- Watch a sunset at the Arabian Sea strolling along the popular Marine Drive or standing at rainbow bridge in a cool breeze.
- Take a ferry ride from the boat jetty at Marine Drive to Fort Cochin to watch the sea and backwaters merging into one.
- Walk through Broadway, the busiest trading street, and you will be motivated by the voice of the buyers and sellers
- Kochi is the main spice center of Kerala, so buy spices from Fort Kochi or Broadway
- Walking through the lanes of Mattanchery, Jews Street, and Fort Kochi at a leisurely pace that tells a thousand tales about its past in a delightful way to discover the charm of rich colonial heritage.
- Go to Fort Kochi’s local fish market and you can see fresh catch from the backwaters
- A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi is dotted with Chinese Fishing nets. This unique method is a must-see when you visit Cochin.
- There is a number of rent-a-bike shops located in the Fort Kochi area. The buildings in the heritage zone are located closely making it convenient to enjoy the place on a bike.
- The island of Vypeen is located at the point where the Vembanad Lake merges with the Arabian Sea, with Fort Cochin on the other side. The light-house is a vantage point to enjoy a panoramic view of Kochi.
- Chill out with a beer at the Bolgatty Island KTDC resort or Taj Malabar – Vivanta
- Kochi International Marina, the first-of-its-kind in India, puts the city on the global map of sea-based adventure tourism. The marina can berth 34 yachts at a time.
- Sports lovers can try their strokes on the nine-hole golf course located at Bolgatty Place
- Willington Island: Located between Ernakulam and Fort Cochin, this is a manmade island that houses the Cochin Port Trust, the harbor, the Cochin Harbor Terminus railway station, and a small park.
- Mangalavanam: It is located in the heart of the city right beside the High Court of Kerala. This forest often called the green lungs of the city is a safe breeding habitat for migratory birds and home to a large number of birds and insects.
- Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town: The magnificent Jewish synagogue and Jew Town is a must-see for any visitor. This oldest synagogue was built by wealthy Jewish merchants in 1568 AD.
- Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): Originally built by the Portuguese, the Mattancherry Palace was presented to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma in 1555 AD.
- St. Francis Church: The oldest European church in India, is famous for being the burial place of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader.
- Kerala history museum located in Edapally at a distance of 10 km showcases the rich cultural legacy and glorious history of Kerala. Light and sound shows are regularly held in the museum giving a quick look at the pre-history of Kerala, which is lost in mists of myths and legends.
- Hill Palace Museum: There are scores of galleries with priceless artifacts displaying the glory of the Rajas and the history of Kerala. The Throne room displays the magnificent Throne and antique furniture of the Royal era.
- Maritime Museum: The Maritime Museum inside INS Dronacharya showcases the origin, history, and evolution of the Indian Navy. It has separate galleries dedicated to Kerala and Indian Maritime histories.
- Durbar Hall Art Gallery: This gallery housed in the Durbar Hall Palace of Cochin Kings, has art exhibitions organized regularly.
For The Temple Goers
- Chottanikkara Temple: This is one of the most popular pilgrim centers in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to the powerful goddess Devi and is famous for exorcisms.
- Ernakulam Siva temple: This ancient temple is a perfect example of Kerala style of temple architecture, simple yet elegant. The origin of the temple is steeped in legends and can be traced to the great Indian epic Ramayana.
- Thrikkakara Vamanamurthy Temple: This temple is dedicated to Vamanamurthy who is Lord Vishnu in disguise and is linked with the origins of “Onam”.
- Sri Poornathraeesha Temple: This magnificent temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the family deity of the Cochin Royal family. It is now famous for festivals celebrated with much pomp and gaiety even after the royal patronage is gone.
Art & Music
- Kathakali: Catch a glimpse of this exotic dance-drama in one of the various centers located in and around the heritage areas of Fort Cochin- Mattanchery or Ernakulam.
- Greenix Village: It is a cultural art centre promoting Kerala’s varied art forms under a single roof situated in Fort Kochi. Every evening they showcase Kathakali, martial art form Kalaripayattu, a daily cultural audio-visual history at in-house museum, classical Indian music in the late evening & yoga training classes every morning.
- Watch cultural programmes at JTPac or Kerala Fine Arts Complex
Rejuvenation
- Ayurvedic Spas: There are different sorts of treatments available guaranteed to rejuvenate your body and soul in Ayurvedic spas in Cochin.
Shopping
- The Jew street in Mattanchery has an array of shops that sell antiques, carved wooden artifacts, bronze sculptures, exotic jewellery, oriental carpets and furniture.
- In M.G Road Ernakulam, “Kairali” run by the state government has a good collection of handicrafts and artifacts on the offer.
- Kerala Kasavu Sarees can be bought from Kasavukada near Fine Arts Hall
- Buy beautiful gold ornaments from Jewel junction – here are gold shops like Bhima, JOSCO, Joy Alukkas, Kirtilal, Alappatt, Tanishq, etc….
- Goodwill on Convent junction road is a favourite hangout for women to buy junk jewellery.
Food & Drinks
- Located on Princess Street in Fort Kochi, The Teapot restaurant is an amazingly cute little tea shop with beautiful décor and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Kashi’s Art Cafe, located at Burgher Street, is extremely famous for its art gallery and the art cafe located inside its garden is equally famous for its chocolate cakes and pre-set Menu of the day, mostly Fused Indo-European dishes.
- Le Colonial, also near to Santa Cruz is famous for its too authentic traditional Portuguese dishes. But again cost is upscale.
- Try out the mouthwatering Appam & Stew at “Coffee Beanz”.
- Can we forget karimeen preparations at Grand Hotel and it is truly mouthwatering
- Veggies can try a fare at “Dwaraka” on M.G.Road and at “Sri Krishna Inn” on Warriam Road
- Choose from 57 varieties of Crispy dosa served at “Pai Brothers” MG Road
- Try out authentic Chinese & Tibetan dishes at “Black Pearl” restaurant, Hotel Rennai, Palarivattom.
- Pubs in Kochi are the ultimate place to hang around for fun lovers – Ava Lounge in Dream Hotel, Couchyn in Grand, and Loungevity in Avenue Regent promise an edgy nightlife.
- You can taste local cuisine& some toddy at “NettoorShap” near Le Meridien Hotel or from “Mullapandal Toddy Shop” located in Udayamperoor.
Close to Cochin/ Kochi
- Houseboat cruises: Houseboat is the best way to enjoy the Kerala backwaters. Alleppey is 60 kms away from Kochi and the starting point of every backwater cruise. Tourists can experience this unique lifestyle by renting one of the large thatched-roofed houseboats known as “Kettuvallams”.
- Cherai Beach: The beautiful golden beach of Cherai in the Island of Vypeen is at a distance of 30Kms from Cochin. It has a long stretch of clean shallow beach on one side and tranquil backwaters with coconut lagoons on the other.
- Kumbalangi : Kumbalangi, a small fishing hamlet, is 16Kms away from Ernakulam. It is surrounded by scenic Kallanjeri backwaters dotted by Chinese fishing nets, green paddy fields, and dense mangrove forests. Tourists can get a glimpse of rural Kerala in all its astounding beauty here.
- Kodanad: Kodanad, one of the largest elephant training centers in India, is located at a distance of 45 km from Ernakulam. Tourists can enjoy elephant rides and see wild elephants being tamed.
- Marari Beach – 35 km from Kochi, this is an unexplored beach perfect for beach lovers. You can taste authentic Kerala seafood and witness life of a fishing village by spending time here
- Guruvayoor is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in South India and Sree Krishna is the presiding deity here. It will take a 2 ½ hours drive from Cochin to reach here.
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a vibrant city in the southern Indian state of Kerala, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are 50 things you can do in Kochi:
1. Visit the historic Fort Kochi area.
2. Explore the Indo-Portuguese Museum.
3. Stroll along the picturesque Fort Kochi Beach.
4. Watch the Chinese fishing nets in action at the waterfront.
5. Discover the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India.
6. Attend the annual Kochi-Muziris Biennale, an international contemporary art exhibition.
7. Visit Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace.
8. Explore the Jew Town area and its antique shops.
9. Admire the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the Commonwealth.
10. Enjoy a Kathakali dance performance at a local theater.
11. Take a sunset cruise on the backwaters.
12. Experience the unique cultural blend at Kashi Art Cafe.
13. Go for a walk through Princess Street.
14. Explore the Hill Palace Museum in nearby Tripunithura.
15. Visit the Kerala Folklore Museum to learn about the state’s traditional arts and crafts.
16. Take a day trip to the beautiful Athirappilly Waterfalls.
17. Explore the bustling Broadway Market.
18. Attend a classical music concert at the Kerala Fine Arts Hall.
19. Enjoy a boat ride to Vypeen Island.
20. Take a tour of the Bolgatty Palace and enjoy the views of the backwaters.
21. Visit the Maritime Museum to learn about Kochi’s maritime history.
22. Try some authentic Kerala cuisine at local restaurants.
23. Attend a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Kerala dishes.
24. Take a ferry ride to Willingdon Island.
25. Explore the mangrove forests of Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary.
26. Visit the Veegaland Amusement Park for a fun-filled day.
27. Shop for spices and souvenirs at the spice markets in Jew Town.
28. Visit the Kerala Kathakali Centre for a cultural show.
29. Take a day trip to the historic town of Muziris.
30. Explore the Ernakulam Shiva Temple.
31. Walk along Marine Drive and enjoy the view of the backwaters.
32. Visit the Museum of Kerala History.
33. Explore the Koonankurishu Church, known for its unique architecture.
34. Take a traditional houseboat cruise in the backwaters of Alappuzha (Alleppey).
35. Attend the Cochin Carnival, held during the New Year celebrations.
36. Visit the Bhoothathankettu Dam and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
37. Experience the traditional martial art form of Kalaripayattu.
38. Take a bike tour of Fort Kochi and surrounding areas.
39. Visit the Bolghatty Palace and its well-maintained golf course.
40. Attend a traditional Theyyam performance in the nearby Malabar region.
41. Explore the Cochin Cultural Centre for traditional art performances.
42. Take a tour of the Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum.
43. Visit the Subhash Park for a relaxing time amidst nature.
44. Explore the Chottanikkara Temple, famous for its spiritual significance.
45. Enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage at a reputed wellness center.
46. Visit the Kanjiramattom Mosque, known for its annual Kodikuthu festival.
47. Attend a performance of the traditional dance form Mohiniyattam.
48. Explore the Cochin Club, a colonial-era club with historical significance.
49. Take a day trip to the idyllic backwaters of Kumbalangi.
50. Spend a leisurely day at the Cherai Beach, known for its pristine beauty.
Remember that Kochi has a unique blend of modernity and tradition, offering a plethora of experiences for visitors. Enjoy your time exploring this enchanting city!
Adventurous Things To Do in Kochi
Wonderla Amusement Park
Wonderla Kochi simply is not just an amusement park, but a world of breath-taking charm. It’s a place to celebrate the smaller moments and share big wonders.
Banana Boat Ride In Cherai Beach
Best ways to enjoy gliding on the waves of the ocean would be to take Banana Boat Ride at Cherai.
Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the most adrenaline spiking water sports of all time, and to get to experience it right here in Kochi
Catamaran Ride In Cherai Beach
Catamaran ride on the Cherai Beach waters will take you around for about 30 to 45 minutes (depending on the conditions), as you sit onboard and enjoy the experience.
Scuba Diving Experience In Kochi
Scuba diving is absolutely an amazing activity you should try at least once in a lifetime, booked this with Karmic Tourism.