Kochi
South India has been a preferred tourist destination for many Indian and international travelers because of its beautiful attractions and thrilling activities. If you are looking for a great South Indian destination to enjoy your family holidays, Kochi/Cochin can be the right choice for you. It is a vibrant port city lies on the South West Coast of Kerala overlooking the Arabian Sea.
This destination has been a gathering point for tourists and merchants from across the globe from Arabs to the Dutch and British and all of them have left their cultural imprints and legacy behind. This marvelous colonial city has emerged as a must-visit destination in South India.
It is a perfect place to enjoy amazing backwater tours to enjoy the picturesque nature of Kerala. Plan your trip to Kochi through Colourful Indian Holidays for a memorable and delightful holiday experience.
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Kochi – the Queen of the Arabian Sea
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 trade connection of Kochi gives it a prosperous and cosmopolitan culture. Travelers can enjoy varieties of travel experience in this city due to its cultural and historical importance. If you visit the Fort Kochi area, you will feel that it is the Europe of Kerala.
Each visitor to this destination admires its unique culture, delicious cuisine, and mind-blowing architecture. Many people find this secluded island an ideal weekend getaway. A small ferry ride can be a great way to explore the scenic beauty of this port city.
Tourist attractions
A vacation is the best way to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life and get some quick rejuvenation. There are many places in and around in Kochi that offers peace and refreshment in the lap of Mother Nature. Here are the best tourist attractions to explore during your holidays in Kochi.
Dutch Palace – A great tourist place with captivating architecture
Dutch Palace is a popular tourist attraction in Kochi built by the Portuguese. Dutch took over this structure in 1663 and presented to the Rajas of Cochin after made some renovations. The Rajas of Cochin decorate this palace with some of the most beautiful mythological murals, especially in its bedchambers.
The traditional Kerala flooring is certainly an eye-catching feature of this palace which looks like black polished marble. This flooring is made with the combination of charcoal, burned coconut shells, egg whites, lime, and plant juices.
Also known as Mattancherry Palace, this marvelous structure locates near to the Jew Town. Visitors can watch a wide range of Kerala temple murals, artifacts and belongings of the Rajas of Kochi in this palace turned museum.
Fort Kochi - For a memorable travel experience
Located nearly 13 kilometers away from Ernakulam, Fort Kochi is a must-visit place in Kochi. This destination is known for its Chinese Fishing Nets, spectacular beaches and eye-catching colonial buildings with unique architecture. Once you visit this area of Kochi, you can see its European influence which makes Fort Cochin stands apart from other tourist attractions.
Lies close to Mattancherry to the southwest of Cochin, this region was a tiny fishing village before the colonial era in Kerala and a part of the Kingdom of Kochi. Fort Kochi got its name from the nearby Fort Emmanuel built by the Portuguese to guard their commercial interests.
Jewish Synagogue – the oldest existing Synagogue in India
Popularly known as the Pardesi Synagogue and Mattancherry Synagogue, the Jewish Synagogue is a must-visit tourist attraction in Kochi. Built-in 1568, this stunning Jewish shrine is located in the Old Kochi area. A great feature of this tourist site is that it is the oldest existing synagogue in the country.
Covered with painted Chinese tiles, the architecture of it is very alluring. There is an 18th-century clock tower attached to the main building of this shrine. Stunning Belgium chandeliers and majestic lightings adorn the interiors of this synagogue.
Santa Cruz Basilica – One of the finest cathedral in India
Santa Cruz Basilica is another great tourist attraction in Kochi. This finest cathedral is one of the eight Basilicas in India and the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin. Built by Francesco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy in 1505, this basilica has a very attractive architecture.
The white-washed exterior and the pastel-colored interiors of this structure are also captivating. Visitors can watch beautiful paintings of the scenes from the Via Crucis of Christ at the ceiling of Santa Cruz Basilica. Add this point-of-interest in your Kochi travel itinerary for a spiritual travel experience.
Bolgatty Island – A panoramic beachside getaway
Bolgatty Island is another great hangout in Kochi which fascinates travelers with its tranquil ambiance and exotic seascape. 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 main attraction of this island is the Bolgatty Palace which now transformed into a heritage hotel. The only way to reach this island is by boat and you can enjoy some refreshing time in this getaway.
Chinese Fishing Nets – A unique attraction in Kochi
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.
Marine Drive – A serene hangout area with excellent entertainment options
Kochi is a great place for those who are ready to explore. Marine Drive is certainly a great hangout place in this vibrant city for both locals and tourists alike.
Overlooking the scintillating backwaters and the renowned Kochi Harbor, it is a panoramic beach stretch that draws travelers with several skyscrapers, excellent entertainment options, fine dining choices and fantastic shopping malls. A visit to this place especially in the evening will astound you beyond any words.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary – A paradise for birders
Include Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary in your travel itinerary if you are a bird lover. 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.
The thick mangrove vegetation attracts many bird species to this region. In addition to avian species, visitors can watch much exotic flora and fauna in this bird sanctuary. From January to March is the best time to visit this picnic spot because of the favorable climate.
Hill Palace Museum - the largest archeological museum in Kerala
Hill Palace Museum is another must-visit attraction in Kochi. This largest archeological museum in the state is located at Tripunithura. The palace complex of it consists of several buildings and all of them attract travelers with its traditional architectural style.
The renowned Pareekshith Thampuran Museum is part of this museum. You can watch a good collection of the belongings of the Royal clans of Kochi by visiting this museum.
Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum - famous for different architectural styles
A three-floored structure, visiting the Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum shall be a fantastic experience for each traveler. 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 performance every day from 6.30 pm. Make your trip to Kochi a memorable experience by visiting the Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum.
Things to do in Kochi
Kochi is a majestic city in India steeped in rich history. Visiting this vibrant port city shall be a wonderful experience for travelers. Exploring this tourist destination helps tourists to get an idea about its trading competence and history of colonial India. Here are the best things to do while you are holidaying in Kochi.
Enjoy backwater cruise
Backwaters are a distinctive feature of Kerala and people who visit this state love to enjoy houseboat cruising through its scintillating backwaters. Kochi is an ideal place to enjoy such memorable cruising or a pleasant ferry ride. Hiring a luxurious houseboat with all the modern facilities is a fine and romantic way to enjoy the rich natural beauty of Kerala. Enjoy cruising in a traditional houseboat or kettuvallom to make your trip to Kochi an unforgettable experience.
Rejuvenate with an Ayurvedic Massage
Kochi is a blissful getaway for those who look for some refreshing holidays. People who visit Kerala always look for an Ayurveda massage to regain their lost energy and rejuvenate their body and mind. There are many fantastic resorts and hotels in this city with excellent Ayurvedic centers and spas to make the trip of travelers mind-blowing.
Watch a Kathakali Performance
Kathakali is one of the classical dances of India known for its fascinating and colorful costumes and elaborate make-up. People who visit Kochi do not leave without enjoying a Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performance. Kerala Kathakali Center is a fine venue to watch this dance performance. They also provide the opportunity to watch artists apply make-up for this dance form.
Enjoy an authentic cafe experience
There is no difficulty to find excellent dining options in Kochi. This vivacious city has plenty of luxury restaurants, beachside cafes, and small eateries to serve delicious South Indian food and seafood. Kochi is also teeming cafes which are a unique feature of this tourist destination.
It shall be relaxing to visit a cafe after a mind-blowing walking tour of the city to sit back and relax. Some of the delightful places in this city with a soothing ambiance ideal to enjoy outdoors or relax while sipping your coffee are Kashi Art Cafe, Mocha Art Cafe, Pepper House Cafe and Teapot Cafe.
Visit an elephant Sanctuary
Elephants are a great attraction of Kerala and people who visit this state love to spend time with them. You will love the idea of visiting an elephant sanctuary in Kochi especially if you are on a family vacation with children. Playing with these big animals and give them a bath shall be exciting for kids. You can experience all these things by visiting the Kodanad Elephant Center.
Amazing shopping
The port city of Kochi has been a trade center since ancient times. Shopping in Kochi is an exciting experience for both locals and travelers alike. With so many elegant shopping malls, boutiques, departmental stores, and street vendors, you may wonder what to take home from this city.
Some of the things that you can buy during your trip to Kochi are fresh spices, tea, coffee, banana chips, clothes and jewelry. People love to buy trinkets and souvenirs while they are holidaying in this vibrant city.
Kochi is a bustling city in Kerala which fascinates travelers from across the globe. Many people find it a great holiday hideaway to enjoy some revitalizing holidays. This delightful place offers immense pleasure for travelers with numerous tourist attractions, fine things-to-do, and outstanding dining options.
It shall be memorable to walk through the narrow streets of the city and enjoy shopping till you drop. Contact Colourful Indian Holidays to make your trip to this colonial city a wonderful experience.
Plan a snorkeling trip
You can experience the thrill of unraveling the water kingdom by planning some snorkeling. Thiruvankulam, a suburb in Kochi is a fine destination to enjoy this activity blessed with many canals and lagoons. Snorkeling is a superb way to watch plenty of exotic marine life such as fish, corals and sea urchins. Ask the supporting staff to take photographs and videos of your snorkeling for the memories of your underwater experience.
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