One of the most important temples in Mattancherry, Tirumala Devaswom Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkatachalapathy. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idols of the lord with his consorts, Sreedevi and Bhoodevi on either side. Visitors can pay their respects to the shrines of Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Mahalakshmi and Garuda, a mythical bird and the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The temple sees huge footfalls when many festivals are organised in the months of November and April. The temple yard houses statues of Swami Vijayendra Theertha, a philosopher and a king of Vijayanagara. There is a holy tank as well. Of particular note is a huge bronze bell that is about four ft in diameter and six ft high. It is said that in earlier times, the chiming of the bell could be heard from afar. The temple was constructed in 1559.

A noodle-thin street winding its way between Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue, Jew Town is among the oldest spaces of the city that once hosted a blooming Jewish populace. The main attraction is the Paradesi Synagogue that was built in 1568. This imposing edifice is adorned with Belgian chandeliers that glow warmly. The floor of the synagogue is lined with willow-patterned and hand-painted tiles from China that are believed to be dating back to the 18th century. It is believed that the synagogue contains four scrolls of the Torah (First Five books of the Old Testament). These are encased in gold and silver chambers. Tourists can explore the Jew Town, a bustling street that is the best spot to stock up on unique handicrafts, fragrant spices and exquisite antiques.

A tour of Our Lady’s Convent is a unique experience where visitors can encounter elegant embroideries and needlework, for which the convent is a centre. Most of the lace, embroidered and crocheted fabrics reflect an old-world charm and are largely influenced by designs in Italy and Spain. However, modern designs are largely used now. There are a plethora of products on display and tourists can indulge in shopping to their heart's content. Some of these products can also be bought at Jews Street, Mattancherry. Many women are employed by the convent and perform exquisite embroidery work on handkerchiefs, sarees and table cloths. The convent receives orders from all over the world for its handmade and unique products. Legend has it that needlework came to Kerala through Christian missionaries and European nuns, who shared their skills with the women of Kochi. After the 9th century, Kochi became a centre for needlework of diverse kinds.

A scenic town on the outskirts of Kochi, Aluva is renowned for the annual Sivarathri celebrations, held in honour of Lord Shiva. These are held in the Malayalam month of Kumbam, usually February/March, on the banks of the tranquil Periyar river. Special pujas, offerings and prayers are held during the festival that is organised at the Aluva Manappuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. During the day, rituals are performed at the temple by over 500 priests while a sea of devotees gather to pay their respects to the deity. Many of them fast throughout the day. Besides prayers, cultural programmes and trade fairs are also organised. The festival is celebrated in remembrance of Lord Shiva, who drank a deadly poison to save the world.

One of the picturesque islands that form a part of Kochi, Vallarpadam is best known for the Vallarpadam Church or the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom. An ancient church that has been given the status of a basilica, it is one of the most prominent spiritual sites in Ernakulam district. The pristine white structure was built by the Portuguese in 1524 and is dedicated to Holy Mary or Vallarapadath Amma, as she is fondly called here. The church houses an image of the Virgin Mary that is believed to have been brought by the Portuguese. The best time to visit is during the feast of Vallarapadath Amma, a week-long event that is held on September 24.

Located on the outskirts of Kochi, Vaikom is best known for the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple boasts a marvellous Kerala-style architecture. It is popularly called Kashi of the South. Devotees can also visit Ettumanoor Shiva Temple and Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple. It is said that worshipping at all the three temples opens doors to a multitude of blessings. Legend has it that demon Kharasura once did severe penance and prayed to Lord Shiva to attain moksha or salvation. Lord Shiva granted him all his wishes and gave him three lingas, asking him to worship them to attain moksha. Kharasura carried one in his right hand, the other in his left hand and the third tied around his neck. After travelling for long he sat down to rest awhile. When he rose to continue his journey he realised that he couldn't lift the lingas. Upon hailing Lord Shiva, he was told that Lord Shiva would remain where he had been put down to give moksha to anyone who came here to worship him. So it is said that the linga in the right hand is Vaikom, the left one Ettumanoor and the one on the neck is Kaduthuruthy.

Among the rarest Shiva temples that faces the sea on the west, Ernakulam Shiva Temple is an ancient site that draws devotees from far and wide. Located in the Durbar Hall Ground, the temple offers picturesque views of the Arabian Sea. The sanctum sanctorum houses a shivling that is said to be 'swayambhoo' or self-originated. The temple is sprawled over an area of 1.2 acre and is built in typical Kerala style of architecture. The ring-shaped sanctum sanctorum is particularly beautiful with gorgeously sculpted walls and a copper-tiled roof. From here, tourists can get splendid views of the two-storeyed Western Gopuram that has been designed with gabled roofs and slanted windows. A dining hall or Oottupura and a marriage hall have also been added to the structure recently.

The only temple dedicated to Lord Vamana, who is one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, it lies near Ernakulam. Vamana is believed to have ended the glorious rule of King Mahabali, in the guise of a Brahmin boy. The temple, which is around two millennia old, is also listed as one of the 108 Divya Desams (divine places). Many believe that Thrikkakara was the capital of the Mahabali's kingdom.

One of the oldest churches built by Europeans in India, St Francis Church is known for its beautiful design and ambience. Boasting a lofty structure with a gable roof framed with timber and covered with tiles, the church has two steeped pinnacles on either side of the facade. It was built by Portuguese Franciscans friars group in 1503. Initially, it was a mud and wooden structure and was dedicated to St Bartholomew, and later to St Antonio, the patron saint of Portugal. In 1524, on his third visit to Kerala, the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in St Francis Church. About 14 years later, his remains were taken back to Portugal. His burial spot inside the church has been demarcated.

The pilgrim centre of Kalady is famous as the birthplace of Indian philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya, who was born in the 8th century. Kalady is home to two shrines, one dedicated to Dakshinamurthy and other to Goddess Sharda. Kalady is lined with several temples, the most important of which are Sri Krishna Temple, Manickamangalam Temple and Sri Adi Sankara Keerthi Mandapam. To soak in the spiritual fervour of the surroundings, devotees can visit the various ghats around the area that are drenched with peace and tranquility. Tourists can also visit the popular Crocodile Ghat, where it is said that a crocodile once caught young Shankaracharya.

One of the eight magnificent Basilicas in India, Santa Cruz Basilica was constructed by the Portuguese in 1505. Boasting two lofty spires that can be seen from a distance, this pristine white structure has a contrasting vividly painted interior. The overwhelming arches and the altar add medieval touches to the church's architecture. Tourists would be especially awed by seven canvas paintings that have been inspired by the 'Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci. As you gaze at the mesmeric ceiling, beautifully adorned with paintings depicting scenes from the Via Crucis of Christ, you are left marvelling at the skill of the artisans of that time. Don't miss out the intricate wall carvings and stained glass windows that enhance the beauty of the church.