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The vibrant centre of Kerala, Ernakulam, is well known for its unique fusion of urban sophistication and cultural legacy. On the mainland, Ernakulam is close to the older Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Things to do in Ernakulam include exploring the bustling business community, modern infrastructure, and lively shopping areas. The city is a starting point for discovering Kerala’s beautiful beaches and exquisite backwaters. With a population of over 3 million, Ernakulam is a vital centre for trade, tourism, and industry in the region.
10 Things to Do in Ernakulam
This is a personalised list of the best things to do in Ernakulam to make your trip worthwhile and memorable for years.
1. Marine Drive
Photo: Dhruvaraj S / Wikimedia / Commons
One of Kochi’s best midnight walks is along the gorgeous Marine Drive promenade. The route runs beside crowded shops and peaceful backwaters on one side. This spot is perfect for enjoying the cool breeze and sunset. Landmarks around this area include the Rainbow Bridge and the Chinese Fishing Nets. It is an excellent place for travellers because of its various dining options, including continental and traditional Kerala cuisine.
Start Point: High Court Junction
End Point: Rajendra Maidan
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Cost/Person: Free
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Chalakudy
2. Mattancherry Palace
Photo: Ranjith Siji / Wikimedia / Commons
Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is known for its blend of features of several colonial styles and offers a glimpse into the state’s regal past. The Portuguese erected the palace, which was later renovated by the Dutch. It is a two-storeyed structure. The palace is built in the traditional Kerala Nalukettu model, with four separate wings opening into a central courtyard. The ceilings of the palace halls are decorated with wood-carved floral designs, including the design of an inverted lotus. Inside are exquisite murals depicting episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Start Point: Mattancherry
End Point: Mattancherry
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Cost/Person: ₹10 for Indians, ₹25 for foreigners
3. Jewish Synagogue
Photo: jeem / Wikimedia / Commons
The Kadavumbhagam Synagogue is a Jewish institution of worship located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. According to some historians, the palace of the initial Jewish settlement was built in the thirteenth century at what is now Kodungallur, at Cranganore. It was relocated early in the eighteenth century to its present site, with beautiful decor with Belgian chandeliers, gilded pulpit, and hand-painted Chinese tiles. The synagogue also features a clock tower and expensive artefacts on display.
Start Point: Jew Town Road
End Point: Jew Town Road
Duration: 1 hour
Cost/Person: ₹5 for Indians, ₹10 for foreigners
Suggested Read: Beaches Near Thrissur
4. Cherai Beach
Photo: Edukeralam / Wikimedia / Commons
Cherai Beach, a haven for swimmers, is about twenty kilometres from the side of Vypeen Island and the Ernakulam industrial region. The added allure of swimming against a backdrop of coconut groves makes it an excellent spot for people seeking a calm swim. This place also offers a fantastic perspective of Cheena Vala, well known as the famed Chinese Fishing Nets. Fresh food from the adjacent shacks fills you right after a satisfying swim. This location is known for its distinctive seashells and frequent sightings of dolphins.
Start Point: Vypin Island
End Point: Vypin Island
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Cost/Person: Free (activities may vary in cost)
5. Kerala Folklore Museum
Photo: Rabe! / Wikimedia / Commons
The Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum is situated in the Thevara neighbourhood of Kochi and features architecture influenced by the Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore regions. It greets you with a large Kalvilakku (stone lantern). When you pass this Kalvilakku, elephant statues greet you. The steps leading to the enormous multi-story traditional building are on both sides of the statues. This 2009-opened architectural museum features an extensive collection of Keralan woodwork and is a prime example of the state’s historic carpentry.
Start Point: Thevara
End Point: Thevara
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Cost/Person: ₹100 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
Suggested Read: Kadanthery Nature Park
6. Fort Kochi
Photo: Ambadyanands / Wikimedia / Commons
Fort Kochi is a charming seaside town renowned for its lively arts scene, charming streets, and colonial architecture. While touring down the K.J Herschel Road one can get a glimpse of Fort Kochi. This former bastion was built as a sign of a strategic alliance between the Maharaja of Cochin and the Portuguese. See the famous Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church.
Start Point: Fort Kochi Beach
End Point: St. Francis Church
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Cost/Person: Free
7. Lulu Mall
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia / Commons
Located in Edappally, Lulu Mall is one of India’s most prominent retail centres. It is spread over 2.5 million square feet, a crystal palace with a ceiling. The mall, which was opened to the public on 10 March 2013, houses more than 300 outlets. It has an ice skating rink, a theatre, a hypermarket, various local and international brands, and entertainment opportunities galore. It is the ideal location for dining, shopping, and entertainment, all under one roof.
Start Point: Edappally
End Point: Edappally
Cost/Person: Free (shopping and activities vary in cost)
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Kerala
8. Bolgatty Palace
Photo: Augustus Binu / Wikimedia / Commons
This beautiful Dutch palace has been transformed into a heritage hotel on Bolgatty Island. A marina, a nine-hole golf course and a well-kept garden are all on the palace grounds. Beautiful views of the backwaters can be seen while enjoying a peaceful getaway. Dutch architecture is evident throughout the palace, situated on an 8-acre estate with well-kept grounds and historic trees. A fantastic sight, set against the backdrop of an ideal environment.
Start Point: Bolgatty Island
End Point: Bolgatty Island
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Cost/Person: Entry-free (accommodation and activities vary in cost)
9. Hill Palace Museum
Photo: Maheshbabu.nair / Wikimedia / Commons
The Hill Palace Museum served as the principal residence of the former Kochi kings. Constructed in 1865, it is renowned for being Kerala’s first-ever heritage museum and a fully functional ethno-archaeological museum. Manuscripts, sculptures, oil paintings, murals and royal Kochi family artefacts are displayed. This area also features wooden memorials from ancient civilisations such as the Indus Valley tombstones from Kudakkallu and Thoppikkallu, hood stones, laterite memorials and antique Eastern Asian ceramics.
Start Point: Thripunithura
End Point: Thripunithura
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Cost/Person: Adult: ₹30, Children(5-12): ₹10, ₹100 for foreigners
Suggested Read: Anamudi Shola National Park
10. Chottanikkara Temple
Photo: Roney Maxwell / Wikimedia / Commons
One well-known Hindu temple devoted to the goddess Bhagavathy is Chottanikkara Temple. The mother goddess, Rajarajeswari, is revered in this place in three ways: goddess Saraswathy in the morning, goddess Lakshmi at noon, and goddess Durga in the evening. It draws followers looking for relief from mental ailments because of its reputation for healing. The temple complex provides a calm spiritual experience and is notable architecturally.
Start Point: Chottanikkara
End Point: Chottanikkara
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Cost/Person: Free
Kerala’s bright city of Ernakulam has a variety of historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural activities. There are several things to do in Ernakulam for travellers seeking various experiences, thanks to its abundance of historical and modern attractions. Use TripXL to organise your next trip to Ernakulam, and you will make memories that will last a lifetime.
Cover Photo: @pavi_thra_/unsplash
