kochi Travel Guide, Places To Visit

Overview

How to Reach

Kochi / Cochin: being an important center for both trade and tourism in Kerala, is well connected by air, rail, and road. The increasing number of domestic and international tourists traveling to Kochi every year is proof that Kochi is easily accessible and stress-free.

Important Distances from Kochi

Thiruvanthapuram 220 km

Kozhikode 225 km

Bangalore 510 km

Kumarakom 100 km

Alappuzha 71 km

Munnar 150 km

Kottayam 75 km

Thrissur 80 km

Kollam 147 km

Palakkad 150 km

Chennai 731 km

One can reach Kochi by any of the three modes mentioned here.

How to Reach Kochi by Airways: A number of domestic and international flights operate for Cochin / Kochi International Airport which is located at Nedumbassery. The airport connects the city with the other major cities not only within India but also across the world. Due to the facilities provided to passengers at the Airport, it is reckoned amongst the best airports in India.

How to Reach Kochi by Road: Kochi is situated at a distance of approximately 540 km from Bangalore, 195 km from Coimbatore, 684 km from Chennai, 397 km from Mysore and 300 km from Ooty. Kochi`s outstanding road connectivity makes it easily accessible from the rest of the southern states. The National Highway 47 passes through the city.

How to Reach Kochi by Railways: There are 3 railway stations in Kochi, namely Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Cochin Harbor Terminus, which connect it to all small and big towns and cities of Kerala and other parts of India.

Driving Direction

The Kochi is one of the most popular cities in Kerala, South India abounded by the lush green trees. This city is also one of the best commercial hubs where the people can find various manufacturing industries. The archaeological museum, Bolgatty Palace, Fort Kochi, Jewish Synagogue, Kaladi, and Mattancherry Palace are the well-known attractions of the region. September to April are the best months to visit Kochi. Nedumbassery International Airport is just 23 Km from the Kochi. The National Highways and State highways connect the major parts of the cities with various parts of India. The bus and taxi services are also available for travelers who want to travel by road respectively.

Fair, Festivals & Events

Their many festivals celebrated in Kerala - Kochi and few important are listed below:

Cochin Carnival, Indira Gandhi Boat Race, Malayatoor Perunal Festival, Attachamayam

Cochin Carnival

Center of Activity: Fort Kochi

Time: Last week of December

USP: A massive procession of caparisoned elephants, games and partying

Cochin Carnival which is held in the last week of December is long-awaited by the residents of Kochi. The Village of Fort Cochi is decorated up like a bride. The tourists from all over the globe get together at Fort Kochi to celebrate the fair.

During the ten-day-long carnival several games, fairs, and parties are organized. The highlight of the carnival is the immense procession on New Year`s Day. People of every age group participate in the procession wearing fancy dresses. Beautifully decorated elephants accompanied by drums and music lead the procession.

During the 10 days of the festival, the city is mostly decorated with white color decoratives. Several unplanned competitions taking place on the streets of the village is a common sight. Kalam Vara (Rangoli, floor drawing), tug-of-war, bicycle race, swimming in the sea, beach volleyball are some competitions that take place during the festival. The celebrations continue till midnight of December 31st ending up with fireworks marking the grand finale.

Indira Gandhi Boat Race

Center of Activity: Cochin Backwaters

Time: Last week of December

USP: Boat race

Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a water sport-cum-festival held every year. Not only Indian tourist but also the tourist from all over the world collect here to witness and cheer the participants. Apart from the tourists, the media crew from all over the country come to do coverage.

The streamlines shaped boats are used in the race, which makes them run fast. However, the boats used in the Indira Gandhi Boat Race are known as the Vallam Kali. The term Vallam Kali or Vallamkali means `Boat Game` in Malayalam. The festival is conducted not only because of a tradition but also to boost tourism in the state of Kerala.

Usually, a boat used in the race is operated by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100 to 125 oarsmen, who row in harmony to the fast rhythm of the song of the boatman.

Malayatoor Perumal Festival

Center of Activity: Malayatoor

Time: March / April

The festival is celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. The festival is organized at the Catholic Church at Malayatoor, which is situated near Cochin. The church is dedicated to the follower of Jesus Christ, St Thomas and the festival is celebrated to remember his visit at the church.

Malayatoor Perunnal is one of the major festivals of Kochi and the devotees from around the globe flock here to attend the festival. Tourists and locals attend the festival to have spiritual happiness and satisfaction

Attachamayam

Center of Activity: Tripunithura, near Kochi

Time: August/ September

The festival is celebrated in remembrance of the renowned victory of the Raja of Kochi. The festival of Attachamayam is celebrated on the eighth day of the Malayalam month of Chingam (August or September). The festival is celebrated through out the port city where as the main attraction is at the historical town of Tripunithura, near Kochi. A grand procession that is full of pomp and show is taken out during the festival. Various folk dance and music competitions are organized in the colorfully decorated town.

The festival is also known as Athagosham and is celebrated for a week. The festival attracts many tourists from India and abroad.

Attractions & Activities

There are several places worth seeing in Kochi. Kochi is a gaggle of several small islands so a leisurely walk through the city could be a good option to discover historic Fort Kochi. The colorful and eventful town of Kochi is believed to be an incomprehensible fishing village that became the first European township in India.

The port city is believed to be built by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural influences can be seen and observed by seeing several Indo European architectural structures.

Cochin is a must-see destination amongst most of the tourists visiting Southern India. It is also preferred amongst the tourists as it provides them with abundant excursion options. You can visit ancient palaces, temples, and churches Cochin, like Fort Cochin and St Francis Church. Chinese Fishing Nets etc is another prime attraction. Most of the places in the city are well connected by road or boat jetties.

The tourist interest in Kochi can be primarily classified into three categories

The two beaches of Kochi, Cherai beach and the Fort Kochi beach are famous amongst the tourist for the relaxed ambiance and clean sandy atmosphere. The beaches of Cochin are shallow and are ideal for swimming.

Kochi is a city where people of all religions and cultures live together in peace and harmony. The various places of worship Poornathrayeesa Temple of Hindus, St. Mary`s Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral of Christians and Jewish Synagogue of Jews are worth a visit. Apart from there are some other religious places that are worth witnessing.

Apart from the religious places and the beaches, there are several other places in Kochi, which are worth a visit. The Chinese fishing nets represent a unique way of fishing, the Fort Kochi and the Bolgatty palace speak of the history and the museum of Kerala recounts the history of the land are some of the destinations of interest in

Kiomoi Must Dos

If you are in Kochi then the following should be at the top of your must-do list.

Learn Kathakali - At Kerala Kathakali center you can view a Kathakali performance and can even learn some lessons in Kathakali dance, music and makeup.

Shopping – you can shop here for handicrafts, spices, and clothes along M.G. road, Broadway, Jew town.

Ayurvedic Treatments - Take a course of relaxing Ayurvedic treatments and massages at the ayurvedic hospitals or centers.

Sailing – Sailing along the scenic backwaters of Kochi can be done. The boat ride is known as the Kettuvallom.

Swimming - Cherai beach is famous for swimming as it has a long stretch of shallow waters. Or you can just lay in the soft sand lapping up the sun.

Dawn at the Fishing Nets - A visit to the fishing nets at the Cherai beach is worth witnessing. The dawn and sunset is very beautiful at the beach

Visit Amusement Park - A visit to south India’s largest amusement park- Veega land. Children will love this place.

Elephant Safari – It can be done at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The surrounding jungle scenery is a breathtaking experience.

Puppet Shows - One can enjoy the Yakshagana Bombeyattu puppet shows everywhere across Kochi. The puppet shows are performed almost on a daily basis.

Take a Walk: A walk around the port city of Kochi is bound to be rewarding. During the daytime the city streets are full of new adventures that one can enjoy. The several hilly backdrops of the port city are home to many picturesque waterfalls. These are the ideal places for a fun family day out.

Enjoy Water Sports - Along the beaches of Kochi the tourists can enjoy the water sports like, wind surfing and power boating.

Mud Therapy- It is one of the most energizing natural experiences, which, brings a glow to your skin and relaxes your mind. The mud therapy treatments are available at the Kavil Bhavan Yoga and Cultural Centre within the city.

Healing Baths – They can be taken at the waters of the Nelliyampathy forests and the mineral springs of Varkala.

Bird Watching – Bird watching can be done as the bird sanctuary at Kochi is home to hundreds of bird species. Also you can get to spot several migratory birds, which make their way to western India each year.

Canoeing - The best ways to see the backwaters of Kochi and the life of the locals living here is Canoeing.

Paragliding – Paragliding can be done around the city of Kochi. You can have the panoramic views of the diverse landscapes around Kochi.

Food, Eat & Dine

Cochin/Kochi cuisines comprise an impressive assortment of mouth-watering vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, having a distinct taste and flavor. There are many good restaurants in Kochi serving these. Try out "pachadi" `thoran` or "kaalan", while eating out in Cochin. As bananas are found in abundance here, it happens to be a very crucial ingredient in the majority of Cochin cuisines. Kallappams or Vellayappams are traditional rice flour pancakes eaten during meals in Cochin.

Being a port city, Cochin also offers a variety of rich non-vegetarian cuisine comprising of an impressive range of seafood delights like `Meen vevichathu`. There`s also a host of dishes made of chicken, lamb, and fish. The rich base of coconut makes Cochin cuisine very delicious and gives it a special flavor of its own. Apart from these, there are also many fast food eating joints in Kochi like Pizza Hut, Chic King, Hot Breads, et al. Or you can also try out the multi-cuisine restaurants, where they also serve continental, Thai and Chinese.

Try Local Cuisines Here

Sri Krishna Cafe (Gujerati road, Mattanchery) - Stuffed Parotta & Vegetable Masala Dosa.

Art Cafe - Banana and Chocolate cakes.

Arya Bhavan - Basic Tamil food

Palms Restaurant (Metropolitan) - Local cuisine.

Pandhal (MG road) – Multi-cuisine

Renaissance (MG road) - Continental, Chinese and Thai food, and Indian dishes.

Tharavad (Willingdon Island) - Variety of cuisines

Some other good restaurants in Kochi are Salt N Pepper, Solar Cafe, Fort House Restaurant and Kashi Art Cafe

Shopping & Market

As Kochi is well known for its handicrafts you can find an exclusive collection of items like figurines, colorful bead jewelry, mats, bangles and other goods made up of coir, wood, bamboo, shells, brass, ivory and sandalwood.

You won`t find many shopping malls in the city but still; there are a number of places where you can find branded goods and garments. If you have planned to buy a specific item then its better to ask from a local person. If you are running short of time and want to shop for some sovereigns then you can visit MG Road. Here you will everything ranging from textiles, readymade garments, jewelry, toys, home furnishing, handicrafts, decorative items, etc.

Wood carved items and the brass Diya (standing up to waist level or even higher) can be seen at every shop and are must buy. Kerala`s mirrors are famous around the globe, they are beautifully decorated with shells. Snacks like jackfruit chips and banana chips are must also buy items.

You can find several beautiful handicrafts displayed in the shops, most of which have been simply crafted from things grown locally, such as coconut, bamboo, cane and so on.

What to Buy:

Ethnic textiles are woven by hand

Metalware

Camel-bone carvings

Wood carvings

Articles made of coconut shells, bamboo cane

Embroidered screw pine mats

Spices

Brass diyas

Mirrors orkannady

Snacks like jackfruit and banana chips

Markets & Shopping Area:

M.G.Road

Broadway

Marine Drive

Coir Board Showroom on Mullasherry Canal Road.

Government Emporiums:

Kerala State Handicraft Apex Society, M.G.Road

Kerala State Handicrafts Development Corporation (Kairali) M.G.Road

Khadi Gramaudyog Bhavan, M.G.Road, Eranakulam -Surabhi, the State Handicraft Society Emporium

Eranakulam Market - Spices Board

Book Shops :

D.C. Books, Kurian Towers, Banerji Road

Current Books, Press club Road

Higginbothems, Iyyattil Jn. Chittor Road.

Kochi QnA

YOUR QUERIES AND ANSWERS

Ask a Question

Dear Erics,

Thanks for your query in Kiomoi,

Kerala will be hit by south west monsoon by end of May or by First week of June and the Rains are very heavy. There are several places to visit in Kerala the most beautiful Kovalam Beach near Thiruvanantpuram,The best Hill station of south Munnar.The periyar wild life at Thekady and the back water at allappy and Kumarakom. I dont know whether due to monsoon you will be able to enjoy the gods own country kerala. Otherwise also the climate will be hot and humid except at the hills of Munnar.

Good Day !!!

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-28 18:44

Hello Erics,

Thanks for your query in Kiomoi,

You must visit, Trivandrum, Aleppy, Kochi, Thekkady and Munnar.

Good Day !!!

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-28 18:43

I am coming to kerala for my family visit kindly tell me only 5 cities which i must visit i have total 9 days for kerala !

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-27 18:41

Want to enjoy sight seeing in Kochi and we want to stay in Kochi at decent hotel give information about hotel tariff and services.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-23 13:33

Dear sir,

Thanks for your query, below i would like to suggest you decent Hotels in Kochi.

Fort House, Kochi

Pearl Continental Hotel, Kochi

Brunton Boatyard, Kochi

These are the very decent hotels in Kochi, for hotel booking and confirmation kindly contact Kiomoi Team, you can mail us at customercare@kiomoi.com or call us on 9958891364 OR 91-120-4666444, our travel expert would be happy to assist you.

Sight seeing places in Kochi

Good Day!!!!

Anonymous

Replied on 2019-05-23 13:33

Sir we want some decent room/ accommodation in Kochi

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-18 10:51

Dear Sir,

Thanks for your query, below i would like to suggest best hotels in Kochi,

Brunton Boatyard, Kochi

Best Western the Avenue Regent, Kochi

Fort House, Kochi

These are very good hotels in Kochi, for hotel booking and confirmation kindly contact KiomoiÂ Team, you can mail us on support@kiomoi.com or call us on 9958891364. our travel expert would be happy to assist you.

Good Day.

Anonymous

Replied on 2019-05-18 10:51

Hai, I want to go to Maldives. My flight from bangalore is at odd time.so i want to come to cochi and take sea way to reach maldives. But i dont know anything about sea travel like whom to contact. where to book tickets like that. can u please help me.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-14 10:11

Hello,

Thanks for your query in Kiomoi,

The cheapest way to visit these places are bus and train. but there is no train to munnar. also this is hill area. so bus is suitable. Both are safe also.

Good day !!!

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-06 10:26

Dear sir,

Thanks for your query, below i am giving you link of the hotel you can check it.

Hotels in Kochi

Hotels in Alleppey

Hotels in Munnar

For hotel booking and confirmation kindly contact Kiomoi Team, you can mail us at support@kiomoi.com or call us on 9958891364 OR 91-120-4666444, our travel expert would be happy to assist you.

Very soon you will get another answer of your query.

Good Day!!!!

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-04 12:50

we have made a plan for Alleppey kochi and Munnar we want to know what would be the cheapest and safe way to reach these place & accommodation for 1 or 2 day each.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-04 12:28

place of attractions in kerala , we have 3 days visit.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-04-25 10:52

Dear Sir,

Chinese Fishing Nets/Vasco da Gama Square

attractions for Kochi

Pierce Leslie Bungalow:

Old Harbour House:
Loafer’s Corner/Princess Street:

Vasco House:

VOC Gate:

Bolghatty Island: Willingdon Island:

The Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura

Parikshith Thampuran Museum:

Vamanamoorthy Temple:

Santhanagopala-Krishnaswamy Temple:

Good Day.

Anonymous

Replied on 2019-04-25 10:52

hi. i am coming to Kochi for first time. can u suggest a good budget hotel near kochi and also places to visit. we are nature lover. so any water area / forest area is ard kochi.?

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-04-15 14:34

Hi, The you can Visit Hotel SeaLord at the cost of Rs 1700 pe day with Breakfast for 2 person for the booking in SeaLord you can call at 0120-4666444

Anonymous

Replied on 2019-04-15 14:34

hi. i am coming to Kochi for first time. can u suggest a good budget hotel near kochi.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-04-15 14:32

Hi, The you can Visit Hotel SeaLord at the cost of Rs 1700 pe day with Breakfast for 2 person for the booking in SeaLord you can call at 0120-4666444

Anonymous

Replied on 2019-04-15 14:32

Kochi

Overview

How to Reach

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