Kochi Tourism: Explore the Cultural & Historical Gateway to Kerala
Welcome to Kochi (formerly known as Cochin), a vibrant twin city where centuries-old colonial heritage seamlessly blends with a bustling, modern seaside metropolis. Straddling the pristine Arabian Sea and a vast network of tranquil backwaters, Kochi has been drawing spice traders, explorers, and travelers to its shores for over 600 years.
Whether you are wandering through the atmospheric, history-steeped streets of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, exploring the rustic mangrove forests on the city’s fringes, or experiencing the dynamic urban energy of Ernakulam, Kochi promises an unforgettable journey. As the premier gateway to Kerala, it offers the perfect starting point to immerse yourself in the region’s rich tapestry of royal history, world-renowned performing arts, and serene coastal beauty before you head inland toward the hills and houseboats.
Fort Kochi & Heritage Landmarks
Chinese Fishing Nets: The iconic, cantilevered giant nets lining the shore—best viewed at sunset.
Vasco Da Gama Square: The narrow, scenic walkway running along the Fort Kochi beach. It is the perfect spot to watch fishermen operate the Chinese fishing nets while enjoying local street food.
Indo-Portuguese Museum: Located inside the Bishop’s House premises, this museum preserves the rich Catholic heritage and Portuguese architectural influence that shaped Fort Kochi.
St. Francis CSI Church: India’s oldest European-built church (1503) and the original burial site of explorer Vasco da Gama.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica: A magnificent Gothic-style Catholic basilica renowned for its soaring spires, pastel interiors, and stunning ceiling murals.
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): A beautiful blend of Kerala and colonial architecture, home to some of the finest mythological murals in India.
Paradesi Synagogue & Jew Town: The oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, featuring hand-painted Chinese porcelain tiles and antique shops lining the streets outside.
Backwaters & Nature Escapes
Mangrove Forest Boating (Kumbalangi / Suburbs): A rustic eco-tourism experience where travelers can take quiet canoe rides through dense, serene mangrove canopy forests, catching glimpses of local crab farming and traditional village life.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary: An oasis of green right in the middle of downtown Ernakulam. Often called the “Green Lung of Kochi,” this mangrove-rich sanctuary shelters a variety of migratory bird species.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary): Located slightly inland on the foothills of the Western Ghats, this is a paradise for avid birdwatchers. Described by legendary ornithologist Salim Ali as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India.
Cherai Beach: Located on Vypeen Island, offering a beautiful golden shoreline where calm backwaters meet the waves of the Arabian Sea.
Culture, History & Museums
Kerala History Museum (Edappally): One of the oldest history museums in the region, featuring a captivating light-and-sound show that walks visitors through the lives and timelines of Kerala’s historic figures.
Kerala Folklore Museum: A treasure trove of architectural heritage, built using wood from ancient traditional mansions. It houses thousands of rare artifacts, masks, and antique sculptures.
Hill Palace Museum (Tripunithura): The largest archaeological museum in Kerala and the former official residence of the Maharaja of Cochin, showcasing royal crowns, ornaments, and majestic grounds.
Kerala Kathakali Centre: A fantastic cultural theater space in Fort Kochi to watch classical Kathakali dance dramas, complete with pre-show makeup sessions.
Spiritual Sites & Temples
Ernakulam Shiva Temple: Located right in the heart of the city facing the backwaters, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Ernakulathappan) is deeply tied to the history and protection of Kochi.
Chottanikkara Devi Temple: A highly revered pilgrim center located on the outskirts of Kochi, dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, worshipped in three forms (Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Durga) throughout the day.
Edappally St. George Forane Church: One of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in Kerala, attracting millions of pilgrims globally for its rich history and beautiful modern shrine complex.
Modern Kochi & Leisure
Lulu Mall (Edappally): One of the largest shopping malls in Asia, featuring premium international brands, a massive food court, an ice-skating rink, and entertainment zones—perfect for a modern city break.
Marine Drive Promenade: A bustling waterfront walkway in Ernakulam city center, perfect for catching a sunset backwater cruise or an evening stroll along the harbor.
The Heritage Trail: (Fort Kochi, Jew Town, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Vasco Da Gama Square)
The Nature & Wildlife Escape: (Thattekad or Mangrove Boating + Kerala History Museum)
The Spiritual & Modern Mix: (Chottanikkara Temple, Shiva Temple, and shopping at Lulu Mall)