Great experience. It's really a cool place. We have spent 6 days 5 nights and enjoyed the nature . Food and Shopping: Yes. We bought many Ayurveda medicines from Periyar located near Cochin. We have bought cardamom, chocolates, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, badian etc . Highlight of the trip: Munnar sightseeing. Bird belly resort. Awesome places.
Visited this place recently in the month of November and here is my experience. The city is very clean and well-maintained. Most of the tourist spots are in Fort Kochi. All the places are very well maintained and also guided through sign boards. However, the weather was a little hot even during November Other than that, very nice experience.
Chennai to sabarimala by flight. Took indigo 7. 10 pm flight. Arrived COK at 820 pm. Took taxi to Kottayam and stayed overnight. Morning started at 6am by car. Reached Nilackal At 830. Took bus from there as vehicles are not allowed. 930 started climbing and reached sannidhanam at 1200. Had good darshan . . Started back 2pm. Reached Kottayam at 7 pm. Took a cab to Ernakulam and reached 900 pm. Stayed in hotel Aiswarya. Good hotel . Next morning took indigo's 1040 flight and reached Chennai 1150. But baggage pick up wasted 30 minutes.
Except for the cost it was a pleasant experience.