11 Best Places to Visit in Kochi, Kerala

Bring your shades along with the caps and comfortable clothes. We are headed to some of the best places to visit in Kochi! Cochin is a part of the Ernakulam district and is the biggest seaport city. With the blooming heritages and cuisines, Kerala, aka Gods Own Country is an active tourist place since the 1980s. The state is filled vastly with hills, beaches, waterfalls, dams, mountains.

If you love to see the beaches, then Kerala has lots of beaches where you can just sit by the beachside to watch the magnificent view, or you can also engage in some water sports. And breathe. A romantic getaway is a perfect opportunity to relax and there are lots of ways to do that in India, whether you venture to the countryside or spend some time on one of the beautiful beaches of the west coast.

From wildlife sanctuaries to temples, tourists get to experience nature much better than most places around. The easy-going locals are always intrigued by the outsiders and the conversations that comes up along. One can rent a self-drive car in Kochi to visit from place to place along with a travel guide.



So with less far ado and more coconut oil, here are the most exceptional places near Kochi.

1. Cherai Beach

Cherai beach is also one of the major tourist locations in Kerala and is around 17 km away from the city. This famous beach is only a couple kilometers away from Kochi, located in the Cherai village. The beach is a 15 KM stretch of sand, clean and pretty shallow waters. It also has a lagoon and a clear cut view of the ocean in the distance. There is a sideways and walkway for people to walk along the beachside, and the newly added lamps, that makes the beach more enjoyable at night.

The shores are filled with shells and other stunning things that the waves leave behind on the coast. Dolphins are a tourist attraction are, as well as the childrens park, and fishing, with Chinese fishing nets. The beach has a tourism festival every December.

2. Fort Kochi

It is one of the best place to visit in Kochi and is about 17 kms away from Cochin. The place is a mix of British, Dutch, French, Portugal and Indian culture. Even just walking and looking around is fun at Fort Kochi. There are so many places to visit in here, like the Vasco da Gama square where the people come to see the locals fishing using Chinese fishing nets that are 10 m high.

For accommodation, it is possible for travellers to find budget hotels in Fort Kochi at affordable rates. But is this the only thing tourists worry about? Certainly not. Tourists also worry about finding places for sightseeing, restaurants for having meals etc.

First thing that worries the tourist is accommodation. It's so because one cannot explore the entire Kochi city without taking a break. It would be just too much for anyone. You can find several homestays or hotels in Ernakulam district that fit in your budget. Wondering what homestay is?

Fort Kochi has witnessed an increase in the number of homestays in the area. They are cheaper and create the ambience of the home. Couples or families can easily book rooms or flats and stay for a weekend or stretch their vacation for a couple of weeks. Not only homestays but you can find many hotels in the area. These hotels offer all the luxury at affordable rates. So, you need not worry about spending on exorbitant accommodation charges.

3. Marine Drive

It is one of the most preferred places to visit in Kochi of locals when they want to spend some time with their friends and family. It's one part of the city that witnesses thriving business round the clock. Marine Drive is also famous for sporting numerous shopping malls visited by the locals and tourists alike.

You can find two bridges in this part of the city. These bridges are namely, the Rainbow Bridge and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge.

4. Paradesi Synagogue

The Jewish Synagogue here is also known as Paradesi Synagogue. It is one of the oldest synagogues. This place was built by the people of the Jewish community in the year 1568.

5. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

This church has a unique history. It was built by the Portuguese. But in the year 1558, it was granted the status of Cathedral by Pope Paul IV. Several wars took place after 1558 but finally, in the year 1984, this place was recognized as Basilica by revered Pope John Paul II.

If you have been planning to shop for yachts, Kochi International Marina would be an excellent choice.

6. Museum of Kerala History

If you want to learn about a place, what would be a better option than visiting a museum. Museum of Kerala History has a collection of sculptures that speak about the bygone era. If you visit the museum, you can spot a statue of Parasurama. Legend says that he is responsible for the existence of Kerala in the first place. You can always explore the section of doll collection, art gallery etc.

7. Vasco da Gama Square

You can visit the Vasco da Gama Square if you want to relax on the Kochi beach. You can eat from stalls that line the beach and choose from coconut water, ice creams etc.

8. St. Francis church

At the heart of Kochi, there is a very famous church, called the St. Francis church, which is the first European church in Kerala. Legend has it that Vasco Da Gama was buried here and years later his son took his body to Lisbon. There's always something to witness.

9. Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry is a very famous place in Kochi, located just 4 kms from Fort Kochi, home to the Paradesi Synagogue (India's oldest functioning synagogue), Mattancherry Palace Museum, Pazhayannur Royal temple and Palliarakkavvu temple, Ram Mandir, Gowd Saraswat Brahmin samaj temples including the Venkatraman temple and a Jain Temple (known as MahajanWadi to locals) and Mosques.

The food delicacy of Kochi includes biriyani. Visit Kayees Biriyani shop in Mattanchery. The food is that delicious and worth the money.

A fine mix of Kerala and colonial style of architecture, the Mattancherry Palace is set on the backwaters of Kochi. It speaks the tales of the lifestyle and grandeur of the royals in the bygone era. It also houses a temple that is dedicated to goddess Bhagwati and a famous museum that holds intricately detailed, ancient and exquisite Kerala murals for all visitors to see.

10. Fort Kochi Beach

It is the most easily accessible beach from the city as well as one of the major tourist attractions. Take a Ferry service from Ernakulam Boat Jetty to Fort Kochi for multiple reasons, first of which is the enthralling experience you gonna have choosing the inland waterway, then its cost effective since the ticket fares are just 3 rupees per head, and less time consuming since Kochi is a fast emerging city, the traffic is kinda hell. So go for it.

In Fort Kochi, you can see lot of Chinese nets, enjoy the breeze from the seashore and so on. It is a very good place to hangout. Without a doubt, Kochi's most popular sight is that of the Chinese fishing nets. These were introduced to the fishermen of Kerala in the 14th century and they bought them out from the court of the then Chinese emperor.

You can purchase the fresh morning catch from the fishmongers and have it cooked. You can also enjoy a lavish seafood meal in the nearby shacks while watching the breathtaking sunset. You can see the old harbour hotel and all nearby. The Seagull is a very renowned restaurant in Fortkochi where you can have best sea food as well as beer and can have it with seafront view.

11. Kuzhuppilly Beach

Kuzhuppilly beach is too tidy and the presence of pine trees is an add on to the beauty. Most of the Malayalam movies have been shooting here for the same reason. On the way to the beach, you can see three Gosree bridges, Vallarpadam Container Terminal, LNG Terminal and can have access to the Puthuvype Beach and Light house.

12. Hill Palace Museum

Located nine kilometres away from the city centre, Hill Palace is an archaeological museum. It is one of the largest in the whole of Kerala. It is located in the heart of the city, close to Vytilla Mobility hub. There you can see the Hill Palace of much historical importance. Except for the traffic problems, its a very good place to visit.

No trip is complete without your suitcase full of shopping bags. If you have been planning to spend money on purchasing worthy articles, you should visit MG Road. You will find a range of shops selling spices, jewellery, clothes and handicrafts. There is no dearth of options if you are willing to spend money.

There's one thing in common, all of these places have the best foods to experience the Kerala cuisine! With so many things to do in Kochi, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags! Your summer vacation is here.