Discover the top 10 must-do experiences in Kochi, Kerala, from the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets to a sunset cruise at the mighty Arabian Sea to the historical Palaces and Museums and the bustling Jew Street. From this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the best things to do in Kochi.
Kochi is one of the most interesting destinations in Kerala with a glorious past that is steeped in colonial history. Nurtured and shaped over centuries by many foreign powers such as the Dutch, Arabs, Chinese, British and Portuguese, Kochi has over the years developed its very own cultural identity.
Top 10 Things to do in Kochi
Kochi is a beautiful commercial city in the state of Kerala. There are a myriad activities and umpteen things to do in Kochi which include upmarket stores, palaces, beaches, temples and heritage sites. There is little of everything here, the ruins of a fort, museum, galleries, surreal beaches, backwaters and lake. You can choose from a plethora of things to do in Kochi and turn your trip into a memorable one. Have a look at the elaborate list that we have compiled of things to do in Kochi.
1. Fort Kochi
The historic Fort Kochi is where you can get acquainted with Kerala’s rich history, culture, and heritage through a guided walking tour. This fort exhibits the traits of the different cultures of English, Dutch and Portuguese infused in its age-old architecture, and is sure to bewitch you with its old-worldly charm. If you wish to explore this entire fort on foot, you can actually end up with a deep insight into its history, right to the time when it was built and what it was used for.
2. Mattancherry Palace
One of the best things to do in Kochi is to pay a visit to the Mattancherry Palace which includes Kerala murals showing exhibits and portraits of Rajas of Kochi. The Palace was originally built by the Portuguese in 1555 and presented to Verra Kerala Varma, the Raja of Kochi, as a grand token of appreciation.
3. Chinese Fishing Nets
The Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi are often regarded as one of the most picturesque sights in Kochi. Legends tell that these nets were originally brought down from the royal courts of Kublai Khan, the great Chinese emperor and introduced in 14th century by Zheng He, a Chinese explorer to the local fisherman in Kochi. You can also buy fishes from the fishmongers and get them cooked in some local shacks.
4. Paradesi Synagogue
The Jewish Synagogue in Kochi is the oldest of its kind in the Commonwealth of Nations. It is locally known as Paradesi Synagogue since it was mostly visited by Jews from the Middle East and Europe, who were deemed as foreigners or paradesi. The synagogue was originally built in 1568 and later restored by the Dutch.
5. Kerela Folklore Museum
To learn about Kerala’s culture, it’s worth making the journey to this privately owned museum on the outskirts of Ernakulam. Opened in 2009, the museum’s three floors are packed full of interesting artifacts related to the state’s heritage. Its architecture is magnificent, with the entryway made from the remnants of a temple and wooden carvings warranting a special look.
6. Sunset Cruise in Arabian Sea
The Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation, an enterprise of the Kerala government, conducts inexpensive cruises in the backwaters around Kochi in its luxury Sagar Rani vessel. The cruises depart throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., although the sunset cruise is most popular. It runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. everyday.
7. Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach, which is one of the best-voted beaches of the state, is situated at a distance of 30 km from Kochi city. Its strategic location on the northern end of the Vypin Island in Kochi makes it a perfect merging point of the sea and backwaters. The surrounding greenery and the seashells present in different shapes and Chinese fishing nets add to the beauty of the sea. Its coastline alone runs for about 15 km and plays a distinguishing factor from all the other beaches.
8. Fort Kochi Beach
Situated along Fort Kochi in Kochi, Kerala, Fort Kochi Beach is a tranquil beach adjoining the Arabian Sea. Lined with a beautiful sidewalk, the beach also has a fort to boast of which is also a major tourist attraction of the spot. People usually visit it for routinely morning and evening walks or just to spend some quality time in solitude.
9. Jew Town
Jew Town is one of the oldest parts of the region. It was here that the Jews first settled in India in around 700 BC and were here till they moved to Israel. This part is famous for its architecturally solid synagogue that continues to stand till today. It is a series of narrow alleys between Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue. There is an antique market with shops selling curios.
10. Hill Palace
This impressive 49-building palace complex was formerly the residence of the Kochi royal family. It now houses the collections of the royal families, as well as 19th-century oil paintings, old coins, sculptures and paintings, jewelry and temple models. Keep an eye out for the diamond-studded, 1.75kg gold crown – a gift from Portugal via Vasco da Gama.
How to get to Kochi?
Kochi is linked to other big cities in by train, which is surely the cheapest way to travel. Cochin International Airport is the city’s own airport. Kochi is also easily accessible by buses from Kerala and neighboring cities.
Where to stay in Kochi?
Kochi offers a wide range of accommodations, ranging from basic ones to luxurious hotels. As travelers who prioritize experiences over spending time in the hotel, we typically opt for mid-range options with private bathrooms. We prefer hotels or home stays because they also provide easy access to local transportation and activities. During our visit to Kochi, we stayed in both in an Airbnb in Fort Kochi and Reach Hotel in Ernakulam.
How many days to stay in Kochi?
Kochi is a bustling city with plenty of delightful cafes and restaurants where you can spend your leisure time. If you’re eager to explore all the top attractions Kochi has to offer, 3 full days will be enough for it, and this also includes Heritage Walk in fort Kochi to cruising at Arabian Sea.
Roadtrippin' with Sagar 