Magic of South India
Explore the Enchanting South
KKochi, also known as Cochin, is a vibrant port city located on the southwest coast of India in Kerala. Known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," Kochi has been a center of trade and cultural exchange for centuries. The city offers a fascinating blend of history, modernity, culture, and natural beauty, making it one of the top tourist destinations in Kerala. From historical monuments and colonial architecture to serene backwaters and beaches, Kochi is a traveler’s paradise.
Overview: Fort Kochi is a historic area in Kochi that reflects the colonial past of the city. It was once a prominent hub for the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The narrow streets of Fort Kochi are lined with charming European-style architecture, art galleries, cafes, and shops. Key attractions here include the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and the Indo-Portuguese Museum.
Activities: Sightseeing, photography, walking tours, and shopping.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach: Fort Kochi is about 13 km from Ernakulam (the main city area of Kochi) and can be reached by road, ferry, or cab.
Entry Fee: Free (Entry fees apply at museums).
Overview: The Chinese Fishing Nets, also known as Cheenavala, are an iconic symbol of Kochi. These massive fishing nets were introduced by Chinese traders and are still used by local fishermen. The sight of these nets silhouetted against the sunset is one of the most photographed views in Kochi.
Activities: Watching fishermen operate the nets, photography, and buying fresh seafood.
Best Time to Visit: Evening during sunset.
How to Reach: Located at Fort Kochi, the fishing nets can be reached by taxi or ferry from Ernakulam.
Entry Fee: Free.
Overview: The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a historical palace built by the Portuguese in 1555 and later renovated by the Dutch. The palace is known for its beautiful Kerala-style architecture and stunning murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other Puranic legends.
Activities: Exploring the palace and its murals, visiting the museum.
Best Time to Visit:Throughout the year.
How to Reach: Located in Mattancherry, about 10 km from Ernakulam. The palace is easily accessible by road or ferry.
Entry Fee: ₹5 for adults, free for children.
Overview: The Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, built in 1568. It is located in the heart of Jew Town and is a testament to the historical Jewish community of Kochi. The synagogue houses rare antiques, including gold crowns, hand-painted tiles from China, and ancient scrolls.
Activities: Exploring the synagogue and learning about the Jewish heritage of Kochi.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach: The synagogue is located in Jew Town, about 10 km from Ernakulam, and can be reached by road or ferry.
Entry Fee: ₹5 for adults.
Overview: Marine Drive is a picturesque promenade in Kochi that stretches along the backwaters of the Arabian Sea. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy evening walks, boating, and watching the sunset. The Marine Drive offers stunning views of the backwaters, anchored boats, and the skyline of Kochi.
Activities: Walking, boating, and enjoying the views.
Best Time to Visit: Evening.
How to Reach: Located in the heart of Ernakulam, Marine Drive is easily accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or public transport.
Entry Fee: Free.
Overview: Bolgatty Palace is a former Dutch palace located on Bolgatty Island. Built in 1744, it is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland. The palace has now been converted into a heritage hotel and resort, surrounded by lush greenery and serene backwaters. The island also has a golf course and a marina.
Activities: Staying at the heritage resort, exploring the palace, and enjoying water sports.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach: Bolgatty Island is about 5 km from Ernakulam and can be reached by boat or road.
Entry Fee: Entry is free for visitors; resort and activity charges apply.
Overview: Cherai Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kochi, known for its golden sands, calm waters, and serene atmosphere. Located on Vypin Island, this beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports. The nearby backwaters also offer a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Kochi.
Activities: Swimming, water sports, and backwater cruises.
Best Time to Visit:November to February.
How to Reach: Cherai Beach is about 25 km from Ernakulam and can be reached by road via Vypin Island.
Entry Fee: Free.
Overview: Willingdon Island is an artificial island in Kochi, created by dredging during the construction of the Kochi Port in the early 20th century. It is now home to the Cochin Port, naval base, and several luxury hotels. The island offers scenic views of the backwaters and is a quiet retreat away from the bustling city.
Activities: Sightseeing, staying at luxury hotels, and boating.
Best Time to Visit:October to March.
How to Reach: Willingdon Island is connected to Ernakulam by road and can be easily reached by taxi or bus.
Entry Fee: Free
Overview: The Hill Palace Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala, located in Tripunithura. The museum was once the royal palace of the Cochin Maharajas and is now a treasure trove of Kerala’s royal history. It houses royal artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, sculptures, paintings, and crown jewels.
Activities: Exploring the museum, gardens, and archaeological exhibits.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
How to Reach: Located about 12 km from Ernakulam, the Hill Palace Museum can be reached by taxi or bus.
Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹10 for children.
Overview: Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a green haven in the heart of Kochi, spread over 2.74 hectares. This mangrove forest is home to a variety of migratory birds and is often called the "green lung of Kochi." It is a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
Activities: Bird watching, nature walks, and photography.
Best Time to Visit: January to March (for birdwatching).
How to Reach: The sanctuary is located near the High Court of Kerala in Ernakulam and is easily accessible by taxi or bus.
Entry Fee: Free.
By Air: Kochi has its own international airport, Cochin International Airport (COK), located about 29 km from the city center. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad. Taxis and buses are available to reach Kochi from the airport. By Train: Kochi is served by two major railway stations—Ernakulam Junction (South) and Ernakulam Town (North). Regular trains from major Indian cities connect to Kochi. By Road: Kochi is well-connected by road through National Highways 66 and 544. Buses and taxis are available from major cities like Trivandrum, Bangalore, and Coimbatore.
By Sea: Kochi is a major port and cruise destination. Regular ferries connect the mainland to the nearby islands.Kochi offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses and homestays. Fort Kochi and Marine Drive are popular areas for tourists to stay, with easy access to the city's attractions.
The best time to visit Kochi is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season (June to September) is perfect for nature lovers who want to experience the lush greenery of Kerala, though some activities may be limited due to rain.
Kochi is famous for its rich culinary heritage, offering a fusion of Kerala, Portuguese, Dutch, and British flavors. Popular dishes include seafood delicacies like fish curry, prawn fry, and squid roast. Don’t miss trying traditional Kerala meals like appam with stew, Malabar biryani, and puttu with kadala curry. Kochi is also known for its street food, including parottas, beef fry, and banana fritters.