bigtravelbuzzKochi, also known as Cochin, is a major port city located in the state of Kerala in India. It is a popular tourist destination and a commercial hub, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning natural beauty. Here are some of the top things to do in Kochi:
Visit Fort Kochi: Fort Kochi is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of the city, known for its colonial architecture, picturesque streets, and vibrant art scene. Visitors can explore the Fort Kochi Beach, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, and the Dutch Palace.
Take a Backwater Cruise: Kochi is surrounded by a network of backwaters, lagoons, and canals, offering stunning views of the city’s natural beauty. Visitors can take a backwater cruise to explore the lush greenery, spot local wildlife, and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing experience.
Explore Mattancherry: Mattancherry is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of the city, known for its colorful buildings, bustling markets, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Jewish Synagogue, the Spice Market, and the Dutch Cemetery.
Visit Hill Palace Museum: Hill Palace Museum is a popular tourist attraction located in the suburbs of Kochi, offering a glimpse into the city’s royal past. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures belonging to the former rulers of Kochi.
Enjoy Local Cuisine: Kochi is known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes a variety of seafood dishes, traditional Indian curries, and fusion cuisine influenced by the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies at street food stalls, restaurants, and cafes located throughout the city.
Attend a Cultural Event: Kochi is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with several festivals, events, and performances held throughout the year. Visitors can attend events like the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the Cochin Carnival, and the International Film Festival of Kerala.
These are some of the top things to do in Kochi, offering visitors a chance to explore the city’s rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty.
Places to Visit in Kochi
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a vibrant city in Kerala, India, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning natural beauty. Here are some of the top places to visit in Kochi:
Fort Kochi: Fort Kochi is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of the city, known for its colonial architecture, picturesque streets, and vibrant art scene. Visitors can explore the Fort Kochi Beach, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, and the Dutch Palace.
Mattancherry: Mattancherry is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of the city, known for its colorful buildings, bustling markets, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Jewish Synagogue, the Spice Market, and the Dutch Cemetery.
Hill Palace Museum: Hill Palace Museum is a popular tourist attraction located in the suburbs of Kochi, offering a glimpse into the city’s royal past. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures belonging to the former rulers of Kochi.
Marine Drive: Marine Drive is a popular promenade located along the waterfront, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline and the Arabian Sea. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll, enjoy street food, and watch the sunset.
Bolgatty Palace: Bolgatty Palace is a historic palace located on Bolgatty Island, offering visitors a chance to experience the city’s royal heritage. The palace has been converted into a hotel and is open to visitors.
Kerala Folklore Museum: Kerala Folklore Museum is a unique museum located in the city center, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts, costumes, and instruments from different parts of the state.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica: Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is a historic church located in Fort Kochi, known for its stunning architecture and religious significance.
These are some of the top places to visit in Kochi, offering visitors a chance to explore the city’s rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty.
Best Time To Visit Kochi
The best time to visit Kochi is from October to March, which is the winter season in the region. During this time, the weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging between 17°C to 33°C, making it ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and enjoying the city’s cultural events.
The monsoon season in Kochi starts from June and lasts till September, during which the city receives heavy rainfall. The humidity levels during this time are also high, which can make it uncomfortable for visitors to explore the city. The summer season in Kochi starts from March and lasts till June, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. The heat and humidity during this time can be challenging for visitors to cope with, especially for outdoor activities.
Therefore, the best time to visit Kochi is during the winter season from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, visitors should also be prepared for occasional rains during this time, especially in December and January.
Things to Do in Kochi
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a beautiful city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It’s a popular tourist destination, known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top things to do in Kochi:
Visit the historic Fort Kochi: Fort Kochi is a historic neighborhood in Kochi, known for its colonial buildings, quaint cafes, and charming streets. You can explore the area on foot, visit St. Francis Church, which is one of the oldest European churches in India, and see the Chinese fishing nets.
Explore the Mattancherry Palace: The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a beautiful palace built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. It’s known for its stunning murals, depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Take a backwater cruise: Kochi is surrounded by a network of lagoons, lakes, and canals that make up the famous Kerala backwaters. You can take a relaxing backwater cruise, which will take you through lush green landscapes and picturesque villages.
Watch a Kathakali performance: Kathakali is a traditional dance form of Kerala, known for its elaborate makeup, colorful costumes, and intricate movements. You can watch a live Kathakali performance in Kochi and witness the artistry of this beautiful dance form.
Visit the Hill Palace Museum: The Hill Palace Museum is a stunning museum located in the suburbs of Kochi. It’s known for its vast collection of artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from the royal family of Kochi.
Taste the local cuisine: Kochi is known for its delicious seafood and traditional Kerala cuisine. You can try local delicacies like fish curry, appam, and puttu at the many restaurants and cafes in the city.
Shop for spices and souvenirs: Kochi is famous for its spices, and you can buy them fresh from the local markets. You can also shop for souvenirs like handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry at the various markets and boutiques in the city.
Visit the Jewish Synagogue: The Jewish Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in India, located in the heart of Kochi. It’s known for its beautiful architecture and historic significance, as it was built in 1568.
Explore the beaches: Kochi has several beautiful beaches, including Cherai Beach, Fort Kochi Beach, and Vypin Island Beach. You can spend a day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the sea, and watching the sunset.
Take a day trip to Munnar: Munnar is a beautiful hill station located a few hours away from Kochi. You can take a day trip to Munnar and explore its tea gardens, waterfalls, and scenic views of the Western Ghats.
How to get around in Kochi
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a major city in the state of Kerala, India. Here are some options for getting around in Kochi:
Public transportation: Kochi has a well-established public transportation system including buses, metro rail, and auto-rickshaws. You can easily find a bus or an auto-rickshaw to travel within the city. The metro rail system is also available, but it covers only a limited area of the city.
Taxi: Taxis are easily available in Kochi, and you can book them through various mobile applications. You can also hire a taxi for a whole day to explore the city.
Bicycle: Kochi has several bike rental services that offer bicycles for hire. This is a great way to explore the city at your own pace while also getting some exercise.
Walk: Kochi is a walkable city, and many of its attractions are located close to each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city and experience its unique atmosphere.
Ferry: Kochi has an extensive network of ferry services, which are a great way to travel between the different islands and parts of the city. The ferry ride also offers a scenic view of the city and its surroundings.
Uber/Ola: Uber and Ola are popular ride-hailing services available in Kochi. You can easily book a ride using their mobile applications.
It is important to note that traffic in Kochi can be congested, especially during peak hours, so it is advisable to plan your travel accordingly.
where to eat in Kochi
Kochi is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, with a range of options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Here are some popular places to eat in Kochi:
Fort Kochi: This historic neighborhood in Kochi is known for its food scene. You can find several restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors serving a range of cuisines, including Kerala cuisine, seafood, and international cuisine.
Mattancherry: This neighborhood is known for its spice market and has several eateries serving delicious local food. Try the famous Thattukadas (street food stalls) for a quick bite or visit the local restaurants for traditional Kerala meals.
Broadway: This is a popular shopping area in Kochi, and it also has several eateries serving a range of cuisines, including North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese.
Marine Drive: This waterfront promenade in Kochi has several restaurants and cafes with a scenic view of the Arabian Sea. You can enjoy a leisurely meal while enjoying the beautiful sunset.
LuLu Mall: This is one of the largest shopping malls in India and has several food courts and restaurants serving a range of cuisines.
Paragon Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant chain in Kochi known for its traditional Kerala cuisine, including seafood, biryanis, and curries.
Kashi Art Cafe: This cafe is located in Fort Kochi and is known for its artistic ambiance and delicious food, including sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
These are just a few of the many options available in Kochi. You can also explore the local street food stalls and try the traditional dishes like Appam, Puttu, Idiyappam, and more.
famous street stalls in Kochi
Kochi is known for its street food, and there are several famous street stalls that you must try while visiting the city. Here are some of the most popular street stalls in Kochi:
Sethi’s street food: Located in the bustling Broadway market, this street stall is known for its delicious shawarmas, kebabs, and falafels.
Sree Muruga Cafe: This is a popular vegetarian street food stall in Mattancherry that serves delicious dosas, idlis, and vadas. The chutneys served here are particularly popular.
Dhe Puttu: This street stall in Panampilly Nagar is known for its traditional Kerala breakfast dish – puttu, which is steamed rice cakes served with coconut and chana curry, kadala curry, or chicken curry.
Pai Brothers: This is a famous food stall located in Fort Kochi that serves a range of local delicacies, including kappa and meen curry (tapioca and fish curry), fish fry, and prawn fry.
Dal Roti: This is a popular street food stall in Fort Kochi that serves delicious North Indian food, including parathas, naans, and curries.
Princes Street: This street in Fort Kochi is known for its street food vendors selling a range of snacks like vada pav, samosas, chaat, and more.
Star Bakery: This bakery in Mattancherry is known for its fresh and delicious baked goods, including bread, biscuits, and cakes.
These are just a few of the many popular street stalls in Kochi. Be sure to explore the local markets and streets to discover more hidden gems.
where to stay in Kochi
luxury accomodation
Kochi has several luxury accommodations that offer a comfortable and luxurious stay. Here are some of the best options:
Taj Malabar Resort and Spa: This 5-star hotel is located on Willingdon Island and offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. The hotel has several restaurants, a spa, and an outdoor pool.
Brunton Boatyard: This heritage hotel is located in Fort Kochi and is built in the style of a 19th-century boatyard. The hotel has several luxurious rooms and suites, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool.
Kochi Marriott Hotel: This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers luxurious rooms and suites, several restaurants, a spa, and a fitness center.
Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty: This luxurious hotel is located on Bolgatty Island and offers stunning views of the backwaters. The hotel has several restaurants, a spa, and an outdoor pool.
The Malabar House: This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Fort Kochi and offers luxurious rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
Le Meridien Kochi: This 5-star hotel is located in the city center and offers luxurious rooms and suites, several restaurants, a spa, and an outdoor pool.
These are just a few of the many luxury accommodations available in Kochi. Be sure to research and compare options based on your preferences and budget.
where to stay in Kochi
budget accomodation
Kochi has several budget accommodations that offer comfortable and affordable stays. Here are some of the best options:
Zostel Kochi: This hostel is located in the heart of Fort Kochi and offers dormitory-style accommodation and private rooms. The hostel has a communal kitchen, a rooftop terrace, and organizes several cultural events.
Happy Camper – Backpackers Hostel: This hostel is located in the trendy neighborhood of Panampilly Nagar and offers dormitory-style accommodation and private rooms. The hostel has a communal kitchen, a terrace, and organizes several cultural events.
Fort Muziris: This guesthouse is located in the historic neighborhood of Fort Kochi and offers comfortable rooms and suites. The guesthouse has a restaurant and a rooftop terrace.
Vedanta Wake up – Fort Kochi: This hostel is located in the heart of Fort Kochi and offers dormitory-style accommodation and private rooms. The hostel has a communal kitchen, a terrace, and organizes several cultural events.
Dream Catcher Homestay: This homestay is located in the quiet neighborhood of Kaloor and offers comfortable rooms with all necessary amenities. The homestay has a communal kitchen, a garden, and a terrace.
The Kochi Caprice: This guesthouse is located in the trendy neighborhood of Kadavanthra and offers comfortable rooms and suites. The guesthouse has a restaurant and a terrace.
These are just a few of the many budget accommodations available in Kochi. Be sure to research and compare options based on your preferences and budget.
Travel Tips Kochi
Here are some travel tips for Kochi:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kochi is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.
Transportation: Kochi has a good network of public transportation, including buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. You can also rent a bike or scooter to explore the city.
Local customs: Kochi is a cosmopolitan city, but it is important to respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
Food: Kochi is known for its delicious food, including seafood, biryani, and local snacks. Be sure to try some of the local delicacies at street stalls and restaurants.
Sightseeing: Kochi has several historic sites and cultural attractions, including the Fort Kochi area, Mattancherry Palace, and the Jewish Synagogue. Hire a local guide or take a walking tour to explore the city’s rich history and culture.
Shopping: Kochi is known for its handicrafts, spices, and textiles. Visit the local markets, including the famous Jew Town, to shop for souvenirs and local products.
Safety: Kochi is a relatively safe city, but it is important to take precautions to avoid theft and scams. Avoid carrying too much cash or valuable items and be wary of touts and unsolicited offers.
By following these travel tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Kochi.