Kochi or Cochin is a located in the state of Kerala on the west coast. Cochin is one of the finest natural harbours in the world and is popularly known as ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’. Cochin is comprised of a group of islands scattered along the Vembanad Lake. It is one of the fast growing cities in India and is the commercial capital of the state. Because of its strategic location this city is also known as gateway of south India.
Kochi became a haven for tourists from all over the world after AD 1341 when the port at Kodungallur was ruined by flooding of the Periyar River and threw open the estuary at Kochi which prior to that was a land locked region. Cochin has been ruled over by many domains over centuries and was once a major centre of commerce and trade with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese and the Dutch. The cultural of these people is still visible in the city.
Top Tourist Places to Visit in Kochi (Kerala)
Kochi today is one of the prime tourist destinations and attracts thousands of tourists from far and wide. There are many tourist attractions in and around the city.
Cochin Backwaters
The Cochin Backwaters which are lined with swaying coconut palms offer the most spell binding sights to the visitors. A relaxing backwater cruise is a must do when in Cochin. One can enjoy the breath-taking spectacle of the backwaters lined with lush green coconut groves on a houseboat cruise.
St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi
It is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. Built in the year 1503 this church has great historical significance. Vasco da Gama who died in Cochin was buried in this church. Even though his body was later taken to Portugal, the gravestone where he was initially buried is a major attraction.
Chinese fishing nets in Cochin Harbour
The beaches of Cochin are beautifully lined with Chinese fishing nets believed to have been set up here between 1350 to 1450 and are very unique to Cochin because Kochi is the only place outside China where these nets are found. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Many fishermen earn their livelihood using these nets even today.
Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi
This Roman Catholic Cathedral situated in Fort Kochi is one of the oldest churches in Kochi. The foundation stone of this church was laid in 1505 and it was and named as a cathedral in 1558.
Bolghatty Palace
This palace is located at a short boat ride from the mainland. This mesmerising palace is located in Bolghatty Island and was constructed by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. Today it is a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is a small village close to main city. This beautiful village is known for its enchanting shorelines, unique Chinese nets and old Victorian era styled bungalows.
Fort Kochi Beach
Situated around 12 km away from the Kochi city is the fort Kochi beach which is considered as the one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. There are many water sports facilities like scuba diving, wind surfing, parasailing and snorkelling in this beach.
Jewish Synagogue
The Synagogue at Mattancherry built in 1568 is the oldest Synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. The Jewish Synagogue attracts many tourists because of its amazing architecture. The Synagogue is lined with splendid Chinese tiles and sports impressive Belgian chandeliers. The synagogue still has rolls of Old Testament.
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. It was later modified by the Dutch and presented to Veera Kerala Varma, the raja of Kochi. This place is known for its mural paintings which depicts the scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Wellingdon Island
Wellingdon Island has been named after Lord Willingdon, who was the former Madras governor. It is an artificial man-made island, which is home to modern port serving Kochi and the headquarters of the Sourthern Naval Command.
Chendamangalam
The colossal Chendamangalam Fort is situated at a distance of 42 kilometres from Kochi. One of the main attractions here is the Paliam Palace which served as the domicile of the prime minister in the court of Paliath Achans. This palace represents the architectural splendour of Kerala and houses some of the extremely valuable artifacts as well as important documents and relics.
Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach is just 30 km from Kochi and this beach offers a unique combination of sea and backwaters lined by green coconut palms and paddy fields. The 15 km of long golden beach bordering Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming and sun bathing.
Parikshith Thampuran Museum
This majestic building which was converted into a museum was previously used by Rajas of Cochin to conduct their durbars. The museum housed many archaeological findings and relics, old coins, sculptures, oil paintings and murals. But after the building was taken over by the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy all the exhibits of the museum have been moved to the Hill Palace museum.
Marine Drive
This is one of the most beautiful places in Kochi. The marine walk is the main hangout for the locals and also an important place for shopping. One can enjoy the beautiful view of the Vembanad Lake as well the harbour from here.
Hill Palace, Tripunithura
This The largest archaeological museum of Kerala and houses paintings, carvings, majestic beds weapons, throne, crown and many other articles showing the wealth and splendour of the Rajas of Kochi. Spreading across in 54 acres the complex has an archaeological museum, a heritage museum, a deer park, a pre-historic park and a children's park.
Vasco House
This is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi. Built in the early sixteenth century it is believed to be the residence of Vasco da Gama.
There are many other places of interest in and around Kochi like Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort, Museum of Kerala History, Kalamassery, Veega Land, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor, Malayatoor Church eyc.
Cochin is well connected by air, rail and road. Cochin Airport has a direct link with the major airports in India. This airport is considered as one of the best airports in India. Cochin consists of three major railway stations, namely Ernakulam Junction (South stations), Ernakulam Town (North stations), and Harbour Terminus on Willingdon Island. Cochin is well connected with all main cities by a network of national highways and state highways. Because of the rapidly increasing number of domestic and international tourists plenty of accommodation facilities are available in Cochin. There are many 5-star and 3-star hotels available in Cochin. Apart from this Tourist lodges, furnished apartments and homestay options are also valuable.