Located within the Ernakulam district of Kerala, Kochi is a beautiful town referred to as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea.' It has been a center of attraction since the colonial era. Once ruled by the British, Dutch, and Portuguese, you can see a blend of urban settlement and historical heritage in Kochi. Also, all the past rulers have left their marks with spectacular architecture. Besides, Kochi is the major port city on the South-West Coast of India, besides the Arabian Sea. Kochi tourism lets you enjoy both sides of this city and explore its attractions.
For about 600 years, Kochi has been a place of trading and tourism. On the city's eastern side, the Western Ghats, is sprawling and painted canvas green. The giant fish-nets in the Kochi Fort area are a unique attraction you will not find anywhere in the country. Not just the Chinese fishing nets but Portuguese houses, beautiful beaches, and significant shrines are to be found here in Kochi. In short, there are various kinds of tourist attractions in Kochi that you can explore on your tour. And this dedicated Kochi travel guide provides you with all the important details to make the most of your tour.
Kochi Tourism
Tourism of Kochi lets you delve into the rich culture and vibrant tradition that you will hardly find anywhere else in the world. From natural beauty to spiritual sites, the tourist attractions in Kochi are the perfect tourist sites. This city is dotted with charming attractions that do justice with words; unique, spectacular, exquisite, and artistic. During your tour of Kochi, you will get more chances to admire the art through various historic structures, art, and dance performances. Kochi tourism is a way to connect with history, culture, art, natural beauty, and entertainment.
Why visit Kochi?
Kochi is a city of vibrant cultures and beautiful tradition that gives you awe-inspiring moments. The colonial architecture, prominent religious diversity, authentic south Indian cuisines, attractive beaches, and vivid festivals throughout the year make Kochi a worthy destination. There is so much to experience and see that will enhance your travel experience in many folds. From cultural charm to natural beauty, this city will give soul-stirring experiences that will stay in your heart for a long time. If you want to explore cultural diversity and relax on scenic beaches, plan a trip to Kochi with us today!
Language Spoken in Kochi
Malayalam and Tamil are mostly spoken languages in Kochi, but English and Hindi are also spoken and understood by locals.
Where is Kochi Located
Kochi is located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala and is settled on the southwest coast of India by the Laccadive Sea.
Here is a detailed guide about Kochi Tourism to plan your trip efficiently.
Places to visit in Kochi
Tourist attractions in Kochi allow you to explore beaches, lush greenery, and historical landmarks. Kochi has plenty of tourist places that reflect natural beauty, architectural skills, fun elements, tranquility, and history. You can explore them with any vacation theme and get the best out of your vacation. We have curated a list of top tourist places in Kochi that you should take advantage of on your holiday.
- Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
- Mattancherry Palace
- Folklore Museum
- Andhakaranazhi Beach
- Santa Cruz Basilica
- Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
- Cherai Beach
- Marine Drive
- Wonderla Amusement Park
Things to do in Kochi
Kochi is a hub of fun-filled activities that keeps you engaged throughout the trip. From enjoying the backwater to taking an Ayurveda treatment, the unique experiences in Kochi will blow your mind. In addition, you will enjoy engaging in activities to do in every corner of Kochi. Here is the list of must-do activities that you can enjoy in Kochi with your closed ones.
- Play with Elephant at Elephant Training Centre
- Watch traditional dance performance-Kathakali
- Rejuvenate your body and mind at Fort Ayurveda Spa
- Enjoy birdwatching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Indulge in Snorkeling in Thiruvankulam
Best time to visit Kochi
Kochi can be visited throughout the year because of its pleasant weather. However, every season has its own charm. Winters is the peak time as the weather remains pleasant and is suitable for sightseeing. This season also attracts honeymooners and young couples. Summer in Kochi is hot, but if you want to save money, plan your trip during this time. As it is the off-season, flights and hotels are cheaper. Thankfully, this city more or less experiences a favorable climate almost every month of the year. However, cross-checking the weather condition of Kochi before planning your visit is advised.
How to reach Kochi
Cochin International Airport is the largest airport in Kerala. Board a flight to this airport from the major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Banglore, Kolkata, etc. You can hire a taxi to reach your respective destination. If you wish to visit via rail, Ernakulam Town Station and Ernakulam Junction Station are the two nearest railway stations to Kochi, 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 easily reach Kochi 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 by renting one.
How many days are enough to visit Kochi
If you want to explore major tourist attractions in Kochi, 2 days are enough for a trip. However, enjoying a slow paced holiday in this city of Kerala requires around a 5 days tour. And being such a vibrant city in Kerala, Kochi surely needs a slow space tour as it has many things to see and experience.
Accommodation in Kochi
From posh resorts to budget-friendly rest houses, there is a reasonable number of places to stay in Kochi. As the city is a preferred tourist destination among honeymooners and backpackers, you can easily find places to stay in Kochi with great amenities. Here is the list of good accommodations in Kochi for your stay.
- Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty
- Novotel Kochi Infopark
- Le Meridien Kochi
- Taj Malabar Resort & Spa Cochin
- Radisson Blu Kochi
- Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport
- Holiday Inn Cochin
Where to eat in Kochi
Kochi is one of the busiest cities in Kerala which is why the city has come to build plenty of fancy restaurants and food stalls. You can easily find eateries inside the city and enjoy delicious meals. The local restaurants in Kochi mainly serve South Indian meals and other Indian cuisines. 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
- Sky Grill Lounge Bar and Restaurant
Shopping in Kochi
Kochi is known for its natural beauty and appealing backwater locations. But it is also a paradise for shopaholics and is blessed with numerous shopping markets. From local markets to the shopping mall, you can enjoy a handful of shopping in Kochi. Here is the list of best shopping places that you can visit and bring some gifts and other items for your loved ones.
- Lulu Mall Kochi
- ABAD Nucleus Mall
- Center Square Mall
- Paris de Boutique
- Cochin Spice Market
- Jew Town
Travel Tips for Kochi
- Hiring a guide for your sightseeing tour in Kochi is preferable as to ensure you get all the unique tourist attractions.
- Locals are friendly, and interacting with them gives you an insightful experience about the culture and traditions of Kochi.
- Taking an Ayurveda massage in Kochi is advised to rejuvenate your mind and body.
- Do not forget to enjoy photography while walking through the streets of this city.
