Once a thriving global trading hub, Kochi is known for its eclectic mix of history and rich cultural heritage. Many colonial powers have ruled over Kochi, which paved the way for a multi-layered heritage of the city. It is the commercial capital of Kerala, which has no dearth of exciting opportunities for anyone who comes here. Due to being an old global trade hub, it emerges as a cosmopolitan city that offers a good quality of life to its residents. Right from the bustling shopping zones to the delectable street food, the city has so much to offer for an avid globetrotter. The city embraces all with open arms, which is why people of multiple ethnicities live here peacefully. Due to its status as a cosmopolitan city and its rich cultural heritage, Kochi is one of the best tourist places to visit during your Kerala tour. The Portuguese, British, and Dutch have ruled the city for a long time, which is evident in the local traditions, food, and architecture here.
Best Places to Visit in Kochi
A few best places to visit in Kochi are:
Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is a seaside area best known for its colonial architecture, dynamic arts community, and narrow streets. It is the oldest area of Kochi, which offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Steeped in rich history, this vibrant enclave attracts tourists from all parts of the country. Some of the best places to visit in Fort Kochi are St. Francis Church and the Chinese Fishing Nets. This place is only 10 km away from Ernakulam and is full of worthwhile places. A visit to Fort Kochi will be highly rewarding as you can experience the rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and spellbinding architecture here. You can enjoy your time when you are here. Take a stroll on Mahatma Gandhi Beach and discover other important places such as Mattancherry Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, and the Jewish Synagogue.
Marine Drive
This is a famous hangout in Kochi where local people spend their leisure time. Whether you are alone or with your loved ones, you will enjoy it a lot here. Don’t miss boat rides if you are here with your family. You will enjoy it the most. You can choose from a variety of boat services that will take you to Kochin Shipyard, Oil Tanker Berth, Bolgatty Palace, and so on. There are many street hawkers here who sell a wide range of ice creams and cotton candy.
Bolgatty Palace
Situated on Bolgatty Island, Bolgatty Palace is one of the ancient Dutch palaces. The palace is the perfect example of Kochi-style architecture. Dutch traders constructed it in the year 1744 and later extended its area. Once a governor’s palace and the home of the British, the palace is now converted into a luxury hotel. The beautiful gardens surround the palace and make it worth visiting. The place is divided into 3 sections— the Main Block, the Mansion Block, and the Marina Block. However, Marina Block is most popular in all 3 sections. Here, you will find 4 luxury rooms equipped with all modern amenities.
Hill Palace
Located in Thrippunithura, the Hill Palace is a famous archaeological museum in Kerala. Built in 1865, this place was once the official and administrative residence of the King of Cochin. The palace complex has 49 buildings that are constructed in a traditional architectural style. You will find a heritage museum, a prehistoric park, a children’s park, and a deer park in the complex. The palace complex is also a photographer’s paradise, as you can capture the beautiful ponds, landscaped gardens, and fountains after visiting it. The palace complex has a museum where you can see many sculptures, oil paintings, murals, coins, manuscripts, and other important things of the royal family.
St. Francis Church
This is a sacred place for Christians. It has great historical significance as this is the very site where Vasco da Gama was buried. You will be amazed to see the confession box, the pulpit, and the baptism platform here.
Best Time to Visit Kochi
Winter (October to February)
This is the best time to visit Kochi, as the temperature range is between 17°C and 33°C. During this time, the weather remains pleasant and lets the visitors explore Kochi with ease. Every year, tourists as well as adventure seekers choose this season to visit Kochi.
Summer Season (March to June)
The summer season in Kochi starts in March. The temperature range in the summer season remains between 20°C and 37°C. This is the off-season, and very few tourists choose it to explore Kochi. However, if you don’t like crowds, this is a suitable time to explore this city. You will get better discounts on hotel tariffs if you choose the summer season to visit Kochi. However, you must carry light clothes and sunscreen if you are visiting the city during this season.
Monsoon (July to September)
Monsoon is a great time to visit Kochi, as the city comes alive during this season. The trees and leaves are washed in the rain, and it seems that a green carpet is covering the city. The temperature range of Kochi in the monsoon season is between 24°C and 28°C. Thus, it is a good time to explore the city.
Shopping in Kochi
Right from the popular boutique shops to the best shopping malls, Kochi has no dearth of places where you can shop according to your requirements. The city offers you a great shopping experience, whether you want to buy fresh spices, local handicrafts, or art pieces. Some of the best shopping areas in Kochi are as follows:
M. G. Road
Mahatma Gandhi Road, or M.G. Road, is a bustling market that is flooded with a variety of shops and restaurants. This place can be called a shopper’s paradise, as the shopaholics will find all types of shopping stores here. Tourists can find the best jewelry stores, textile shops, and electronic stores on MG Road. However, this place is not only a great destination for shopaholics but also for food lovers. Here, you can taste some of the delectable cuisine of Kochi. You can also find restaurants that serve delectable local and international food to visitors.
Flea Markets of Kochi
Kochi’s flea markets are full of visitors, as they are the best place to find unique items that you rarely find in other markets. This is the right place to experience the vibrant culture of the city. People visit flea markets in large numbers during the festivals. Some of the flea markets in Kochi are:
- Mattancherry Market: It is one of the best flea markets in Kochi, which is flooded with visitors. As you enter the narrow lanes, you will find yourself amidst the aromatic spices and beautiful local handicrafts. Those who love street shopping can visit this market and buy antique jewelry, authentic spices, and local handicrafts. The market is a great place to buy local and beautiful handmade items. You will get an opportunity to experience the culture of Kochi in this bustling market.
- Pattalam Market: This market is located in Fort Kochi and is visited by a large number of tourists. You will find a variety of items here, such as local handicrafts and aromatic spices. This is a great place to buy handmade items. The vendors sell everything here, right from seafood to Kerala textiles. If you are interested in buying handmade items, you must visit it during your Kochi visit. You will find a large number of handmade items here.
Kottakal Arya Vaidya Sala
This place is popular for its great collection of medicinal products, traditional remedies, and ayurvedic oils. Thus, it is the best place for people looking for authentic Ayurvedic remedies such as panchakarma and other popular remedies. If you are in Kochi, you must visit this place once.
Shopping Malls in Kochi
Kochi has the best shopping malls that cater to the specific needs of the customers. They are not only the best places for shopping but also offer a variety of entertainment options. The local people visit these malls on the weekend and enjoy themselves with their friends and family. A few shopping malls that you can explore in Kochi are as follows:
- Center Square Mall: It is one of the popular shopping malls in Kochi that has many regional and international stores. There is a food court that offers a wide range of food options to visitors. Your children will love to visit this place, as they can enjoy a variety of fun activities here. You will find an Amoeba Entertainment Center in the mall that features an arcade and a playground.
- Lulu Mall: If you are looking for a great shopping experience, you must visit Lulu Mall. This is the largest shopping zone in Kochi that houses a wide range of national and international stores. Thus, whether you are looking for electronic items, fashion, or household items, Lulu Mall is the best place to find them. Apart from that, you can also enjoy great food and entertainment here. You can also buy groceries for your home from this mall.
Getting Around in Kochi
Getting around in Cochin or Kochi is easy, as visitors can choose from a variety of transportation options to travel within Cochin. Some of them are as follows:
- Auto Rickshaws: You will find auto-rickshaws everywhere in Kochi city. You don’t need to pre-book them. However, it is advisable to confirm the price before initiating your journey. You can also pre-book these auto-rickshaws if you want to. A pre-book facility is available at all the important railway stations in the city. Auto-rickshaws are highly affordable as compared to taxis and are best for covering short distances. Thus, if you want to go to places near your resort, you can choose auto-rickshaws over other transportation options.
- Taxis: You can also choose taxis to get around in Kochi. They are available at major railway stations. However, don’t forget to confirm their fare before getting in them. Visitors can avail of the pre-booking facility to hire them. Hiring taxis is beneficial as their prices align with your budget. They are completely safe while traveling to any place within the city. Another reason to choose them over other transportation options is that the criminal background of the drivers is already checked. Thus, they offer you great convenience while getting around in the city. If you are staying in a hotel, the staff will help you arrange a taxi. However, be wary of their fares before booking them. If you don’t, you will certainly be duped by the taxi drivers.
- Buses: Buses are also available in the city, which will take you anywhere within the city. They are the cheapest transportation option that you can choose to travel to any place. Buses stop frequently, which helps you get around in Cochin without any problem. Thus, if you want to visit Kochi without spending a large amount, buses are the best transportation option for you.
How to Reach Kochi?
Kochi International Airport is well-connected with the major cities of the country. The airport has regular flights to all cities. Thus, you may catch a flight easily to Cochin irrespective of the city you are coming from. Kochi Airport offers domestic as well as international flights to all cities. This makes it comfortable for you to reach Kochi without any stress.
- By Air: Kochi or Cochin International Airport is situated approximately 28 kilometers away from the main city. Once you reach the airport, you will get a prepaid taxi or bus that will take you to the main city.
- By Train: Kochi city has 2 main terminals—the Ernakulam Town and the Ernakulam Junction. There are regular trains from your home city to Kochi. So, you won’t have a problem reaching here irrespective of the city you are coming from.
- By Road: Kochi is well-connected with the major cities of India. Thus, reaching Kochi is easy whether you are coming from Bangalore, Goa, Chennai, Mysore, or Ooty.
