Billionaire businessman Anand Mahindra posted about his next destination through his X account on Sunday, which is to be Kochi’s Kadamakudy islands.

Describing it as being “often listed among the most beautiful villages on earth”, the billionaire announced his plans to visit the group of islands on his next business trip to Kerala in December.

PA Mohamed Riyas, Minister for PWD and Tourism, warmly invited the industrialist to the land of “incredible destinations and experiences”, promising that it would be a privilege to host him.

Why Kadamakudy?

Kadamakudy is a cluster of 14 islands located just 15 kms from the bustling metropolis of Kochi, with the nearest town being Varapuzha on the National Highway-66.

The primary island Valiya Kadamakudy is surrounded by its companions like Murikka, Palyam Thuruth, Cheriya Kadamakudy, Pizhala, Pulikkapuram, Moolampilly, Puthussery, Chariyam Thuruth, Chennur, Kothad, Korambadam, Kandanad and Karikkad Thuruthu.

Known for a variety of tourism initiatives 

The archipelago forms a tranquil suburban retreat for travellers, offering a glimpse of Kerala’s famed backwaters through boating in the Periyar river, paddy fields, prawns farming, toddy tapping, coir making, seafood and other rustic village scenes and activities such as kayaking.

Additionally, it is famous for pokkali farming, a unique saline-tolerant rice variety rich in antioxidants, fibre, and protein, cultivated across several hectares in the region. It received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2008.

The serene villages also offer opportunities to soak in the sights of nature through walking, cycling, birdwatching, and photography.

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Kadamakudy is a cluster of islands nestled in the backwaters of Kerala | Photo: Kerala Tourism

The best time to visit the islands are the months following the Kerala monsoon, from October to March.

Improved connectivity and unique delights 

It rose to fame a few years ago with its village tourism initiatives, recently improving accessibility with the Vallarpadam Container Terminal Road and the Pizhala bridge.

It was also recently in the news for being connected to the city by its first solar-powered tourist vessel ‘Sooryamshu’, which begins its journey from High Court and ends at Marine Drive. The vessel has a conference hall as well as a DJ floor, being an attractive option for travellers in terms of both sustainability and connectivity.

The island even recently hosted a three-day Kadamkudy International Film Festival (KAIFF), which was part of ‘Gramakam’, a festival meant to showcase the beauty of Kadamakudy.

Residents have traditionally relied on the waterways to access facilities, but now boast of a free-hop on medical service through another solar powered boat which serves as a mobile clinic and dispensary.

The Kochi Water Metro is also set to have a new terminal at Kadamakudy and Pizhala soon.

How to get there

Travellers can reach Kadamakudy by taking a bus to Varapuzha and alighting at the SNDP junction stop, from where an autorickshaw can be hired to the village. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport (CIAL) while Ernakulam South is the closest railway station. Auto and taxi services are easily available upon arriving at either location.

A visit to Kadamakudy can gift travellers with an authentic taste of Kerala’s villages, with its warm residents and stunning sunsets reflected on the backwaters. It is a series of postcards which serve as an ode to the unhurried rustic life in God’s Own Country.

So what are you waiting for? Grab the opportunity to borrow from Anand Mahindra’s bucket list and visit this lesser-known destination.