Kunnathunad

Travel Guide

Kalady (Malayalam: കാലടി) is a census town located east of the Periyar river, in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. Notably, it is the birthplace of Sri Adi Shankara, and a popular destination for pilgrims. Kalady started featuring in the spiritual map of India only after its rediscovery in the late 19th century by the then Shankaracharya of Sringeri and the subsequent consecration of a temple for Sri Adi Shankara in 1910. Kalady Kadavu (Aaraattu Kadavu) The Kalady Kadavu is the place where the river took its turn, and where Kalady was born. It was also the place where Sankara had first performed Aaraattu (a river bath of an idol) for his ancestral deity before installing it at its current location. Crocodile Ghat The "Muthala Kadavu," or Crocodile Ghat, is where Sankara's life turned to Sanyasam (Ascetic life). His mother, Aryadevi, did not agree with his desire to become a Sanyasin. Legend says that one day, Sankara was touched by a dog and, as per custom followed by the community, Sankara had to take bath. Accompanied by mother, Sankara went to river Poorna to bathe. While in the water, a crocodile caught hold of his leg. The drowning Sankara told his mother that the crocodile would leave him alone if she would allow him to take up Sanyasa. Helpless, his mother agreed, and the crocodile freed Sankara.
Kalady (Malayalam: കാലടി) is a census town located east of the Periyar river, in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. Notably, it is the birthplace of Sri Adi Shankara, and a popular destination for pilgrims. Kalady started featuring in the spiritual map of India only after its rediscovery in the late 19th century by the then Shankaracharya of Sringeri and the subsequent consecration of a temple for Sri Adi Shankara in 1910. Kalady Kadavu (Aaraattu Kadavu) The Kalady Kadavu is the place where the river took its turn, and where Kalady was born. It was also the place where Sankara had first performed Aaraattu (a river bath of an idol) for his ancestral deity before installing it at its current location. Crocodile Ghat The "Muthala Kadavu," or Crocodile Ghat, is where Sankara's life turned to Sanyasam (Ascetic life). His mother, Aryadevi, did not agree with his desire to become a Sanyasin. Legend says that one day, Sankara was touched by a dog and, as per custom followed by the community, Sankara had to take bath. Accompanied by mother, Sankara went to river Poorna to bathe. While in the water, a crocodile caught hold of his leg. The drowning Sankara told his mother that the crocodile would leave him alone if she would allow him to take up Sanyasa. Helpless, his mother agreed, and the crocodile freed Sankara.
Kerala - God's own country. Indeed, it is! Lush green, bright sunlight, backwaters and houseboats, rivers and canoes, swaying palm trees and yummy food! Kerala is a must visit if you love nature :) The lush green Malayatoor forest, the calm flow of the Periyar river, and the boat and its man- this photo captures the essence of Kerala for me. Kodanad is a small, simple, beautiful part of Kerala which is around an hour drive from Kochi. It is perfect for people who wants to get to know the place and experience Kerala. Must do things: Trek malayattoor, see Elephants bath on Periyar river, get oil massage in Kerala style and very importantly try Kerala food :)
Elephant Kraal where they tame wild elephants. #LifeAtExpedia!

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Kochi Marriott Hotel

Kochi Marriott Hotel

5 out of 5
Lulu International Shopping Mall Kanayannur Kerala
The price is AED 333 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
AED 333
AED 393 total
6 Apr - 7 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Kanayannur. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (637 reviews)
Our anniversary celebration at the Kochi Marriott was an experience we will always cherish. We highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking to mark a special occasion in style. We look forward to returning for many more celebrations in the future.

Reviewed on 25 February 2026

Kochi Marriott Hotel
Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty

5 out of 5
Bolgatty Island Kanayannur Kerala
The price is AED 420 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
AED 420
AED 496 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Kanayannur. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (222 reviews)
Clean spacious rooms, very nice breakfast. Friendly staff and great housekeeping. Excellent location.

Reviewed on 26 February 2026

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty
Taj Cochin International Airport, Kerala

Taj Cochin International Airport, Kerala

5 out of 5
Nedumbassery, Cochin Aluva Kerala
The price is AED 331 per night from Mar 21 to Mar 22
AED 331
AED 394 total
21 Mar - 22 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Aluva. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Popular attraction Keerthisthambham is located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (97 reviews)
Excellent rooms.

Reviewed on 5 March 2026

Taj Cochin International Airport, Kerala
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fort Grande Stay

Fort Grande Stay

3 out of 5
Chirattapalam Rd Kochi KL
Stay at this apartment in Kochi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Indo-Portuguese Museum and Santa Cruz Basilica are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Great location and friendly staff.

Reviewed on 16 February 2026

Fort Grande Stay
Paul residency

Paul residency

2.5 out of 5
Near Cohin international airpot Aluva KL
Stay at this aparthotel in Aluva. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attraction Keerthisthambham is located nearby.
Paul residency
TJ VISTA LIVING

TJ VISTA LIVING

3 out of 5
KAITHAPPADATH STREET PIPE LINE Kanayannur KERALA
Stay at this aparthotel in Kanayannur. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lulu Mall and Museum of Art and Kerala History ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Room was clean .

Reviewed on 8 December 2025

TJ VISTA LIVING
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Wonderla

Bring the kids to Wonderla and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Kunnathunad. Take in the entertainment venues in this culturally rich area.

Wonderla

Kodanand Elephant Training Centre

See the exotic and native animals who live at Kodanand Elephant Training Centre during your trip to Kodanad. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Kodanand Elephant Training Centre

Kallil Devi Temple

Kallil Devi Temple is just one of the places to see in Kunnathunad, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Kallil Devi Temple