Kochi, also known as Cochin is one of the oldest ports in India located on its west coast side. Fondly called as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, this city exported different spices and commodities like coir and coffee to various countries throughout the second millennium.

The coastal Kochi alongside the Arabian Sea became the first Indian destination for many travellers including Greeks, Romans, Jews, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, etc in ancient history. Over the centuries, Kochi has taken ahead the legacy and seasoned itself as a great gateway to the God’s own country.

Famous for its Chinese fishing nets, forts, palaces, old churches, synagogues, river islands, lagoons, beaches and green cover, Kochi tour is a great way to begin a tour to enchanting Kerala.

KOCHI TOUR ATTRACTIONS

Chinese Fishing Nets 

The Chinese Fishing Nets is a great tourist attraction for travelers to Kochi. These fixed land installations introduced to the fishermen in this region by a famous Chinese explorer named Zheng He almost 500 years ago. Cheenavala in the local language, the Chinese Fishing Nets attract travelers in this port city for centuries. Watching these alluring fixed nets shall be a spellbinding experience for each visitor to the Fort Kochi area.

Bolgatty Island 

This small island paradise located beside the Ellington Island and Ernakulam Island is just a few minutes boat ride away from the Kochi harbor entrance.
 The only way to reach this island is by boat and you can enjoy some refreshing time in this getaway.

Dutch Palace 

 Mattancherry Palace is an oldest specimen of Portuguese architecture in India. Built around 1545 CE for the King of Kochi, this palace complex is built in traditional Nalukettu Kerala architecture mixed with Portuguese and Oriental influences. The complex also has three temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva along with Bhagwathi Temple in its central courtyard. It was later renovated by the Dutch in 1663, making it known afterwards as Dutch palace.

Backwaters of Kochi 

 Kochi is known for the lakes, lagoons and backwaters that lie parallel to the Malabar Coast. The stretch from Kochi Azhi to Munambam Azhi comprises the serene Kochi backwaters, locally known as Veeranpuzha. The longest lake of India, Vembanad, located in between Willingdon Island and Vallarpadam forms an important element of Kochi Backwater stretch.

Fort Kochi

Shrouded in history, Fort Kochi forms the timeless footprint on the land of Kerala. Located in a small estuary, this fort is the starting point to explore the legacy of Kochi city in the form of cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, the Santa Cruz Basilica and The Mattancherry Palace.

Hill Palace

 Hill Palace is a large archaeological museum in Kerala situated in Kochi’s outskirts. Built in 1865, this Palace Complex consists of 49 buildings including an archaeological museum, a heritage museum, a deer park, a prehistoric park and a children’s park.

Jewish Synagogue 

The oldest synagogue of Commonwealth countries, Paradesi Synagogue of Mattancherry Synagogue is the most prominent and visited pilgrimage site of Jewish belief.

Kathakali Dance Performance  

Kathakali Dance Performance should not be missed during Kochi Tour. Termed as a God dance, this 300 year old dance form combines features of ballet, opera, miming and masque in a larger than life format. The dance form is staged as a narrative performance based on the stories from puranas and ancient texts. The staged performance is one of the great attractions of a tour to Kochi.

Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum

Each floor of this museum covers a unique architectural style. This museum houses more than 4000 artifacts collected from old houses and ancient temples.

It is also a great place for entertaining. The theatre area of this structure conducts excellent stage performances every day from 6.30 pm. Make your trip to Kochi a memorable experience by visiting the Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum. 

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary 

 Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary  =is situated in the heart of the city, it is easy for travelers to reach this tourist spot. Home to a wide range of both local and migratory birds, it is a favorite place for birdwatchers, visitors can watch much exotic flora and fauna in this bird sanctuary.

HOW TO REACH KOCHI

• By Air – The Gateway to Kerala, Kochi is connected nationally and internationally through Nedumbassery International Airport, which is just 20 km away from the city. Many domestic and international flights operate and connect Kochi worldwide.

• By Train – Kochi enjoys strong rail connectivity with its three major railway stations namely Ernakulam Junction in South, Ernakulam Town in North and Harbor Terminus on Willingdon Island.

• By Road – The commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi is well connected through a network of national highways and state highways. The three major national highways passing through Kochi are NH-47, NH-17 and NH-49.

Weather 

Annual temperatures range between 23 and 31 °C (73–88 °F) with the record high being 38 °C (100 °F), and a record low of 17 °C (63 °F). From June to September, the southwest monsoon brings in heavy rains as Kochi lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats. From October to December, Kochi receives lighter rain of the northeast monsoon, as it lies on the leeward side.

Shopping in Kochi

Lulu Shopping Mall 
The mall is the biggest in the country and offers shopping facilities galore along with a wealth of entertainment and dining choices under a single roof.

Broadway 
for local shopping in Kochi, having versatile varieties of clothes, spices, electronic goods, umbrellas (from Colombo Umbrella House), jewelry, leather goods, stationery, watches and so on. The Broadway’s shopping area in Kochi along with a list of items both are too long to cover in one day but you can explore the cheap selling books on the other lanes of the area

M G Road
MG Road stands for Mahatma Gandhi Road which has a bunch of standalone stores offering a selection of local and international brands. Kerala’s most famous saree brands, such as Seematti and Jayalakshmi can be found by shopping in Cochin at M.G. Road very easily. With tonnes of traditional clothing, you can also buy handicrafts of coir, brass, copper, bamboo, etc., spices and nuts from this shopping zone.

Jewel Junction
 The top jewelry showrooms of Kochi like Alapatt Jewellery, Alukkas, Bhima Jewellers, Ayodhya Jewelry, etc They offer the most ethnic gold ornaments, lightweight jewelry, and trendy collections at their shopping area in Kochi, Kerala.

Marine Drive 
Marine Drive beside the Kochi backwaters not only looks good but also comes across a treasure trove for shopaholics! The Bay Pride and GCD Complex have several stores selling apparel, perfumes and a lot more at reasonable prices. There is a Flea Market that offers casual cotton clothing .

Oberon Mall
stores and more than 80  stores and kiosks, Oberon Mall houses some of the most sought after brands in Fashion, Fashion Accessories, Electronics, Lifestyle, etc., alongwith the finest Food Court, Fine Dining, the first Multiplex in Kerala and the best in Entertainment and Leisure, including an international Spa.

Cochin Spice Market
Cochin spice market will help you snap up alluring spices like anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves and pepper at great rates along with the popular cashew nuts.