11 Top Tourist Places To Visit In Kochi

Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is one of the most famous cities in Kerala. Situated on the Western Coast of India, the city is bordered by the Western Ghats in the East and the vast Arabian Sea in the west. The most significant activity in any itinerary of a Kochi traveller would be a ferry ride across the cosmic spans of Kochi backwaters. Edged with credible coconut palms and popular Chinese nets silhouetted against the milieu of the setting sun, the backwaters make way for a magnificent spectacle.

Kochi architecture is influenced by the Arabs, the Chinese, the British, the Dutch, and the Portuguese. History has it that the city was the first European colonial settlement in India. With the passage of time, Kochi has emerged as the trade and commercial capital of Kerala and it can be chosen as the 2nd most vital city on the western coast of India. Today, Kochi boasts a world-class international port and a well-networked railway and road system. Here are the 11 top tourist places to visit in the marvellous city, including the famous Fort Kochi, the Dutch Palace, Cherai Beach and Vasco Da Gama Square. When in Kochi, here are the 11 top tourist places you must visit.

Catch a glimpse of a spectacular sunset and indulge in a perfect sunset stroll at Fort Kochi. Bathing and swimming activities are not permitted on the beach. Fort Kochi witnesses a bright carnival during the New Year’s Eve. You can enjoy gourmet seafood, shopping (shawls, handicrafts, carpets, and striking trinkets) and Kathakali performances, the traditional and vivid dance form of Kerala.

The palace built by the Portuguese and offered to the Kochi former King Veera Kerala Varma in the year 1555, got its name after the year 1663 when the Dutch carried out rigorous refurbishing. The former Kochi kings performed their coronation rituals in the Central Hall of this double-storey structure. The palace rooms feature 17th-century paintings portraying scenes from the Puranas and the other great Indian epics like, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.The Dutch Palace is open from 10 AM to 5 PM and is closed on Fridays.

Created in the year 1568, this is one of the most ancient synagogues in the Commonwealth. Attractions to look out for in the synagogue are - the Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, two copper plates with intricate details of rights given to the Jews during the reign of Bhaskara Ravi Varman (10th century), gold crowns studded with gems, delicate Cantonese hand-painted decorative floor tiles, as well as the the synagogue’s elegant lighting with Belgian crystal chandeliers. The synagogue is open from 10 AM to 12 Noon and 3 PM to 5 PM.

Situated 25 kms off Ernakulum in a classic village setting is this unspoilt stretch of sand, best for swimming and all your water activities. If the sea and sand does not satisfy your cravings, there are plenty of food and ice-creams places for you to savour. All your adventure is keenly supervised by the life guards who are always available at your service. Dolphins can also be easily spotted. So it is important for the photographers to be ready with their shutter bugs! Situated near Cherai beach is a traditional Kerala village with lush paddy fields and coconut orchards which serves as icing on the cake.

Located in Vasco da Gama Square, these enormous Chinese fishing nets are the relic of some of the first visitors that came to the Malabar Coast. Set up here between 1350 and 1450 AD by the traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these fishing nets are erected on teak wood and bamboo poles.

Encircled by spectacular backwaters, Willingdon Island is a treat for the visitors. The Island was named after a former British Viceroy of India called Lord Wellingdon. Today, this manmade island features best of hotels, trading centres, the Port Trust and the HQs of the southern sailing command.

Featuring the palace by same name, the Bolghatty Palace was created in the year 1744 by the Dutch and was later captured by the British. At present it is owned by Kerala Tourism, wherein KTDC is successfully running a hotel featuring exclusive honeymoon cottages and golf courses. It is important to make advance bookings in case you wish to spend a couple of days at the Island.

This delightful bungalow was the once the official workplaces of Pierce Leslie & Co.

They were the coffee merchants who founded the company in the year 1862. An archetypal of the colonial bungalow of Fort Kochi, this edifice clearly echoes Portuguese, Dutch and local influences.

This sophisticated ancient bungalow constructed in the year 1808 is now in the custody of Carrit Moran & Co., a renowned chain of tea brokers, who have now started using it as their residence. The mansion was once popular as a boat club which was frequented by both locals and international tourists. 

One of the very initial streets to be built in Fort Kochi, Princess Street with European elegance exhibits an old world charm. The finest view of this picturesque street can be seen from Loafer’s Corner, the typical gathering place and retreat of the jovial people of the area who were more interested in organizing small meetings and having fun. 

One of the ancient Portuguese dwellings in Fort Kochi, Vasco House is popular as the residence of Vasco da Gama. Constructed in early 16th century, Vasco House boasts the classic European glass- paned windows and stylish balcony which was the characteristic of that era.