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Aluva is a charming town nestled along the banks of the Periyar River in Kerala’s Ernakulam district that beckons many travelers to explore its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. Renowned for the vibrant Shivarathri festival the Aluva Manappuram Mahadeva Temple is a perfect base to discover places to visit near Aluva. From the historical landmarks of Kochi and the breathtaking Athirappilly Waterfalls to the serene shores of Cherai Beach and the spiritual sanctuary of Malayattoor, each destination offers a unique experience.
Top 12 Places To Visit Near Aluva
These are a few picturesque places to visit near Aluva that are culturally important and promise you a delightful experience.
1. Kochi, Cochin
Photo: Dhruvraj / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 20 km from Aluva, Kochi is a bustling city of immense historical value and cultural diversity. The place boasts a fusion of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences in its architecture and monuments. One of the best places to see near Aluva is Fort Kochi. Mattancherry Palace has exquisite murals illustrating Hindu mythology and narrates episodes of that time. Not too far from there, the Jewish Synagogue and the adjacent Jew Town are potent expressions of multiculturalism in the city. Along Marine Drive runs an excellent waterfront promenade for a great evening stroll, offering views across the busy harbor.
Distance From Aluva: 27.5 km
Suggested Read: Alleppey Nightlife
2. Athirappilly Waterfalls
Photo: Jan Joseph George / Wikimedia Commons
About 48 km from Aluva, the Athirappilly Waterfalls is the biggest waterfall in the state. This waterfall looks majestic and is surrounded by lush green forests. It’s part of the Chalakudy River Forest, an important elephant habitat. More commonly called the “Niagara of India,” Athirappilly happens to be a place attracting nature and photography lovers. The area around the falls is rich in biodiversity and is the apt place to retreat peacefully into nature’s bosom.
Distance From Aluva: 47.5 km
3. Kodanad Elephant Training Centre
Photo: Abhijith Sajeev / Wikimedia Commons
Situated 26 km from Aluva, the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre is a beautiful opportunity to get up close and personal with elephants. Watching elephants bathe in the river, being informed about their training or rehabilitation, or taking a ride through the countryside on top of the elephant are some experiences that can be very enlightening. The center has a very diverse habitat that also houses other animals and birds, developing into a mini-zoo.
Distance From Aluva: 26.4 km
Suggested Read: Pathanamthitta Waterfalls
4. Bolgatty Palace
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
The Bolgatty Palace is situated around 25 km from Aluva, on Bolgatty Island, and is a Dutch palace later converted into a heritage hotel. Initially built in 1744 by Dutch traders, it is the oldest Dutch palace outside Holland. The place offers a panoramic view of the Kochi harbor all set to bring about an experience of the olden days. This palace’s interiors are well-preserved and adorned with antique artifacts and historical paintings. The rich greenery around the palace is very soothing and can be enjoyed with a stroll or simply enjoying the scenic beauty.
Distance From Aluva: 22.6 km
5. Kalady
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
About 15 km from Aluva, Kalady is a sacred pilgrimage center and the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, the famous philosopher and theologian. The memorial to Shankaracharya, the Adi Shankara Keerthi Sthamba Mandapam, shows life and his teachings through paintings and sculptures in the pictured gallery. A little distance away is the famous Sri Krishna Temple, a quiet place for devotees to worship and seek blessings, who come to find solace.
Distance From Aluva: 14.5 km
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Varkala
6. Cherai Beach
Photo: Edukeralam / Wikimedia Commons
About 24 km from Aluva, Cherai Beach is a golden-sand-spun stretch along the Arabian Sea. With shallow waters and a somnolent ambience, it is most suitable for swimming, sunbathing, parasailing, and jet skiing. The beach is known for its gentle tides and being one of the best attractions near Aluva it makes an excellent spot for a leisurely swim. Sublime views of sunset make this beach a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts. The adjacent fishing villages and coconut groves add to the charm of this picturesque coastal destination.
Distance From Aluva: 23.7 km
7. Malayattoor
Photo: Dil Shad Roshan / Wikimedia Commons
Malayattoor is one of the most famous pilgrimage centers in the state. It is known for its Malayattoor Church, which is dedicated to St. Thomas. The tradition here is that St Thomas, the Apostle, came to this hilltop shrine during his missionary sojourn in India. The church has followers worldwide who worship and attend religious services. This hill is spiritually enriching, with serene surroundings and panoramic views of Malayattoor Hill.
Distance From Aluva: 21.9 km
Suggested Read: Pallivasal Waterfalls
8. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Smitha Raj Nair / Wikimedia Commons
This sanctuary, located about 45 km from Aluva, is the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. The place is one of the most significant tourist attractions near Aluva, it epitomizes sublime beauty, drawing several naturalists and bird watchers. It comprises different types of avifauna, some very rare, like the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Indian Pitta, many of which are migratory birds. The guided birdwatching tours and nature walks in this sanctuary provide chances to explore dense forests, rivers, and wetlands.
Distance From Aluva: 45.2 km
9. Kadamattom Church
Photo: Eldho / Wikimedia Commons
Kadamattom Church is the oldest Christian pilgrimage center in the region that is dedicated to St. George. Besides being of historical and cultural relevance, this church is a vista of the great culture of Christians in Kerala. In addition to offering prayers, several pilgrims visit this shrine primarily to participate in the annual festivals. Traditional rituals and art forms are performed as a part of these festivals. This beautiful atmosphere and spiritual ambience offer an excellent backdrop for prayer and introspection at the Kadamattom Church.
Distance From Aluva: 26.1 km
Suggested Read: Palm Leaf Manuscript Museum
10. Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
Situated about 20 km from Aluva, the Hill Palace Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. This palace is an erstwhile royal residence of the Kochi Maharajas, which now houses a vast collection of artifacts and antiques that shed light on Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Its regal architecture, finely landscaped lawns, and museum galleries boast its vault of royal furniture, weapons, sculptures, and ancient manuscripts. It showcases Kerala’s royal history and traditions, making it a place of essence for history buffs and art lovers.
Distance From Aluva: 19.9 km
11. Paniyeli Poru
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
About 35 km from Aluva, near Perumbavoor, Paniyeli Poru is one of the most famous places to see near Aluva. It is a renowned picnic spot located in Ernakulam. The Periyar River runs through it, giving way to small cascades—another favorite haunt of nature lovers and photographers. Some activities one can engage in here include trekking, bird-watching, and picnicking in the serene surroundings. Ecologically, Paniyeli Poru is rich and comes under the protected areas of the Kerala Forest Department.
Distance From Aluva: 34.5 km
Suggested Read: Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum
12. Vaikom
Photo: Panavalli / Wikimedia Commons
Vaikom is a historic township situated about 56 km from Aluva. This place derives fame from the presence of the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, which is the oldest and most famous temple of Lord Shiva in Kerala. The temple is well-known for its architecture and serves as a hub of spirituality and religious activity. Vaikom is also associated with the Vaikom Satyagraha, a crucial movement in India’s freedom struggle guided by Mahatma Gandhi.
Distance From Aluva: 56.3 km
Aluva is a tapestry of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and spiritual sanctuaries. From the historical streets of Kochi to the gigantic splendor of Athirappilly Waterfalls and peaceful single beaches like Cherai, there are many places to visit near Aluva. Each destination offers an experience different from the other. Plan your personalized trip to Aluva with TripXL for the memories of a lifetime.
Cover Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
