Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Five Lesser-Known Islands to Explore Near Kochi
Near Kochi, there are several islands that are quieter than famous places like Fort Kochi and Vypeen.
Kumbalangi lets visitors see fishing, coir making and village life.
Vallarpadam has both an important church and a major container terminal.
Mulavukad has peaceful backwaters and the historic Bolgatty Palace.
Gundu is a small island with coconut trees and very little commercial activity.
The Cherai region has both the Arabian Sea and backwaters nearby.
People can swim, cycle and try local seafood there.
Together, these islands offer slower and more nature-focused travel experiences.
Kumbalangi Island offers fishing culture, coir making, mangroves and eco-tourism experiences.
Vallarpadam Island combines the Vallarpadam Basilica with Kochi’s International Container Transshipment Terminal.
Mulavukad Island features backwater views, heritage architecture and Bolgatty Palace heritage stays.
Gundu Island provides a quiet, boat-accessible setting with coconut groves and traditional fishing life.
The Cherai island region brings together beaches, backwaters, swimming, cycling and local seafood experiences.
- Who
- Travellers seeking quieter, cultural and nature-focused experiences near Kochi.
- What
- A guide to five lesser-known islands and island regions offering village life, backwaters, beaches, heritage and eco-tourism.
- When
- For a future Kochi trip; no specific travel date is given.
- Where
- On and around Kochi, across the Vembanad Lake and Arabian Sea coastline in Keralam.
- Why
- The islands offer alternatives to crowded destinations, with space, cultural depth, heritage travel and slow-tourism experiences.
- Featured destinations
- Kumbalangi Island, Vallarpadam Island, Mulavukad Island, Gundu Island and the Cherai island region.
- Kumbalangi highlight
- It is described as India’s first model tourism village.
- Vallarpadam highlights
- The island is home to the Vallarpadam Basilica and the International Container Transshipment Terminal.
- Mulavukad highlight
- Bolgatty Palace, described as one of the oldest Dutch palaces outside Europe, operates as a heritage hotel.
- Gundu Island access
- The island is accessible mainly by boat.
- Cherai activities
- The region is suited to swimming, cycling and experiencing local seafood culture.
- Natural feature
- The Cherai region places Arabian Sea views alongside calm backwaters, and dolphins are occasionally spotted offshore.