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Fondly known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” Kochi is a major port city along the Malabar coast of India. There is no shortage of things to do in Kochi for a visitor, owing to its rich history, diverse culture, and colonial charm. But the quintessential thing about the city is that it has been a melting pot of traditions and modernity over the centuries. This makes Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, a must-visit destination.
10 Things To Do In Kochi
Wondering what to do in Kochi? Here is a curated list of the best things to do in Kochi to ensure an unforgettable trip.
1. Explore Fort Kochi
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons
Fort Kochi is one of the most historically significant areas in Kochi, giving a glimpse into the city’s colonial past and cultural diversity. It is renowned for its colonial architecture, quaint streets, and vibrant art scene. The area’s key attractions are the Fort Kochi beach, the Princess Street, Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and the Santa Cruz Basilica. Fort Kochi has a great selection of upscale restaurants and cafes, serving everything from Kerala specialities to international cuisine.
Location: Fort Kochi, River Road, Ernakulam, Kochi 682001
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Suggested Read: Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Revisit History At Mattancherry
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
Mattancherry is another historical neighbourhood of Kochi, known for important landmarks such as the Mattancherry Palace (also known as the Dutch Palace), Paradesi Synagogue, Spice Market, and Jew Town. The palace houses a collection of portraits of the Kochi kings and murals depicting scenes from Hindu epics and featuring revered Hindu deities. Walking through this historical area and rummaging through the numerous antique shops evoke an old-world charm and take you back into a different era.
Location: Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002
Entry Fee: ₹2 for adults above 15 years
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Fridays)
3. Relax At Marine Drive
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
Marine Drive is a scenic promenade in Kochi, where you can see stunning views of the backwaters and the city’s skyline. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists to unwind, stroll, or ride a boat. Subhash Park near Marine Drive is a well-maintained public park suitable for a morning jog or family picnic. The park also has a children’s play area and boating facilities to entertain you and your family.
Location: Marine Drive, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala 682031
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM (Friday to Sunday), 3 PM – 9 PM (Monday to Thursday)
Suggested Read: Beaches In Kerala
4. Immerse In Culture At The Kerala Folklore Museum
Photo: Rabe / Wikimedia Commons
The Kerala Folklore Museum plays a vital role in preserving Kerala’s art and cultural heritage. The museum showcases an extensive, well-curated collection of artefacts including traditional costumes, musical instruments, sculptures, folk art and craft, and antiques. The building is quite a sight to behold, having integrated elements of Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore architectural styles. There is also a cosy little cafe and shop where you can buy souvenirs to return home.
Location: 2059C, No. 26, Pandit Karuppan Road, Kochi 682013
Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for students
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
5. Visit The Hill Palace Museum
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Tripunithura and built in 1865, Hill Palace Museum is Kerala’s most significant archaeological museum, which was once the official residence and imperial administrative office of the Cochin Maharaja. It, now, showcases a vast collection of royal artefacts, including crowns, ornaments, paintings, and inscriptions. The palace is set in a large estate complex with beautifully landscaped gardens, which, in addition to the archaeological museum, houses a heritage museum, a deer park, a prehistoric-themed park and a children’s park.
Location: Hill Palace Road, Irumpanam, Thrippunithura, Ernakulam, Kerala 682301
Entry Fee: ₹30
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Palakkad
6. Discover The History Of Willingdon Island
Photo: N. Vivekananthamoorthy / Wikimedia Commons
Willingdon Island is an artificial island named after Lord Willingdon, the then Viceroy of India and was created during the construction of the Cochin Port. In addition to being a busy hub for commercial shipping and cruise liners, the island houses some of the city’s finest hotels, the Cochin Port Trust, and the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command. One of the key places to visit here is the quaint Maritime Heritage Museum.
Location: AG Milne Road, Willingdon Island, Kochi 682003
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Maritime Heritage Museum
Timings: 11 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Mondays)
7. Enjoy Water Sports At Puthuvype Beach
Photo: Aniaravind / Wikimedia Commons
Puthuvype Beach is a part of Vypin Island with the Arabian Sea to the west and south of Vembanad Lake towards the east. It is an emerging destination for water sports enthusiasts since activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and windsurfing . The nearby Puthuvype Lighthouse, tall at 46 metres, gives panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding areas and is an excellent vantage point to enjoy sunsets.
Location: Puthuvype Beach, Puthuvype, Kochi
Entry Fee: ₹10 for the lighthouse
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala In November
8. Experience Culture At The Kashi Art Cafe
Photo: Zaksheuskaya / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Kashi Art Cafe is famous in for its delicious food, relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful art displays. True to its name, the cafe showcases the work of local artists, providing a platform for them to exhibit their talents. The display of art rotates frequently, so you can expect to see something new on each visit. Popular recommendations from their menu include the John Abraham Omelette for breakfast, the Chicken Salad Sandwich, Spinach and Aubergine Lasagna, or Kashi Special Roasted Chicken for lunch or dinner.
Location: Burger St, near Police Station, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 8:30 AM – 10 PM
9. Attend The Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Photo: Arun Joseph / Wikimedia Commons
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a must-see on your itinerary if you visit Kochi between December and March. It is held once every two years and is the largest art exhibition in the country and the biggest contemporary art festival in Asia, which showcases works by artists worldwide, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of creativity. The festival includes exhibitions, installations, performances, and workshops in existing galleries, halls, heritage buildings, vacant structures and site-specific public installations throughout the city.
Location: Bellar Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi 682001
Entry Fee: ₹50 for students and children, ₹100 for senior citizens, and ₹150 for adults
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM on Festival days only
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10. Discover Heritage At Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village
Photo: Arun.pokkalath / Wikimedia Commons
Kumbalangi, in the suburbs of Kochi, is a model fishing village and a designated rural tourism site. The town offers a unique opportunity to get a hands-on experience of Kerala’s traditional village lifestyle and has serene backwaters that boast a rich aquatic life all around. The mangroves provide a fertile haven for prawns, oysters, crabs and small fish, where you can participate in exciting activities like crab farming, coir making, and Chinese fishing net operations.
Location: Kumbalam Ferry Road, Madavana, Kumbalam, Ernakulam, Kerala 682506
Entry Fee: ₹1000-₹2000
Timings: NA
Kochi’s rich cultural heritage make it a popular destination for domestic and international travellers. The city ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala. It perfectly blends an urban metropolitan city and beautiful coastal sceneries. Start packing your bags and planning a trip with TripXL because there are many things to do in Kochi!
Cover Photo:Aswingopinath / Wikimedia Commons
