Kochi – Places of Attractions, Location, How To Reach

Flanked by the mighty Western Ghats on the east and the majestic Arabian Sea in the west, the city of Kochi in Ernakulam has been a significant trading zone and an attractive tourist destination. One of the finest and busiest harbors in Kerala, India the port has been visited by the Arabs, the British, the Dutch, the Portuguese, the French, and the Chinese, since ancient times. This enchantingly quaint port city exhibits the remnants of these cultures, and maintains that tradition and reputation intact, even today. It was, and still is, the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Of late, Kochi is also rapidly developing as the IT capital of Kerala. This beautiful cluster of islands, strategically spread across the Vembanad Lake, has everything a tourist could ask for – the natural beauty and a cosmopolitan atmosphere – The primary reason why Kochi found itself a place in National Geographic’s list of ‘50 greatest places of a lifetime.’
9.9312° N, 76.2673° E

Kochi Weather
Kochi has a tropical monsoon climate with varying levels of humidity throughout the year.

Kochi District – Ernakulam District
Kochi is in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, situated in the central part of Kerala state and spanning an area of about 3,000 square kilometers.
You need some orientation to the cluster of islands that make Kochi (formerly Cochin), before you start the trip. Ernakulam, the district, and also the urban center on the mainland, is chock-a-bloc with residential areas and narrow roads bursting with prosperous businesses. Stop here for the museums and a hearty fill of shopping. Lying close to the mainland, but joined by bridges, are the small islands of Willingdon (mostly government offices), Fort Kochi and Mattancherry (the tourist hub), Bolgatty and Vypeen.

Fort Kochi and Mattancherry have an easy, rustic charm about them, with breezy open-air cafes serving top-notch seafood, narrow history-filled streets and a burgeoning art scene.

Ernakulam
9.9816° N, 76.2999° E
Ernakulam might as well have been the capital of Kerala with its urban character and commercial significance. Bursting out of its narrow streets is a chaotic mix of unruly traffic, Lego-like residential areas, and official buildings. This hectic transport and cosmopolitan hub serves as a good stopover for shopping and a quick dose of culture. For a more heritage-filled holiday atmosphere, head to Fort Kochi, but try and spend some time at Ernakulam to see the Kerala Folklore Museum and the Durbar Hall Art Centre, and also take in the pleasures of a walk around Marine Drive and the shopping center at MG Road.

Fort Kochi & Mattancherry
The most captivating of Kochi’s pack of islands, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry is a heady mix of well-preserved colonial history, a lively art scene, boutique hotels, exceptional seafood, and elements that are still reminiscent of Kerala’s indigenous culture. An influx of Western travelers over the years has mounded the harbor town into a haven of English- speaking, perfect-pasta-serving inhabitants, and antiques oozing from every shop. But this has served well for Indian tourists as well; it’s safe, clean, and language is not a problem at all. Equip yourself with comfortable walking shoes and a map and discover the narrow streets.

Dutch Palace
Though the Portuguese built it for the Raja of Kochi, the palace eventually landed in Dutch hands and was rechristened Dutch Palace. Today, this is a museum hosting galleries and royal artifacts. The star attractions are the beautifully preserved murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranic legends in intricate detail.
Mattancherry Palace was a gift presented to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma (1537-61), as a gesture of goodwill by the Portuguese in 1555. The Dutch renovated the palace in 1663, and hence it was renamed the Dutch Palace. The Kerala-style wood-floored mansion is now a museum with coins, murals, paintings and objects reminiscent of the lives of the rajas of the 16th century. The complex is also home to the Pazhayannur Bhagvathi Temple, dedicated to the deity who was the royal guardian.
Palace Road, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002
Timing 9 AM – 5PM, Friday closed; Entry Rs. 5

Paradesi Synagogue
A graceful clock tower looming over the streets of Mattancherry signals the iconic Pardesi Synagogue. Originally built in 1568, this synagogue was partially destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662, and rebuilt two years later when the Dutch took Kochi. It features an ornate gold pulpit and elaborate hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles from Canton, which were added in 1762. It’s magnificently illuminated by chandeliers from Belgium and colored glass lamps.

At the end of a narrow lane in Jew Town, the synagogue is a symbol of religious tolerance under the Kochi kings. This is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth countries. Silently observe the ornate central chandelier, Hebrew calendars, and scrolls, a central pulpit, and a narrow passage with paintings recording the Jew influx in Kochi. There is an upstairs balcony for women, who worship separately according to Orthodox rites. Shorts or sleeveless tops are not allowed inside.

Timing 10 PM – 1 PM & 3 – 5 PM, Friday & Saturday closed
Entry Rs. 5

Chinese Fishing Nets Fort Kochi
At the tip of Fort Kochi sits the unofficial emblem of Kerala’s backwaters: cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. The enormous ladle-like nets are permanently positioned here and it takes teams of four to five fishermen to heave the heavy nets out of the water with a pulley system and make a dash for the fish. There is stiff competition from a brigade of crows close at hand. The frenetic activity here starts as early as 6 am and you are allowed to help the fishermen and can also take pictures for a small tip.
Legend has it that the fishing nets were introduced into Kochi by the Chinese explorer Zheng He. It dates back to Kublai Khan’s time (mid-13th century), when trade between Malabar Coast and China was just getting started. Some others believe that the nets were brought to India by the Portuguese during the 15th century, from Macau which was once a Portuguese colony.

Indo Portuguese Museum
Indo Portuguese Museum in the garden of Bishop’s House preserves the heritage of one of India’s earliest Catholic communities.
Artifacts from different churches of the Catholic diocese from the region are displayed here. The wheelchair-friendly museum is spread over different stores, each denoted by a different theme: Altar, Treasures, Procession, Civil Life, and Cathedral. The artistic Portuguese-influenced collection of altars, crosses, chasubles, and more, dating as far back as the 16th century, are a rare and marvelous sight.
Visiting Hours: 9 am – 1 pm, 2 – 6 pm, Closed on Mondays and all Public Holidays.
Entry: Adult / Child / Foreigners Rs.10 / 5 / 25

St Francis Church

St. Francis CSI Church the oldest church in India was constructed by Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503 where the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama was buried.
Add St. Francis Church to your bucket list as it is among the must-visit tourist attractions in Fort Kochi. Famous for its peaceful ambiance and beautiful architecture, it is one of the oldest churches in the country. Made by the Europeans, this church is a landmark of the city where the body of Vasco da Gama, the legendary explorer was buried. St. Francis Church has an elegant structure with a gambled timber-framed roof covered with tiles. The stepped summit on both sides of the frontage is truly captivating. You can feel the traditional charm of this church if you visit it.

Dutch Cemetery
Another landmark colonial presence in the harbor town is the Dutch Cemetery at the end of River Road. It contains the dilapidated graves of Dutch traders and soldiers. Now locked to keep curious intruders at bay, you can just about peep over the gate and have a glimpse of the over 200-year-old graves. The cemetery is now managed by the Church of South India (CSI). The St. Francis CSI Church of Fort Kochi maintains a record of the people buried here. According to T W Venn, who published the book St Francis Church, Cochin, the last person who was laid to rest in this cemetery was Captain Joseph Ethelbert Winckler. His burial took place in 1913.
Though the cemetery is kept closed most of the time, it is opened on request by visitors.

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica at Fort Kochi is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala. Counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, this church is one of the finest and most impressive churches in India and is visited by tourists the whole year-round. The imposing Catholic basilica was originally built on this site in 1506, though the current building dates to 1902. Inside you’ll find artifacts from the different eras in Kochi and a striking pastel-colored interior.
Visiting Hours: 9 am – 6 pm

Southern Naval Command Maritime Museum
If you are remotely interested in sailing the seas, the spic and Span Maritime Museum will keep you engrossed with exhibits on steering wheels, maps, replicas of battleships, and more. It is especially enjoyable, as the upkeep of the place is excellent.
Location: Beach Road, Fort Kochi
Entry: Indians/foreigners/children/photography Rs. 25/75/15/100
Timings: The Museum is closed on Mondays and Public Holidays. On all other days, it is open from 09:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and again from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.

Kerala Folklore Museum Kochi
Here lies an incredible private collection of traditional masks, theatrical costumes, artifacts, sculptures, and art, packed into an absorbing three stories. Better than many government establishments, the museum has more than 5000 artifacts and covers three architectural styles: Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore. A visit here is time well spent. Check for classical dance performances at the beautiful wood-lined theatre; these take place sporadically, depending on daily bookings.

Thripunithura Hill Palace Museum
Located 16 km southeast of Ernakulam, this museum was formerly the residence of the Kochi royal family and is an impressive 49-building palace complex. Leave your slippers outside and huddle up with other visitors to hear the guide’s discourse on the 14 key exhibits, which are divided into ornaments, sculptures, artifacts, coins, weapons, and more.
Avoid Sundays as it’s a hot spot for locals and the queues are rather long. Tripunithura; Adult/Child/Camera/Video Rs. 20/10/20/150;
Visiting Hours: 9 am -12.30 pm and 2 pm – 4.30 pm

Marine Drive
Running parallel to Shanmugham Road (behind Bay Pride Mall), Marine Drive is perfect for a sunset stroll. As in every seaside town, local food carts, balloon vendors, and couples cozying up behind black umbrellas are an integral part of the topography. Having undergone extensive refurbishment, the clean seafront benches now invite you for some harbor gazing – especially in the evenings as vessels become mere twinkling jewels in the distance.

Cherai Beach
A good 45-minute drive to the northwest of Ernakulam brings you to Cherai Beach at Vypeen Island. It’s a long stretch, so you can bypass the line of snack shops and a package-tour feel to find an isolated spot. Swimming here is not recommended.
Though there are a handful of resorts to stay here, the quality and service is not great. The drive to the beach is marvelous, as the road is flanked by a glistening backwater lagoon.

Country Boat Ride At Ndanju Kadu (Crab Island)
The winding mangrove-filled backwaters of Poothotta River lie 24 km from Ernakulam town. Earlier uninhabited, the island village now has eight fishing families who are happy to give insights into their lives and occupation; such as coir retting, fishing, and toddy tapping.

This includes a two-and-a-half hour-long country boat ride in narrow canals flanked by ludicrously green surroundings. A local snack and coffee is also included in the price.

Kodanad Elephant Camp
The 36 km ride from Ernakulam to Kodanad Elephant Camp is worth it if you are traveling with children and not planning on going to the Guruvayur camp. Five adult elephants and two babies are part of this establishment which is run by the Forest Department. The highlight here is the morning bath given to the gentle giants at the edge of the Periyar River. You can even give the mahouts a hand and click photographs (you are expected to tip). The elephants then amble back with a trail of visitors to the camp where they are fed. Arrive before 8 am to witness the entire spectacle.

Visiting Hours: 8 am-5 pm; Adult/Child/Camera/Video Rs. 10/5/50/250

Antiques
Jew Street will always tickle that nostalgic bone in you. As you stroll through these streets, there is always something that triggers a mellifluous trip down memory lane. You can choose from curios, antique pieces of crockery, carved wooden furniture, bronze and brass sculptures, remnants of traditional houses, and jewelry. The antique sellers love having a chat and keeping you informed about the origins of the items and their own shops.

Breathe antiquity as you walk past the colonial buildings lining the streets of the Jew Town of Mattanchery. The antique market with its old-world charm offers the discerning tourists an ideal treasure trove of antiques and curios to take back home. There are several shops and museums that exhibit as well as sell genuine antiques of immense value.

Ornaments
Keralites have embraced and loved gold since time immemorial. Regardless of religion or caste, it is central to our identity. In the ancient days, each community or caste had its own traditional designs of ornaments which were made especially by the family goldsmith. The passion for gold has only increased over time and the current fashion industry merges traditional designs and modern patterns under one roof, the jewellery shops.

Kochi is the largest and the most visited shopping hub in Kerala for all forms of jewelry. There are numerous exclusive showrooms in the state wooing you with all forms of authentic jewelry. Gold, silver, diamond, pearls, platinum, antique. You name it. You are sure to find them here.
Kerala Sarees / Silk Sarees
When one sees beautifully woven and simple sarees adorning the bodies of women, one can bet that they are from God’s own country Kerala. The climate and, the natural surroundings make way for simplicity. One can see the set sarees, the traditional wear of Kerala being draped in one single style by most women. In rural areas, the traditional style of draping the saree is still being followed.
The city is also well known for housing some of the most popular textile showrooms in India. Each stocking all forms of textile. Traditional, modern, designer, formal, casual wear, and more. Most of these mega-showrooms source pieces from all over the world to cater to enthusiasts from all over.

Kathakali
In the past, plays used to be performed by the King’s own company of actors, not only in temples and courts but in villages across the region. Kathakali emerged as an individual style of dance-drama into a “people’s theatre” from the traditional dances of the past over the last century as the result of fierce completion between the Malabar in the North and Travancore in the South, to produce the best Kathakali troupes. There are several Kathakali centres in Kochi, where the performances are held on a regular basis.

Boating In Kochi Village Backwaters
Kochi offers different types of boats, and cruise drives for different budgets and timings. Local boats including fibreglass boats are available on an hourly or daily basis. These boats can take you around the Kochi harbor, Chinese Fishing nets surrounding the Shipyard, and other important places along the backwaters of Kochi. While vessels are available from both Marine Drive and Opp Mattanchery Palace on an hourly basis, they can also be booked for conference or group trips to the deep sea for a Sunset cruise.