Things to Do in Kochi: A Visitor’s Guide

Welcome to Kochi – Queen of the Arabian Sea!

Kochi will charm you. This coastal city blends old traditions with modern life. Here’s your guide to exploring Kerala’s cultural capital.

Top Attractions

Fort Kochi

Walk through 500 years of history. Portuguese, Dutch, and British left their marks here. See St. Francis Church where Vasco da Gama was buried. The Chinese fishing nets make perfect photos at sunset.

Mattancherry Palace

Dutch built this palace in 1555. Beautiful murals show Hindu stories. The museum displays royal artifacts. Visit the nearby spice markets for authentic Kerala spices.

Marine Drive

This waterfront promenade stretches 3 kilometers. Evening boat rides offer city skylines. Street food vendors sell fresh seafood. Couples love the romantic sunset views.

Food You Must Try

Breakfast Spots

Start at Dhe Puttu in Fort Kochi. Order Puttu with fish curry or Appam with stew. These Kerala classics fuel your morning perfectly.

Lunch and Dinner

Ginger House serves fresh seafood. Try Karimeen fish curry with red rice. Fish Moilee tastes creamy and mild. The waterfront location adds charm.

Sweet Treats

Pai Brothers makes the best halwa. Visit Dal Roti for North Indian swaps. Broadway has street food like banana chips and jackfruit treats.

Shopping Areas

Lulu Mall

Kerala’s largest shopping center. Buy these items:

Kasavu sarees
Spice packets
Coconut products
Handicrafts

MG Road

Find branded stores and local shops. Look for Kerala cotton shirts and ethnic wear. Small outlets sell ayurvedic products.

Jew Town

Antique shops line narrow streets. Hunt for vintage items and old coins. Spice shops offer cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.

Adventure Activities

Backwater Cruises

Houseboat trips through Alleppey canals take 2 hours by road. Professional guides explain local life. Day trips offer safety and comfort. Coconut groves create peaceful scenes.

Kayaking

Kumrakom backwaters have calm waters. Families enjoy paddling through mangroves. Morning trips show bird life clearly.

Fishing Trips

Local fishermen teach traditional methods. Half-day trips catch mackerel and kingfish. Fresh catches cook on boat for lunch.

Gardens and Nature

Bolgatty Palace Gardens

Manicured lawns overlook backwaters. Walk through old trees and flowering plants. The palace hotel serves afternoon tea.

Subhash Park

Children’s playground sits near Marine Drive. Jogging tracks wind through green spaces. Evening walks offer cool sea breezes.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

This green lung sits in the city center. Spot kingfishers, herons, and egrets. Wooden walkways protect wetland plants.

Cultural Spots

Kerala Kathakali Centre

Watch classical dance performances nightly. Artists apply makeup before shows. Learn about this 400-year-old art form.

Indo-Portuguese Museum

Explore Portuguese influence on Kerala culture. Church artifacts show religious history. Wooden sculptures impress art lovers.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (March-May)

Visit museums during hot hours
Take boat rides when cooler
Shop in air-conditioned malls
Explore beaches early morning

Monsoon (June-September)

Backwaters look lush and full
Indoor cultural shows work best
Ayurvedic treatments feel perfect
Cooking classes teach local dishes

Winter (October-February)

Perfect weather for outdoor trips
Beach walks feel comfortable
Sunset cruises work wonderfully
Hill station day trips stay pleasant

Family Fun

Wonderla Amusement Park

Water rides cool families down. Roller coasters thrill older kids. Games and activities keep everyone busy. Modern facilities meet safety standards.

Hill Palace Museum

Former royal residence shows Kerala history. Deer park entertains children. Archaeological exhibits teach about the past.

Day Trip Options

Munnar (4 hours drive)

Tea plantation tours
Cool mountain weather
Scenic valley views
Fresh mountain air

Thekkady (4 hours drive)

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Elephant spotting opportunities
Spice plantation visits
Bamboo rafting adventures

Transportation Tips

City buses connect major areas
Auto-rickshaws work for short trips
Metro reaches key locations
Boats travel between islands
Taxi apps offer convenient rides

What to Buy

Textiles

Kasavu sarees with gold borders
Cotton shirts and kurtas
Handloom fabrics
Ethnic wear pieces

Spices

Cardamom pods
Black pepper
Cinnamon sticks
Clove packets

Handicrafts

Wooden elephants
Coconut shell items
Brass lamps
Kathakali masks

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Kochi special?

Kochi blends cultures from around the world. Chinese, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British traders shaped this port city. You see this mix in food, buildings, and traditions.

How many days do I need to see Kochi?

Three to four days cover main attractions. Day one includes Fort Kochi and Chinese fishing nets. Day two works for Mattancherry Palace and spice markets. Day three allows backwater trips. Day four covers shopping and museums.

Which is the best season to visit?

October to March offers perfect weather. Temperatures stay pleasant for walking tours. Monsoon brings heavy rains but makes backwaters beautiful. Summer gets hot and humid.

Where should I stay in Kochi?

Fort Kochi puts you near historic sites. Marine Drive offers waterfront hotels. Ernakulam has business hotels and shopping access. Most areas connect well by roads.

What food must I try in Kochi?

Kerala cuisine uses coconut and spices. Try Appam with fish curry for breakfast. Karimeen fish tastes amazing with rice. Puttu and banana make healthy combinations. End meals with payasam or banana chips.

Is Kochi safe for tourists?

Yes, Kochi welcomes tourists warmly. The city has good police presence. Tourist areas stay well-lit at night. Women travelers feel secure here. Local people help with directions.

How do I get around the city?

Metro trains connect Ernakulam to other areas. Auto-rickshaws work for short distances. City buses reach all neighborhoods. Boats travel between Fort Kochi and Ernakulam. Walking works well in historic areas.

What should I buy as souvenirs?

Kerala spices make great gifts. Kasavu sarees show local craftsmanship. Coconut products last long. Traditional masks and wooden crafts look beautiful. Ayurvedic oils offer health benefits.

Can I take day trips from Kochi?

Yes, several destinations work for day trips. Munnar tea gardens take 4 hours by car. Thekkady wildlife sanctuary needs 4 hours. Kumarakom backwaters require 2 hours. These trips offer different experiences.

What time do attractions open?

Most museums open at 10 AM. Palaces open at 9 AM. Markets start around 8 AM. Boat services run all day. Cultural shows begin at 6 PM. Check specific timings before visiting.