Kochi is often associated with Fort Kochi’s colonial streets, Chinese fishing nets and bustling cafés. But beyond these familiar sights lies a fascinating network of islands where travellers can experience Kerala at a slower, more local pace. From cycling through paddy fields and watching traditional fishing practices to exploring maritime history and quiet backwaters, these islands offer a different side of the city.

Here are five islands and island clusters around Kochi worth adding to an offbeat itinerary.

About 15 km from Kochi, Kadamakkudy is a cluster of 14 islands surrounded by the Vembanad Lake. Its narrow roads, paddy fields, coconut groves and waterways make it ideal for travellers looking to swap crowded tourist attractions for rural landscapes.

The experience here is less about ticking off monuments and more about observing everyday island life. Rent a bicycle or explore on foot, watch fishermen at work, photograph the wetlands and spend time around the backwaters at sunrise or sunset. Traditional livelihoods such as farming, fishing, coir-making and toddy tapping are still part of the landscape.

Offbeat experience: Cycle through the island roads and explore Kerala’s rural rhythm at your own pace.

Kumbalangi is a backwater village known for its fishing traditions and is recognised by Kerala Tourism as India’s first eco-tourism village. Here, visitors can go beyond simply viewing the famous Chinese fishing nets and experience fishing, boating, village walks, and traditional Kerala food.

The mangrove-lined waterways are important breeding grounds for prawns, crabs, oysters and small fish. Depending on the season and conditions, visitors may also witness ‘kavaru’, the local name for bioluminescence caused by microscopic marine organisms called Noctiluca scintillans.

Offbeat experience: Try traditional fishing methods, eat a freshly prepared local meal and, if conditions are favourable, look out for glowing backwaters.

Vypin is one of Kochi’s larger islands and offers a mix of coastal landscapes, fishing communities and history. The island stretches between the Arabian Sea and Vembanad Lake and is connected to Kochi by the Goshree bridges.

For a quieter experience, head towards the island’s fishing villages and beaches rather than limiting your visit to the better-known attractions. Pallipuram Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, offers another glimpse into the region’s maritime past.

Offbeat experience: Combine a coastal drive with a visit to a fishing village and the historic Pallipuram Fort.

Located in Vembanad Lake, Vallarpadam presents a striking contrast between Kochi’s commercial infrastructure and its religious heritage. The island is home to the Vallarpadam Church, or Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, an important pilgrimage site that attracts devotees from across Kerala and beyond.

Beyond the basilica, the island has waterfront views and pockets of greenery. It can be a good stop for travellers interested in seeing the intersection of faith, commerce and Kochi’s waterways.

Offbeat experience: Explore the basilica and then take a quiet waterfront walk to see a less-touristy side of Kochi.

Unlike Kochi’s natural island clusters, Willingdon Island is man-made. Created in 1936 using material dredged during the development of Kochi Port, it became an important centre for shipping and trade.

Today, the island remains closely linked to Kochi’s maritime infrastructure, while also offering glimpses of its colonial-era past. A boat ride or waterfront exploration provides a different perspective of the city, particularly for travellers interested in its transformation into a major port.

Offbeat experience: Explore Kochi through its maritime history rather than its usual heritage trail.