Photo by Vishnu K R on Unsplash

Located on the backwaters of Kochi, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, is the hidden gem of a destination known as the Kadamakkudy Islands. For those of you looking to explore something different than the usual Fort Kochi or the city destinations, Kadamakkudy is the perfect location for you. As you travel through the city to Kadamakkudy, you will gradually feel the change in atmosphere, greenery and the general pace of life.

Exploring Kadamakkudy

Kadamakkudy remains a hidden gem, untouched by heavy tourism and far from the bustle of the city. This adds to its charm, offering visitors an unfiltered and authentic experience of Kerala’s backwaters and village life. Its raw, less-explored setting ensures a serene and immersive escape into nature and local culture.

Photo by Avin CP on Unsplash

Kadamakkudy is a birdwatcher’s paradise as you will be able to see several species of birds on the islands due to its rich biodiversity. The backwaters going through the mangroves makes it perfect for boating activities ensuring a unique experience of nature for tourists. Kayaking is also an option for those looking for a bit of adventure while enjoying nature.

The most popular time when locals and tourists come to Kadamakkudy is early mornings for the sunrise and late evenings for the sunset. Families with children are a common sight especially in the evenings, as well as youngsters as it is the perfect time and place to click a few pictures with the sunset in the background of the backwaters.

Other Activities To Do In Kadamakkudy

Photo by Madhavan R on Unsplash

You will be able to witness farming activities if you walk through the fields of Kadamakkudy. Alongside farming, fishing is one of the most common occupations and activities of the locals of Kadamakkudy. You can spend the day walking along the shores through the village and see the local fishing methods. Shrimp farming and toddy tapping are also some of the other activities you can see while in Kadamakkudy. It is an ideal way to spend the day and experience the authentic village life in the backwaters of Kochi.

The most common activity visitors come for is to eat fresh and authentic local dishes like karimeen polichathu, prawns, and duck alongside other traditional dishes. Experiencing these local dishes in a toddy shop alongside a glass of freshly tapped toddy is the ultimate culinary experience.

Accommodation in Kadamakkudy

Since Kadamakkudy is not a common tourist destination, accommodation is limited to AirBnB and homestays. These accommodations come with all facilities as well as being comfortable and affordable. Since it is less than an hour’s drive from the city, the best options for accommodation can be found in the city itself. Kochi has a wide range of accommodation from luxury hotels to hostels, ensuring travelers within all budget ranges can easily find their choice of stay.

Basic amenities are limited, and most shops and restaurants close by early evening, so it’s advisable to plan accordingly.

Getting to Kadamakkudy

Being a small group of islands, Kadamakkudy can only be reached by road or boat. There are no public transport buses running through this route. You can catch a bus from the city and get off at Varapuzha, after which you will have to depend on auto rickshaws or private vehicles to reach the destination. There are also ferry networks available which will help you reach the islands comfortably.

Best Time to Visit Kadamakkudy

The best time to visit Kadamakkudy Islands is between November and March, after the monsoon and before the summer when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. You can also visit during the monsoon season when rain and cool weather make the lush greenery more evident and enjoyable.