Welcome to Kochi! Known worldwide as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi or Cochin is one of the top destinations for tourists to India. Cochin is a bustling commercial port where traders from foreign lands have come since 600 years back. The Cochin city is also the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala.
As Cochin is an excellent natural harbour, it attracted many traders right from ancient times. The Chinese, Arabs, Dutch, Portuguese & British visited Kochi for trading spices and other commodities. Influences of these visitors mark the city. Jew Town and Fort Kochi abound with palaces, vintage buildings, beaches, temples and heritage sites.
The cosmopolitan town of Ernakulam – the central, mainland portion of the city of Kochi, lies 25 km away from Fort Kochi. Ernakulam happens to be the go-to place for fashion, pubs, restaurants, shopping hubs and futuristic stores. Marine Drive, Willingdon Island, Hill Palace Museum, Cherai Beach etc. are some of the places to visit in Ernakulam. You can also see Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances at the Kerala Kathakali Centre, Cochin.
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Places within 25 km of Kochi
Fort Kochi
Be ready to transport back in time! Welcome to Fort Kochi – the first European ‘city’ in India. Fort Kochi is a melting pot of religion & culture. As you enter Fort Kochi, you will feel instantly transported to another era altogether. You can see glimpses of the European influences in its architecture, people, cuisine, art and what not! Fort Kochi is suffused with the history and culture of the Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, Arabic and British who have visited here through the ages.
The remnants of the Fort Immanuel, a former Portuguese bastion, built-in 1503, stands tall as a symbol of the strategic tie-up between the Maharaja of Cochin and the Portuguese. The Dutch Palace, Dutch Cemetery housing the graves of former Colonists, Bungalows like Koder House, David Hall, Pierce Leslie Bungalow, Vasco house etc. are excellent examples of the Indo-colonial architecture.
Vasco-da-Gama Square is a beautiful promenade near Vembanad Lake where one can go for a relaxing walk or watch the backwater sunset.
Take time out to visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The legendary explorer Vasco-da-Gama was initially buried in this church, and later his remains were taken to Portugal. The oldest Jewish Synagogue in India is also present in Fort Kochi.
Fort Kochi abounds with streets, shops and artsy eateries that keep to a laid-back pace. The residents operate at their own pace. The annual Biennale Festival is also held in Fort Kochi.
Mattancherry Palace
Here’s a glimpse into the history of the colonial influences in Kochi! The Mattancherry Palace, otherwise known as the Dutch Palace, lies about 12 km from Ernakulam. The magnificent Palace is one of the outstanding examples of the Kerala style of architecture blended with colonial style. The Portuguese built the Palace and gifted it to the reigning King Veera Kerala Verma. After the Palace was captured by the Dutch invader’s, significant repairs were done, and it came to be known as the Dutch Palace.
The Mattancherry Palace covers an area of almost 300 sq. km. It has a temple inside its central courtyard of Pazhayannur Bhagavathi – the deity of the royal family.
The Mattancherry Palace is today one of the tourist hotspots in Fort Kochi. The Palace has been converted into a museum with a massive collection of paintings, murals and artefacts that reflect the royal grandeur. The magnificent collection of 17th and 18th-century murals depict the great Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata along with other revered Hindu Gods.
The walls of the Palace are adorned with life-size portraits of the reigning Kings of Cochin since 1864. The royal weapons on display are a collection of sheathed swords, ceremonial spears decorated with feathers, daggers and axes. Silver sequined gowns and caps of the Kings, coins, royal umbrellas made of silk and brass are also displayed. You can also see the plans laid out for Cochin by the Dutch in the Palace.
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Vasco da Gama Square
Kochi was the final resting place of Vasco Da Gama, the great Portuguese traveller. The Vasco da Gama Square at the heart of Fort Kochi is an ideal place to spend the evenings.
The square is named after the legendary Portuguese sailor Vasco da Gama who was the first European to reach the Indian subcontinent by sea. The voyage was in search of spice markets and trade routes to the Malabar region.
The Vasco da Gama square has a narrow promenade along the beach bustling with street vendors & numerous stalls serving fresh, delicious seafood, tender coconut, spices and other local delicacies. The square owned by the Municipal Corporation of Kochi also has an open stage for cultural performances.
It’s an exciting place to watch the fishermen haul their boats in with the day’s catch. One of the main attractions of Kochi, the Chinese fishing nets can be seen here. They are said to be brought by the traders from the Kublai Khan’s court, one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. The huge cantilevered fishing nets are set up on teak and bamboo poles. Fishermen lower the Chinese fishing nets into the sea, and after long intervals of time, they are pulled up with a fresh catch. The nets are a fitting legacy of the fascinating past of Kochi.
Jew Town
Relive history at the Jew Town, Fort Kochi! A favourite hotspot for the antique lovers and shoppers world over. The Jew Town is known for its 16th century Paradesi Synagogue. It exudes an old-world charm and is dear to the heart of the age-old Cochin Jewish community. The Jew Town resides in a narrow street between Mattancherry Palace and the Synagogue.
The Jew Town was once the home of several Jews before they shifted back to Israel. Their belongings were restored and are now sold as antiques in the town.
The Jew Town is a shopper’s paradise! It has many shops around the Synagogue Lane and Jew Town Road selling several Jewish, Chinese, European, Arabic and Indian antiques, carvings, and vintage artefacts. You can also see Kerala crafts pieces and aromatic spices. Each of the beautiful items sold here has an interesting story behind it and is like a fragment of history, waiting to be discovered!
You can also roam around the small streets and have a look at the restored Jewish houses while in town. There are some laid-back outdoor cafes and artsy eateries around here serving local specialities and Western fare. Some of the eateries are located in heritage buildings.
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Kochi sight-seeing Places within 50 km
Cherai Beach
One of the best beaches in Kochi, the Cherai Beach welcomes you to have some awesome beach fun! Located in Cherai at the northern side of Vypin Island, a suburb of the city of Kochi, the Cherai Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Kerala.
The Cherai Beach lies just 25 km from downtown Kochi and is also popular due to the frequent dolphin sightings. Swimming is possible here as the tides are calm. A great place to witness beautiful sunsets painting the sky crimson!
You can get a fabulous view of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets or Cheena Valas from Cherai Beach. The shacks nearby provide you with fresh seafood cuisine that is just delicious!
The perfect backdrop of the palm-lined shores and the golden sands makes Cherai beach the best place to have some quality time with your loved ones! A Kochi sight-seeing trip is just not complete without a visit to the Cherai beach!
Wonderla
A journey of wonders awaits you at Wonderla – the spectacular Amusement Park in Kochi! A place not to miss out in your Kochi itinerary! Wonderla opens out a world of entertainment with more than 50+ exhilarating rides that pump up your Adrenalin!
Just the place to celebrate moments big or small, Wonderla is the best Water and Amusement Park in Kerala. You can simply laze by the pool under the bright sun or go on a wild drive in one of the crazy rides! Wonderla is the fun ’n frolic place for all ages.
The Wonderla Kochi land and water rides are jam-packed with sheer adventure & fun!
The breath-taking land and water rides, amazing water pools, roller-coasters, stunning 3D virtual reality to the most significant musical fountain and laser show in India – Wonderla never ceases to amaze you!
Read more: Wonderla Kochi – The magical world of fun that amazes you!
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Kochi sight-seeing Places within 100 km
Athirapally Waterfalls
Check out the Niagara Falls of India – the Athirapally waterfalls! The super-steep waterfalls never cease to amaze you with its roaring cascade of frothy waters that fall from a height of 80 ft. Athirapally waterfalls are the largest waterfall in Kerala. Winding down the Sholayar ranges of the Western Ghats, the breath-taking Athirapally falls joins with the Chalakudy river & flows through the dense wooded Vazhachal Forest toward the Arabian Sea. The falls present incredible vistas of sparkling waters, bright blue skies and rampant greenery!
A nature lover’s paradise! The forest area near Athirapally falls a wide variety of flora and fauna. Many endangered species of birds like Hornbill are seen here.
Athirapally Waterfalls, with its fantastic beauty, has attracted many filmmakers. Many South Indian & North Indian movie songs have been made in the beautiful backdrop of the Athirapally waterfalls. The mega movie Bahubhali was shot in these scenic environs of Athirapally.
Read more: Athirappilly Vazhachal Waterfalls
Alleppey Backwaters
Have a rendezvous with nature at the beautiful backwaters of Alleppey! The green paradise Alleppey, the Venice of the East has known the world over for its golden beaches and the serene backwaters. The picturesque landscape, lush greenery and the beautiful freshwater lakes make the Alleppey backwaters a popular backwater destination.
An intricate network of lagoons, small islands and waterways make up the backwaters of Alleppey which is a favourite haunt of the travellers to Kerala. Be it wanderlust, a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast or a photography fanatic, and the Alleppey backwaters are the perfect destination for every kind of traveller. The scenic beauty and tranquillity of the backwaters make it a favourite with people who wish to spend some time away from their long and hectic schedules.
What better way to enjoy the mesmerising backwaters of Alleppey than cruising on a houseboat listening to the melodies of nature and be at peace!
You may also like: Tours to Alleppey
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Kumarakom Backwaters
The enchanting backwaters of Kumarakom welcome you to a wonderland of greenery! A sleepy hamlet nestled in the small islets at the heart of Vembanad Lake is an excellent retreat for peace and solitude. The palm-lined beautiful backwaters destination is ranked as one of the top 50 destinations of a lifetime by the National Geographic Traveler.
Kumarakom backwaters are made up of canal-linked lagoons, islands and lakes. The backwaters are framed by acres of green paddy fields and the dense groves of palm trees. The quaint fishing villages are present on the banks of the lake. All these together make Kumarakom a top favourite place for tourists worldwide.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the most exciting places to visit in Kumarakom. The Bird sanctuary is visited by several rare migratory and domestic birds which makes it a bird-lover’s paradise.
A slow houseboat cruise along the Kumarakom backwaters is one of the best ways to explore the water-logged beauty of Kumarakom! Houseboats are built in the structure of the old rice-boats which were used to carry commodities in the age-old days. Cruising through the mesmerising network of canals and rivers that empty into the large expanse of Vembanad lake is a pleasant experience. You are treated to exotic views of lush green low-lying paddy fields and the village life of Kuttanad from close quarters in this cruise. An overnight cruise can give you enchanting views of the sunsets and sunrise over the backwaters.
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