Places to Visit in Kochi

Surrounded by Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, Kochi is famous for its iconic fishing nets, historic museums and ancient mosques.

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Things To See & Do

Hill Palace Museum

Hill Palace Museum

An Ethno-Archaeological Museum
Spread across 54 acres and comprising 49 traditional Kerala style buildings, Hill Palace Museum was the official residence of Kochi's Maharaja and the very first heritage museum in Kerala.

2 to 3 hours

Suggested Time

The Mattancherry Palace

The Mattancherry Palace

A Heritage Museum
Built around 1555 by the Portuguese, as a gift to the king of Kochi dynasty, the palace was later refurbished by the Dutch. It exhibits historical murals, artefacts and portraits.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Santa Cruz Basilica

Santa Cruz Basilica

A Heritage Edifice
Built during the 1500s, Santa Cruz is one of the eight Basilicas in India and the second oldest Diocese of the country.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Paradesi Synagogue

Paradesi Synagogue

Oldest Active Synagogue in Commonwealth
Steeped in history, the Paradesi Synagogue was built in 1568 and gives a peek into the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Jewish community.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Willingdon Island

Willingdon Island

India's Largest Artificial Island
Built around Lake Kochi, the scenic Island is named after the former Viceroy Lord Willingdon. Home to Kochi naval base, it also serves as a link between Kochi and other international ports.

2 to 3 hours

Suggested Time

Vypeen Island

Vypeen Island

A Portuguese Island
Developed by the Portuguese, Vypeen Island offers a delightful combination of lovely beaches, backwaters, light houses, and an array of restaurants and hotels.

3 to 4 hours

Suggested Time

Princess Street

Princess Street

A Vibrant Shopping Destination
Believed to have once been the residence of Vasco Da Gama, Princess Street is one of the oldest streets in the Fort area, lined with European style houses.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Muziris, Kerala

Muziris, Kerala

The heart of Kerala’s historic spice route
This legendary seaport used to trade everything from spices to valuable stones millennia ago and now is home to India’s largest heritage conservation project. The age-old historical site is an unexplored gem which boasts of enriching Malabar legacy, well-preserved artefacts and fantastic monuments.

1 Day

Suggested Time

Jewish Synagogue

Jewish Synagogue

A Glimpse into Jewish Heritage
The Jewish Synagogue, also known as Paradesi Synagogue, is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, located in Kochi. It's known for its Belgian chandeliers, Chinese tiles, and historical artefacts.

1-2 hours

Suggested Time

Bolgatty Palace

Bolgatty Palace

A Royal Retreat
Bolgatty Palace, located on Bolgatty Island in Kochi, is a Dutch palace now converted into a heritage hotel. It's known for its historical architecture and picturesque surroundings.

2-3 hours

Suggested Time

St. Francis Church

St. Francis Church

A Historical Landmark
St. Francis Church, located in Fort Kochi, is one of the oldest European churches in India. It is known for its beautiful architecture and the historical significance attached to it.

1-2 hours

Suggested Time

Museum of Kerala History

Museum of Kerala History

A Journey through Time
The Museum of Kerala History, located in Edappally, Kochi, is a must-visit for history buffs. It provides a chronological depiction of Kerala's history through interesting audio-visual displays.

2-3 hours

Suggested Time

Lulu Mall

Lulu Mall

A Shopper's Paradise
Lulu Mall, located in Kochi, is the largest shopping mall in India. It houses a wide range of international and domestic retail stores, dining outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone.

3-4 hours

Suggested Time

Jew Town

Jew Town

A Walk through History
Jew Town, located in the Mattancherry area of Kochi, is a historic area known for its Jewish heritage, antique shops, and the famous Paradesi Synagogue.

2-3 hours

Suggested Time

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi

The Gateway to Kochi's Past
Fort Kochi, located in Kochi, is known for its Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture. It's a cultural hub with numerous art galleries, cafes, and historical landmarks.

Half a day

Suggested Time

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

A Bird Watcher's Paradise
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, located in the heart of Kochi, is a protected area known for its rich birdlife. It's a green oasis amidst the city, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.

2-3 hours

Suggested Time

Best Time To Visit Kochi

Year round destination

  • OCT-MAR

    Peak Season

  • APR-JUN

    Moderate Season

  • JUL-SEP

    Off-season

  • What To Expect:Pleasant and comfortable weather.
  • Things You'll Love:Visiting the tourist spots and indulging in adventure sports.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

1/2

Tripunithura AthachamayamSeptember

OnamAugust/September

ThalapoliFebruary

Book Your Trip to Cochin

From

Travel Options to reach Cochin

Our Recommendations

Flight to Cochin Airport

4h 45m . One way

Booking Options Starting From

₹7,502

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Flight to Bengaluru Airport, then Flight to Cochin Airport

5h 55m . One way

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₹9,096

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Stay in Cochin

Recommended Options

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₹2,546

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ibis Kochi City Centre - An Accor Brand

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Base9 Airport Hotel

Base9 Airport Hotel

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Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Kochi

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Presidency Airport hotel

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₹7,137

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Kochi Marriott Hotel

Kochi Marriott Hotel

Edappally

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Le Meridien Kochi

Le Meridien Kochi

Maradu

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Radisson Blu Kochi

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A Trip to the Queen of Arabian Sea - Top Places to Visit in Kochi


Kochi or Cochin, located in Kerala, is best known for its 600-year-old trading history and remains a commercial and financial hub of the state. The city has an extensive coastline housing some of the oldest harbours. Its structures are known for their heavy Portuguese and Dutch architectural influences. Create an itinerary of places to visit in Kochi for 3 days or more to explore the city’s nooks and corners well.


Top Attractions in Kochi

1. Marine Drive, Kochi

This expansive promenade is a popular hangout spot in the city where you can spend some leisurely time basking in the Arabian wind. It is also one of the top places to visit in Kochi at night.

2. Chinese Fishing Nets

You cannot miss exploring the iconic Chinese fishing nets of Kochi, which are available on its long coastline and harbours.

3. Fort Kochi

This is a picturesque seaside region great for capturing Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture. Here you can discover a unique community, which is a blend of its Indian values and its inherited colonial past.

4. Mattancherry Palace

Constructed by the Portuguese in 1545 C.E., this palace represents the traditional Kerala style of architecture and is home to spacious halls and intricate carvings.

Plus, Kochi’s Varapuzha Lakeis also among the top places to visit in Kochi for couples seeking tranquil retreats here.


Scenic Beaches of Kochi

1. Cherai Beach

Visit this beach at the Vypin Island’s end to witness the mesmerising blend of the Arabian Sea and Kerala’s backwaters. Collecting sea shells and surfing are among the most pleasing activities here. You can mark it among the top places to visit in Kochi with family.

2. Vypin Beach

Go to this picturesque beach to witness the endless golden sand bed and capture some amazing sunsets by the azure sea.

3. Puthuvype Beach

This scenic beach offers incredible views and a clean landscape. You can also witness the Puthuvype Beach Race in December when all the bikers gather here to compete.


Explore Kochi’s Architectural Wonders

Kochi is home to some of the most pleasing and magnificent architectural creations influenced by the Portuguese and Dutch settlements. Here’s a look:

  • Jewish Synagogue:Capture the mesmerising beauty of one of the oldest active Synagogues among Commonwealth nations.
  • Bolgatty Palace:Visit one of the oldest existing Dutch heritage attractions for aesthetic photography against endless skies and greenery.
  • Santa Cruz Basilica:Visit this Roman Catholic church to admire its gothic-styled architecture.
  • Jew Town:Visit this town for its old-world charm, narrow alleys, and 700-year-old history of Israeli settlement; try out local shops and cuisine.

Tourist Places in Cochin

Willingdon Island, Vypeen Island, Paradesi Synagogue, Hill Palace Museum, The Mattancherry Palace

State

Kerala

Best Time to Visit in Cochin

October to February

Things to Do in Cochin

Princess Street, Muziris, Kerala, Santa Cruz Basilica, Watch the Chinese Fishing Nets, Enjoy Kathakali Performances

Places to visit in Cochin with Family

Visiting Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, Take a Walk along Marine Drive, Thrissur, Alleppey, Paniely Poru

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Kochi

Which are the best heritage places to explore in Kochi?

The best heritage places in Kochi are Hill Palace Museum, The Mattancherry Palace and Santa Cruz Basilica. You will have an amazing time exploring these heritage places in Kochi and will definitely come back home with a bag full of lovely memories.

What are the top things to do in Kochi?

Kochi is an incredibly lively place and is popularly known for its topmost things to do like Hill Palace Museum, The Mattancherry Palace, and Santa Cruz Basilica. You will have a great time here, then why wait? Book your trip now!

For which type of travelling is Kochi a perfect destination?

Kochi is a perfect destination for Heritage themed holidays.