Planning to tour Kochi, only Indian city on the 'must-visit' list for 2026? Lesser-known, unmissable spots

You might have visited Kochi a thousand times. However, it never runs out of places to amaze you. From beaches and backwaters to historic streets and churches, Kochi finds new reasons to excite visitors. For those who love its endlessly refreshing vibe, it's no surprise that Kochi is the only Indian city featured on booking.com's top 10 destinations to visit in 2026. While Kochi's most popular destinations need no introduction, its hidden gems also offer much to tourists. The next time you visit Kochi, here are a few spots you shouldn't miss. 

Kochi Mangrove route
What about trying a hand at kayaking through the serene mangrove forests of Kochi? Head to Valanthakadu Island near Kundannur. What awaits you is a 2.5-hour guided trip, complete with tea and snacks. You get to enjoy gentle sunrise and sunsets, local village life, a rural walk checking out fishing and clam collection and experience paddling through the canals of the mangrove. 
Timing: 6 am to 8.30 am, 4 pm to 6.30 pm (Daily)
Rate: Rs 500 on weekdays and Rs 750 for weekends, per person
Location: Near Udayathumvathil View Point in Panangad. Search 'Kochi Mangrove Route' on Google Maps

Vadattupara waterfalls
The waterfall in Kochi's Kuttampuzha looks its best during the monsoon season. However, its rocky, spacious ambience is majestic even in other seasons. Even the route to Vadattupara, on the Angamaly-Aluva-Perumbavur stretch, which also takes you past the Bhuthathankettu dam, rejuvenates you with the soothing forest air. The waterfall isn't too deep like many others in Kerala and therefore, is comparatively safe. It's natural, water-themed park-like slides can entertain visitors of all ages, too. However, tourists should exercise caution on the slippery rocks. Afternoon hours at weekends are considered the best to visit the waterfalls. 

Route: Take the Angamaly-Aluva-Perumbavur route to reach Keerambara via the Kuttambuzha-Thattekkadu road. From here, turn left, take the Bhuthathankettu route to reach Vadattupara waterfalls. 
Things to note: The area does not have a lifeguard, and at times, wild animals, such as elephants, are present. 

Puthenthode Beach
Kochi is surrounded by beautiful beaches, but do you know that there are many low-key stunners too? Puthenthode Beach in Chellanam, near the well-known tourist spot Kumbalangi, is such an offbeat treasure. Filled with smooth, wave-shaped beach stones that were once beach walls, it's also a beach with many fisherfolk. The beach attracts many visitors on Sundays but is relatively quiet on other days, according to locals. The beach also has a 2.5 km-long tetrapod wall, along which you can walk. 

Location: Puthenthode Beach is 15 km from Kochi town. You can reach the spot via the Kochi-Thoppumpadi-Kannamali route. Take the Thuravur-Ezhupunna route if coming from Alappuzha. 
Things to note: There are no lifeguards here, so exercise caution if planning to venture into the waters.