Top 17 Things Kochi Is Famous For

1. Mattancherry

How interesting it is to visit a place that has been home to many migrants. A place in Kochi with a vibrant past, Mattanchery is an old neighborhood greatly influenced by different cultures where you can find a lot of colonial buildings.

People visit the place to see the famous Mattanchery Dutch Palace. It is not as grand as other palaces, but its simplicity is part of its charm. This palace was presented to the King of Kochi by the Portuguese. 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.

Wander around the place and be delighted by the churches, mosques, and synagogue in the area. Take pleasure in exploring the historical Mattanchery, especially at night when the temples are brightened up with lamps and you can hear their bells chime.

2. Cherai Beach

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

3. Coffee

Are you a fan of cafes? Do you have a great love for coffee? If your answer is yes, then Kochi is the best vacation destination for you. Have you heard of the world’s most expensive coffee that originated in Indonesia? Kochi has it too. Kopi luwak or civet coffee is one of the things you should not miss when visiting the city. It is not just your ordinary coffee because the beans are made from the poop of civet cats and it has an exquisite taste, making it one of the best coffees in the world. This fancy coffee is served at Kafe Kopi Luwak at Panampilly Nagar in Kochi.

4. Fort Kochi

Satisfy your wanderlust in this charming seaside area in Kochi that is famous for its architecture influenced by Dutch, Portuguese, and British cultures. When you go to the beach, you will recognize the Chinese bamboo fishing nets that were being used since the 14th century until now. Take a stroll around the place and visit the St. Francis Church, which is the original burial site of the renowned explorer, Vasco da Gama. Fort Immanuel, the Dutch Cemetery, and Santa Cruz Basilica are some of the attractions that you can also explore in Fort Kochi.

5. Bolgatty Island

What about a day on a scenic island? Ride a boat and enjoy the fascinating views of Kochi’s backwaters. Experience a luxurious and relaxing life in Bolgatty Island, which is located near Fort Kochi. Come and witness the majestic Bolgatty Palace, which was built in 1744 by the Dutch. It is now transformed into a hotel and resort featuring its golf course and honeymoon cottages. Numerous international conferences and conventions were held in Bolgatty Event Centre. The island’s beautiful location attracts tourists to visit and stay.

6. Banana chips

Feeling anxious and stressed out lately? They say eating bananas is a natural cure to lessen the effects of stress and anxiety and if you get to taste the famous banana chips from this well-known store in Kochi, you’re going to believe it. Malabar Chips is the only shop in the world that sells the best banana chips and they don’t have any other branches. Their banana chips are not too sweet or oily like the ones that you usually see in the supermarket. So if you happen to visit Kochi, don’t miss buying from this shop.

7. Fish

Craving seafood? The best thing about a vacation near the beach is that you get to taste the freshest seafood of all kinds. Kochi is famous for its fish. Beach Road will take you to the Chellanam fishing harbor, where you can see a wide variety of fish freshly caught from the sea. It is the best place in Kochi to buy fish. Make sure to come as early as eight in the morning. Another option is the place near Fort Kochi called the Manassery gap, where you can also buy freshly caught fish, but options are more limited.

8. Kathakali dance

How do you tell a story? People are fond of telling stories through words, but in Kochi, they share the story of two Indian epics named Ramayana and Mahabharata through traditional dance. Kathakali is an extraordinary and ancient kind of dance that involves drama where the artists wear elaborate, billowing costumes, intricately painted faces, flowing scarves, detailed ornaments, and majestic crowns. It is very famous in Kochi and has attracted huge crowds. Never leave Kochi without witnessing this traditional dance performance.

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 makeup on.

Kerala Kathakali Center

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

Website: Kerala Kathakali Center

9. Alcohol restrictions

Nightlife is always part of travel. Who doesn’t want to sip a glass of wine or cocktail after a long day of sightseeing and activities? People of Kochi have a special love affair with alcohol - so much so that they cannot take it out from their system. Their avid consumption of alcohol forced the government to impose restrictions on selling it. So if you’re below 21 years old, don’t think of drinking alcohol in Kochi because it is not allowed in their revised alcohol policy. Cheers.

10. Spices

All travelers love food. Well, who doesn’t? A vacation will not be complete without a food trip. Indian cuisine is undeniably delicious because of its complex flavors. It’s always a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy taste. Why is that so? Blame their spices. When visiting Kochi, spend a few hours in Jew Town located in the heart of Mattancherry to shop for some antiques, and of course, spices. It is the center of the spice trade in Kochi - you’ll find the delicious smell of masala is all over the place.

11. Vypeen Island

Do you love the sand and the waves? Are you looking for a nice place to relax and reflect? Escape the crowd and take a ferry boat ride from Fort Kochi to Vypeen Island. It is a place where Portuguese influence is highly evident. Visitors easily fall in love with its beaches. Cherai Beach, Kuzhuppilly Beach, and Puthuvype Beach are the favorites of both locals and tourists. If you love adventure, you can go trekking to the unexplored part of the island. Your visit to the place will surely make your trip worthwhile and meaningful.

12. Marine Drive

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

13. Chinese Fishing Nets

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

14. Kashi Art Gallery

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

15. Paradesi Synagogue

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

16. Kerala Folklore Museum

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

17. Lulu Mall

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

Explore the wonders of Kochi

Truly a majestic destination that will leave you in awe and make you want to come back, the city is one of the must-visit places in the world. With its pristine beaches, enchanting backwaters, appetizing food, rich cultural heritage, amazing architecture, entertainment, events, and people, Kochi is a place anyone would love to see and experience. So plan your trip to the beautiful city and be delighted by these top things Kochi is famous for.