Explore Kochi’s rich history, serene backwaters & unique culture
Kochi, Kerala, dazzles with its rich heritage. Wander through Fort Kochi, a delightful vestige of colonial times. Explore the vibrant Mattancherry Palace, graced with intricate murals. Escape the city’s hustle with a tranquil backwater cruise. Experience the mesmerizing Kathakali dance, a vibrant display of storytelling. Inhale the fragrant spices at Kochi’s historic markets. Revealing its past and celebrating its culture, Kochi promises an unforgettable journey.
Top Attractions In Kochi
Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace, located in Kochi, India, is a testament to Kerala’s rich history. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it later served as the residence of the Kochi royal family. This architectural marvel showcases intricate wood carvings, Hindu temple art, and Dutch colonial influences. Today, it stands as a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
Fort Emmanuel
Fort Emmanuel’s ruins on Fort Kochi Beach whisper of Portuguese glory. Built in 1503 as India’s first European fort, it’s now fragments of Kerala’s colonial past. Despite time and conquest, its enduring charm remains a testament to history. Visitors often wander among the remains, imagining the vibrant past, where bustling trade and cultural exchanges shaped the region’s legacy.
St. Francis CSI Church
Built in 1503 by the Portuguese, St. Francis CSI Church in Kochi is a historical marvel, blending various architectural influences. It briefly fell under Dutch rule and became Vasco da Gama’s final resting place. This cultural icon encapsulates centuries of intertwined stories, inviting exploration of its vibrant heritage. Its value surpasses eras, offering a vital glimpse into the shared history of nations and cultures.
Indian Naval Maritime Museum
Explore India’s naval history at the Kochi Maritime Museum. View ship models, weapons, and uniforms from the 17th century to today. Learn about Kerala’s maritime trade and heroes like Kunjali Marakkar, and discover India’s naval influence in Southeast Asia.
Indo-Portuguese Museum
Fort Kochi Bishop’s House hosts the Indo-Portuguese Museum, founded by Bishop Kureethra. It showcases cultural fusion through church relics in five sections, featuring a 16th-century teak altar, religious items, and everyday objects, celebrating Fort Kochi’s rich Indo-Portuguese heritage and the spirit of cultural exchange.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, built by the Portuguese in the 1500s and consecrated in 1905, features stunning Gothic architecture, beautiful paintings, and twin spires. This historic landmark, one of India’s nine basilicas, is a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Chinese Fishing Nets
The towering Chinese Fishing Nets, iconic on Kerala’s coast, reach 10 meters high and are balanced by stones. These traditional fishing structures, introduced in the 14th century, are rhythmically operated by fishermen and symbolize Kochi, particularly enchanting at sunset.
Koonan Kurish Old Syrian Church
St. George Orthodox Church in Mattancherry, Kochi, commemorates the 1653 “Coonan Kurishu Sathyam,” affirming Christian faith. Built in 1751, it houses St. George’s relics and features distinctive architecture. A pilgrimage site today, it symbolizes Kerala’s Orthodox Christian heritage.
Jew Town
Jew Town in Kochi, established in the 1500s, is renowned for its historical significance as a Jewish center. Its charming antique shops and the historic Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest in the Commonwealth, attract visitors. Despite the dispersed Jewish community, Jew Town remains a captivating blend of history and culture.
Mattancherry
Mattancherry in Kochi, Kerala, is renowned for its spice trade history and cultural harmony. Key attractions include the architecturally unique Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue. Its religious diversity is reflected in its mosques, churches, temples, and a Jain temple.
Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi in Kerala is a historic gem, showcasing European influence and iconic Chinese fishing nets. Home to St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church, it once held Vasco da Gama’s remains. Today, colonial buildings host art galleries, local cuisine, and shops, offering a captivating cultural experience.
Willingdon Island
Built in the 1930s, Willingdon Island in Kochi is India’s largest artificial island. It hosts Kochi’s port, a navy base, and a maritime museum. Upscale hotels dot its greenery, and ferries link it to the mainland for backwater cruises.
Princess Street
Explore Kochi’s colonial past on Princess Street, also known as Loafer’s Corner. This pedestrian-friendly area features European-style buildings, lively cafes, shops, and Ayurvedic centers.
LuLu International Shopping Mall
Kochi’s LuLu Mall, a Kerala icon, spans 1.7 million sq ft with 280 shops, offering fashion, entertainment, food, and a multiplex cinema. Since 2013, it attracts over 80,000 daily visitors, making it the region’s largest and most popular shopping destination.
Wonderla Amusement Park
Wonderla, India’s top amusement park chain, thrills visitors in Kochi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad with over 50 rides, water coasters, wave pools, and 3D films. Promising fun for all ages, it is celebrated as Kerala’s “happiest place.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive in Kochi is a scenic 3km walkway along the backwaters, ideal for peaceful strolls. Popular among locals and tourists, it offers serene views and relaxing benches. Despite the absence of shops and cafes, its tranquility is its main attraction.
Museum Of Kerala History
Kerala Museum’s Museum of Kerala History presents 87 key figures, illuminating the state’s heritage. Dive into rulers and cultural icons’ lives, grasping Kerala’s historical odyssey through exhibits and a captivating light and sound show.
Hill Palace Museum
Discover Kerala’s majestic Hill Palace Museum, once a royal abode. Admire its traditional architecture, archaeological treasures, and Raja Ravi Varma’s art. Stroll through its vast grounds featuring a deer park, prehistoric park, and children’s park. Delve into Kerala’s rich history and scenic allure.
Kerala Folklore Museum
The Folklore Museum in Kochi, Kerala, exhibits 6,000+ cultural artifacts, including sculptures, masks, and instruments. Dive into Kerala’s history and traditions through these captivating displays.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
In Kochi lies Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, an urban oasis with 72 bird species, including migrants. A haven for birdwatchers, it boasts a tidal lake and safeguards endangered mangroves.
Subhash Bose Park
Hidden amidst Kochi’s urban chaos, Subhash Bose Park offers 11.5 acres of tranquility. With lush lawns, shady trees, and a playground, it’s a haven for families. Relax on benches, admire Vembanad Lake’s beauty, and enjoy picnics under Kerala’s sky. A serene retreat cherished by all.
Fort Kochi Beach
Discover serenity at Fort Kochi Beach, Kerala, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Tour the ancient fort, witness traditional fishing nets, indulge in fresh seafood, and unwind amidst stunning vistas.
Pallippuram Fort
Constructed in 1503, Pallippuram Fort stands as India’s oldest European fort. Situated on Vyppin Island, this hexagonal Portuguese fort has endured centuries of shifting dominance. Crafted from laterite and granite, it once defended the Arabian Sea with cannons, now echoing Kerala’s vibrant past in silent reverence.
Vallarpadam Basilica
The National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom (Vallarpadam), erected in 1676, beckons 5 million pilgrims yearly. It’s a sacred hub in India for seekers of blessings from Virgin Mary (“Vallarpadathamma”). This minor basilica, tied to Portuguese missionaries, features a renowned Marian altar known for miracles.
Paniyeli Poru Rapids
Discover Paniyeli Poru in Kerala, a scenic delight featuring a 1.5km trek amidst lush forests leading to captivating waterfalls on the Periyar River. Experience breathtaking vistas, the river’s vitality, or a refreshing swim (subject to conditions). A coveted retreat for nature enthusiasts and filmmakers alike.
Kaprikkadu Ecotourism
Abhayaranyam Ecotourism in Kerala conserves wildlife, aiding elephants and deer. Since 1997, it’s rescued 100+ animals, providing local jobs in tourism, crafts, and farming. This acclaimed initiative merges conservation with community growth, ensuring a sustainable path forward.
Aqua Tourism by Matsyafed
The National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom (Vallarpadam), erected in 1676, beckons 5 million pilgrims yearly. It’s a sacred hub in India for seekers of blessings from Virgin Mary (“Vallarpadathamma”). This minor basilica, tied to Portuguese missionaries, features a renowned Marian altar known for miracles.