Turned a Business Trip Into a Weekend? Here's What's Worth Seeing Near Maradu

Meetings wrap up on Friday afternoon, and the flight home isn't until Sunday. It happens more often than people plan for — and Kochi is a genuinely good city to be stuck in for an extra day or two.

If you are staying at SUGAR Aryabhangy Business Hotel in Nettoor, Maradu, you are already in a useful spot for this. The hotel sits on the NH Bypass near INTUC Junction, in the same locality as Forum Mall, close to VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Le Meridien and Crowne Plaza — and Maradu itself sits along the Vembanad backwater system, so you do not need to travel far to feel like you have left the conference room behind.
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If You Only Have an Evening

Forum Mall, Nettoor
Right in the same locality as the hotel. A straightforward option if you want a proper dinner, a film, or just a change of scenery after a day of meetings. We have written more about the area in our guide to staying near Forum Mall in Maradu.

Dinner at Cilantro
Sometimes the simplest option is the right one. Cilantro, the hotel's own multi-cuisine restaurant, serves à la carte lunch and dinner alongside its breakfast buffet — no need to go anywhere at all.

If You Have a Full Day

Fort Kochi
On the other side of the harbour from Maradu, Fort Kochi is the part of the city most people picture when they think of Kerala's colonial history — the Chinese fishing nets along the shore, old Portuguese and Dutch-era streets, art galleries and small cafés. It is a full change of pace from the business district and a reasonable day trip if you are not in a hurry.

The Backwaters
Maradu's own setting on the Vembanad backwater system means you are already close to the water. Depending on how much time you have, a short backwater excursion is a natural extension of a stay here rather than a separate trip across the city.

If You Are Staying for a Work Event

If your trip is built around a meeting or training session at Twelve Tables, our conference hall, it is worth building in a half day either side of the programme. Attendees flying in from outside Kochi are already staying on site — a short extension turns a strictly working trip into something closer to a proper visit to the city.

The same applies if you are here for an event at Le Meridien, just down the road. Same neighbourhood, same opportunity to stay on and see more of Kochi once the event itself is done.

Where You Are Staying

Whether you are here for one night or extending into the weekend, the basics stay the same. Executive Double and Executive Twin rooms are 220 sq. ft. with centralized AC, high-speed Wi-Fi, a tea and coffee maker, and a 32-inch TV. Interconnecting rooms are available if you are travelling with colleagues or family and want to combine two rooms.

Check-out is at 12:00 PM (noon), so if you are catching a late flight, it is worth asking at the desk about late check-out rather than losing half a day sitting in the lobby.

Planning to Stay On?

If a work trip to Kochi is turning into a weekend, or you would simply like to add a night, get in touch and we can help you plan around it.

Contact SUGAR Aryabhangy Business Hotel →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fort Kochi far from the hotel?

Fort Kochi is on the other side of the harbour from Maradu. It is a distinct part of the city with a different, more historic character, and a reasonable day trip from the hotel.

Is the hotel near the backwaters?

Yes. Maradu sits within the Vembanad backwater system, so the hotel is close to the water rather than needing a long drive to reach it.

Can I extend my stay if my business trip runs into the weekend?

Yes, subject to availability. Contact the hotel directly to check and extend your booking.

What is there to do near the hotel without travelling far?

Forum Mall is in the same locality, and Cilantro, the hotel's in-house restaurant, is on-site for dining without needing to go out at all.