Kathakali performer in Kochi India
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Top 15 Best Things to do in Kochi + Tourist Spots

Tourist Attractions, Activities, and Best Places to Visit in Kochi, India

Bucket List: What is Kochi famous for?

Looking for Awesome Things To Do and See in Kochi, India? When one thinks of India, the first thing that comes to mind is its vibrant culture, the Taj Mahal, the colorful festivals, and the bountiful Indian cuisine options with signature spices.

Things to do in Kochi
Things to do in Kochi

But wait until you discover India’s enchanting city called “Kochi” — one of the most populated cities in Kerala, India. It is also hailed as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea as it’s surrounded by islands, lakes, rivers, and peninsulas — attracting tourists from around the world.

Kathakali performer in Kochi India
Kathakali performer in Kochi India

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is part of Ernakulam’s district in Kerala and has a typical tropical climate. They also have regular flights to almost all the Middle East cities and a few destinations in Southeast Asia, so there’s no worrying about visiting here anytime.

If you’re curious about what this exciting destination offers, here’s an exciting list of the best things to do in Kochi, India.

Fort Kochi Itinerary
Fort Kochi Itinerary

Explore Fort Kochi

You’ll be awed by the striking architecture here at Fort Kochi. Ensure you’re recharged when you visit and try their much-anticipated activities in this area. It can be accessed through roadways and waterways. Private and transport buses also travel from different parts of the city to Fort Kochi.

Although this area may be laid back amongst other parts of Kochi, you’ll never run out of great seafood options and fancy cafes here. You can choose your fish from a fishmonger and have it cooked how you want it.

Other places to visit include the 16th-century St Francis Church, some old European buildings, and the Mattancherry Palace, housing Ramayana paintings. You can also go shopping at boutique shops, especially at Cinnamon, where you can find an array of Indian designer fashion, jewelry, and homewares.

Bus Ride in Kochi by Najl Musthafa via Unsplash
Bus Ride in Kochi by Najl Musthafa via Unsplash

Take an exhilarating bus ride around Kochi.

Warning: Not for the faint-hearted.

To best describe it, the “patok” jeep in the Philippines is similar to the swift bus ride in Kochi.

But despite the heart-pumping bus ride, you get to see the serene view and colorful houses along the way. Their bus transport system, known as Red Buses, is mainly dominated by private operators.

Elephant Temple Festival in Thrissur
Elephant Temple Festival in Thrissur

Take a detour at Thrissur.

Why not be spontaneous and have a detour at Thrissur, where Kerala’s elephant temple festival is celebrated. Take the train and bring your fully charged phone and cameras so you won’t miss any exciting spots in one of Kerala’s oldest cities.

Nature lovers will love the bountiful temples, hillocks, and beaches surrounding the city. In this district, you’ll see the famous Vadakkunnathan Temple, Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, and the Shakthan Thampuran Palace, which has been in Thrissur for 1000 years. Expect to see lots of Hindu devotees in the complex.

There is also a kid-friendly place where you can bring the whole family, such as the Anakotta – Guruvayoor Elephant Sanctuary, where you can see elephants of different sizes, and the Nehru Park, where you can do picnics, which is open from 3pm-8pm.

The best time to visit would be in April to celebrate the Thrissur Pooram, where various rum concerts, displays of pyro-techniques, and public participation are expected.

Mattancherry Palace photo by Ranjith Siji via Wikipedia CC
Mattancherry Palace photo by Ranjith Siji via Wikipedia CC

Visit the Mattancherry Palace

Immerse into their rich culture and see some of India’s best art murals and paintings inside the Mattancherry Palace. It was initially a Portuguese palace – later presented to the king of Cochin around 1555. In 1663, it underwent renovations. More enticing displays are to be seen inside, from paraphernalia owned by the rajas, the king’s bedchamber, Palliyara, the traditional Kerala flooring, the old brass cups in the dining hall, and exhibits from local artists.

The palace is also surrounded by plenty of shops to buy memorabilia. Getting around is also easy; the jetty and bus terminal are behind.

Kathakali performance
Kathakali performance

Watch a Kathakali performance.

If given a chance, witness one of the nine classical dances in India called Kathakali, where dancers are donned in colorful and fascinating costumes.

This type of dance-drama originated from the south Indian state of Kerala and depicts some themes from the Hindu epics Ramayana, Mahabharata, and more. You can catch a performance at Kochi’s Kerala Kathakali Centre, which runs daily. As a matter of fact, you can also see how artists apply their makeup!

princess street in Fort Kochi India photo via Wikipedia CC
princess street in Fort Kochi India photo via Wikipedia CC

Go Street Shopping at Princess Street

There are lots to see and things to do in Kochi, and one is street shopping at café hopping at Princess Street.

Many tourists hang out at this vibrant avenue and check out European counterparts and a long stretch of shops, restaurants, cigar shops, art galleries, and kiosks offering various souvenirs, handicrafts, and artifacts.

Aikoora Puliyanam or Quilon style seer fish curry
Aikoora Puliyanam or Quilon style seer fish curry

Taste authentic Indian cuisine at Trilogi.

Enjoy your downtime, and have your dinner at Trilogi for a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience at Crowne Plaza Kochi. Prepare your palates for a burst of flavors for their nostalgic specialties you can’t find anywhere in the world.

Must-tries include paratha and curry. The menu consists of Seafood, Vegetarian-Friendly, and Vegan Options. They also serve an English buffet breakfast to break from the usual local dishes.

Nimmy Paul's Cooking School photo via Facebook Page
Nimmy Paul’s Cooking School photo via Facebook Page

Take Cooking Lessons at Nimmy Paul’s Cooking School

If you’re creative and want to learn how they cook local cuisine in Kochi, check out this cooking school at Beach Road, Kattiparambu.

Meet Nimmy, the teacher who is also a consultant to magazines and chefs. She teaches guests traditional Kerala recipes, such as the Inji Kari, Meen Molee, Moppilah Biriyani, and Meen Pattichatu, to name a few.

Souvenir Shop in Jew Town
Souvenir Shop in Jew Town

Buy Spices at the Jew Town

Feeling inspired by the cooking lessons at Nimmy Paul’s? Why not head towards the famous Jew Town and check out some signature spices to remake the dishes you’ve learned. Get to know the locals and ask for other cuisines you can do with those spices!

Here at Jew Town, there are various souvenir places where you can buy your pasalubong.

Chill at Vypeen Island

Nedungad Village in Vypeen Island by Varkey Parakkal via Wikipedia CC
Nedungad Village in Vypeen Island by Varkey Parakkal via Wikipedia CC

Everyone deserves a relaxing getaway, and you’ll be a surefire treat when you visit Vypeen Island, which can be visited via ferry from Fort Kochi. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and a popular place to get luxurious massages and traditional healing.

But of course, let’s not forget to have those curry cravings at The Rice Boat, where banana steamed fish is also a bestseller!

Relax at Kashi Art Café

Kashi Art Cafe in Kochi photo via Facebook Page
Kashi Art Cafe in Kochi photo via Facebook Page

From stylish wood tables to attractive interiors and contemporary artworks made by local artists, one will truly enjoy dining here at Kashi Art Café at Burgher St., Fort Cochin. They’re very well known for their solid and organic coffee.

Enjoy their excellent Western breakfast, home-baked cakes, salads, and French toast.

Birdwatching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Double-crested (Phalacrocorax auritus) Cormorant, a matte black fishing bird in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Double-crested (Phalacrocorax auritus) Cormorant, a matte black fishing bird in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Learn more about the beautiful species of migratory birds in this sanctuary located at Kumarakom, Kerala.

In these 14 acres lies 20-30 species of birds, including the Siberian stork, parade fly-catchers, lone golden-backed woodpeckers, egret, darter, heron, and teal. Spend time and take pictures of these migratory birds, best visited from June to August. Houseboats and motorboats are available to hire for bird-watching cruises on the lake. It is open from 6am to 5pm.

You can hire local taxis from Kottayam, around 13km from the sanctuary to go here.

Snorkel at one of Kochi’s Best Beaches

Cherai Beach photo by Sabincp via Wikipedia CC
Cherai Beach photo by Sabincp via Wikipedia CC

Want to go on a water adventure in Kochi? Why not try snorkeling at one of its pristine beaches, swim with dolphins, and see its rich marine biodiversity. Don’t worry about first-timers.

Many tour guides will teach you the basics and tell you where to rent some snorkeling equipment. Other activities include paragliding, boating, and dolphin watching at Cherai Beach.

Visit the Folklore Museum

Another exciting thing to do in Kochi is to visit the Folklore Museum, which aims to promote and preserve contemporary and modern artists. The museum has ethnic collections of more than 6000 artworks and exquisite sculptures.

Kerala Folklore Museum by muffinn @mwf2005 via Flickr CC
Kerala Folklore Museum by muffinn @mwf2005 via Flickr CC

The Museum in itself is a destination itself, with its impeccable architecture. Other things to see include musical instruments, old-school Indian paintings, artifacts, woodwork, and bronze sculptures. There’s a theatre where performances representing authentic South Indian culture are put up.

If you plan to buy some souvenirs, there is an antique store and a Jewelry store inside that sells Kerala Saris and handloom products. There is also a theater in the Museum where stage performances representing authentic South Indian culture are put up.

You can take an Uber or a local taxi from Fort Cochin to go here. However, if you’re on a budget, you can take any bus, including the Fort Cochin–Vytilla–Airport bus to Thevara.

Visit the Pallipuram Fort

Pallipuram Fort photo by Challiyan via Wikipedia CC
Pallipuram Fort photo By Challiyan at Malayalam Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.5

Consider yourself lucky to see India’s oldest existing European fort, the Pallipuram Fort, at Vypeen Island. It was built in 1503 by the Portuguese and is also known as Ayikotta or Alikotta. It is hexagonal, and the lower floor has a height of 5 feet (1.5 m).

To visit, take the nearest railway station, the Ernakulam Junction, near the main boat jetty to Vypeen Island.

Our Top Hotel Picks for Kochi



Booking.com

Kochi Travel and Tour Packages

To help you plan your vacation to Kochi, we listed places to visit and other amazing things to do in Kochi, India. We also listed some of the best travel deals, tour packages, and excellent flight deals and accommodation.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of cheap Kochi hotels and resorts via Agoda and Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Kochi, India? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, TwitterInstagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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