Known For : Echo Point, Munnar Atukkad Waterfalls Munnar Tea Plantations
The idyllic hill station Munnar - famous for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks, is located in the Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala. It serves as the commercial centre for some of the world’s largest tea estates. In addition, Munnar has many protected areas which are home to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji.
Distance from Guruvayur: 178 km
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Fort Kochi Mattancherry Palace Santa Cruz Basilica
Situated on the south-west coast of India, Kochi or Cochin is a bustling commercial port city with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years. Called as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. The city is marked by influences of Arabs, Dutch, Phoenicians, Portuguese, Chinese and the British city as well as that of the Indian rule of the Chera Dynasty followed by rule of the Feudal Lords.
Distance from Guruvayur: 86 km
Best Time: July to April
Known For : Houseboats in Alleppey Alleppey Backwaters Kuttanad
Officially called Alappuzha, Alleppey is a city in the South Indian state of Kerala. Bordering the Laccadive Sea, it is known for its wide network of interlinking, palm-fringed canals called backwaters and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts. In addition to the pristine beauty of Alleppey Beach, some exciting activities and attractions are present in and around this destination. Vijaya Beach Park has amusement amenities which acts as a plus point for the people visiting the beach.
Distance from Guruvayur: 157 km
Best Time: June to March
Known For : Backwaters in Kozhikode Kozhippara Falls Thusharagiri Waterfall
Formerly known as Calicut, Kozhikode is located in Kerala. It was the Capital of Malabar during the Zamorin rule 500 years ago and is famous for its centuries-old trade in cotton and spices with Jews, Arabs, Phoenicians and Chinese.
Distance from Guruvayur: 99 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Athirapally Falls Charpa Falls Vadakummnathan temple
Officially known as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is famous for fostering classical Keralan performing arts, religious sites and the renowned Thrissur Pooram festival, Onam festival and Vadakkumnathan Temple. Thrissur is the short form of Thiru-Shiva-Per-Ur which literally means “a city with three temples of Lord Shiva”. Thrissur later became anglicised to Trichur.
Distance from Guruvayur: 27 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Payyambalam Beach Muzhappilangad Beach St Angelo Fort
Located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, Kannur (fondly known as Cannanore), is a beautiful city bundled with a plethora of sightseeing options like beaches, monuments, ancient temples and picnic spots. Steeped in the distinctive local art forms like Theyyam, Kannur still has an aura of the bygone colonial era. The deep footprints of the Dutch, the Portuguese, the British and the Mysore Sultanate are still imbibed into the town and can be witnessed all around.
Distance from Guruvayur: 187 km
Best Time: October to March
Kattoor is a small village. It is located in the Irinjalakuda block of the Thrissur District. The local language here is Malayalam. There is a spa and wellness centre; it is a budget-friendly place for shopping and accommodation. The closest railway station is located about 10 kms away. Back in the day, 'Kattoor Angady' was renowned for its early morning market.