About Kochi

Situated on the beachside, Kochi is a bustling commercial port with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years and is today the financial capital of Kerala. The city has influenced by Arabs, Dutch, Phoenicians, Portuguese, Chinese & British cities & the Chera Dynasty. It's a cluster of islands inter-connected by ferries & this cosmopolitan town has upmarket stores, art galleries, and some of the finest heritage accommodations.

In a true vintage-meets-future fashion, pubs, restaurants, shopping hubs, and futuristic stores crowd Ernakulum, Jew Town, & Fort Kochi. Palaces, beaches, temples, & heritage sites mark their presence too. Kerala is known as God's Own Country for its breathtaking beauty, and the city of Kochi lies on the South West Coast overlooking the Arabian Sea. For centuries Kochi has been a gathering place for merchants and tourists from various nations.

Today Kochi has emerged as one of the must-see destinations to visit in Kerala & the cultural and historical significance of Kochi offers a variety of experiences in and around the tourist places in Kochi.

Tourist Attractions In Kochi : 14

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City Attraction

Dam/Reservoir

Museum/Gallery

Beach

Religious

Historical/Monument

Walking Area

1: Jew Town

Among the most popular and vibrant places in Kochi is the Jew town, alluring thousands of visitors from all parts of the globe. This town is a narrow street between Mattancherry Palace and Pardesi Synagogue. Colonial buildings around the street mark the old-world charm. With its variety and rarity, it has a lot to keep one engaged for hours. All the stuff on the way is antique. The antiques include beautifully carved wooden furniture and vessels. It also boasts shimmering jewelry, wooden pillars, crockery, wooden and metal figurines, statuettes, and handicrafts like wooden elephants, wall hangings, and paintings.

2: Bhoothathankettu Dam

Bhoothathankettu is a scenic dam site with boating facilities situated in a vast virgin forest. A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by spirits/ghosts overnight & hence the name Bhoothathankettu which means the fort of spirits. Later, this natural topography helped in building a dam here. Lying close to Bhoothathankettu is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad. Trekking through the forests here is an exhilarating experience. A popular picnic spot, the dam has a children's park, a pedal boating center & a restaurant.

3: Bishops House

This Indo-Portuguese museum, built in 1506, houses a collection of valuable artifacts from various churches under the Cochin diocese. The building was once the residence of the Portuguese Governor. Now it is famous for its house facade made up of large Gothic arches with a circular path that ends at the main entrance.

4: Cherai Beach

Cherai beach is one of the famous beaches around Kochi. It is located only 25 km from Kochi and comes under Vypin Island. Many locals and tourists throng the beach to enjoy the view of the rising and setting sun. The 15 km long golden beach is a very clean, shallow, and famous attraction for swimming and sunbathing. It's one of the few places where one can see the lagoon and ocean separated only by a few hundred meters. The newly beautified 400 meters of the main beach has a walkway & high mask lamps make the beach enjoyable even at night. Water Scooters and Speed Boats are also available & Dolphins are also spotted at this beach.

5: Chottanikkara Temple

Chottanikkara Temple is one of the most prominent temples in Kerala. This temple stands as a testament to the architectural splendor of the past. Three different forms of Bhagavathi are worshipped here in the temple. In the morning, Goddess Bhagavathi is worshipped, as Saraswati, at noon as Lakshmi, and in the evening as Goddess Durga. The deity of Chottanikkara Temple is believed to have the power to heal those who suffer from mental illness and disorders.

6: Clock Tower

Next to the Paradesi synagogue in Mattanchery is an imposing clock tower. The clock tower was constructed in 1760 by a well-known businessman named Ezekiel Rahabi. Till 1930, the clock used to strike every hour to keep time. The clock tower, about 45 feet long, has four faces with numerals in Latin, Hebrew, and Malayalam.

7: Dutch Cemetery

The tombstones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires. The cemetery was consecrated in 1724 & is today managed by the Church of South India.

8: Fort Kochi Beach

A beautiful Fort Kochi beach is on the western coast of India and is often known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea. It's a serene beach that offers a scenic view and natural beauty. With its pristine water and tranquil ambiance, the beach offers a soothing atmosphere to relax & chill out. The main attraction of this beach is the historic fort, which is the perfect example of European architecture, and the annual Kochi Festival that takes place every year on the white sands of Fort Kochi Beach.

9: Hill Palace Museum

Hill palace has the distinction of being the most extensive archaeological museum in the state. The palace is in Tripunithura, one of the regions around Kochi. The Kochi Rajas used the palace as their administrative office after its construction in 1865. The palace has a complex that boasts 49 buildings & houses a deer park, a children’s park & a pre-historic park. Along with all this, the palace has some of the rarest spices and herbs growing within its compounds.

10: Marine Drive

Marine Drive in Kochi is on the same lines as its sister Drive in Mumbai. The promenade in Marine Drive offers a panoramic view of the Kochi backwaters. The place is a favorite hangout joint for locals and tourists alike because of the unpolluted view of the sea. Sunday evenings see people thronging the Drive to take in the splendid view of the setting sun. Plenty of malls line the Drive and provide a thrilling and fun-filled shopping experience. Many fast food joints are also present along the walkway and cater to different cuisines.

11: Jewish Synagogue

Also known as Paradesi Synagogue and Mattancherry Synagogue, the Jewish Synagogue at Cochin is the oldest existing synagogue in the Commonwealth countries. The synagogue is beautifully laid out and decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. The Jewish synagogue in this area is the only one operating today out of seven synagogues.

12: Santa Cruz Basilica

The cathedral is situated in Fort Kochi and is one of the first churches in India. It ranks among the eight existing basilicas in the country & is a heritage building. The basilica is a superb combination of style, architecture, and grandeur. It is one of the few buildings in the country that showcase gothic influence. The building boasts frescoes, murals, and canvas paintings that tell the story of the birth and death of Christ.

13: Indian Naval Maritime Museum

Indian Naval Maritime Museum in Fort Kochi belongs to the Indian Navy. A visit to the museum is an inspiration in itself with the impressive history of our Armed Forces. The museum showcases the sea power that the Indian Navy boasts. Tourists will find themself enthralled by looking at the various tokens collected by the Indian Navy over the times. A visit to the maritime museum will help to understand the role that the Indian Navy played during the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan.

14: Chendamangalam

Chendamangalam is a rare geographical combination of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks, and vast expanses of green plains. The palace houses a collection of historical documents and relics. The hillocks at Kottayil Kovilakom present the unusual sight of a temple, a church, a mosque, and the remains of a Jewish synagogue.

How To Reach Kochi

By Air - Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery is situated 25 kms from the main city of Kochi. The airport receives both national and well as international flights. Taxi services are easily available both within and outside the airport. The taxi service from the airport can be availed any time of the day.

By Rail - Kochi has two railway stations; the Ernakulum Junction and the Ernakulum Town. Ernakulum Junction is the South railway station, and the Ernakulum Town station is the North railway station. Both the stations are well connected with the rest of the country.

By Road - Kochi is well connected with the rest of the country. The city is an important place in the North-South Corridor. State buses from surrounding cities and neighbouring states can bring one comfortably to Kochi. Check out several transport companies and compare their prices before boarding a private bus since fares may vary.

By Water - A regular yacht service from sea port areas like Goa, Mumbai, Lakshadweep, Colombo and Male is available. The interconnecting scenic backwaters provide regular boat services from places like Kottayam, Kumarakom, and Alleppey to Kochi.

Local Transport - A number of buses, autos, taxis and boats ferry people around at all times of the day. Metro lines are also under construction.

Traditional Food (Regional cusine of Kochi)

Kochi, a coastal city in Kerala, India, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage. Here are some famous traditional dishes and places to eat in Kochi:

1. Kerala Sadya:

- Specialty: A traditional Kerala feast served on a banana leaf, consisting of various vegetarian dishes like avial, sambar, thoran, and payasam.

- Where to Try: Fort Kochi and local Kerala restaurants like Dhe Puttu are great places to savor Kerala Sadya.

2. Seafood:

- Specialty: Freshly caught seafood prepared in a variety of ways, including fish curry, shrimp masala, and crab roast.

- Where to Try: Kayees Hotel, Oceanos Restaurant, and Fort House Restaurant are renowned for their seafood dishes.

3. Appam with Stew:

- Specialty: Soft and fluffy rice pancakes (appam) served with a creamy coconut milk-based stew, often with vegetables or meat.

- Where to Try: Visit Kashi Art Cafe and Grand Hotel for delicious Appam with Stew.

4. Kerala Parotta and Beef Curry:

- Specialty: Layered, flaky flatbread (parotta) served with spicy beef curry.

- Where to Try: Taste this combo at popular local eateries like Pai Brothers and Hotel Rahmath.

5. Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish):

- Specialty: Fish marinated in a blend of spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled or steamed.

- Where to Try: Fisherman's Wharf and Abad Hotels are known for their Karimeen Pollichathu.

6. Banana Chips:

- Specialty: Crispy and savory deep-fried banana chips, a popular snack.

- Where to Try: Buy fresh banana chips from local markets or street vendors.

7. Fort Kochi Street Food:

- Specialty: Explore the vibrant street food scene in Fort Kochi, offering various snacks like dosa, idli, vada, and pakoras.

- Where to Try: Food stalls and carts in Fort Kochi, especially near the beach.

8. Thattu Dosa:

- Specialty: A larger-than-life dosa served with a variety of chutneys and sambar.

- Where to Try: Fort Kochi and Ernakulam have many street vendors serving Thattu Dosa.

9. Matta Rice and Fish Curry:

- Specialty: Matta rice (red rice) served with a spicy and tangy fish curry.

- Where to Try: Traditional Kerala restaurants and local eateries offer this combo.

10. Vasco da Gama Square:

- Specialty: A lively square in Fort Kochi with a range of eateries offering fresh seafood, local cuisine, and international fare.

11. Dhe Puttu:

- Specialty: A restaurant dedicated to serving different varieties of puttu, a traditional Kerala steamed rice cake, including chocolate puttu and beef puttu.

12. Oceanos Restaurant:

- Specialty: A seafood restaurant that offers a wide range of fresh seafood dishes in a relaxed setting.

13. Grand Hotel:

- Specialty: Known for its traditional Kerala dishes, including Appam with Stew and Kerala Parotta with Beef Curry.

Kochi's culinary scene beautifully showcases the flavors of Kerala. These dishes and eateries offer a delicious glimpse into the city's diverse and rich food culture. Enjoy your culinary journey in Kochi!

Weather & Quick Info Of Kochi

Kochi is a vintage town & a perfect holiday destination for beach lovers & nature admirers and has many heritage & scenic spots.

Kochi is an all-year-long destination, with peak months being September & February.

The ideal time required to explore Kochi is 3-4 days.

Kochi has many nearby tourist destinations like Ooty, Alleppey, Kovalam & many more.

Best Hotels In Kochi

Palace Inn

Price: ₹ 1400.00

Updated Jul 1

Hotel

behind K.s.r.t.c. Bus Station, T.b. Junction, Angamaly 683572, Ernakulam, Kerala, India
Star Rating:
Near By: Angamaly
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Amenities: Lift, Parking, Conference Or Meeting Rooms, Wifi
6.6 km

31.6 km

published on 2023-07-01

Kovilakam Heritage

Price: ₹ 4500.00

Updated Apr 11

Hotel

thiruvairanikulam, South Vellarappilly, Ernakulam 683580 Kerala, India
Near By: Thiruvairanikulam
Hotel Detail

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Amenities: Currency Exchange,Conference Or Meeting Rooms,Restaurant or Fine Dine Area,Banquet Facilities,Room Service
10.5 km

28.3 km

published on 2023-06-30

Best Travel Agents In Kochi

Romantic Honeymoon Package To Kerala

Price: ₹ 7895/person

Updated 1 Jan 2018

Adventure

Experience Type

Organizer : Go Geo Holidays
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Published on: 2018-01-01 13:47:33

Kerala Tour Package, Kochi

Price: ₹ 13500/person

5 Nights

Updated 8 Nov 2019