Explore Kochi city and its best places to visit

A vibrant potpourri of art, culture, food, carnivals and festivals, Kochi, sprawled along a gorgeous estuary in Kerala, is a fascinating tourist destination. Skirted by the emerald-blue Arabian Sea that laps at its golden sun-kissed beaches, the city remains suspended in time, with its colonial charm merging seamlessly with its artistic aesthetic. Established around Fort Kochi, which is the cultural nerve of the city, Kochi remains in a festive mood throughout the year. It turns into an art wonderland during the four-month-long Kochi Biennale, the largest art exhibition in India, where vibrant colours, striking images and eloquent patterns greet you at every turn. Intriguing boat rides, spiritual Onam, grand Shivaratri celebrations and the opulent Cochin Carnival, draw visitors from far and wide.


Sitting on the Malabar coast, historically, Kochi has been India's connect to the rest of the world. It was here that the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first arrived, paving the way for European colonisers. The city remains steeped in its heritage, which is reflected in various Portuguese, Dutch and British forts, palaces and bungalows that are scattered throughout.


Kochi is an eclectic mix of diverse cultures, where you can sample a bit of everything. Head to the narrow alleys of Jew Town and watch the city race by you as you slowly fall in love with Jewish culture and stock up on rare antiques and exquisite handicrafts. Relax at the artsy cafes as you dig into authentic dishes, while looking at the bustling market below.


Skirted by the pristine borders of Kerala, Kochi enjoys a paradisiacal setting, making it a delight for tourists to explore. Cruise along the tranquil Vembanad Lake in Alappuzha or sail into the sunset as you admire the southern fringes of the city. You can also take a pit stop at the scenic Willingdon and Vypeen islands, which are linked by bridges and ferries to the city.

Immersive Experience

Excursions

Explore the places near queen of the Arabian Sea

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Bishop's House

Bishop's House

Perched on a little hillock, near the Parade Ground in Fort Kochi,...

Clock Tower

Clock Tower

The splendid Clock Tower looms over the landscape of the Mattancherry...

Greenix Village

Greenix Village

A unique cultural art village in Kerala, Greenix Village provides a...

Museum of Kerala History

Museum of Kerala History

Situated in Edapally area, Museum of Kerala History greets you with a...

Vallam Kali (Boat Race)

Vallam Kali (Boat Race)

One of the oldest traditions of Kerala, Aranmula Boat Race or...

Ernakulam Shiva Temple

Ernakulam Shiva Temple

Among the rarest Shiva temples that faces the sea on the west,...

Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple

Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple

The only temple dedicated to Lord Vamana, who is one of the...

Durbar Hall

Durbar Hall

Lying at the heart of the city, the 100-year-old Durbar Hall is a...

Fort Kochi Beach

Fort Kochi Beach

A blanket of golden sand, skirted by tranquil waters, Fort Kochi...

Jew Town and Jewish Synagogue

Jew Town and Jewish Synagogue

A noodle-thin street winding its way between Mattancherry Palace and...

Bolgatty Palace, Bolgatty Island

Bolgatty Palace, Bolgatty Island

Bolgatty Palace, located on Bolgatty Island, is a Dutch palace, and...

Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace

Located 10 km from main Ernakulam, Mattancherry Palace or Dutch...

Paradesi Synagogue

Paradesi Synagogue

A noodle-thin street winding its way between Mattancherry Palace and...

Fort Immanuel

Fort Immanuel

Among the first European forts in India, Fort Emmanuel was built in...

Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort

Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort

One of the oldest surviving European forts in India, built by the...

SNC Maritime Museum

SNC Maritime Museum

An ode to the Indian Navy, the Maritime Museum is a spectacular site...

Chinese Fishing Nets

Chinese Fishing Nets

Chinese fishing nets are unique to Kochi, and outside of China, are...

Athirapally Waterfalls

Athirapally Waterfalls

Exuding a mystique and serene vibe, Athirappilly Waterfalls are the...

Parade Ground

Parade Ground

Spread across an area of four-acre, Parade Ground is the place where...

Santa Cruz Basilica

Santa Cruz Basilica

One of the eight magnificent Basilicas in India, Santa Cruz Basilica...

Dutch Cemetery

Dutch Cemetery

Located en route Fort Kochi Beach, Dutch Cemetery is one of the...

Vaikom Shiva Temple

Vaikom Shiva Temple

Located on the outskirts of Kochi, Vaikom is best known for the...

Willingdon Island

Willingdon Island

One of the largest man-made islands in the country, Willingdon Island...

Pierce Leslie Bungalow

Pierce Leslie Bungalow

A quaint and charming spot in the city, Pierce Leslie Bungalow was...

Thirumala Devaswom Temple

Thirumala Devaswom Temple

One of the most important temples in Mattancherry, Tirumala Devaswom...

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Lying on the outskirts of the city, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary,...

Sabarimala

Sabarimala

Nestled in the mountain ranges of the picturesque Western Ghats,...

Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum

Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum

This three-storey edifice was opened in 2009 and showcases the rich...

Our Lady's Convent

Our Lady's Convent

A tour of Our Lady’s Convent is a unique experience where visitors...

Pepper Exchange

Pepper Exchange

A unique experience awaits you at International Pepper Exchange,...

Aluva

Aluva

A scenic town on the outskirts of Kochi, Aluva is renowned for the...

Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy

Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy

Established in 1962, it is an academy for fine arts that was set up...

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi

Steeped in colonial charm, Fort Kochi was among the first European...

Princess Street

Princess Street

A long line of scenic houses, a majority of them constructed in...

Vasco House

Vasco House

One of the oldest Portuguese houses in India, Vasco House is believed...

Mattancherry

Mattancherry

An eclectic mix of spices, handicrafts, culture and food,...

Hill Palace Archaeological Museum

Hill Palace Archaeological Museum

Spread across 52 acre, the palace is situated on a hilltop, and was...

Vypeen (Vypin)

Vypeen (Vypin)

Soaked in Portuguese charm, Vypeen is a quaint island on the...

Vallarpadam

Vallarpadam

One of the picturesque islands that form a part of Kochi, Vallarpadam...

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Situated at the heart of Kochi, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is...

Marine Drive

Marine Drive

A stunning promenade facing the pristine backwaters of Kochi, Marine...

St Francis Church

St Francis Church

One of the oldest churches built by Europeans in India, St Francis...

Alappuzha

Alappuzha

Snuggled in the heart of Kerala's backwaters, Alappuzha is...

Kavaratti

Kavaratti

Exerting a magnetic pull over scuba divers, snorkellers and nature...

kumarakom

kumarakom

Sprawled along the shores of the picturesque Vembanad Lake, the...

Munnar

Munnar

A lush carpet of rolling green, interrupted by low rises of mountains...

Thrissur

Thrissur

Often referred to as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is a...