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!
Kochi Marriott Hotel

Kochi Marriott Hotel

5 out of 5
Lulu International Shopping Mall Kanayannur Kerala
The price is ￥14,485 per night from Mar 2 to Mar 3
￥14,485
￥17,093 total
Mar 2 - Mar 3
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! (630 reviews)
Clean room, friendly staff, good food, transportation to nearby mall

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Kochi Marriott Hotel
Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty

5 out of 5
Bolgatty Island Kanayannur Kerala
The price is ￥21,301 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
￥21,301
￥25,135 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
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! (217 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on Feb 11, 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 ￥12,781 per night from Mar 3 to Mar 4
￥12,781
￥13,420 total
Mar 3 - Mar 4
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Aluva. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (574 reviews)
Yes everything was great

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport
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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.
Daan Residency

Daan Residency

3 out of 5
Thanikkal Keerthi Nagar Road Kanayannur Kerala
Stay at this aparthotel in Kanayannur. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Aug 8, 2025

Daan 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 Dec 8, 2025

TJ VISTA LIVING
Kent Baywatch Suites

Kent Baywatch Suites

4 out of 5
Kozhikudu Jn. Kochi Kerala
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Kochi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Kerala Folklore Museum and Vypeenkotta ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
New clean property. Although room has small kitchen, ther are no utensils so you cannot cook. Like all Indian hotels we visit only one towel provided. You need to ask for more.

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2022

Kent Baywatch Suites
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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

Things to do

Backwater Tour from Cochin

Backwater Tour from Cochin

￥3,096
per adult
Backwater Tour from Cochin
Half Day Village Backwater Eco Country Boat Cruise :Group Tour from Fort Cochin

Cochin: Backwater Village Eco Boat Cruise with Lunch

￥5,108
per adult
Cochin: Backwater Village Eco Boat Cruise with Lunch
4 Days Best of Kerala Tour with Private Houseboat, Sightseeing & Car

4 Days Best of Kerala Tour with Private Houseboat, Sightseeing & Car

￥28,967
per adult
4 Days Best of Kerala Tour with Private Houseboat, Sightseeing & Car
Athirappilly & Vazhachal Waterfalls Private Day Tour from Kochi

Athirappilly & Vazhachal Waterfalls Private Day Tour from Kochi

￥14,704
per adult
Athirappilly & Vazhachal Waterfalls Private Day Tour from Kochi
Cultural Tour To Vaikom Village

Cultural Tour To Vaikom Village

￥16,510
per adult
Cultural Tour To Vaikom Village
Kochi PARADISE Tuk-tuk tour with Pickup from the Cruise Ships

Kochi PARADISE Tuk-tuk tour with Pickup from the Cruise Ships

￥2,019
per adult
Kochi PARADISE Tuk-tuk tour with Pickup from the Cruise Ships
See all activities in Kunnathunad

Cities near Kunnathunad

Chettinadu Style Heritage Homes in Karaikudi, Pallathur, Athangudi & Kothamangalam are the most lavish & exquisite architectural beauty. This beautiful edifice situated at Chettinad region, Sivagangai

Kothamangalam

An example of the beauty that is Kerala! Showing the traditional fishing nets and a house boat. If you take a boat later in the day you can watch a stunning sunset!!

Kalady