Kochi

Cochin, often known as Kochi, which 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 centre as well as a bohemian port city, with large modern buildings and adorable fishing boats dotting its skyline.

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. A true delight is 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.

 

Cochin has many unique and interesting tourist destinations that attract visitors and tourists for holidays and tour packages. The port city is blessed with innumerable tourists places which are of interest related to history, nature, luxury, or adventure you cannot miss during your Kochi tourism. There are 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 alive its ancient Jewish traditions, the Santa Cruz basilica, Mattancherry Palace, St: Francis Church, and much more. The Jews Street and Chinese fishing nets are a must see.

 

Cochin is the starting point of most of our tours and the best time to visit Cochin 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 traveller’s wishlist and brought people from faraway lands to its shores.

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

Beautiful churches, 500 plus years 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 the Mangrove forests is one of the best places to visit in Cochin. Sprawling over 2.74 hectares, 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 “Princess of Arabian Sea”, this 18 kilometres long Cherai Beach in Kerala Kochi is every swimmer’s paradise.  

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

St. Francis Church: Known for its beautiful architecture and ambience, St. Francis Church is believed to be one of the oldest churches built by Europeans in India which is a must-visit during your Kerala tourism. Built-in 15 th century by Portuguese traders, the famous explorer, Vasco-da-Gama was buried in this church in Kochi city 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 ambience 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 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 a number of small islands in Kerala 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 Performance: Located in Kochi city, Kerala Kathakali Centre is the best place to enjoy this classical dance form of Kerala. Known for its fascinating and colourful costumes and makeup, it is a must to watch Kathakali performances when in Cochin 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 flavour. One of the 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. 

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 the hidden water kingdom with snorkelling at Cochin city. Snorkelling in Cochin is a must-do if you are an adventure lover.

Kochi Travel Tips

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

Be aware of the Best Season to visit Cochin India: The best time to visit the picturesque destination of Kochi city on South West coastline of Kerala is in the winter season as a variety of flora and fauna are spread across Kerala Cochin.

Learn about the culture of Kochi, Kerala: Being an important port in the trade network, in the Financial capital of Kerala, Cochin we get to see a concoction of cultural depiction- Mattancherry Palace, the temple of Portuguese, Bolgatty Palace of Dutch, fishing nets of Chinese, and the crumbling remains of British.  The culture of Kochi India is undoubtedly worth experiencing and everyone must explore the multi-cultural city of Kochi.

Choose the right place to stay in Cochin India: The gateway of God’s Own Country, Kerala Kochi has a wide range of accommodations from all budget groups from luxury to low-cost homestays. Choose the 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 routes in Cochin India.

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

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