Tired of the urban buzz of Kochi? Do you ever feel the need to escape the city's relentless pace, even for just an afternoon? What if I told you that a world of serene islands, shimmering backwaters, and tranquil village life exists just a stone's throw away?
Welcome to Kadamakkudy, a stunning archipelago of 14 islands that feels like a world away but is surprisingly close to the heart of Kochi. It's a place where time slows down, where the roads are framed by water, and where the sky puts on a spectacular show every sunrise and sunset. Recently, we took a drive out to this hidden gem, and it was an experience that soothed the soul.
The journey itself is part of the charm. As you turn off the main highway, the cityscape melts away, replaced by narrow, winding roads flanked by lush greenery and the first promising glimpses of water. The air changes, the sounds change, and you can feel yourself entering a different rhythm of life.
The serene backwaters of Kadamakkudy under the soft light of the monsoon clouds. The stillness of the water creates a perfect mirror for the sky.
What truly defines Kadamakkudy is its landscape—it’s often called "Kochi's own Kuttanad," and for good reason. The vast expanses of water, dotted with traditional fishing boats and bordered by swaying coconut palms, are deeply reminiscent of the famous Alleppey backwaters. It’s a place where life is intrinsically tied to the water.
A timeless scene of local life, as a boatman paddles his 'vallam' across the tranquil waters, connecting the scattered islands.
To truly share the immersive beauty of this drive and the peaceful atmosphere of Kadamakkudy, I've created a full video of our journey. You can experience the sights and sounds just as we did. Watch it below in either English or Malayalam—the visuals are the same, so you can choose the language you prefer!
Our Kadamakkudy Journey: The Full Video
For our English-speaking audience:
For our Malayalam-speaking audience (മലയാളം പ്രേക്ഷകർക്കായി):
As you can see in the video, one of the main attractions is the Kadamakkudy Lake View Point road. On one side, you have the sprawling Pokkali fields, a unique ecosystem that alternates between salt-resistant rice cultivation and prawn farming. On the other, fish farms and vast water bodies stretch to the horizon. It's a panorama of blue, green, and the vibrant life they support.
Taking a moment to soak in the incredible 360-degree views from the Kadamakkudy viewpoint.
The beautiful blend of nature and habitation, where mangrove ecosystems thrive right alongside the local community.
The sheer expanse of water here is breathtaking. It creates a sense of openness and freedom that is hard to find in the city. Whether it's the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore or the sight of a lone bird fishing in the shallows, every detail adds to the area's profound tranquility.
The vast, calming waters of Kadamakkudy, a perfect landscape for quiet contemplation and escape.
While the drive itself is a joy, Kadamakkudy offers more for the curious visitor. You can go kayaking through the serene canals, enjoy some of the best birdwatching near Kochi (especially in the early mornings), or indulge in delicious, fresh seafood at one of the local eateries, including the famous toddy shops.
If you're in Kochi and looking for the perfect one-day trip or a simple evening escape, I cannot recommend Kadamakkudy enough. It’s a reminder of the timeless beauty of Kerala's backwaters, waiting to be explored.
The iconic Kerala landscape—a line of coconut palms mirrored in the glassy water, capturing the essence of God's Own Country.
I hope this post and the videos inspire you to take your own trip to this slice of paradise. If you enjoyed this journey, don't forget to like the videos, leave a comment, and subscribe to the channel for more Kerala adventures!
