Kochi

Cochin, often known as Kochi, is located in the Ernakulam District of Kerala. The town enjoys a fusion of South Indian food, Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, European colonial culture, and charming, diverse people.

The Laccadive Sea shoreline metropolis of 2.1 million people has long been referred to as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." This is due to the city's prominence as a key center for the trade of spices beginning in the 14th century. The first European colony in India was in Kochi, which still has several fascinating structures from that era. Buildings from the Dutch and British empires are also present.

Cochin has a diverse culture, vibrant festivals, and unique traditions to offer because of its long history as a trading port city. It is a flourishing economic and financial center as well as a bohemian port city with large modern buildings and adorable fishing boats dotting its skyline.

 

ALSO SEE - Kochi Tour Packages

 

During your travel to Kerala, Ernakulam is a must-see location. There are many attractions in this attractive city with a distinguished background. Ernakulam is a region that has experienced a variety of rulers, making its culture diverse. Walking through the streets will allow you to take in this city's splendor. A unique fusion of man-made architecture and scenic natural beauty can be seen in Ernakulam. The true delights here are the breathtakingly stunning locations, colonial structures, and historical landmarks of the area. Apart from all the beautiful architecture, the heart of the city is Marine Drive Ernakulam, one of the best tourist attractions in Kochi and an integral part of Kochi Tourism.

 

Cochin has many unique and interesting tourist destinations that attract visitors and tourists for holidays and leisure vacations through Kochi tour packages. The port city is blessed with innumerable tourist places that are of interest to people who love history, nature, luxury, or adventure and that one cannot miss during their Kochi tour. There is a plethora of Kochi tourist places that attract a large number of visitors every year mainly because of their unspoiled natural beauty.

 

The attractions in Cochin include Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Bolghatty Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, Cherai Beach, Hill Palace Museum, Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, and Malayattoor Church. The best place to stay is Fort Cochin which still keeps its ancient Jewish traditions alive. Other places one shouldn't miss are the Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church, and many more. The Jews Street and Chinese fishing nets are a must-see.

 

Kochi is the starting point of most of our tours and the best time to visit Kochi is from September to March.

 

Kochi Tourist Places

Spread over a series of islands and crisscrossed by the sea and backwaters, Kochi tourism has forever been on every traveler’s wishlist and brought people from faraway lands to its shores.

Cochin tourist places offer a lovely blend of colonialism and local flavor to their visitors.

It has beautiful churches, 500-plus-year-old fishing nets, impressive museums, fascinating synagogues, and more. It is difficult to choose just a few from the many attractions in Kochi.

Fort Kochi: A historic town in the port city that has retained many remains of the bygone era tops the list of Kochi places to visit. The first European township in India, Fort Kochi in the heart of Cochin city is known for its Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture and bamboo fishing nets.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary: Known as the ‘Green Lung of Kochi’, this ecologically sensitive area located in mangrove forests is one of the best places to visit in Cochin. Sprawling over 2.74 hectares of area, this sanctuary in the core of Kochi India is home to a large variety of migratory birds and densely populated species of trees and plants.

Cherai Beach: A combination of both backwaters and the sea, Cherai Beach is one of the most visited Kochi tourist places that is a swimmer’s paradise. Rightly called the “Princess of the Arabian Sea”, this 18 km long Cherai Beach in Kerala Kochi is every beach lover's heaven.  

Mattancherry Dutch Palace: This is one of the finest attractions in Kochi exhibiting some amazing Kerala style of architecture interspersed with colonial influences. Popularly known as the Dutch Palace, this Portuguese palace in Kochi Kerala is a must-visit destination to learn about the history of Kerala through its medium of irreplaceable artifacts and embellishments.

St. Francis Church: Known for its beautiful architecture and ambiance, St. Francis Church is believed to be one of the oldest churches built by Europeans in India which makes it a must-visit element of Kerala tourism and an unmissable part of your Kerala holiday. Built in the 15th century by Portuguese traders, this church in Kochi city is where the famous explorer Vasco-da-Gama was buried when he died in 1524.

Chinese Fishing Nets: A common sight in the backwaters of Kerala especially around Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets are one of the must-visit attractions in Kerala. Referred to as Cheena vala at Fort Kochi, the sight of Chinese nets suspended in mid-air when outlined against the sunset is astounding. This is undoubtedly the most photographed sight in Kerala Cochin.

There are many places to visit in Cochin to admire and experience the ambiance of Kerala. 

Things To Do In Kochi Kerala

The Gateway of Kerala, Kochi, offers several activities for visitors so that they enjoy a beautiful vacation. Here are some of the most exciting and soothing experiences that only the port city of Kerala Kochi will provide to make your holiday an alluring affair.

Enjoy a ferry ride in Kochi: Taking a ferry ride is the best way to visit several small islands in Kochi including Vallarpadam, Willington, and Vypeen Islands. Escape from the stressful city life as you enjoy a ferry ride that seems as if you are floating between blue sky and water.

Hang out at Marine Drive: Built facing the backwaters, Marine Drive is a picturesque promenade in Kochi Kerala which is the main hangout place for locals and tourists. Adorned with the city’s glittery backwaters, this is one of the best places for sightseeing in Cochin. 

Watch traditional Kathakali performances: Located in Kochi city, Kerala Kathakali Centre is the best place to enjoy this classical dance form of Kerala. Known for its fascinating and colorful costumes and makeup, it is a must to watch Kathakali performances in Kochi that are truly magical and can take you to a different world.

Shop for spices at Muziris, Kochi: Spices of Kerala are famous across the globe for their aromatic smell and flavor. One of the most popular things to do in Kerala Kochi is to take a tour of the spice hub of Kerala, Muziris. Muziris is an ancient seaport where everything from precious stones to spices was traded. To this day, it remains a lively shopping arena in Kochi where you can buy exotic and authentic Kerala spices at nominal rates. 

Attend Kochi-Muziris Biennale: Kochi Muziris Biennale is an international exhibition for modern art held in Kochi India. Kochi Muziris Biennale is a platform for Indian and international artists to exhibit their artwork. 

Try snorkeling in Kochi: Explore a hidden water kingdom with snorkeling at Cochin City. Snorkeling in Cochin is a must-do if you are an adventure lover.

Kochi Travel Tips

Rightly called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea", the port city of Kochi is an eclectic mix of a magnificent past and a promising new future. Here is a checklist of a few tips that travelers should keep in mind when traveling to Kerala Cochin.

Be aware of the best season to visit Cochin India: The best time to visit Kochi city on the Southwest coastline of Kerala is the winter season if one wishes to see the variety of flora and fauna spread across Kerala Cochin amid pleasant weather.

Learn about the culture of Kochi, Kerala: Being an important port in the trade network and the financial capital of Kerala, Cochin possesses a concoction of cultural depictions - Mattancherry Palace, Portuguese temple, Bolgatty Palace of Dutch, Chinese fishing nets, and the crumbling remains of the British rule. The culture of Kochi India is undoubtedly worth experiencing and every traveler must explore the multi-cultural city of Kochi at least once in their lives.

Choose the right place to stay in Cochin India: The gateway of God’s Own Country in Kerala, Kochi, has a wide range of accommodations for all budget groups from luxury to low-cost homestays. Choose the most suitable type of stay according to your preferences so you don’t have to face any inconvenience. This is one of the most crucial Cochin travel tips.

Get well-versed with Cochin city routes: There is a network of public and private transportation like buses, cars, railways, and airways to commute within Kochi Kerala India. Kochi Metro is the best way to commute in Kochi, Kerala, as it has minimum fare compared to other forms of transportation and runs all over the city. It is advisable to get familiar with the routes in Cochin India.

Enjoy Cochin Kerala food: Sprinkled with the spices of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, the food landscape of Kochi is quite evolved. From traditional delicacies to seafood and global cuisine, a culinary journey through Kochi India will surely delight your senses!

Book your trip to the port city of Kochi with Iris Holidays and we assure you an unforgettable vacation in the Queen of the Arabian Sea!