Kochi

The "Queen of the Arabian Sea" and the cultural hub of Kerala famous for lovable attractions like Fort Kochi and Chinese fishing nets!

Kochi Photos & Images

About Kochi

Attractions

Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi

Best Season

September - March

Ideal Duration

3 days

Languages

Malayalam, English

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 in the form of stunning attractions, colonial structures, and historical landmarks. 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 for leisure vacations through our customizable Kochi tour packages. The port city is blessed with innumerable tourist places that interest 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.
 
Some of the best tourist places to visit in Kochi include
-> Mattancherry Dutch Palace - Ancient Dutch influences and architecture
-> Jewish Synagogue - Where ancient Jewish traditions still thrive
-> Bolghatty Palace - A Dutch palace on an island!
-> Chinese Fishing Nets - The most picturesque sceneries dotting Kochi's beaches and fishing villages
-> Santa Cruz Basilica - The most revered Catholic shrine in Kochi
-> St. Francis Church - One of the oldest European churches in India
-> Cherai Beach - A gorgeous yet secluded beach located very close to the city of Kochi
-> Hill Palace Museum - The erstwhile residence of Kochi's royal family and Kerala's largest heritage museum
-> Kodanad Elephant Training Centre - A rescue & rehabilitation center for elephants where you can bathe and feed them
-> Malayattoor Church - A famed pilgrimage site with stunning architecture and a grand view of the Periyar river
 
 
 
The best place to stay in Kochi is Fort Kochi which still keeps its ancient Jewish traditions alive. Other places one shouldn't miss are the Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace, and St. Francis Church. 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 colonial historical architecture 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. 

 

ALSO SEE - What To See In Kochi In 24 Hours

 

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.

ALSO SEE - Best Things To Do In Kerala

 

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!

Popular Questions About Kochi

Best time to visit Kochi

Plan your trip during best season to experience the best of this stunning destination

Month
Best time to visit
Climate
Accessories/
Seasonal
Clothing
Festivals
JANUARY
New Year
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
Easter
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
Onam
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Christmas

The best time to visit Cochin is just after monsoons from October to March when everything in the city is refreshingly green. Covered in a carpet of green, Cochin comes alive during the rains making it the best time for Kochi tourism. However Kochi is an all-season destination and you can see tourists from all over the world in Fort Kochi, which is the most popular tourist place in Kochi.

ALSO SEE - Is Kochi and Cochin the same?

 

The temperature in Cochin varies from 19°C to 31°C (63°F to 91°F) making the temperature suitable for a holiday in Kochi. When you visit Kochi, expect occasional rain and carry comfortable casual clothes.

 

Kochi tourism during the monsoon is a must for those who want to witness the perfect blend of old-world charm and electrifying beauty of the modern-day world.

 

Kochi Location

Located in the Eravikulam district of Kerala, the gorgeous Kochi city is one of the most important seaports in India. An important spice trading center of India from the 14th century, Kochi is a major port city on the southwest coast of India. Tucked in the beauty of coconut palms and endless blue waters, Kochi Kerala India is rightly called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”.

 

How to Reach Kochi

Kochi is well connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata through road, train, and flights. Kochi also has an international airport and is well connected to the Middle East, the USA, the UK, and all major countries in the world. Kochi is the gateway to major tourist places in Kerala like Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Thekkady.

By Flight

Cochin International Airport (IATA: COK, ICAO: VOCI) is the largest airport in Kerala and one of the major gateways to India from other countries. It is also India's 4th busiest international airport where domestic and international flights ply. Cochin has regular flights to almost all the cities in the Middle East and a few destinations in Southeast Asia.

By Bus

Kochi is well-connected by train to all parts of India. Most Kerala-bound trains have a major stop here. There are two major rail terminals inside the city limits, including Ernakulam Town Station (North Station - IR Code: ERN) and Ernakulam Junction Station (South Station - IR Code: ERS). Both these railway stations in Kochi are connected to major cities across India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

By Train

Kochi is accessible from all southern parts of the country as well as other parts of the state through the extensive state-run Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services and the services of neighboring state transport corporations.

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