Lakshadweep is a serene group of islands and a Union Territory of India. Sparsely inhabited, the island is a perfect destination for those seeking quite and solace. In general, the tour packages (especially the cruise tour packages) comprises 5 days and 4 nights trip. But, if you have more vacation, you can visit these coastal cities of India to complement tour trip.
Kochi
You will be anyhow visiting Kochi on your endeavor to reach Lakshadweep because the ships and flights to Lakshadweep starts from Kochi. It is a lovely coastal town in the Kerala state of India. On your trip, grab some time to visit Fort Kochi area, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Bolgatty Palace, and Cherai Beach.
Via flight, reaching Kochi from Lakshadweep shall take 1.5 hours and via cruise or ship, it might take 15-20 hours.
Idukki
Idukki is a densely forested and mountainous region of Kerala. The forest of Idukki is known for the rare Neelakurinji flower, which blooms every 12 years. Well, some interesting sites in the city include-
- Periyar National Park
- Eravikulam National Park
- Mattupetty Dam
Distance between Kochi and Idukki: 130 kilometers, 4 hours drive
Book a cab from Kochi to Idukki
Curious to know more about Neelakurinji flower? Here is an information from wikipedia.
Kumarakom
It is a village on the Vembanad Lake in the backwaters of Kerala. The village is famous for the houseboat voyages in its canals. More serene sites in this village include-
- Pathiramanal
- Bay Island Driftwood Museum
- The Great Backwaters
- Chavara Bhavan
Distance between Kochi and Kumarakom: 48 kilometers, 1.5 hours drive
Book a cab from Kochi to Kumarakom
The Kumarakom village is very close to Kochi, and you get to see, two entirely distinct water bodies- one, a clear water and open sky from Lakshadweep and two, the water through a dense forest.
Useful links-
How to reach Lakshadweep island?