15 Best Things To Do In Kochi, Kerala 2025

Kochi is known for its artistry, carefree and enjoyable lifestyles and its spicy yet delicious food. Since Kochi is one of the major exporters of spices, the cuisine of Kochi has lots of spices. Kochi can be best explored through foot and bicycle. There are innumerable things to do in Kochi, Kerala to make your trip worth remembering. The rich heritage of Kochi has seen it all and has now evolved as the requisite demand of the developing times. Modernisation has allowed many hoteliers to set up hotels that indeed are quite welcoming for visitors. The visitors can make a list of the top things to do in Kochi or unique things to do in Kochi, as per their preference, and plan their trip accordingly.

Exploring The Queen of Arabian Sea: Kochi

Apart from Kochi, there are some offbeat places to visit in Kerala. These cities just like Kochi will also show a glimpse of our rich heritage. If you decide on Kerala for your honeymoon, you can come to Kochi.

15 Best Things To Do In Kochi, Kerala

1. Elephant Training Centre

Kerala has hundreds of captive elephants that are owned by many temples and individuals.  We can also find sanctuaries dedicated especially for their protection. Therefore visiting these sanctuaries to spend some time with these huge mammals is one of the most unusual things to do in Kochi. 

Kodanad Training Centre is one of the largest elephant training centres in Kerala. Visit the training centre and observe the elephants closely, you can also feed them under the supervision of the authorities. 

• Timing: Tuesday to Sunday from 8 AM  to 5 PM
• Attraction: Observing the elephants closely and feeding them.
• Pocket Pinch: INR 30 per person.

2. St. Francis Church

• Timing:
• Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM 
• Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM
• Attraction: The Portuguese architecture 
• Pocket Pinch: Free of cost

3. Marine Drive

• Timing: Open throughout the day 
• Attraction: Sunset on the Vembanad Lake and cruise ride during the sunset 
• Pocket Pinch: Free

Note: For a Cruise ride, it depends on the package you take. It starts from INR 100 and can go up to INR 1000 depending on your needs and requirements.

4. Matancherry Palace

• Timing: Monday to Saturday from 9:45 AM to 4:45 PM
• Attraction: The best things to do in Kochi include : 
• Observing Mattancherry Palace and the murals depicting the episodes from the great Hindu epic Ramayana and Puranas
• Pocket Pinch: INR 2 per person

5. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

• Timing: Monday to Sunday 6 AM to 4 PM
• Attraction: Bird watching is one of the best things to do in Kochi
• Pocket Pinch: INR 100 for Indians and INR 250 for foreigners

6. Cherai Beach

The beach is known for its clean water and is ideal for swimming, which is one of the top activities in Kochi.  A green walkway along the beach offers a magnificent amalgamation of the sea and the lush green view. You can also choose to stay on Cherai Beach as there are many hotels with well-equipped facilities. 

Cherai Beach is the perfect getaway, if peace is what you are seeking. You can also opt for Yoga and meditation on the beach. If you are fond of adventure and sports you can find other top activities in Kochi like parasailing, speed boating, and banana boat riding to give that kick of adrenaline. 

In recent times, Scuba diving is being offered in many parts of Kerala including Kochi. If it is on your things to do in Kochi list, you can give it a try. 

• Timing: Monday to Sunday throughout the day.
• Attraction: Walking through the waves, watching the Sunset, water activities, Yoga and Meditation.
• Pocket Pinch: Free

7. Paradesi Synagogue

The Paradesi Synagogue is located in Old Cochin also known as the Jew Town of Kochi, and is known for its architecture and design. It is one of the best historical sites in Kochi. 

• Timing: Monday to Sunday, except Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM
• Attraction: Soak in the history of the Jewish settlers in India
• Pocket Pinch: Free

8. Backwaters

• Timing: Monday to Sunday throughout the day. 
• Attraction: The scenic sunset on the Vembanad Lake
• Pocket Pinch: The cost may vary starting from INR 1200 and can go up to INR 60,000 depending on the package you take.

9. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

• Timing: Monday to Saturday 9 AM to 5:30 PM and on Sundays from 10:30 AM to 1 PM
• Attraction: British and Portuguese architecture 
• Pocket Pinch: Free

10. Kochi Fort

• Timing: Monday to Sunday, open throughout the day.
• Attraction: Rich architectural design 
• Pocket Pinch: Free

11. Kathakali Centre

From the year 1994, this centre has been organising daily shows. These shows give a glimpse of the dance form and at the same time give an insight into what it takes to be a Kathakali dancer. Also, you will be astonished to know the amount of time invested that goes behind the beautiful performance. 

• Timing: Monday to Sunday from 9: 30 AM to 10 PM
• Attraction: Kathakali Dance
• Pocket Pinch: INR 500 per person

12. Kerala Folklore Museum

• Timing: Monday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 10 PM 
• Attraction: Architectural design and woodwork
• Pocket Pinch: INR 100 per person

13. Chinese Fishing Nets

• Timing: Monday to Sunday throughout the day. 
• Attraction: Chinese fishing nets.
• Pocket Pinch: Free

14. Kochi Spice Market

Delve into Kochi’s culinary heritage by immersing yourself in the bustling market atmosphere, and discovering the diverse array of herbs and condiments that have influenced global cuisines. 

Embark on a sensory journey through these spice markets, as they are not only vibrant Kochi tourist attractions, but a blend of history, culture, and flavour that create an unforgettable experience.

• Timing: Monday to Sunday 10 AM to 6.30 PM 
• Attraction: Wide variety of fragrant spices. 
• Pocket Pinch: Free

15. Kalaripayattu

When in Kochi you can get a first-hand experience of this traditional art form in Fort Kochi which runs regular shows to educate the world. A sword and a shield are used when performing Kalaripayattu. Enjoy this captivating experience by adding it to your “Things to do in Kochi, Kerala” list. 

• Timing: Daily shows are conducted but no such specific timing is available. 
• Attraction: Kalaripayattu art form
• Pocket Pinch: INR 500 to 1000 per person

Food in Kochi

As Kochi is located by the sea, we often see a dominance of seafood in their cuisine. Most of their dishes have a strong influence on Portuguese flavours. Kochi has some of the best fine dining restaurants in Kerala, which you can enjoy with your friends and family.

Is Kochi worth visiting?

The city’s tranquil mornings and bustling nightlife present an array of “Things to do in Kochi,” catering to every preference. Whether you seek serene moments by the waterfront or lively experiences in the city’s vibrant streets, Kochi has something for everyone. Furthermore, the warm hospitality of the locals ensures that each visitor leaves with cherished memories, adding to the city’s allure.

How to reach Kochi?

Air: The Kochi International Airport is connected to all major cities of India. It is also well-connected to many international countries making it one of the easiest and convenient places to visit.

Rail: The railway station of Kochi caters to most of the trains travelling from various cities in India. It is one of the major halts for trains travelling from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari and vice versa.

The roads to Kochi are well-developed. If you feel like going for a ride, you can easily take your car and drive through the highways of Kerala to reach Kochi.

The Best time to visit Kochi

The winters in Kochi are from October to February. The temperature is between 17 and 30 degrees, providing ideal weather to explore the city. You can also check the weather in Kerala during these months to get a better idea.

Conclusion