By Kochi/Cochin is famously known as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ and an absolute goal for the people who hunt travelling marvels. One of the A-class international travel destinations Kochi is where you can see slight touches of ancient colonial history, modern-day culture amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
The city is indeed the soul of God’s own country – Kerala- and has something fascinating to offer every visitor. Being one of the major port cities within the country, it is the financial hub of Kerala with a flourishing IT sector and many other business ventures.
This multicultural metropolis has everything that can draw visitors throughout the year, including the comforts of a big city, breathtaking scenery, a vibrant culture, and more. Whether travelers are looking for an exciting journey or a relaxed vacation, Kochi tourism will never let them down.
Further, let’s explore 10 best places to visit in Kochi.
Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is among the most iconic and historical sections of the city. Spanning Portuguese, Dutch, and British outhouses, this is a place that seems frozen in time. Fort Kochi is loved & liked by tourists and locals alike for its cobbled streets, building structures, and carefree artist vibe. Tourists visit here all year to see how Portuguese or Dutch colonialism affected some zones of our country. The city is full of European buildings, toy-town like streets of cheerful buildings and a pleasing beach view – almost southern Europe in miniature. It’s a must visit destination and should be the top priority in the list of top places to visit in Kochi in 1 day.
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Key Attractions :
- Chinese finishing nets
- St. Francis Church
- Fort Kochi beach
- Jew Town
Timings :
09:00 am to 06:00 pm
Entry Fees:
- For Adults : Rs 100
- For Kids : Rs 50
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
A Unesco World Heritage site and a perfect location for history lovers – Mattancherry Palace also called Dutch Palace. The palace features exquisite Kerala-style architecture and murals narrating Ramayana and Mahabharata stories built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and remodeled later by the Dutch. The glory of Mattancherry Palace is in its utter simplicity and it follows the standard Kerala style mansions which were built for nobility. Along with a temple, the Mattancherry Palace comprises four different wings surrounding a central courtyard. Murals of Portraits and Exhibits Of Rajas of Kochi adorn this Hall.
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Key Attractions :
- Beautiful courtyards
- Finest Murals of Kerala Art
- Antique collection of ancient artifacts
Timings:
10:00 am to 05:00 pm (Friday closed )
Entry fees :
- For Adults : Rs 5
- For kids : free
Marine Drive
Kochi Marine Drive is a famous boat dock where you can enjoy the backwaters, sunset and a nice promenade. It is a delightful boardwalk stretching over three kilometers and is one of the best places to visit in Kochi with family. The best spot to relax, stroll and breathe in some fresh air. The stretch of Marine Drive starts from the Jankar Jetty in the north and extends south to the Ernakulam Boat Jetty. This is a popular area for both tourists and locals, where you can find cafes and shops.
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Key Attractions ;
- Rainbow bridge
- Boating
- Shopping
Timings :
Open all day
Entry Fees:
Depends upon the type of boat you choose.
Santa Cruz Basilica
Santa Cruz Basilica is one among the oldest and beautiful Churches of Kochi. The second cathedral built by the Portuguese in the 1500s, it was elevated to a cathedral status by Pope Paul IV in 1558. The architecture, blending Gothic and Indo-European styles has a monumental exterior, but the interiors are where you will find the most outstanding frescoes and murals in this church. It also has seven big canvas paintings which accompany the stunning stained glass windows. The ceiling holds some beautifully painted images depicting the images of Via Crucis of Christ.
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Key Attractions :
- Peaceful Ambiance
- Beautiful decorated Interiors.
- Beautiful Interiors with adorned paintings.
Timings :
09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Entry Fees :
Free of charge
Bolgatty Island
Situated on the beautiful Bolgatty Island, the Bolgatty Palace is among the oldest remaining Dutch palaces outside the Netherlands. The palace has been turned into a luxury resort featuring luxuriant gardens, a golf course, and splendid views of the harbor. Because of its scenic beauty and history, the building had been the Governor’s palace for the commander of Dutch Malabar as well it was home for the British. Today, it is running successfully as a luxury hotel and is one of the best places to visit in Kochi with family.
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Key Attractions :
- Heritage Buildings
- Bolgatty island
- Resort activities
Timings :
Open all day for resort guests
Entry Fees :
Free of charge
Hill Palace
Hill Palace at Tripunithura Hill Palace was the official home of the Kochi royal family. This 54 acres property is a museum preserving the wealth of the royal family, and therefore, you can find thousands of artifacts, jewelry, paintings and royal furniture here! In addition, the palace is set amidst meticulously landscaped gardens making it a nice place to spend time relaxing during the day as well. The palace is well-known as the shooting location for many movies. Out of which, the Malayalam movie Manichitrathazhu tops the list.
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Key Attractions :
- Royal Artifacts
- Beautifully maintained Gardens
- Archeological Museum
Timings :
09:00 am to 05:00 pm (Monday closed )
Entry fees:
- For Adults : Rs 30
- For Children : Rs 10
Cherai Beach
One of the best Kochi places to visit and the most famous beach, Cherai Beach, stands at a distance of 25 kilometers from the city center. It is located on the northern end of Vypin island in Kochi; its geographical position is well suited for a merging point between backwaters and the sea. This place is famous for clean waters, golden sands and peaceful environment. Ideal for swimming, soaking up the sun on the soft sand and playing water sports such as surfing and parasailing; Cherai Beach is a great tourist place to visit in Kochi.
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Key Attractions :
- Dolphin spotting
- Backwaters
- Various water sports
Timings :
Open 24 hours
(Water Activities available for only some times during the stay)
Entry Charges :
Free of cost
Jew Synagogue
The Paradesi Synagogue is located in Jew Town and is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth nations, built back in 1568. It is believed to be the first place in India where the jews settled and kept living until migrated to Israel. The synagogue is famous for its striking architecture, colourful interiors and historical significance. Today, this new Jewish town of Kochi is full of colors, with different shops possessing and selling all types of spices, along with some hidden antique products. The Jewish community has largely disappeared, but their memory of the old-world charm still lives here.
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Key Attractions
- Antique Collection
- Old Jewish architecture
- Historical significance
- Shopping from the old Jew shops.
Timings :
05:00 am to 09:00 pm
Entry Fees :
Free of charge
Vypin Island
Vypin Island is one such scenic island near Kochi with stunning beaches, mesmerizing backwaters, and historical landmarks. This is the best place for nature lovers and peace seekers far away from city chaos. Guests are able to see historical sites and monuments around the island, which will give them a better idea about the interesting past of the island. Other than its natural beauty, the beach is also famous for its Cochin Carnival held every year in December. This festival showcases beach bursting into stunning colors, melody and celebrations making it irresistibly popular among travelers.
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Key Attractions
- Munambam Beach
- Pallipuram Fort
- Backwater tours
Timings :
Open all day
Entry fees :
Free of charge
Willingdon Island
Willingdon Island is a man-made island and is also one of the integral parts of Kochi’s maritime history. It is named after a previous British Viceroy of India, Lord Willingdon. Kochi Naval Base, Port of Kochi, and some luxury hotels are located on the island. Here, visitors can enjoy a trek around the island by car or boat. The island is surrounded by some luxurious hotels where you can spend days, making it a perfect holiday destination. The island is also the headquarters of the southern naval command of India. The island is designed by a visionary engineer, Sir Robert Bristow, making it a significant habitat for the Port of Kochi, the Kochi Naval Base of the Indian Navy, and the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology.
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Key Attractions
- Breathtaking Beach Views
- Luxury hotels
- Naval Museum
Timings :
Open all day
Entry Fees:
Free of charge
Visit Kochi for Cherished Memories
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is no average destination; prominent for its rich history, diverse culture, and splendid scenic beauty, the city has something to offer every visitor. This attractive city offers plenty of things to see and do, from shopping and contemporary entertainment to exploring historic landmarks and relaxing on the beaches. Kochi guarantees a memorable experience for anyone interested in history, nature, or adventure. Get your bags ready and take a tour to uncover the magical gems of Kochi where every corner has a story to tell and every experience leaves you with cherished memories.
