10 Best Things To Do In Kochi: Bow To The Queen Of The Arabian Sea

things to do in kochi (cochin) india
Nevedha
Nevedha 
Updated
| 3 min read

Kochi is also known as Cochin. It is a vibrant city located at the south-west coast of the Indian Peninsula. It has western ghats in its east and Arabian sea in its west. It is the commercial and industrial capital and gateway of Kerala. It has a world class port and international airport, giving this prosperous city access to Kerala, which is known as “God’s own Country,” where the city is located. Find here the well researched 10 things to do in Kochi during your visit.

1. Cherai Beach

Sunrise at Cherai Beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jan J George used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This is a pristine and scenic beach which is ideal for a 1-2 hour visit. There is good news for visitors; swimming is allowed here. Sadly, no food stalls are available here, so it is better if you could bring packed food if you would like to eat enjoying the serene nature. One should also not miss the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from the shoreline.

Cherai Beach

Address: Ernakulam, Kochi

Website: Cherai Beach

Visited this place?

2. Marine Drive

Marine Drive Kochi Ernakulam Kerala
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dhruvaraj S used under CC BY 2.0

Marine Drive has backwaters which provides boat riding services. This place is very crowded during weekends and is filled with colorful balloon shops. Its ambiance makes everyone comfortable, with well lit and clean pavements. The charming view along Marine Drive makes everyone forget all their worries and urge you to never want to leave this place.

Marine Drive

Address: Rainbow bridge, Chinese fishing net bridge and Kettuvellam bridge

Website: Marine Drive

Visited this place?

3. Fort Kochi

Fort kochi steam boilers
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ranjithsiji used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This is a small beach with a clean walkway. All foodies will love the street stalls available here, as they serve Cochin’s traditional seafood which is a must-try. Fort Kochi is filled with friends, family and couples who love to get in the water and make memories. You can also find elderly people sitting on large rocks enjoying the aura.

Fort Kochi

Address: Fort Kochi, Kochi

Website: Fort Kochi

Visited this place?

4. Chinese Fishing Nets

Chinese Fishing Nets Cochin
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Brian Snelson used under CC BY 2.0

These fishing nets are enormous, spider-like contraptions. At least four people are required to operate the counterweights during high tide. Chinese fishing is done along Fort Kochi’s north-eastern shore. It is known that this method is more profitable than modern fishing methods. You can combine this stop along with a Fort Kochi Beach visit.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Address: Fort Kochi, Kochi

Website: Chinese Fishing Nets

Visited this place?

5. Kashi Art Gallery

Kashi Art Gallery begins soon its community project titled "Artist; the Public Intellectual", a collateral of the Kochi...

Posted by Kashi Art Gallery on Wednesday, 16 November 2016

Kashi Art Gallery holds art collectibles from all over the world and they ship everywhere! This art gallery is located very near to Fort Kochi and has a cafe. Iced coffee with coconut milk and brownie cakes are worth trying and will leave you craving for the next visit.

Kashi Art Gallery

Address: Dist Ernakulam, Burgar Street, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Near PS, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Website: Kashi Art Gallery

Visited this place?

6. Paradesi Synagogue

Kochi Jewish Synagogue C
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wouter Hagens used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

A synagogue is a place to meet for worshiping. This Paradesi Synagogue was partially destroyed by the Portuguese and then later renovated by the Dutch. It is magnificently illuminated by Belgian chandeliers and colored-glass lamps. It is famed for the graceful clock tower that was built in 1760. This place holds a balcony upstairs for women, who worshiped separately according to Orthodox rites. Please be informed that shorts, sleeveless shirts and cameras are not allowed here.

Paradesi Synagogue

Address: Synagogue Ln, Jew Town, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002

Website: Paradesi Synagogue

Visited this place?

7. Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace DSC 0911
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ranjith Siji used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This palace was presented to the King of Kochi by the Portuguese during 1955. Later, it was renovated by the Dutch and now it is known as the Dutch Palace. The star attractions in this palace are the astonishingly well preserved Hindu murals, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends in very intricate detail.

Mattancherry Palace

Address: Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002

Website: Mattancherry Palace

Visited this place?

8. Kerala Folklore Museum

' Kozhiannam' part of ritual festival from Allepey dist, being displayed at Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi.

Posted by Kerala Folklore Museum on Thursday, 11 August 2016

This museum puts every visitor in a cheerful mood by welcoming them with traditionally dressed guides. It showcases the rich heritage of Kerala through numerous art and dance forms. It has a wonderful collection of ancient artifacts like masks, wood, sculptures, traditional jewelry, pots, musical instruments and paintings

Kerala Folklore Museum

Address: Pandit Karuppan Road, Near Thevara Ferry Junction, Kochi, Kerala 682013

Website: Kerala Folklore Museum

Visited this place?

9. Kerala Kathakali Center

Kathakalidancer
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Qnonsense used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Kathakali is the traditional dance of Kerala. This Kathakali Center is the best place to visit for people who love cultural arts. Their delightful performances will leave you mesmerized, and visitors can even walk in early to see how the artists put their make up on.

Kerala Kathakali Center

Address: KB Jacob Rd, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Website: Kerala Kathakali Center

Visited this place?

10. Lulu Mall

Lulu Mall Kochi
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user TEMS.VT. used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This is the second largest mall in Asia. It literally has everything a person needs under one roof. It is easy to reach since it is located in the heart of the city. It has a food court which has all the famous stalls available in Kochi. It also features a cinema theater and entertainment section. Please be informed that it is extremely crowded on weekends.

Lulu Mall

Address: 34/1000, N.H 47, Edapally, Kochi, Kerala 682024

Website: Lulu Mall

Visited this place?

Lose yourself in nature

Kochi is arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala. We all need a break once every 6 months from our hectic lives. Kochi would be the best place for a 3-4 day visit, where you can lose yourself in nature and all of the fabulous culturing surroundings. Munnar, Allepey and Thekady are equally fascinating tourist places near Kochi that one might not want to miss.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Nevedha, an engineering graduate, channels her passion for travel through her lifestyle website, Life Simplified 101. Writing is her liberating medium, allowing words to articulate her thoughts....Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Cochin
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.