“The Queen of Arabian Sea”
South India’s backwater city, Kochi is otherwise known as Cochin that overlooks the Arabian Sea. The city is marked by the influences of Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese, British, and Arabs as well as the Chera dynasty followed by the rule of Feudal Lords. The trade center of different spices and commodities like coir and coffee, Kochi exports the staples to various countries throughout the second millennium.
Kochi gathers the attention of tourists due to its breath-taking natural ambiance and cultural imprints. From over the unique cultures, delicious cuisines, and mesmerizing architectural styles, there are many things to relish in Kochi that fit in better as an ideal weekend getaway.
Things to do
Get on a backwater cruise
Pristine backwaters are an iconic attraction of Kerala that offers an amazing houseboat cruise experience through its scintillating backwaters. When on a vacation trip to Kochi, this is a perfect activity to enjoy and get an outstanding ferry ride through the lagoons of the city.
Pamper yourself with Ayurvedic Massage
A blissful getaway at Kochi presents a refreshing holiday experience by enjoying an ayurvedic massage in its natural environment. Refreshing in a way of relaxing body, mind, and soul, is the best experience to relish and make a trip rejuvenating.
Witness a classical Kathakali Performance
One of the classical dance forms of India, Kathakali is all known for its colorful costumes and elaborative make-over. No trip to Kochi is said to be completed without enjoying this dance performance and watch out the artistic feature of the city.
Mark a visit to Elephant Sanctuary
Spending some time with giant mammals at Elephant Sanctuary will lift up your travel experience in a great way. There are many interesting activities and sessions that take place in the sanctuary which you can enjoy on your visit.
Best time to visit
Kochi experiences optimum temperatures all around the year, but the best time to visit Kochi is considered as the start of the winter season (October to March). Summers and monsoons are, however, a tad difficult to explore the city due to its extreme temperatures, but these are equally attractive for budget travelers.
A famous tourist attraction in Kochi, Dutch Palace was constructed by the Portuguese. The traditional flooring is certainly a mesmerizing feature of this place that looks like black polished marble. It is also known as Mattancherry Palace and visitors can find a range of Kerala temple murals, belongings of kings, and artifacts in the palace museum.
Places 13 kilometers away from Ernakulam, Fort Kochi is a must-visit attraction of the city. This place is also known for its Chinese Fishing Nets, eye-catching colonial structures, spectacular beaches, and unique architecture.
Another jewel of Kochi, Santa Cruz Basilica is the finest cathedral and is one of the eight Basilicas in India. Constructed by Francesco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy has attractive architecture. The white washed exterior look and pastel-colored interiors of this structure are captivating and lure the visitors by its beautiful paintings as well.
A great hangout place in Kochi, Bolgatty Island fascinates the travelers with its tranquil ambiance and exotic seascape. This small island paradise is nestled beside the Ellington Island and Ernakulam Island is just a place to boat ride away.
Consider Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary in your travel itinerary, if you are a bird lover then this is just a place for you. Located in the heart of the city, it is a wide range of migratory birds. The thick mangrove vegetation attracts many bird species like avian and more that can be spotted in its forest area.