Located within the Ernakulam district of Kerala, Kochi is a wonderful town that is also referred to as ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. It has been a center of attraction since the colonial era. Kochi or Cochin is a blend of urban settlement and historic heritage. This is the major port city on the South-West Coast of India, located beside the Arabian Sea. Kochi (Cochin) has been ruled by the British, Dutch, and Portuguese. And all these rulers have left their marks with spectacular architecture.
For about 600 years, Kochi has been open to trading and tourism. On the eastern side of the city, Western Ghats are found sprawling and painting the canvas green. The giant Fish-Nets located in the Kochi Fort area are something you might not find anywhere else in India. Not just the Chinese fishing nets but Portuguese houses, beautiful beaches, and significant shrines are to be found here in Kochi.
Why visit Kochi?
Kochi showcases a mixed bag of culture, it offers very unique and amazing holiday experiences. The colonial architecture, prominent religious diversity, authentic south Indian cuisines, attractive beaches, and vivid festivals throughout the year make Kochi a worthy destination.
Places to visit in Kochi
If you want to enjoy a mixed holiday feeling between beaches, lush greenery, and historical landmarks then Kochi is the place to be. Plan a tour to Kochi and visit attractions such as Athirapally Falls, Chottanikara Bhagavathy Temple, Mattancherry Palace, Folklore Museum, Andhakaranazhi Beach, Santa Cruz Basilica, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, and Wonderla Amusement Park.
Things to do in Kochi
There are lots of unique things to do in Kochi. You can explore the beautiful Marine Drive, enjoy the beautiful view of the Chinese fishing nets, and play with elephants at the Elephant Center. Also enjoy ferry rides, Kathakali performances, pamper yourself with Ayurveda spa treatments, and explore the best cafes. Enjoying water sports at popular beaches, village backwater tours, and exploring the Indo-Portuguese Museum are some of the best things to do in Kochi.
Best time to visit Kochi
Kochi can be visited throughout the year because of its surpassing weather. Each season has its own charm. Summers in Kochi are moderate and keep rising after changes in the month. Winters is the peak time as the weather during this time remains pleasant and is good for sightseeing. This season also attracts honeymooners and young couples.
How to reach Kochi
Cochin International Airport is the largest airport in Kerala. For the travelers who wish to reach Kochi by air, they can board a flight to this airport from almost all the major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Banglore, and Kolkata. After reaching you can hire a taxi to reach your respective destination. If you wish to visit via rails then, Ernakulam Town Station and Ernakulam Junction Station are the two nearest railway stations to Kochi. Both stations are well connected to the major cities of India. Talking about traveling to Kochi via road, KSRTC buses to Kochi are easily available at regular intervals. These buses connect Cochin with most of the major tourist destinations in Kerala. Tourists from cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and other popular cities can also reach Kochi comfortably by road.
How to get around Kochi
Buses are the easiest and cheapest mode of getting around Kochi. For traveling a longer distance, many local bus services are available. Taxis are also easily available in the city, and you can easily roam around the city by hiring a taxi.
Accommodation in Kochi
From posh resorts to budget-friendly rest houses, there is no dearth of places to stay in Kochi. As Kochi is a preferred tourist destination among honeymooners and backpackers, and therefore, you can easily find places to stay in Kochi with great amenities. Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Novotel Kochi Infopark, Le Meridien Kochi, Taj Malabar Resort & Spa Cochin, Radisson Blu Kochi, Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport, and Holiday Inn Cochin are some of the popular hotels inside the city.
Where to eat in Kochi
Kochi is one of the busiest cities in Kerala, so, there are plenty of fancy restaurants and food stalls in the city. You can easily find eateries inside the city and enjoy delicious meals. The local restaurants in Kochi mainly serve South Indian meals and some other Indian food too. Some of the popular places to eat in Kochi are Brindhavan Vegetarian Restaurant, Barbeque Nation, Fort House Restaurant, The Asian Kitchen by Tokyo Bay, Ginger House Restaurant, The Rice Boat, Kashi Art Cafe, and Sky Grill Lounge Bar and Restaurant are some of the popular dining outlets in Cochi. You can also enjoy fine dining at the hotel's in-house restaurant which serves lip-smacking cuisines.
Shopping in Kochi
Kochi is not only known for its natural beauty and straddling backwater but it is also a paradise for shopaholics from local markets to the shopping mall where you can enjoy a handful of shopping in Kochi. Lulu Mall Kochi, ABAD Nucleus Mall, Centre Square Mall, Paris de Boutique, Cochin Spice Market, and Jew Town are some of the popular shopping sites here.
