Kochi, The Queen of Arabian Sea beckons you to its fold! Kochi is a charming port city that has a trading history which dates back 600 years. Known world over as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala.
Kochi has a very colorful past! The city with its natural harbor has attracted many traders right from the Chinese, Arabs, Dutch, Portuguese & British and all have left their imprints here. Many monuments in Fort Kochi stand testimony to these influences which are now fabulous tourist hotspot places to visit in Kochi. Kochi or Cochin and even known as Ernakulam is the commercial hub of Kerala thanks to its connectivity & reach. The arrival of the Kochi Metro has also fueled the phenomenal growth of Kochi.
The cosmopolitan town of Kochi has the best upmarket stores, art galleries, and unique heritage accommodation. The bustling city with a large floating population & famous places of worship, the Chinese fishing nets, heritage Museums & Palaces is sure to hold you rooted.
There are many places to visit in Kochi like the backwaters, beaches like Cherai & Puthuvype, Chottanikkara Temple, Wonderla, Lulu Mall & more. Try not to miss these top tourist attractions in Kochi on your next visit to Kerala.
Topics in this Article
Idyllic Location
Situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in the Kerala Backwaters, Kochi is a natural harbor which lies at the mouth of major rivers which start from the Western Ghats and drain out into the Arabian Sea. The places to visit in Kochi include islands inter-connected by ferries and amazing beaches like the Payyambalam beach and Cherai beach.
High-end connectivity!
Air: The Cochin International Airport (CIAL) located at Nedumbassery, 28 km north of Kochi city is the air gateway to Kochi. The Airport handles both domestic and international flights. The inception of the Airport has made significant inroads into the tourism sector in Kerala, which is one of the top must-see destinations in the world. It has made the tourist hotspots in Kerala reachable from far and wide.
Rail: The rail connectivity to Kochi is dominated by four railway stations – Ernakulam Junction(South), Ernakulam Town (North), Aluva and Tripunithura along with smaller stations, Edapally and Kalamassery.
Sea: Kochi is one of the safest natural harbors in the Indian Ocean ranks Kochi high amongst India’s major seaports. It is one of the stopovers for many cruise & cargo ships.
Kochi beckons you!
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Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
One of the best sporting venues of Kerala! The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Kaloor, Ernakulam is amongst the largest and most modern sporting venues in India. It is today the venue of much international football and cricket matches and important exhibitions.
Infopark Kochi
Fueling the digital revolution of Kerala! The Infopark Kochi is located in 100.86 acres of land at Kakkanad & offers IT companies a choice of office space solutions to fit their needs and budget. Major IT companies have their offices at this campus, and it also includes amenities like food courts, banking counters, ATM, shopping arcade.
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Kochi Metro
Ride the Metro to see the fantastic sights of Kochi! Kerala’s First Metro, the Kochi Metro is a metro rapid transit system designed to ease the traffic congestion in the city and its surrounding metropolitan areas. The Phase-1 of the metro system which will have 22 stations connecting the suburban towns of Aluva and Pettah is currently operational from Aluva till Maharaja’s College Metro Station. Metro travel makes many places to see in Kochi very much accessible.
Lulu Mall Cochin
Shop till you drop at one of the Largest malls in Asia, the Lulu Mall Cochin! Located at Edapally, with a total retail space of 1.7 million square feet, the mall is spread over an extensive area of 17 acres with 215 outlets of restaurants, multiplex, food courts, entertainment zones, Ice-skating Rink, bowling alley, money exchange centers, arcade games, and 5D cinema. Lulu Mall is a leading tourist destination in Kochi and ranks high amongst the many places to see in Kochi.
Climate of Kochi
Kochi, with its humid tropical climate, has no harsh extremities in temperature. Torrential rains are frequent in monsoon season (May, June, July, August, September, and Oct).
Generally, a dry climate is experienced in December, January, February, and March.
Best time to visit Kochi
The months October to February are the best time to check out many places to visit in Kochi as you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures.
Rainy season falls on May, June, July, August, September, October and November.
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Places to visit in Kochi that would amaze you!
Tourist Places at Kochi
Willingdon Island
Willingdon Island is a human-made island in Kochi where the Cochin airplane terminal, Seaport and the railroad end (Cochin Harbor Terminus) were functioning not long ago. At present, it is the headquarters of the Cochin Port Trust and the base camp of the Southern Naval Command.
Marine Drive in Kochi
Marine Drive at Kochi is a picturesque promenade to relax! Facing the backwaters of Kochi, this grand walkway is assembled with two beautiful bridges – the Rainbow span and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge. Many country boats and motor boats are parked here to take you for backwaters rides. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Kochi, the nightfall view from here is amazing!
Chinese Fishing Nets
It is the most popular tourist places in Fort Kochi. Reminiscent of the Chinese traders, these nets are utilized for fishing using a unique technique. Sprawling 20 meters over the water body, the nets are settled on bamboo and teak posts & weighed by huge stones attached to ropes. A group of six anglers is needed to haul in the nets. The Chinese fishing nets stand high amongst the most visited places to see in Kochi.
Golden beaches for the beach bums!
Fort Kochi Beach
Enjoy the cool breeze from the Arabian Sea at Fort Kochi Beach (Mahatma Gandhi Beach)! One of the best places to visit in Kochi, the boulder-strewn beach with a busy promenade, you can see large vessels and cruise ships pass very close by. The beach with its Chinese fishing nets is a haven for fish lovers as there are Food shacks with live counters of fresh catch readily available. Great to watch the sunsets here!
Puthuvype Beach
One of the best hangout locations in Kochi! The scenic and clean Puthuvype beach have a walkway & Chinese fishing nets offering an excellent seaside experience to the visitors. The Puthuvype beach has ample scope for water sports and adventures and & has a high position in the list of places to visit in Kochi. The lighthouse nearby is one of the tallest in India.
Cherai Beach
A most beautiful stretch of beach at the north of Vypin island with the longest shoreline in Kochi. A visit to Kochi is never complete without visiting this important tourist place in Kochi. Covered by coconut and palm trees, it is an ideal place to soak in the Sun and the waves.
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Palaces & Forts – A sneak peeks into the history of Kerala!
Mattancherry Palace
The Dutch Palace also is known as Mattancherry Palace is an ideal tourist place in Kochi. It was built by the Portuguese & presented to the Kochi Raja in 1555 A.D. The Palace showcases the best Murals, ivory palanquin, royal umbrellas, ceremonial dress used by the royalty, coins, stamps and more throwing a glimpse into the history of Kerala.
Bastion Bungalow
Initially built by the Portuguese as Fort Immanuel it was later remodeled into the mighty Bastion Bungalow. Today it houses the Sub-Collector’s Office. The Bungalow, with its large, open verandas and a tiled roof in geometric patterns, attracts tourists from all over the world.
Pallipuram Fort
One of the oldest surviving European monuments in India! Located in Pallipuram, in Vypin Island, the Pallipuram Fort is one of the most important historical tourist places in Kochi. Built by the Portuguese, the hexagonal fort is also known as the Ayikkotta, or Alikotta is said to have a tunnel which leads to the Cheraman Masjid in Kodungallur.
Museums – Explore the history & culture of God’s own country!
Hill Palace Museum
The first heritage museum and the most important archaeological museum of Kerala! A must visit place in Kochi that ranks high amidst tourist places to visit in Kochi; it displays memorials of the Kings of Kochi. The Hill Palace has 49 buildings surrounded by beautiful gardens and terraced land. You get to see various antique pieces like Pottery, Ceramic vases, rock-cut weapons, and contemporary art here.
Museum of Kerala History
An odyssey through the annals of Kerala’s history! The Museum of Kerala History at Edappally is where you can witness the history of humanity from the Neolithic to the Modern era through life-size figures and beautiful paintings and sculptures that include over 200 original works by contemporary Indian artists.
Kerala Folklore Museum
A haven for art and history lovers! The Kerala Folklore Museum houses over 4,000 artifacts including sculptures, masks, jewelry, paintings, musical instruments, and utensils. The traditional Kerala style building covers the architectural styles of Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore and is yet another tourist places in Kochi.
Coconut Museum
Coconut tree artifacts that amaze you! Located at the Coconut board office, the Coconut Museum brings to you objects made from materials obtained from the Coconut Tree like a model of the Taj Mahal, Hindu & Buddhist idols as well as Patachitra paintings on large coconuts, lifelike portraits of Lions & Tigers made of Coconut parts.
Indo-Portuguese Museum
A testimony of the Portuguese era! The Indo-Portuguese Museum in Fort Kochi displays the glorious Indo-Portuguese Christian Art heritage. Many artifacts from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen, Santa Cruz Cathedral, Fort Kochi, Indo-Portuguese Monstrance, sculptures, precious metal objects, and vestments are found here.
SNC Maritime Museum
An ode to the glorious past of its majestic Navy! The Maritime Museum is a tourist place in Kochi that gives you a glimpse of the formidable history and evolution of one of the top 10 naval powers in the world today. Located on the INS Dronacharya, the museum takes you on a special trip starting right from the Indus Valley Civilization, Kerala’s trade links with the Arabs, to the strategic maneuvers used during the Kargil War.
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Pilgrimage destinations to feed your inner soul!
Ameda Temple
Ameda Temple, on the banks of Vembanad Lake, is believed to be consecrated by Parashurama & dedicated to Sapthamathrukkal – Brahmani, Maheshwari, Kowmari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi.
Chottanikkara Devi Temple
One of the oldest temples in the State of Kerala the Chottanikkara Devi Temple is dedicated to the three forms of Adi Shakti – Saraswathi, Lakshmi, and Durga. The temple has two shrines, Keezhkavu and Melukavu and it offers solace to people troubled by mental afflictions. The temple holds an important position in the many places to see in Kochi.
Dakshina Mookambika Temple North Paravur
One of the rare temples dedicated to Goddess Saraswathy, in Kerala! Situated in North Paravur, the Dakshina Mookambika Temple is revered with the same significance as that of Mookambika Temple, Kollur. Bala Parameswari is also worshipped here.
Ernakulam Shiva Temple
One of the rare Shiva Temples where God faces sea towards the west! Ernakulam Shiva Temple, also known as Ernakulathappan Temple, is located in the downtown area of Ernakulam. It was one of the seven royal temples of Kochi Maharajas, and the deity of Lord Shiva is in the Gourisankara form.
Jain Temple
Revered by the Jain Community, the Jain Temple in Mattancherry is also a point of attraction for tourists who visit Kochi. The Jain community had come for spice trade from Gujarat and Rajasthan & has now blended into the cultural fabric of Mattancherry. Lord Dharmanath is the main deity at this beautifully made and well-maintained temple.
Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple
Abode of Maha Vishnu worshipped in the form of Santhanagopala Murthy – the savior of Infants! Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala & holds a prime position amongst the places to see in Kochi. The presiding deity of Lord Vishnu is worshipped in a sitting posture under the shade of five caps of Anantha.
Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharmasastha Temple
A temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa at Thrippunithura, Kochi is considered as an extension of the famous Sastha Temple at Chamravattom, Malappuram. The Sree Dharmasastha is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Dhanvantari, and this is the only temple in Tripunithura with Dharmasastha as the main deity and one of the most important pilgrimage centers of Ayyappa devotees.
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Paradesi Synagogue
The oldest Jewish Synagogue in the Commonwealth! The Paradesi Synagogue is one of the most visited places to see in Kochi. Located in a Jewish town road of Kochi, 1568 built Synagogue still holds services that anybody can attend. The stunning decor marks the Synagogue, antiques like Belgian glass made chandeliers, old copper plates, carved teak ark, and a clock tower, etc.
National Shrine Basilica of our lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam
A major Christian pilgrim center of India & the first Church in Asia dedicated to the Holy Spirit! The Portuguese missionaries built the Vallarpadam Church, one of the principal places to see in Kochi by Christian pilgrims. The massive twin towers are a definite attraction of this basilica.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
Santa Clause Cruz Cathedral Basilica in Fort Kochi is a very popular Christian Basilica in India. Initially built by the Portuguese in 1505, it has beautiful wooden panels and exquisite paintings of Italian origin.
St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Cathedral Basilic
The church of Our Lady of Ports or the Thekke Palli! Believed to be built by travelers who had survived a shipwreck, it is also considered that St. Francis Xavier stayed here.
St. Francis CSI Church
A significant landmark in Kochi Fort built by the Portuguese! It is the most established European church in India was later under the Dutch and British. It was once the internment site of Vasco da Gama.
St. George’s Forane Church
One of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in the State! The St. George Forane Church, Edappally or the Edappally Pally, was a small church built in 594 AD. Later, a bigger church was built adjacent to the old one. The altar has beautiful paintings of the Virgin & heaven.
St. Antony’s Roman Catholic Latin Shrine Kaloor
One of the most prominent pilgrim centers of St. Antony in the world! The church is also Archdiocese of Verapoly. The St. Francis church has a history dating back 120 years.
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Things to do at Kochi
Day Cruises on Sagara Rani
A perfect way to relax with family and friends in the scenic backwaters of Kochi (Cochin). The Sagara Rani cruise is a 2 hr boat cruise starting from Marine Drive & takes you through some of the landmarks of Kochi like Marine Drive, Goshree Bridge, Bolgatty Palace, Willingdon Island, Vallarpadam Bridge, Vallarpadam container terminal, Vypin Ferry Service, Cochin Shipyard, Chinese fishing nets & more. The cruise schedule covers the leading places to see in Kochi.
Subhash Chandra Bose Park
A favorite hangout for the city dwellers, the Subhash Chandra Bose Park is located in the heart of Ernakulam city brings you a spectacular view of the Vembanad Lake and Cochin Harbour. Spread over 11.5 acres, it is situated right next to Ernakulam boat Jetty and opposite to the Maharaja’s College. The park offers an oasis of greenery amid the bustling city and yet another place to visit in Kochi.
Shopping at Broadway
A shopper’s paradise in Kochi! As one of the oldest shopping areas in the town, Broadway has shops with really affordable prices. Spread over an area of 2 km near the Marine Drive, Broadway is characterized by narrow roads, & is a car-free pedestrian zone. It has roadside shops selling electronic goods, leather items, stationery, watches, jewelry, and umbrellas. Get your spices from the Spice market, a wholesale market at Broadway that sells the right quality spices and condiments.
Shopping in Jew Town
The very place for Shopaholics, Antique lovers & foodies! The Jew Town is a small antique market located close to the Jewish Synagogue. Once the abode of Jews before they shifted back to Israel, today it is a bustling shopping place of antiques restored to former glory. You can find Jewish, Chinese, Indian, Arabian & European antiques here. A hot favorite of foreign tourists amongst the places to visit in Kochi!
Thanneerchal Park
The latest park and entertainment zone in Tripunithura! The Thanneerchal Park is spread across 10 acres of the water body – the Thanneer chaal lake & 2 acres of land with ample space for parking, recreation and entertainments. Several eateries, play structures like Swings, Seesaws, Sliders, Climbers, Spring riders, Boating facilities, etc. are available at the park.
Sparky’s
Feel the thrills & fun at Sparky’s – An entertaining game zone for adults & kids at the LuLu Mall! Sparky’s has incredible rides, ice skating rink, a bowling alley, and a game zone. It is the only ice skating rink in Kerala. There’s a classy bowling alley with 12 lanes, a world-class 5D experience Cinema hall and several other entertainment options to choose from. A mind-blowing place to see in Kochi where you can enjoy and have quality time with your loved ones. It’s all about Food, games and plenty of fun!
Wonderla Kochi
Have a fabulous time at Wonderla – the spectacular Amusement Park in Kochi that should be one of the places to visit in your Kochi itinerary! A perfect combination of a water park and an amusement park, Wonderla is the fun ’n frolic place for all ages. As the best amusement park in Kerala, Wonderla has more than 50 thrilling and safe rides, wave pool, & excellent restaurants are on offer. A memorable experience guaranteed, indeed!
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Places to visit near Kochi
Athirapally and Vazhachal Falls
Feel the magic of the sizzling cascades of Athirapally and Vazhachal Waterfalls in Thrissur! An absolute treat for the eyes, the twin waterfalls are located at the edge of the Sholayar ranges just five kilometers away from each other and hold a prime position amongst the places to visit near Kochi. Surrounded by a lush green forest cover, the two falls gush along the Chalakudy River. During the monsoon, these stunning falls roar as the rain hikes up the water density. These waterfalls are amongst the top holiday destinations in India.
Do read about our special 1 day trip to Athirappilly Vazhachal Waterfalls
Alleppey
Here’s a golden opportunity to visit the Venice of the East! Alappuzha or Alleppey is known for its boat races, marine products, and coir industry. A massive network of laid back canals in the backwaters and more than thousand houseboats (renovated from Kettuvallams) welcome you to Alleppey. Definitely a great waterfront place to see in Kochi! From a houseboat, you can take in an uninterrupted view of life in the backwaters & unwind amidst the lush greenery. The Alappuzha beach weaves its magic on you!
Kumarakom
One of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala known for its picturesque ambiance and nature! Kumarakom is a group of beautiful little islands on the Vembanad Lake, flanked by luxuriant vegetation and paddy fields. A great backwater destination & one of the best place to visit near Kochi, Kumarakom is ideal for relaxation, rejuvenation, or a honeymoon trip.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is the favorite spot for many migratory birds, and a cruise through the enchanting backwaters on a houseboat is one of the highlights. The Vembanad lake is a preferred hotspot of the angling, yachting, and boating adventures.
Thrissur
Thrissur – the cultural capital of Kerala, has a history deeply rooted in the spice trade. Famous for its twin waterfalls, Athirapally & Vazhachal, the Kerala Kalamandalam, Guruvayur & Vadakkunnathan Temples, the Zoo, Sakthan Thampuran Palace & Museum, the various churches, Thrissur, one of the exciting places to see near Kochi, has become a must-visit destination of tourists in Kerala. At the Thrissur Pooram festival, you’ll experience live music performances, fireworks, Percussion orchestra & beautifully adorned elephants parading at the temple ground.
Read on about Top 10 Must-See Attractions of Thrissur
Munnar
Relax amidst the scintillating greenery of Munnar! A top-rated hill station nestled in the Western Ghats at the height of 5200 ft above sea level. Munnar, the best place to visit near Kochi, is encompassed by scenic hills and rolling meadows & tea plantations. Trekking, hiking, mountain biking & Paragliding amongst the beautiful hills are excellent to get your Adrenaline rushing. Apart from this Munnar attractions include serene lakes for boating, picnic spots near waterfalls, parks, dams, wildlife, temples & strolling amidst the tea plantations trying out the local flavors of tea.
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