Places to visit in Cochin
Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. Fondly called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," this vibrant port city is a fascinating blend of history, culture, nature, and modernity. As the commercial capital of Kerala and home to one of the world's finest natural harbours, Kochi has welcomed traders and travelers from around the globe for centuries. A visit to Kochi offers unforgettable experiences, from colonial landmarks and bustling markets to serene waterfronts and cultural performances. It also serves as the gateway to Kerala, thanks to its international airport and excellent rail and road connectivity.
Kochi's natural beauty is among its greatest attractions. The city's picturesque coastline, tranquil beaches, and iconic Chinese fishing nets create unforgettable views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The famous Kerala backwaters also extend into Kochi, offering peaceful cruises through palm-fringed canals and scenic waterways. These backwaters provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing visitors to experience the serene beauty of Kerala.
Kochi's rich cultural heritage reflects centuries of influence from the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arabs, and local Kerala traditions. The city's historic attractions include Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace (also known as the Dutch Palace), St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, and the Paradesi Synagogue in the historic Jew Town, built in 1568. Visitors can also admire the famous Chinese fishing nets, which have become one of Kochi's most recognizable landmarks. Another must-visit attraction is Kumbalangi Village, India's first model tourism village, where visitors can experience sustainable tourism, traditional fishing practices, and authentic village life.
Kochi is equally famous for its cuisine, shopping, and cultural experiences. From delicious Kerala seafood and traditional dishes served at local eateries to fine-dining restaurants, the city offers something for every palate. Shoppers can explore vibrant markets for spices, antiques, handicrafts, coir products, and traditional Kerala souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy captivating performances of Kathakali, Kalaripayattu (Kerala's ancient martial art), Carnatic music, and other traditional art forms that showcase the state's rich cultural heritage.
Beyond its own attractions, Kochi serves as the perfect base for exploring some of Kerala's most famous destinations, including Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Thrissur, Thekkady, and Athirappilly Falls. Whether you're seeking history, culture, nature, or relaxation, Kochi offers the perfect introduction to the incredible experiences that await across Kerala.
Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): The Portuguese constructed The Mattancherry Palace in 1557, and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma (1537-61) as sign of goodwill. After 1663, the Dutch carried out some constructions and renovations in the palace, and from that day it was widely called as the ‘Dutch Palace’. The most significant thing about this palace is the amazing paintings in the bedrooms and other rooms. The paintings portray scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga. These paintings are certainly the most extensive and attractive paintings to be seen anywhere in India
The Jewish Synagogue The Jewish Synagogue: The Jewish Synagogue is located near the Dutch Palace. This synagogue was constructed in 1568 and was brilliantly decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. The Synagogue has a giant scroll of the Old Testament
The very popular tourist attraction in Cochin Harbor is the Chinese Fishing nets. These fishing nets are one of its kind and are found only in India. The fishing nets were popularized in Cochin Harbor by the traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan
St. Francis church was constructed by the Europeans in 1503. St. Francis Church is the oldest European church in India. The Portuguese trader, Vasco da Gama died in Kochi, during his third visit to Kerala. Initially, his body was buried in this church, but after a few years his remains were moved to Portugal. In spite of all this the place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church
Fort Kochi beach is an ideal location to saunter in a peaceful and relaxing way. This beach happens to be one of the favorite tourist spots in Kerala. The view of the sunset with the Chinese fishing net and the sailing ships in the background is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen alongside the shoreline.
Kathakali Dance Performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a classical dance form, portraying Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The costumes of the dancers are very colorful and elaborate. Dancers with painted faces depict the various characters of the ancient epics. The Kathakali dancers portray a lot of facial expressions and articulate body movements