15 Top Things To Do In Kochi, The Queen Of The Arabian Sea

Q: What are the top things to do in Kochi?

Exploring historical sites like Mattancherry Palace and Fort Kochi, and enjoying sunsets, cultural performances, and culinary delights are some of the top things to do in Kochi.

Q: Is Kochi a good destination for family vacations?

Yes, Kochi with a plethora of family-friendly activities is a good destination for family vacations.

Q: What is the best time to visit Kochi?

The best time to visit Kochi is in winter from October to February, to enjoy sightseeing and other activities.

Q: Are there any beaches near Kochi to visit?

Vypin Beach and Cherai Beach are some of the best beaches to visit in Kochi.

Q: Can I take a day trip to nearby destinations from Kochi?

Yes, you can explore nearby places like Alleppey, Vagamon, Athirapally, and Thrissur.

Among the best places in Kerala, Kochi, the coastal town stands out as a scenic beauty with a lot to offer. If you are wondering what to do in Kochi for a day, the best Kerala Tour Packages offer a plethora of things to do in Kochi apart from just the mesmerising views. For your next holiday, plan a trip to Kochi and soak in the serene beauty of nature.

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

Kochi though located on the southern coast of India, is a must-visit when in Kerala. The city is a group of small islands often invaded by the Dutch, British, Chinese, and Portuguese for its spices. Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a foodies paradise for every person who loves food. There are plenty of things to do in Kochi, Kerala. Let’s put the spotlight on the top 15 things to do in 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 is the land of Elephants. Visiting these huge tuskers is among the best things to do in Kochi Kerala. You can rather say it tops the list of “Things to do in Kochi.” The elephants, though huge, are known for their gentle nature, strong memory, and friendly attitude.

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

Kochi is the home to some of the oldest churches in India because of the invasion by foreigners for its spices. The St. Francis Church is one of the must-visit places in Kochi built around the year 1503. It was built by the Portuguese invaders Franciscan Friars. Visit the church to soak in the divinity and spirituality of the place and also to experience the Portuguese architecture.

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

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3. Marine Drive

The Marine Drive of Kochi is located in the heart of Kochi overlooking the Vembanad Lake. The long array of Palm trees alongside the bustling city offers a perfect blend of nature and urban life. The highlight of this picturesque landscape is the sunset. The Marine Drive has several cafes and shops that can serve as a great place to rejuvenate oneself. This perfect amalgamation is the reason why walking through Marine Drive is one of the best things to do in Kochi.

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

Mattancherry Palace is one of the best places to visit in Kochi. This Dutch Portuguese Palace was built in the year 1555. The beautiful courtyard with the architectural style of Nalukettu and the colourful murals of the royal family in the hallway gives a brief insight into the life of royals during the 1550s. The Mattancherry Palace is a great place to look into our captivating history and our artistic pasts.

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

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5. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kerala is known for being God’s Own Country because of its rich flora and fauna. This God’s own country is blessed with many sanctuaries and national parks. The most popular thing in this sanctuary is bird watching. June to August is the most ideal time to go to Kumarakom for bird watching.

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

Kerala is blessed with beautiful beaches and out of all the beaches, Cherai has been the most popular and visited beach. Spread across 10 kilometres, the beach has been able to attract both local and foreign visitors for its serene calm nature.

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

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7. Paradesi Synagogue

Paradesi Synagogue, the place of worship for the Paradesi Jews is one of the popular Kochi tourist attractions. Located right next to Mattancherry Palace, it was built by the Paradesi Jews – Spanish-speaking Jews who had taken shelter in India after fleeing from Spain.

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

The backwaters of Kerala offer a kind experience. Your trip to Kochi will be incomplete without the adventurous ride on the backwaters of Kerala. The serene and calm waters with the beautiful sunset can be a deadly combination. You can also request a quiet and romantic date with your better half while enjoying the idle life of the village.

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.

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9. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

This Portuguese-built church is known for its magnificent structure. It was first built by the Portuguese during their time of invasion and later destroyed by the Britishers during their time. The Britishers later changed the original structure and made it as per their preferred design. The walls of the church speak about the glory and legends of the past.

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

The first place in Kochi that showed evidence of invasion in India by European settlement is Kochi Fort. It is located in the old parts of Kochi. You can visit the same by taking a bus or ferry to the fort. The fort gives a view of the remarkable history and spectacular architectural design of the churches. Visiting Kochi Fort is one of the best family activities in Kochi.

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

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11. Kathakali Centre

When it comes to the cultural experiences in Kochi, Kathakali Centre offers the best experience. Kathakali dance is the cultural dance form of Kerala, and witnessing it is one of the key “Things to do in Kochi.” Kochi proudly hosts this traditional art form, with the Kathakali Dance Centre situated in Fort Kochi.

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

Visiting the Kerala Folklore Museum is one of the best things to do in Kochi at night. Located in the Kochi city of Thevara it has the architectural styles of Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore. The beauty of the museum is the elephant structure present on both sides of the multi-story traditional architecture. The museum was established in 2009 and has a huge collection of Kerelan woodwork and carpentry style.

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

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13. Chinese Fishing Nets

The fort of Kochi is famous for its Chinese Fishing Nets, making it to the top of the list in “Things to do in Kochi.” The Chinese nets were introduced in Kerala some 500 years ago by a fisherman named Zang, who had invented this special kind of fishing net. The Chinese net, which once used to be a source of income for the fishermen, has become a major tourist attraction in recent times.

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

14. Kochi Spice Market

The rich history shaped by numerous foreign invasions offers vibrant cultural experiences in Kochi, intertwined with its spice trade legacy. Exploring the spice markets is one of the captivating “Things to do in Kochi,” where visitors encounter a treasure trove of aromatic spices like nutmeg, vanilla, ginger, and cinnamon.

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

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15. Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts from India. This art form originated in Kerala and is performed by trained men and women. This art form showcases a combat, generally performed one to one.

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

Eating the authentic Kerala Food is one of the first things to do in Kochi. Kochi’s food serves the perfect combination of the Kerela culture and the historical past of its foreign invaders. Appam, puttu, and idiyappam are often seen being served with flavourful curries and chutneys.

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.

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Is Kochi worth visiting?

Kochi, renowned for its vibrant culture, stands out as a premier destination in Kerala. Its unique blend of historical charm and contemporary allure makes it a favourite among travellers. As the former spice capital, Kochi offers a window into India’s past, reflecting its resilience amidst foreign invasions.

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?

Kochi is one of the major cities in Kerala and is well connected by every mode of transport. Of all, the best way is travelling by flight and train.

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

Since the city is located by the sea, it has a tropical climate where the temperature can rise to 40 degrees Celsius. The heavy rains make it unfit to roam through the streets of Kochi. So the best time to visit Kochi is during winter. There are plenty of things to do in Kochi during winter like adventure sports, calm and peaceful yoga, etc.

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

Explore the lanes of Kochi by indulging in the rich vibrant culture of Kerala. From Fort Kochi to the backwaters of the city, this Kochi travel guide will help you explore nothing but the best Kochi sightseeing spots for every section of people. Kochi is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. So for the next holiday, make a list of things to do in Kochi Kerala, and visit God’s Own Country. The tranquil backwaters, serene beaches, adventurous water sports, calm yoga, and meditation centre, vibrant Kathakali dancers, and so on. Kochi promises everyone a trip worth remembering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top things to do in Kochi?

Is Kochi a good destination for family vacations?

What is the best time to visit Kochi?

Are there any beaches near Kochi to visit?

Can I take a day trip to nearby destinations from Kochi?

Exploring The Queen of Arabian Sea: Kochi