Top Things to do in Kochi

One of the prime things to do in Kochi is visiting the Mattancherry Palace. Popularly known as the Dutch Palace, the Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the state of Kerala. Standing against the backdrop of the scintillating backwaters of Kerala, the double-storied palace rises in deep contrast against the sublime blue sky.

Timings : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Firdays)
Entry Fee : Adult: INR 2,
Kids (up to 15 years): Free

Amongst the 7 synagogues located in his area, this Jewish synagogue is the only one which is in operation today. It was built in 1568 and is also called the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or Mattencherry Synagogue. Cameras and handbags are not allowed inside. Be sure to put this on your list of top things to do in Kochi. The visit will definitely be worth it.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM except on Friday, Saturday and other Jewish holidays.
Famous For: Religion, History, Photography, Architecture.

Bearing witness to the entry of Chinese into Kerala long ago, legends tell that these nets were a gift of the famous Chinese King, Kublai Khan. Fishermen even today use these elaborate conventional fishing nets, making it the only other destination other than China to have and use these fishing nets. Watching one of these at work is one of the prime attractions and best things to do in Kochi.

Address: Kallanchery Rd, North Kumbalangi

The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is located at Fort Kochi and is one of the eight Basilicas in India. It is one of the finest and most impressive churches in India and is visited by tourists all year round. Made by the Portuguese; Santa Cruz Basilica is considered as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala. Recently in 2004, this cathedral completed its five centuries of existence.

Timings : 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Mass Timings : Wednesday - 6:00 PM
Sunday- 5:30 PM

One among the must-visit attractions in Kochi, Greenix village where various art forms of Kerala are practiced and developed. Every evening witnesses a mixed performance of Kathakali- the dance drama form of Kerala, Kalaripayattu- an aesthetic martial art form, audio-visual history at the in-house museum and Indian classical music in this cultural centre. Watching a dance performance here is one of the top things to do in Kochi.

Address: C.C. 2/481, Calvathy Rd, Calvathy, Aspinwall Junction, Kunnumupuram, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Kashi Art Cafe is one of the most beautiful cafe in Kochi catering to foodies and art lovers alike. Popular for its very delicious breakfast, the place also runs a side art gallery exhibiting works of a single artist for a single month. Very famous among the foreign tourists, the place boasts of perfect non-vegetarian food and perfect vibes. Visiting here is one of the topmost things to do in Kochi.

Timings : 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Address : Burger St, near Police Station, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001
A 3-min walk from the Santa Cruz Basilica

Cherai Beach, which is one of the best-voted beaches of the state, is situated at a distance of 30 km from Kochi city. Its strategic location on the northern end of the Vypeen Island in Kochi makes it a perfect mixture of the sea as well as the backwaters. One can go swimming as well as sunbathing in the water here. Along with several other attractions, visiting this beach is one of the best things to do in Kochi.

Famous for: Chinese fishing nets
Location: Northern side of Vypin Island

The Sunset Cruise on the Arabian waters is an amazing 2 hour journey beginning from Marine Drive in Kochi during the time of sunset. The cruise covers Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry, Bolgatty Island, Willingdon Island and the Cochin shipyard. Witnessing the mesmerizing sunset from the cruise is one of the top things to do in Kochi. This will definitely turn your trip into a memorable one.

Location: Marine Drive Jetty, Kochi
Timings: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Time required: 2 Hour 30 Minutes

St. Francis Church in Kochi, which finely exhibits Portuguese architecture, is believed to be one of a kind amongst all the European churches which were constructed in India. It was constructed in the 15th century by the Portuguese traders. Being situated away from the hustle and bustle, this tourist attraction is likely to be one of the best places to be at in Kochi and making a visit here is one of the top things to do in Kochi.

Timings : Monday - Saturday: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM,
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM,
Sunday Service: 8:00 AM (except third sunday)

Veeranpuzha is a beautiful lake in Kochi along with a series of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Malabar coast, which form beautiful backwaters. Along with several other things to do in Kochi, this should definitely top your charts. The place boasts of divine serenity and vast paddy fields uninterrupted by any human activity. It was originally used to transport people in ferries from Munambam to Ernakulam.

Overlooking the serene backwaters of Kerala is Marine Drive, which is one of the most popular hangouts in the city of Kochi. It is a picturesque promenade with a walkway of about three kms and is an amazing place to spend some time leisurely, either in the company of loved ones or even some alone time. The walkway of Marine Drive is filled with people during the evening who visit the place to have the view of the sun setting over the calm sea.

Notable landmarks: Rainbow bridge, Chinese fishing net bridge and Kettuvellam bridge
Length: 1.75 km

Bishop's House Museum is an Indo-Portuguese museum built in the year 1506 housing a collection of valuable artifacts from various churches under the Cochin diocese. The building was once the residence of the Portuguese Governor. Now it is famous for its house-facade made up of large Gothic arches with a circular path that ends at the main entrance.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 25

At a distance of 3.5 kms from Cherai Beach in Kochi, Kuzhuppilly Beach is remotely located and really well hidden even from the localites. Lined with huge rocks all along the shore, the place makes for a perfect romantic spot or even if you want to spend some time away from the hustle-bustle of the city. The drive to the beach is equally beautiful with two lakes flanked on the side of the narrow road.

Veeranpuzha Beach is one of the popular beaches in Kochi and visiting this beach is one of the best things to do in Kochi. With beautiful blue waters and golden sandy shores, the beach is lined with green vegetation. You can visit Veeranpuzha to watch the fishermen at work, or to have a glimpse of the laid back rural vibe, or to witness the beautiful sunset and sunrise, or just to soak in the natural environment.

This is a one of a kind Museum which portrays a variety of gallery art, sales, live dance forms which vary from ritualistic to martial arts, and souvenirs. Some of the pieces at this gallery are priceless. One can also sell his/her fine arts and antiques here which might be put up on display later.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Address: 2059C, No 26, Pandit Karuppan Rd, near Thevara Ferry Road, Junction, Kochi, Kerala 682013
Highlights: Museum of traditional local architecture as well as crafts, folk art & antiques, with a cafe & shop.

In the heart of Kochi has grown an island showcasing the indelible prowess and the intellectual level of human mind. The Willingdon Island is one of the largest human-made islands in India which is named after Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy of India. This beautiful island provides various links between Kochi port and other national and international ports. Furthermore, the island is a home to some of the lavish hotels and commercial and industrial buildings of the district.

MG Road is a perfect place for shopaholics. The shopping centre of the city throbs with stores containing an assortment of handicrafts made from coir, wood, shells, brass, ivory and sandalwood, edibles and spices, clothes and jewelries. Browsing the market here is one of the prime things to do in Kochi.

Princess Street is famous for its quaint old world charm and bizarreness of European homes built in the Dutch, British, French, and Portuguese style. Most of these homes allow visitors to see the interiors as well.

The Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary sprawling over 2.74 hectares is situated in the heart of the lively city of Kochi. Comprising of 18-acres of Mangroves which are filled with a densely populated species of trees and plants, the sanctuary remains at a cool temperature. One of the major attractions is the beautiful watch tower which overlooks the sanctuary thereby giving a superb view to the tourists. Birdwatching is the topmost activity at the sanctuary and is also one of the top things to do in Kochi.

Address: High Ct Rd, Marine Drive, Kochi, Kerala 682031
Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fort Kochi is a seaside town in the south-western part of Main Kochi which is known for its old-world colonial charm. The place still holds on to every single cultural change it has gone through over the centuries. We can see remnants of British rule all over the country. But tourists flock hear all around the year to have a glimpse of the quaint city that's dotted with structures that reminds you of the colonial powers that once ruled over the place.

Nestled in the charming beauty of Kochi, the Bolgatty Palace is situated on an island that is best known by the name of the palace itself. It is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces that is situated outside Holland and is an exquisite example of the Kochi style of architecture. Green gardens, azure skies and the virgin charms of Kerela are aplenty at the Bolgatty Palace. Owing to its picturesque surroundings and rich history, the attraction comes under the must-visit category and visiting here is one of the best things to do in Kochi.

Many stalls serving various edibles such as coconuts, nuts, sea-food, ice-creams and local fares scatter the narrow esplanade along the Kochi beach which is the Vasco da Gama Square. One can even watch local fisherman fishing along the shoreline.

Location: A 3-min walk from the St. Francis Church, Kochi
Address: No: XIV/1642, River Road, Kunnumpuram Rd, Karuvelippady, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

The Pallippuram Fort is located in Pallippuram, on the northern extremity of the Vypeen Island in the Ernakulam district of Kerala in southern India. The mighty fort was built by the Portuguese in the year 1503 and is the oldest European Fort that exists in the country to date. Today, it stands majestically as the oldest surviving European monument in India amidst the lush greenery and the glistening skies, unharmed by the pollution and destruction that is characteristic of the modern day cities.

Timings: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Open 24 hours on Mondays

Located at Tripunithura, The Hill Palace is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. It was built in the year 1865 and was once the Imperial Administrative offices and official residence of the Maharaja of Cochin. Just as the name suggests, the massive palace is located on a hill and has a beautiful garden. The complex has an archaeological museum, a heritage museum, a deer park, a pre-historic park and a children's park. Visiting the museum here is one of the top things to do in Kochi.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on mondays

Containing lithic records of historical significance, Thirikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple hosts the spectacular secular Onam feast every year in the Malayalee month of Chingam which falls typically between August and September. This temple is also called Thirikkakara temple because of its location in the village Thirikkara.

Timings: 4:30 AM - 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Deity: Vamana (Vishnu), Thrikkakarayappan, Perunchelvanayagi, Vathsalyavalli

Kerala Kathakali Centre at Fort Cochin has seen many dance performances! The amount of effort put in by the dancers is commendable. It is usually rife with locals and foreign tourists who come to enjoy the dance show. It also has morning meditation shows which one can take part in. The architecture of the Kerala Kathakali Centre is something special.

Timings : Monday to Sunday - 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee : Entrance Fee - No Entry Fee
Kathakali - INR 300

The Museum of Kerala History is located in the city of Kochi, Kerala, India. Founded in 1987, this museum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts, artworks, and exhibits that chronicle the rich history and culture of Kerala. One of the oldest art and history museums in Kerala, the Museum of Kerala History is managed by the Madhavan Nayar Foundation. 

Museum Timings : Tuesday - Sunday (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
The entrance is closed at 5:00 PM.
Closed on public holidays.
Light and sound show: every half an hour starting from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Lulu Mall is the largest mall in India regarding total retail space of 1.7 million square feet. Situated in Edapally, Kochi, the mall sprawls over an extensive area of 17 acres with 215 outlets of restaurants, multiplex, food courts, entertainment zones, bowling alley, money exchange centres, arcade games and 5D cinema.

Timings : 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, also known as Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary, is a popular tourist destination located in the Ernakulam district, Kerala. Situated near the southern banks of the Periyar River, the sanctuary is surrounded by towering mountains and is known for its 'Elephant Kraal,' elephant rescue center, mini zoo, and elephant rides.

Timings : Tuesday - Sunday (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Safari Timings are from 9:00 AM to 12:30 pm and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Last admission time is 4:30 PM

An international exhibition of contemporary art, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale started in 2012 as the lead occasion of the KMB Foundation with the support of the government of Kerala. Known as the most significant art exhibition of India, the Kochi Biennale is set around different areas of Kochi including galleries, heritage buildings, public parks, halls, and other spaces. 

Discovered over 5,000 years ago in India, Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest systems of healing in the world. Widely known as holistic and natural, the science of Ayurveda aims at restoring the perfect balance to one’s body and mind. There are innumerable Ayurvedic centres that provide massages in Kochi, which do much more than merely relax you; they allow you to have a sense of wholeness and rejuvenation and give you some much-needed inner peace.

Jew Town is one of the oldest parts of the region. It was here that the Jews first settled in India in around 700 BC and were here till they moved to Israel;. This part is famous for its architecturally solid synagogue that continues to stand till today. It is a series of narrow alleys between Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue. There is an antique market with shops selling curios.

Situated 8 km off Ernakulam is the Greenix village where various art forms of Kerala are practiced and developed. Every evening witnesses a mixed performance of Kathakali- the dance drama form of Kerala, Kalaripayattu- an aesthetic martial art form, audio-visual history at the in-house museum and Indian classical music in this cultural centre.

Timings of the Greenix Village : Kalaripayattu
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM- Kalarippayattu training
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM- Kalarippayattu performance