One of the most popular destinations in South India, Kochi or Cochin is mostly visited for its unruffled backwaters, longstanding Portuguese houses, famous churches and its old traditional Chinese fishing nets. Enjoy the flavors of South India and get some unique experiences while traveling in Kochi.
Attractions in Kochi :
1. Chinese Fishing Nets :
One of the most popular tourist spots in Cochin is the Chinese Fishing nets at Fort Kochi. Set up on bamboo and teak poles, these fishing nets which are of 10 meters in height and spread over 20 meters over the water body is a very unique way of fishing.
2. Fort Kochi Beach :
Swaying palm trees, beautiful view of the fishing nets & cool breeze, Fort Kochi Beach is one of the best options to relax. Tourists can also choose to lie on the silky sand or take a stroll over it. View of the European style bungalows can be fascinating.
3. St. Francis Church, Kochi :
Constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese traders, this church holds prime importance because the late legendary explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried here.
4. Vasco House, Fort Kochi :
It is believed to be the residence of legendary explorer, Vasco da Gama. One of the oldest Portuguese houses in India, Vasco House is a must visit spot.
5. Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi :
One of the oldest churches in India, Santa Cruz Basilica which was formerly named as Cathedral in 1558 is visited by thousands of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. It is known for its excellent grandeur and remarkable architecture.
6. Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry :
Built in 1568 by Malabar Yehudan, Jewish Synagogue is a marvelous piece of architecture decorated with Chinese tiles.
7. Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Mattancherry :
Constructed by Portuguese, Mattancherry Palace which is also called 'Dutch Palace' showcases fine collection of paintings, murals and portraits of Rajas of Kochi.
8. Bolghatty Palace, Bolghatty Island :
Situated on the beautiful Bolghatty Island with panoramic view of the surroundings and an excellent golf course Bolghatty Palace, the most revered tourist destination.
9. Hill Palace, Tripunithura :
One of the largest archeological museums in Kerala, Hill Palace near Tripunithura showcases fine collection of articles displaying the wealth and grandeur of the Raja of Kochi. The complex also comprises of a deer park and a heritage museum.
10. Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort :
Constructed in 1503, this massive architecture is one of the oldest existing European Fort in India.
11. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary :
Home to around 72 bird species and various migratory & rare bird species, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is also one of the most famous tourist attractions in Kochi.
12. Museum of Kerala History, Edapally :
This museum showcases various audio-visuals and different forms of sculptures that illustrate the history of Kerala.
13. Parikshith Thampuran Museum :
This marvelous building which is situated in the Durbar Hall grounds exhibits various coins, sculptures, oil paintings and murals and also has facility for Exhibition of Contemporary Paintings.
14. Cherai Beach :
Situated at a distance of about 30 kms from Kochi, Cherai Beach is an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. Tourists get to view the swaying coconut trees and lush green paddy fields.
15. Veega Land :
Kids can have gala time in one of the largest amusement park in South India. Situated at a distance of 14 kms from Cochin, this park consists of water theme park, ferries and mini-castle.
16. Marine Drive :
One of the most famous tourist destinations in Kochi is Marine Drive. With great view of the fishing boats, speedboats, ships and tankers, Marine Drive is the famous hangout place in Kochi.
17. Willingdon Island :
Built in 1933, this man-made island was named after Lord Willingdon, a former British Viceroy to India. This island comprises of Cochin Port and it is the headquarters for Southern Naval Command.
18. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor :
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium which is one of the fourth largest stadiums in India is popularly known among local people as 'Kaloor International Stadium'. With a capacity to accommodate around 60,000 spectators, many sports events like football and cricket matches are conducted here.
Explore Kerala from Cochin :
1. Boat Rides
2. Kathakali Performance
Tourists spots near Cochin
Alleppey :
Popularly known as 'Venice of the East', Alleppey which is located at a distance of 63 kms from Cochin invites you to the serene backwaters, shallow lagoons, and pictorial lakesides. Do not miss out on the famous snake boat race that is held every year.
Cheruthuruthy :
Located at a distance of about 110 kms from Cochin, Cheruthuruthy is home Kerala Kalamandalam, the world renowned centre for art and culture.
Kalady :
Located to the east of Periyar River, Kalady a small village near Cochin is the birthplace of Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Home to Shankara Temple, Ramakrishna Advaita Ashram and many more temples the place brings in a positive and peaceful environment to the surroundings.
Kodanad :
It is specially known for its elephant rescue, training and care centre. This place which is located just 30 kms away from north-east Kochi is a must visit tourist destination.
Kodungallur (Cranganore) :
Situated just 29 kms to the northwest city of Kochi, Kodungallur is noted for its world famous port- Muziris, an ancient sea-port in Southwestern India on the Periyar River3.2 kms from its mouth-which was damaged by flood and led to the formation of the famous Kochi harbour. Tourists can visit the notable landmarks which include Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungallur Bhagvathy Temple, Cranganore Fort and many more popular sites.
Munnar :
Munnar is the famous hill retreat in the South India. Rich flavors of cardamom plantations and rolling hills of tea plantations make for a refreshing and rejuvenating holiday.
Explore India’s rapid growing city, while you stay at our hotel in Kochi. Visit Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Jain Mandir, Managalavanam, & other beautiful attractions in & around the city or stay back at one of the leading hotels in Cochin and have a relaxing holiday.
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