10 Things to Do in Kochi
If you are a travel or nature enthusiast, there is no way you don’t know about the beautiful place called Kochi. Kochi’s cultural heritage is very old and diverse. Kochi is a peninsula and collection of little islands with a distinct culture .
This place transports you back in time to the period when the city was home to the Dutch and Chinese. Fort Kochi’s historical and architectural sites are its most visited attractions. If you are someone who would explore a city on foot rather than by catching a bus, Kochi is a must-visit place for you.
This article explains the 10 things you can do when you are in Kochi, so read and find out:
Check out the Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace is a popular must-see location in the beautiful Fort Kochi. This two-story palace follows the principles of Kerala temple architecture, even if the Portuguese mainly influenced its design.
The main attractions are the paintings depicting incidents from the Hindu epic Ramayana and other Puranic legends in amazing detail. Mattancherry Palace has some of the best paintings and murals in India.
Catch some fish at the Chinese Fishing Nets.
Fort Kochi is also most popular for its Chinese Fishing Nets. This should be the first attraction you add to your list of things to do in Kochi. History says that these fishing nets were invented by a fisherman named Zang. He brought these nets to Kerala about 500 years ago, and fishermen have been making money with them ever since.
Nowadays, fishing nets serve mostly as a tourist attraction rather than a means of subsistence, but it’s still thrilling to scale them and attempt to bring fish in.
Feel the magic of Francis Church.
The Francis Church is an excellent example of Portuguese colonial buildings in Kerala. The church was renovated in the 17th century, so its interior is somewhat plain.
Numerous Portuguese churches and other historical buildings still stand in Kochi. You can experience the city’s history by visiting St. Francis’ Church. The Gateway of Kerala should be at the top of your list of things to do in Kochi.
Join the Colorful Cochin Carnival.
The colorful Cochin Carnival originated from Portuguese New Year celebrations held in the city during the colonial era. Rather than being a typical cultural event, it’s more of a celebration of amazing food and enjoyment. The carnival ends with a big procession on New Year’s Day
Venture into the Vypeen Island
As a tourist, you can take the boats from Fort Kochi to Vypeen Island and explore the island with the welcoming residents there. Vypeen Island really enhances your Kerala trip experience. The island is peaceful and free of the busy tourist crowd. It is also blessed with lovely and lengthy beaches.
Cherai Beach, on the island’s northernmost tip, is the main attraction. Additional points of interest in Kochi include the iconic lighthouse at Puthuvype Beach, the historic Pallipuram Fort dating back to the 16th century, and Kuzhupilly Beach, renowned as the city’s largest fishing harbor.
Visit the Kerala Kathakali Centre
The Kerala Kathakali Centre in Kochi offers training classes in traditional dance, daily performances, and an opportunity for tourists to watch the performers apply cosmetics. You can visit and get mesmerized by this popular dance, which has such a genuine and bizarre atmosphere that you’ll want to tell everyone about it as one of the top things to do in Kochi.
Learn history at the Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum
The Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum is situated in the Kochi city of Thevara and was built in the Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore architectural styles. It greets you warmly with the Kalvilakku greeting.
As you approach the museum and pass the Kalvilakku, elephant sculptures on either side of the stairs leading to the massive multi-story traditional building greet you. This architectural museum was founded in 2009 and showcases a fine example of traditional carpentry from Kerala and a substantial collection of woodwork from the region. So, don’t miss this spot in Kochi just because it is not an outdoor attraction.
Conquer your fear at Scuba Cochin.
Scuba Cochin is a option to choose when you visit Kochi. It offers daily dive trips and a range of PADI certification programs, from open water diver to instructor level. Scuba Cochin is the first PADI-approved diving center in South India.
Get healed with Ayurveda Spa Treatment.
Kerala and Kochi are two regions popular throughout the world for their traditional natural medicine of Kerala and other Ayurvedic treatments. For example, people like Ayurville and the Fort Ayurveda spa located at the Fort House Hotel for their reasonably priced traditional Ayurvedic therapies.
So, don’t skip visiting the AyurDara on Vypeen Island or the Agastya Ayurveda Massage on Princess Street for wellness facilities.
Appreciate the Santa Cruz Basilica church
Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the best Roman Catholic churches in Kerala and all of India. The Portuguese constructed the Santa Cruz Basilica church.
Thousands of tourists come here each to see the magnificent temple and marvel at its exterior and interior splendor. If you happen to be passing by, it’s worth a visit to explore the church. The detail and artwork in this church are really amazing.
Final thoughts
These are the 10 best things you can do in Kochi as a traveller. If you’re considering taking a vacation from your everyday grind to enjoy Kochi.