Kunnathunad Travel Guide

Tourist 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!
Kochi Marriott Hotel

Kochi Marriott Hotel

5 out of 5
Lulu International Shopping Mall Kanayannur Kerala
The price is AU$174 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
AU$174
per night
15 Feb - 16 Feb
Stay at this luxury hotel in Kanayannur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (610 reviews)
Loved our stay. It’s next to the largest mall Lulu mall and offers buggy service. The staff prateek( from utttarkhand) in the breakfast looked after us so well - incredible service and displayed Marriott hospitality- went out of the way to serve us. The pool was excellent and so well maintained and ...

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

Kochi Marriott Hotel
Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty

5 out of 5
Bolgatty Island Kanayannur Kerala
The price is AU$272 per night from 31 Jan to 1 Feb
AU$272
per night
31 Jan - 1 Feb
Stay at this luxury hotel in Kanayannur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (207 reviews)
Very nice property and very nice New Year’s Eve event

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty
Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport

Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport

5 out of 5
VIP Road, Opposite Kochi International Aluva Kerala
The price is AU$155 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
AU$155
per night
28 Jan - 29 Jan
Stay at this luxury hotel in Aluva. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attraction ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (563 reviews)
Staff

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport
See all 787 properties in Kunnathunad
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.
YogaLife Homestay - Yoga Retreat

YogaLife Homestay - Yoga Retreat

Vengoor West KL
Stay at this holiday home in Kunnathunad. Enjoy free breakfast, a garden and housekeeping.
YogaLife Homestay - Yoga Retreat
Family friendly 4 bedrooms with airconditioners, spacious, fully equipped house.

Family friendly 4 bedrooms with airconditioners, spacious, fully equipped house.

Pazhanganad KL
Stay at this holiday home in Kunnathunad. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Lulu Mall and Wonderla are located nearby.
Family friendly 4 bedrooms with airconditioners, spacious, fully equipped house.
Daan Residency

Daan Residency

3 out of 5
Thanikkal Keerthi Nagar Road Kanayannur Kerala
Stay at this aparthotel in Kanayannur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lulu Mall and Changampuzha Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
The hotel was really well maintained and rooms are spacious. must consider for booking but location is little inside from the main attraction. they don't have in house restaurant but you can order food online. The water bottles were missing in the room. rest everything was best

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Daan Residency
See all properties in Kunnathunad
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 your family 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 savour 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

Activities

2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing

2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays

AU$170
per adult
2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays
Half Day Village Backwater Eco Country Boat Cruise :Group Tour from Fort Cochin

Half Day Village Backwater Eco Country Boat Cruise :Group Tour from Fort Cochin

AU$49
per adult
Half Day Village Backwater Eco Country Boat Cruise :Group Tour from Fort Cochin
Athirappilly & Vazhachal Waterfalls Private Day Tour from Kochi

Athirappilly & Vazhachal Waterfalls Private Day Tour from Kochi

AU$142
per adult
Athirappilly & Vazhachal Waterfalls Private Day Tour from Kochi
TUK TUK

Tuk Tuk Cochin Tour

AU$60
per adult
Tuk Tuk Cochin Tour
Half-Day Eco Punting and Village Backwater Cruise from Cochin

Half-Day Eco Punting and Village Backwater Cruise from Cochin

AU$41
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Half-Day Eco Punting and Village Backwater Cruise from Cochin
Half Day Village Houseboat Punting Tour

Half Day Village Houseboat Tour (from Cruise terminal in Kochi)

AU$46
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Half Day Village Houseboat Tour (from Cruise terminal in Kochi)
See all activities in Kunnathunad

Cities near Kunnathunad

#LifeAtExpedia Pepper growing on coconut trees in my father’s farm

Kothamangalam