco-village which lies on the way to the famous Athirappilly waterfalls. Often missed by travellers, this quaint little village is a perfect place to get closer to nature. The sound of the nearby water streams is music to the ears. Ezhattumugham Prakriti Gramam is a picturesque site where the water brims from the dam. All in all, you can get the best nature therapy here.

Timings: 8 am - 6 pm

Entry fees: INR 20

Durbar Hall Art Gallery: If you want to get acquainted with the culture of Ernakulam, this is the best place for it. The building of the gallery was once the durbar hall of the Maharajas of Cochin, hence the name. The gallery brings together the artistic vibe of the place through various exhibitions, installations and dynamic events. Definitely a paradise for art and culture enthusiasts. You must add to it your Ernakulam itinerary for a wholesome experience. To add to your convenience, it's just 3.8 km from Zostel Kochi (Ernakulam).

Timings: 11 am - 7 pm

Entry fees: INR 20

Museums of Ernakulam

Kerala Folklore Museum: If you are looking for a place to delve deeper into the culture of Kerala, a visit here is a must. Witness the cultural and historical marvels of the state and especially the traditional architecture. There is an antique shop which has all the heritage collections under one roof and also a face art gallery. You can support the local artists by visiting the museum and indulging in their products.

Timings: 9 am - 6 pm

Entry Fee: Adult - INR 100; Students: INR 50

Hill Palace Museum: Another historical site, the museum was the official residence of the rulers of Kochi. You can see the art and paintings of Kochi's royal family along with other attractions. Memorials from ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley and Harappa can also be found here.

Timings: 9 am - 12:30 pm and 2 pm - 4:30 pm

Entry Fee: Adult - INR 30

The architecture of the museum is a sight to behold in itself (Source: Yometro)

Dolls Museum: A unique and exuberant museum which has a delightful collection of dolls from all over India. The dolls wear the traditional attires of different Indian states. It’s an enriching experience which you should add to your Ernakulam itinerary.

Timings: 10 am - 5 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)

Entry Fee: INR 50 (up to five heads, including children) and INR 10 for each extra visitor in addition to five.

Waterfalls near Ernakulam

Athirappilly Waterfalls: One of the most celebrated spots in Ernakulam, without which your trip to Ernakulam would be incomplete. It’s a natural wonder where the water gracefully descends from an elevated cliff. There are a lot of mesmerising spots near the falls as well. Make a visit here for an eventful day. Around 2 hours drive from Zostel Kochi (Ernakulam) will lead you to this picturesque waterfall.

Timings: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Entry Fee: INR 30

A magnificent view of the breathtaking Athirappilly waterfall. (Source: Unsplash)

Vazhachal Waterfalls: Just 7 km from Athirappilly lies another exquisite waterfall on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges. Along with the spectacular views, various indigenous species can be discovered in the deep woodlands nearby. You can also plan a picnic here and spend some time in the lap of nature.

Timings: 8 am - 6 pm

Entry Fee: INR 30

Areekkal Waterfalls: The cascading waterfall is a great site for tourists to feel the freshness of nature as it is surrounded by woodlands and rubber plantations. Hidden amidst the towering hills, the water from the falls creates a natural pond. The place is pure bliss for nature lovers.

Timings: 8 am - 6 pm

Entry Fee: INR 20

PS: All these waterfalls are eco-friendly places. Leave them as you find them, without littering.

Things to do in Ernakulam

Go kayaking in the backwaters: The backwaters of Kerala are known for water activities like kayaking and canoeing. Secret Routes Kayaking Centre in Kadamakkudy, Ernakulam, is a breathtaking location surrounded by natural beauty that adds to the charm of the adventure. There’s also Inchathotty which is a little far from Ernakulam. You can find a lot of such lesser-known places in the region for your little water excursion.

Get closer to nature on a kayak. (Source: Unsplash)

Go for a scenic Mangrove Tour: You can take a scenic boat ride over the mangroves in the magnificent backwaters of Kochi, which are about 8 kilometres from the capital of Ernakulam. If you’re a water sports enthusiast, windsurfing is another exciting sport you can indulge in on tour.

Attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance: Ernakulam is the hub of all the cultural happenings. Attending a live dance performance here is an experience in itself. Brace yourself to be captivated by the enchanting performance and get a first-hand experience of the culture of the place. You can watch it at the Kerala folklore museum or in the festivals during the festivities.

Day trips around Ernakulam

Kumbalangi: Around 15 km from Ernakulam lies this serene island village surrounded by the backwaters of Kerala. It gives an insight into the everyday life of the fishermen community of the region. It's one of those sites where the sea shimmers at night due to bioluminescence. An offbeat getaway like this is a nature retreat you should go on.

Thattekkad bird sanctuary: Around 61 km from Ernakulam, this sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. There are guided bird-watching tours led by locals, which also give you an insight into the biodiversity of the region. It’s also an amazing location for nature photography.

Stunning sunset at the bird sanctuary (Source: photovaliant.com)

Kalady: A 1-1.5 hour road trip from Ernakulam will lead you to this small town. It is a significant pilgrimage site due to its association with Adi Shankaracharya. There’s plenty of greenery around the shrine. You can participate in yoga and meditation retreats at Kalady to gain insight into a holistic approach to spirituality, all with a view!

Best places to try local delicacies in Ernakulam

Dhe Puttu: Dhe Puttu is a great choice if you want to enjoy traditional Keralan cuisine. Poppadums and sulaimani, which are complementary with the opulent dinner here, create the mood for you to savour the dish. Make sure you choose something special from the large variety of delicacies served here.

Price: INR 600 for 2

Timings: 8 - 10:30 am; 12-10:45 pm

Grand Pavilion: Grand Pavilion stands as a city landmark, offering an array of culinary choices such as North Indian, Kerala, and Continental cuisine.

Price: INR 1400 for 2

Timings: 12 - 10:30 pm

Brindhavan: A go-to restaurant for vegetarian delicacies in Ernakulam. Perfect for casual dining, here you can find a range of South Indian and North Indian delicacies.

Price: INR 300 for 2

Timings: 7 am to 10:30 pm

Pandhal Cake Shop: The Pandhal Cake Shop offers an extensive variety of desserts to satisfy your sweet craving. Their English Toffee cupcake and Chocolate dream cake are a must try.

Price: INR 200 for 2

Timings: 9 am to 9 pm

A Bit About Zostel Kochi (Ernakulam)

Spend pleasant evenings at the aesthetic outside seating area at Zostel Kochi ( Ernakulam)

Zostel is here to take care of your stay in the hotshot city of Ernakulam.The hostel is adorned by aesthetic interiors and eccentric wall art, especially curated by the local artisans. It has an area to work from, a common area to chill with fellow travellers, and swings to sway away in your leisure time. Feel at home in our lively dorms and cosy rooms as you explore the backwaters, waterfalls, and graffiti-laden streets of Ernakulam. Check out Zostel Kochi (Ernakulam) here.

Zostelers having a gala time.

With this guide, you have everything you need for an exciting vacation to this lesser-explored part of Kerala. So, head out and live it now with Zostel.