Your trip to Kerala isn’t complete until you check out the several places to visit in Kochi rich in history and architecture! From Chinese Fishing Nets, Jew Town, Fort Kochi, and Paradesi Synagogue, to the islands of Bolghatty and Vypeen, there’s much to explore in Kochi, the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, during your Kerala holiday!
Kerala is known as God’s Own Country for its breathtaking beauty, and a large share of this beauty resides in its tourist hub of Kochi! You’ll deeply regret leaving without exploring it!
Most tourist packages in Kerala start from Kochi. This city lies on the South West Coast of India overlooking the Arabian Sea. For centuries, Kochi has been a gathering place for merchants, traders, and tourists from various nations.
From Arabs to the Portuguese and British, all the people that have been here have left their legacy and cultural imprints behind in the form of these fascinating Kochi tourist places that you now see standing here!
Kochi was the lone Indian city to be selected among Condé Nast Traveller’s Top Asian Destinations For 2024! The London-based luxury travel magazine recommended Kochi for its sustainable initiatives, stunning waterways, and local festivals!
ALSO SEE- Kochi Tour Packages
Best Places To Visit In Kochi: A Photo Tour!
Let us take you on a photo tour of the most famed Kochi tourist attractions that the Kerala Tourism Board proudly boasts of!
With everything from backwaters to beaches, these Kochi tourist places photos of numerous tourist places spread across the city will definitely compel you to include Kochi’s top attractions in your itinerary!
15 Top Tourist Places In Kochi: A Kochi Tourism Guide
Here are the top 10 places to visit in Kochi that you should not miss on your visit to Kerala. This detailed description of top places for sightseeing at Kochi that are a part of Kochi tourism will help you craft an itinerary that reflects your taste and preferences.
1. Fort Kochi – An offbeat cultural tour of Kochi
Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, boasts of a multitude of cultures, people, and breathtaking beauty. A blend of this can be experienced in Fort Kochi itself!
To explore the massive Fort Kochi area, you can opt for the 1-day cultural tour of Kochi. You’ll get taken around in a tuk-tuk (autorickshaw) to Fort Kochi. While a tuk-tuk will give you a better feel of Kochi’s culture, you have the option of replacing it with an AC car instead. Most people opt for a fun tuk-tuk ride to see all the famous tourist tourist attractions in Kochi!
Away from the crowded streets of Kochi and Ernakulam, your English-speaking driver will take you on a tour that will let you get up close and personal with Kerala’s vivid culture, intriguing history, and rich heritage.
Look up Fort Kochi among the Kochi tourist places photos on the internet, and you’ll surely be enticed to visit this paradise at once!
Try your luck at catching fish with the local fishermen with massive Chinese fishing nets, one of the most popular Kochi tourist attractions. At the local markets, you’ll come across wooden instruments that the Malayali ethnic community uses to prepare special meals of Puttu and Appam.
Indulge in Malayali traditions with a visit to the temple of the Turmeric Goddess (Manjal Bhagvati) and participate in the fun activity of henna application with ladies in your group at a Hindu home. If you’re looking for offbeat yet powerful places to see in Kochi, this temple should definitely be on your itinerary!
You can also enjoy watching a fascinating session of making thin discs of black gram flour, called Papadum, that have a crispy nutty taste.
At the Abode of the Snakes, popularly known as Sarpa Kavu, you will get to witness Naga Raja (the king of snakes) among other Naga Devatas (snake deities) being worshipped and served ceremonial offerings.
You will enjoy being immersed in the wildness of this place amplified by its forest-like vegetation and snake-idols.
Dive deeper into its ethnic rituals with a visit to the majestic Thirumala Devaswom Temple and the traditional granaries of Kerala, two of the most fascinating places to visit in Kochi, Kerala.
Visit the revered pilgrim center of Christians, Koonankurishu Palli, which contains the remains of St. George and was also the first church consecrated in India. This church is an eminent part of Kochi tourism and heritage!
The church, also known as Mattancherry Muri, was consecrated in 1751 and renovated in 1974 and is of huge historical importance.
End the day by watching (or participating in) Kolam making at the Brahmin Hindu Agraharam. Kolam is a colorful South Indian drawing made using rice flour, rock powder, and color powder often drawn on the floor of Hindu homes by female members.
After a tiring yet fun-filled day in Fort Kochi, ride back to your cruise or your hotel with fond memories and beautiful photographs of this rich city! Book this lively tour now to savor the rich culture of Kochi the right way!
The vintage beauty, rustic vibe, and the multitude of experiences Fort Kochi offers brings travelers here from all over the world year-round!
2. Chinese Fishing Nets – Kochi’s most prized attraction
The Chinese fishing nets that symbolize Kochi can be seen only in Fort Kochi and are one of the most interesting places to visit in Kochi
In fact, this may be the only place in the world where the Chinese fishing nets, which are otherwise unique to China, can be seen outside the country courtesy of the traders that brought them to India from the court of Chinese emperor Kubla Khan long ago.
Presently, 11 Chinese fishing nets are dotting the Fort Kochi shoreline, while there were 20 about ten years ago.
Fort Kochi also houses the St Francis Church, one of the oldest churches built by Europeans in India and one of the most famous spots in Kochi. Another landmark here is the Vasco House where Vasco Da Gama is believed to have lived.
Visitors can also enjoy walking along Fort Kochi Beach and watching the intriguing Chinese fishing nets while sightseeing at Kochi. This place also hosts the famous Cochin Carnival every year on New Year’s Eve.
Fort Kochi is the first European township in India and the erstwhile home of Vasco Da Gama.
ALSO SEE – Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi – Tourist Traps, Entry Fee and Timings
3. Mattancherry – Spices, handicrafts, palaces, and museums
Mattancherry is another fascinating area in Kochi. An eclectic mix of spices, handicrafts, culture, and food, Mattancherry is one of the most vibrant tourist places to visit in Kochi.
The name Mattancherry originated from “Ancherry Mattam”, a Brahmin house that was pronounced by foreign traders as Matt-Ancherry. Mattancherry is one of the top tourist places in Kochi where the influences of Portuguese culture can still be seen, particularly at the Dutch Palace.
Jew Town is another tourist attraction of Mattancherry which also houses the Paradesi Synagogue dating back to 1568, making it India’s oldest functioning synagogue. While here, you can also explore the Mattancherry Palace.
Visit the Mattancherry Museum, one of the top tourist attractions in Kochi, to watch ancient weapons such as swords and spears on display.
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4. Bolghatty Island – An ancient Dutch palace & boating!
Bolghatty Island is a short boat ride away from mainland Kochi. Bolghatty Palace, which is now a heritage hotel, is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland and among the most scenic places to visit in Kochi.
Bolghatty Palace heritage hotel even has a small 9-hole golf course, a swimming pool, and an Ayurvedic center, and hosts daily Kathakali performances for guests. Located near some of the best Kochi tourist attractions, it is a popular resort to stay in for tourists from India and abroad.
You must also visit Vypeen Island, one of the best tourist places in Kochi for its long sandy beaches and delightful local ferry tours.
ALSO SEE – Top 10 South Indian Honeymoon Destinations
5. Lulu Shopping Mall – The pride of Edappally!
Kochi also has India’s largest shopping mall in Edappally – the Lulu Shopping Mall. Owned and operated by EMKE Group, this mall promises a riveting shopping experience in Kochi!
There are lots of markets in Kochi for shopping, but a visit to Lulu Mall with high-end facilities, air conditioning, luxury brands, 300+ food outlets, and world-class restaurants will be a treat for the shopaholic in you! This mall is one of the most fascinating Kochi tourist attractions in itself!
There are both international brands as well as local handicraft outlets to explore in this modern complex. There is also a premium five-star, 20-storey, 300-room hotel managed by the JW Marriott Group of Hotels located within the mall compound.
Lulu Mall has more than 100 big brands where you can shop to your heart’s content. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothes to explore the entire complex!
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6. Malayattoor – A revered shrine on a hilltop!
The name `Malayattoor’ is an amalgamation of three small words – Mala (mountain), Arr (river), and Oore (place). Thus, Malayattoor signifies the confluence of the mountains, rivers, and land of Ernakulam.
It’s a wonderful reminder for guests to explore Kochi tourist places located outside city limits as well!
There are several famous spots in Kochi within a 50 km radius in Ernakulam that you cannot miss during your holiday. Among them, the Church at Malayattoor is one of the most important aspects of Cochin local sightseeing that you cannot miss!
Malayatoor Church sitting atop the 609-meter high Malayatoor Hill is the most famous tourist attraction in Malayattoor and places to see in Kochi.
The church, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding mountains and river as well as its own breathtaking architecture, is dedicated to St. Thomas who is believed to have prayed at this shrine when he came to India.
It’s one of the most important Christian pilgrim centers in India as well as a revered holy site of international fame!
The extravagant architectural style of St. Thomas Church, Malayattoor’s most notable pilgrimage center, makes it one of the best places to visit in Kochi.
7. Kerala Folklore Museum – Vivid displays of Kerala’s rich history & heritage
If you’re interested in gaining an insight into Kerala’s heritage and culture, then a visit to the Kerala Folklore Museum will tell you why it’s one of the most important places to visit in Kochi for you!
It has a vast collection of over 25,000 antique items like coins, murals, monuments, statues, jewelry, paintings, and dresses displayed in a small space and collected by a single man from all over India as his private collection.
Everything from ancient pottery and coins to traditional costumes and musical instruments is on display here, making it easy to explore everything in a limited space.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and will readily answer any questions you may have or provide additional information about the exhibits.
You can gain entry to this complex at a nominal price of INR 100/- for Indian nationals and INR 200/- for foreign nationals.
Unlike most museums across India, the Kerala Folklore Museum in Kochi allows you to carry your camera inside.
8. Jewish Synagogue – One of the most revered places to visit in Kochi!
The Paradesi Synagogue, also known as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or Mattancherry Synagogue, is a historic synagogue located in Jew Town in Mattancherry and one of the top Kochi tourist attractions.
It was built in 1568 A.D. on a piece of land given by the then Raja of Kochi, Ravi Varma. The synagogue has many rare antiques and its beautiful light fixtures made from glass chandeliers hanging from large windows are a sight to behold!
The architecture and ambiance of the synagogue are sure to blow your mind! The synagogue’s attractive Blue Willow patterned floor tiles were imported from China and installed here in the 18th century AD. Bright copper plates documenting this royal order are also preserved inside the synagogue.
The synagogue is open for tourists every day except Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays (which fall on different days each year).
Visitors must visit it during morning prayers from 10 AM to 12 noon or during the afternoon services between 3 PM and 5 PM to get an insight into the intriguing Jewish culture this holy sanctum still exhibits!
The Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi is the oldest in Commonwealth Countries!
9. Cherai Beach – Sandy shores, serenity, and seclusion
Cherai Beach, in addition to being one of the best beaches in Kerala, is also one of the most beautiful and secluded places to visit in Kochi. It is famed for its shallow and calm waters ideal for swimming as well as its fine sandy shores suitable for sunbathing.
Also called the Princess of the Arabian Sea, India’s Cherai Beach is often listed as one of the finest Kochi tourist places by prominent travel portals and magazines!
The charm of this popular getaway is enhanced by its palm-fringed backwaters and the frequent appearance of dolphins in the water which makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kochi!
Cherai Beach is located on the northern side of Vypeen Island, which is another popular place among visitors of Kochi and Kerala. Vypeen is also the location of the Pallipuram Fort, the oldest surviving fort in India built in 1503 by European settlers.
Cherai Beach is calm, tranquil, and secluded, making it an ideal location for couples and peace-seekers.
ALSO SEE – 15 Best Beaches in Kerala
10. Kodanad Elephant Training Centre – Bathe & feed baby elephants!
Kodanad Elephant Training Center is an ecotourism project of the Government of India in the rural riverside village of Kodanad located near the Periyar River.
It currently operates as a preservation center for captured or orphaned elephants rescued from the adjoining forested mountains who are then sheltered, trained, and looked after in this reserve.
Other than being a rehabilitation center for elephants, it’s a sheer delight for people visiting Kochi, especially kids, and one of the most enjoyable places to see in Kochi.
If you are traveling to Kerala with children, you must visit this center to let your kids spend some wonderful moments with nature’s most gentle beings and learn about the environment in the process.
Kids who visit the center instantly fall in love with it! They enjoy bathing the elephants in the river, while these endearing creatures playfully spray water on these kids in return! They can also feed baby elephants and ride adult ones through the nearby vegetation.
Watching these humbled and majestic elephants at arm’s length in the wilderness is the most wonderful experience you and your family can have in one of the most natural places to visit in Kochi, Kerala!
If you visit the center early in the morning, you can catch a glimpse of elephants bathing at the Kodanad Elephant Center and adorably playing in the water!
11. Kathakali Centers in Fort Kochi
There are multiple Kathakali programs around Fort Kochi dedicated to popularizing and preserving and promoting Kerala’s traditional art forms. Fort Kochi is a special place where ancient Indian arts come alive every day. You can watch colorful Kathakali dance, learn about martial arts like Kalaripayattu, listen to classical Indian music, and even see how performers apply their amazing makeup! There’s also yoga and music meditation in the mornings. Shows happen daily, all year round, with different artists each time. You can buy tickets at the door, and private lessons or performances are available too.
It is among the most popular places to visit in Kochi in the evenings, especially if you are planning an overnight stay in Fort Kochi.
The cost of the Kathakali ticket wills tart from 500 Indian Rupees and there are special arrangements to view Kathakali makeup as well
12. Marine Drive – A rainbow bridge for scenic ocean views!
Unlike what most tourists visiting Kochi think, Marine Drive is a scenic promenade in Ernakulam with a rainbow bridge and not a driveway through which vehicles can be driven!
Marine Drive was built on a piece of land reclaimed from the Kochi backwaters and while the initial plan was to build a beautiful road along the coastline, the coastline rules prohibited it. It was then converted into a beautiful walkway that also has the Chinese Fishing net bridge over it.
Private Boat operators offer hourly cruises from Marine Drive that go through Cochin Harbour, Bolgatty, and other places around. Marine Drive has become a prominent symbol of Kochi tourism and one of the best 10 places to visit in Kochi.
The GCDA Shopping Complex near Marine Drive is the first mall in Kochi and a major shopping arcade in Ernakulam city.
ALSO SEE – Marine Drive Kochi – Places to Visit, Timings & Ticket Fare
13. Hill Palace Museum – The legacy of Kochi’s royalty!
Hill Palace was the abode of the erstwhile Maharaja of Cochin and was converted into a museum in 1986. The museum complex has on display crowns and ornaments of the erstwhile Cochin royal family along with paintings, sculptures in stone and marble, weapons, inscriptions, coins, and much more.
You’ll find some of the most fun places to see in Kochi right inside the museum grounds! There is an archaeological museum, a heritage museum, a deer park, a prehistoric park, and a children’s park in and around the premises.
The weapon gallery and horse cart gallery are amazing to witness! Being the largest archaeological museum of Kerala and the official residence of Cochin Maharaja, it is one of the most interesting places to visit in Kochi that will give you an in-depth understanding of the heritage and culture of Kochi.
The Hill Palace Museum remains open to the public from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and then from 2 PM to 5 PM every day except Mondays and national/state holidays. It’s a must-visit Kochi tourist place for tourists who are interested in the culture and history of Kerala.
The architecture of the 49 buildings of Hill Palace Museum is a blend of European architecture and the traditional Kerala style of architecture.
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14. Museum of Kerala History – Ancient stories of God’s Own Country!
When you visit the Museum of Kerala History in Edappally, you will be greeted by a statue of Parasurama, the sage who is said to have created Kerala.
The museum is a quiet ethnic building hidden in the shades of huge trees and has an unassuming gallery that houses immortal creations giving visitors a glimpse into the glorious history and rich cultural legacy of Kerala.
Housing ancient scriptures, sacred texts, life-like statues, and paintings by eminent artists, there is no doubt why this museum is one of the best tourist places to visit in Kochi to understand the history and cultural significance of Kerala.
In the vicinity, you’ll find the MNF Gallery of Paintings and Sculptures and the Centre for Visual Arts with paintings from Raja Ravi Varma, M F Hussain, folk painter Jamini Roy, abstract painter Manu Parekh, and mural maestro Mammiyoor Krishhan Kutty Nair.
The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM for tourists on all days except Mondays and public holidays.
Managed by the Madhavan Nayar Foundation, it is one of the oldest art and history museums in Kochi.
ALSO SEE – What To See In Kochi In 24 Hours
15. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary – A mangrove in the heart of Kochi
One of the top tourist attractions in Kochi, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a small forest in the middle of the city with an area of 2.74 hectares. It is called the Green Lung of Kochi City and the temperature here is usually 1-2 degrees Celsius, which is way less than the main city!
This area is located near Kerala High Court and has mangroves and tall trees all around. Even though it is called a bird sanctuary, you’ll only be able to spot enough birds if luck favors you during your visit.
Even if you can’t see a lot of birds here without effort or proper guidance, you’ll be able to spot plenty of bats flying around the thick mangrove trees for an entry fee of mere INR 10/-.
You can also try to spot birds by climbing atop a small treehouse here that offers panoramic views of the mangrove forest!
Considering that it’s an entirely natural locale in the heart of the busy city of Kochi, this bird sanctuary and mangrove backwater is one of the most unique places to visit in Kochi for birders, families with kids, and adventure seekers!
The mangrove forest also houses a shallow tidal lake that is connected to the Kochi backwaters by a canal and over 25 exotic plant species for you to explore!
ALSO SEE – Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala
Have you decided which of these fascinating places to visit in Kochi you’ll include in your itinerary? If you need more info on either of these spots for sightseeing at Kochi, reach out to our team of local experts who’ll happily aid you in planning a thrilling holiday in Kochi, Kerala, within your budget!
Hello George,
my name is priya from mumbai and
I’m going to be in Kochi for 2 days and will be based at the Infopark.
I have one full day from 8 am to 6pm and the second day i need to reach the airport by 6pm.
On surfing , i would love to see Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, SAnta cruz Basilica, Walk around and Jew town and see the synagogue, Marine Drive, museum of Kerala history. Can you help me plan this ?
Also any leads on how i can move around
Awesome I enjoyed reading your blog post. The places listed here on this blog are too good. Good job,
Very nice
This photo story on Kochi is an absolute masterpiece! Each image speaks volumes about the city’s diverse tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. The vivid portrayal of iconic landmarks like the Mattancherry Palace and the Santa Cruz Basilica beautifully encapsulates the city’s rich heritage. The frames showcasing the traditional Kathakali performances and the bustling spice markets immerse the viewer into the vibrant local life of Kochi.
The visual narrative of the tranquil backwaters adorned with houseboats is truly mesmerizing. It’s as if one can feel the serene ambiance and experience the gentle sway of the palm-fringed waters just by looking at those photographs. The shot of the Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the golden hues of the setting sun is absolutely breathtaking – it captures the essence of Kochi’s coastal charm in a single frame.
Furthermore, the diversity of landscapes is striking – from the lively streets bustling with activity to the serene waterfronts that offer a sense of tranquility amidst the urban chaos. The photographer’s skill in capturing the soul of Kochi is commendable. The use of light and composition in each frame is impeccable, transporting the viewer into the heart of the scenes. These visuals not only inspire wanderlust but also serve as a testament to the city’s timeless allure.
This photo story is not just a collection of images but a vivid portrayal that encapsulates the essence of Kochi – a city that effortlessly blends tradition and modernity, history, and progress. It’s an invitation to embark on a journey through the myriad flavors and colors of this captivating destination. After seeing these images, Kochi has certainly climbed higher on my travel bucket list – an absolute must-visit to soak in the enchanting beauty showcased in this stunning photo story!