kochi

Kochi, which is also called Cochin, is a thriving port city located in the southwestern region of Kerala, India. It is considered one of the major cities in Kerala and is recognized as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" because of its historical significance as a significant hub for international trade and commerce. Kochi has a diverse and rich history that dates back to the 14th century when it was a critical centre for spice trading among Arab, Chinese, and European merchants. Throughout the centuries, Kochi was governed by various empires and dynasties, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, which has had a long-lasting impact on its culture and architecture. Nowadays, Kochi is a bustling city that combines traditional and modern elements. It is famous for its stunning backwaters, historical landmarks, beaches, and mouth-watering seafood cuisine. Some of the top tourist attractions in Kochi include Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and the Jewish Synagogue. All in all, Kochi is a captivating city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, making it a favourite destination for visitors from all over the world.

• Fort Kochi : Fort Kochi is a well-known historical monument in Kochi, Kerala, India that was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and was later occupied by the Dutch and British. This major tourist attraction features beautiful colonial architecture, charming cafes, and street art.
• Mattancherry Palace : Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is another notable landmark in Kochi, Kerala. Constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it was later restored by the Dutch and currently functions as a museum that displays a collection of art and artifacts that relate to the history of the region.
• Cherai Beach : Cherai Beach is a beautiful beach located near Vypin Island in Kochi that is popular for swimming and sunbathing. It is a perfect spot to enjoy activities like surfing, parasailing, and beach volleyball.
• Jewish Synagogue : The Jewish Synagogue, situated in the heart of Jew Town in Kochi, is a 16th-century synagogue and one of the oldest active synagogues in the world. It is renowned for its exquisite architecture and valuable historical artifacts.
• Bolgatty Palace : Bolgatty Palace is a magnificent palace located on Bolgatty Island, which is off the coast of Kochi. This palace, built by the Dutch in the 18th century, has been transformed into a luxurious hotel that offers breathtaking views of the backwaters.
• Marine Drive : Marine Drive is an attractive promenade in Kochi that runs along the Arabian Sea and provides magnificent views of the sunset and the city skyline. It is a popular destination for evening strolls.
• Santa Cruz Basilica : Santa Cruz Basilica is a notable church located in Fort Kochi, Kochi. Constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it is one of the oldest churches in India and is known for its impressive architecture and intricate artwork.
• Willingdon Island : Willingdon Island is an artificial island situated in Kochi that was built by dredging the backwaters. It is a significant commercial center and home to several opulent hotels and resorts.
• Rainbow Hanging Bridge : Rainbow Hanging Bridge is a unique pedestrian bridge located in Kochi that is popular for its vibrant rainbow lighting. It is a great place for evening walks and offers gorgeous views of the backwaters.
• Veeranpuzha Lake and Backwaters : Veeranpuzha Lake and Backwaters are a magnificent network of lagoons, canals, and lakes near Kochi. It is a famous place for boating, fishing, and birdwatching and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary : Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a small bird sanctuary located in the center of Kochi that is a paradise for a variety of migratory and resident birds. It is a popular spot for birdwatching and nature walks.
• Jew Town : Jew Town is a charming neighborhood in Kochi that is well-known for its antique shops, spice markets, and historic buildings. This area is located in the heart of the city's Jewish quarter and is a popular destination for souvenir shopping and sightseeing.
• St Francis Church Kochi : St. Francis Church Kochi is a significant church situated in Fort Kochi, Kochi. It is the oldest European church in India and was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
• Pierce Leslie Bungalow : Pierce Leslie Bungalow is a splendid colonial bungalow in Kochi that was built in the early 19th century by a Scottish trader. This historical bungalow is now a heritage hotel that provides insight into the city's colonial past.
• Ernakulam Mahadev Temple : Ernakulam Mahadev Temple is a prominent Hindu temple situated in Kochi that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a well-known destination for pilgrims and tourists alike and features remarkable architecture and intricate carvings.

• Andhakaranazhi Beach is a picturesque beach that can be found approximately 30 km away from Kochi. It is known for its serene atmosphere, coconut groves, and clean sands, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and swimming.
• Fort Kochi Beach is a well-known beach situated in the Fort Kochi area of Kochi. It boasts a sandy beach that is perfect for evening strolls, watching the sunset, and experiencing the refreshing sea breeze. Additionally, the beach is a popular fishing spot.
• Veeranpuzha Beach is a secluded beach situated close to Veeranpuzha Lake. It is an unexplored beach, making it a great destination for those seeking tranquility. Visitors can take a peaceful walk along the beach, watch the local fishermen at work, or swim in the sea.
• Puthenthode Beach is a lesser-known beach located in the Ernakulam district of Kochi. The beach features clear waters and golden sands, making it an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation in a serene environment.
• Puthuvype Beach is a beautiful beach situated in the northern part of Kochi. The beach offers magnificent views of the sea and surrounding landscapes, and visitors can enjoy various activities such as swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball
• Cherai Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Kochi and is situated on the outskirts of the city. The beach boasts golden sands, clear waters, and picturesque surroundings. It is a popular spot for water sports, swimming, sunbathing, and indulging in local delicacies at the many shacks and cafes located along the beach.

• Chinese Fishing Nets: These are special fishing nets found along the coastline of Kochi, which are fixed land structures operated by a system of weights and balances. Tourists can observe the fishermen using these nets and may even participate in the fishing process.
• Sunset Cruise at Marine Drive: Marine Drive is a well-known promenade in Kochi that presents magnificent views of the backwaters. Visitors can experience the charming scenery by taking a sunset cruise along the backwaters.
• Greenix Village: Greenix Village is a cultural center in Kochi that showcases Kerala's rich cultural heritage. Tourists can enjoy traditional art forms like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu, learn about Ayurveda, and savor the local cuisine.
• Kathakali at Kerala Kathakali Centre: Kathakali is a classical dance form that originated in Kerala. The Kerala Kathakali Centre in Kochi provides an opportunity for tourists to witness Kathakali performances and learn about the history and traditions of the art form.
• Kochi-Muziris Biennale: Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an international contemporary art exhibition held biennially in Kochi. Artists and visitors from around the globe participate in this event, which serves as a platform for artists to display their work and interact with the public. The event includes exhibitions, workshops, and talks on various topics related to contemporary art.

• The ancient Mattancherry neighbourhood of Kochi is home to the renowned "Mattancherry Bar," a pub known for its laid-back and comfortable ambiance. They serve a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as snacks and appetizers.
• "Mezzo" is a lounge bar in the Maradu area of Kochi that serves a range of beverages such as cocktails, beer, and wine along with light meals and snacks. The bar also hosts live music and DJ performances.
• "Sky Grill Lounge" is a rooftop lounge in the Kadavanthra area of Kochi that provides an amazing view of the city skyline. They serve beverages and light meals, and the lounge is a popular spot for evening drinks and socializing.
• "The Voyager" is a nightclub located in the Vyttila area of Kochi with a lively atmosphere that features a dance floor, live music performances, and a range of drinks.
• "Ava Lounge" is a rooftop lounge situated in the Kaloor area of Kochi with amazing views of the city. They offer a variety of drinks and snacks and are a popular spot for evening drinks and socializing.
• "Sand Dunes" is a beachside lounge located in the Cherai area of Kochi that serves beverages, seafood, and other local delicacies. It's known for its relaxed ambiance and beautiful views of the beach.
• A vibrant and energising environment can be found at "Club 18," a nightclub in Kochi's Kakkanad neighbourhood. They have a dance floor, live music performances, and a range of drinks available.
• "Swirl, Taj Gateway" is a wine bar located in the Taj Gateway hotel in Kochi that offers a range of wines, cocktails, and snacks in a cozy and elegant atmosphere.
• "Longitude 76" is a bar located in the Le Meridien hotel in Kochi with contemporary and stylish decor. They serve a range of drinks and light meals and are a great spot to hang out.

• Puttu Kadala is a common breakfast dish in Kerala. It includes steamed, cylindrical rice cakes (puttu) and a spicy chickpea curry (kadala) and is often served with ripe bananas, grated coconut, and papadum.
• Pazham Pori, also known as banana fritters, is a well-liked tea-time snack in Kerala. Ripe bananas are dipped in a batter made of flour, sugar, and cardamom, then deep-fried until golden brown, and often accompanied by a hot cup of tea or coffee.
• Thattu Dosa is a popular street food in Kochi, similar to a pancake, made from fermented rice and urad dal batter and is usually served with different chutneys andsambar.
• Kulukki Sarbath is a refreshing drink made from lime, sugar, and soda water served in a glass that is rimmed with a mixture of salt and sugar. It is a well-liked beverage to cool down in Kochi.
• Kappa Boti is a spicy dish made with mashed tapioca (kappa) and sautéed beef (boti) cooked with a blend of spices and coconut milk. It is a favorite dish in Kerala, typically served with pickles and raita.
• Ellum Kappayum is a traditional Syrian Christian dish from Kochi made up of spicy and tangy beef curry (ellum) and steamed tapioca (kappayum) served together on a banana leaf.
• Parotta is a flaky, layered flatbread made from maida flour, often served with spicy beef fry, made with tender pieces of beef cooked with spices and onions.
• Meen Molagita Curry is a traditional Kerala fish curry made with coconut milk and a blend of spices like turmeric, coriander, and chili powder. It is commonly served with steamed rice or appam.
• Erachi Pidi is a traditional Malabar dish consisting of steamed rice dumplings (pidi) filled with spicy minced meat (erachi) and usually served with a spicy tomato-onion gravy.
• Beef Vindaloo is a spicy and tangy curry made with chunks of beef cooked with a blend of spices, vinegar, and coconut milk. It is a favorite dish in Kerala, typically served with steamed rice or appam.
• Appam is a soft, fluffy pancake made from fermented rice and coconut milk batter, a popular breakfast dish in Kerala, usually served with a mild and flavorful vegetable or meat stew made with coconut milk, turmeric, and spices.

• The Novotel Kochi Infopark is a modern 5-star hotel situated in the heart of Kochi's IT hub, offering easy access to prominent business and entertainment areas. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, fitness center, multiple dining options, and 24-hour front desk services.
• The Holiday Inn Cochin, a 5-star hotel located in the city center, offers contemporary rooms, outdoor pool, fitness center, spa, and multiple dining options. It also has modern conference and meeting facilities.
• The Crowne Plaza Kochi is a 5-star hotel situated in the city center near major business and tourist attractions. The hotel features stylish and spacious rooms, outdoor pool, fitness center, multiple dining options, and modern conference and meeting facilities.
• The Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Located on Bolgatty Island, is a 5-star hotel offering stunning backwater views. The hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, outdoor pool, spa, multiple dining options, and modern conference and meeting facilities.
• The Radisson Blu Kochi, a 5-star hotel located in the city center, offers modern rooms and suites, outdoor pool, fitness center, multiple dining options, and modern conference and meeting facilities.
• The Kochi Marriott Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city offering spacious and stylish rooms and suites, outdoor pool, fitness center, multiple dining options, and modern conference and meeting facilities.
• Le Meridien Kochi, a 5-star hotel situated near major business and entertainment areas, offers spacious and stylish rooms and suites, outdoor pool, fitness center, multiple dining options, and modern conference and meeting facilities.
• The Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin, a 5-star hotel located on Willingdon Island, offers stunning harbor and backwater views, luxurious rooms and suites, outdoor pool, spa, multiple dining options, and modern conference and meeting facilities.
• The Four Points by Sheraton Kochi Infopark is a 4-star hotel situated in the city's IT hub, offering contemporary rooms and suites, outdoor pool, fitness center, and multiple dining options.
• The Gateway Hotel Marine Drive, a 4-star hotel located on Marine Drive, offers stunning backwater views, comfortable rooms and suites, outdoor pool, multiple dining options, and modern conference and meeting facilities.

• Brindhavan Vegetarian Restaurant : This is a well-known restaurant in Kochi that specializes in vegetarian cuisine and offers both South Indian and North Indian dishes. It is particularly famous for its dosas, thalis, and filter coffee.
• Vasantha Vihar Pure Veg Restaurant : Another popular vegetarian restaurant in Kochi that serves a variety of South Indian and North Indian delicacies. The restaurant is known for its modest setting and affordable prices.
• Sky Grill Lounge Bar and Restaurant : This rooftop restaurant and bar provides breathtaking views of the city skyline while offering a blend of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. Along with the restaurant, there is also a bar that serves a variety of cocktails and beverages.
• Fort House Restaurant : Located near Fort Kochi beach, this restaurant is a famous seafood destination. The menu showcases a variety of fresh seafood, including vegetarian options.
• Barbeque Nation : This chain of restaurants is popular for its barbecue dishes that include grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, as well as Indian and Chinese specialties.
• The Asian Kitchen by Tokyo Bay : This is an upscale restaurant serving Japanese, Chinese, and Thai cuisine. The menu includes sushi, sashimi, dim sum, and other signature dishes from the region.
• Fusion Bay, Kochi : This restaurant is a trendy and well-known destination that offers a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine, along with a bar that serves an array of beverages.
• The Rice Boat: A high-end restaurant located on a boat that cruises the backwaters of Kochi. The menu offers a range of seafood dishes along with Indian and Continental cuisine.
• Ginger House Restaurant : This popular restaurant is housed in a traditional Kerala -style building and serves a range of Indian and Chinese dishes, including vegetarian options.
• Masala, Kochi : Located in the heart of the city, this modern and trendy restaurant serves a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes along with some fusion options. The restaurant also features live music performances on select evenings.

• Lulu Mall is a vast shopping complex situated in Edapally, Kochi, and is one of the largest malls in India. It houses more than 360 stores that include national and international brands, along with a cinema complex, a food court, a bowling alley, and an ice-skating rink.
• Abad Nucleus Mall is another shopping complex located in Maradu, Kochi, that consists of a range of stores, a cinema complex, a food court, and a gaming zone.
• Centre Square Mall is a multi-level shopping mall that is situated in MG Road, Kochi, featuring a variety of stores, a food court, and a cinema complex.
• Oberon Mall is a well-known shopping mall located in Edapally, Kochi, that houses a variety of stores, a cinema complex, a food court, and an amusement zone.
• Gold Souk Grande Mall is located in Vyttila, Kochi, and features a wide range of stores, including national and international brands, a cinema complex, a food court, and an entertainment zone.
• The Great Marina Mall is a recently opened mall located in Marine Drive, Kochi. It consists of a variety of stores, a cinema complex, a food court, and an arcade zone.
• Santiago Shopping Mall is situated in Kaloor, Kochi, and features a range of stores, a food court, and a cinema complex.

• Broadway Market is an old and bustling marketplace located in the heart of Kochi, known for its wide range of textiles, clothing, and accessories. In addition to these items, the market is also famous for its fresh seafood, flower market, and other produce.
• MG Road is a popular commercial area in Kochi that is home to numerous high-end shops, designer boutiques, and stores selling jewellery, electronics, and other items.
• Jew Town is situated in the Mattancherry district of Kochi and is renowned for its antique shops and stores selling traditional handicrafts. The area is especially well-known for its antique shops that sell a range of items including old coins, jewelry, and artifacts.
• Marine Drive is a well-known promenade in Kochi that offers breath-taking views of the city skyline and the backwaters. It is also a popular destination for street vendors selling clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and other items.
• Cochin Spice Market is a bustling market located near the famous Mattancherry Palace, known for its diverse range of spices, herbs, and condiments. The market is particularly renowned for its selection of pepper, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Additionally, the market is famous for its traditional Ayurvedic medicines and oils.

• Milan Design : Located in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, Milan Design is a popular boutique store known for its designer clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
• Thread Clasilks: Situated in Jos Junction, Kochi, Thread Clasilks is a clothing store that specializes in traditional and modern silk sarees, dress materials, and kurtis.
• Paris de Boutique : Located in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, Paris de Boutique is a high-end clothing store known for its designer collections of dresses, gowns, and sarees.
• Wildcraft: Situated in Oberon Mall, Edapally, Kochi, Wildcraft is a popular store that offers a range of outdoor gear, including backpacks, tents, and hiking accessories.
• Jayalakshmi Silks : Located in Jew Town, Kochi, Jayalakshmi Silks is a popular silk saree store that offers a wide range of traditional and contemporary sarees.
• LuLu Hypermarket, Kochi : Located in Edapally, Kochi, LuLu Hypermarket is a large shopping center that offers a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, fashion, and household items.
• Kasavukada : Situated in MG Road, Kochi, Kasavukada is a popular saree store that offers a variety of traditional and modern sarees, dress materials, and accessories.
• William Penn, Lulu Mall : Located in Lulu Mall, Edapally, Kochi, William Penn is a popular store that offers a range of premium writing instruments, stationery, and accessories.
• Fabindia : Situated in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, Fabindia is a popular store that offers a range of traditional and contemporary clothing, accessories, and home decor items.
• Pranaah by Poornima Indrajith : Located in Kakkanad, Kochi, Pranaah is a boutique store that offers a range of designer clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
• The Salt Hypermarket: Located in Vyttila, Kochi, The Salt Hypermarket is a large shopping center that offers a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, fashion, and household items.
• Malabar Gold and Diamonds : Situated in M.G. Road, Kochi, Malabar Gold and Diamonds is a popular jewelry store that offers a range of gold, diamond, and other precious stone jewelry.

• Kerala Folklore Museum : Located in the center of Kochi, this museum presents the rich cultural heritage of Kerala with a vast collection of artifacts and displays related to folk music, dance, art, traditional customs, and rituals.
• Antique Museum : This museum in Kochi showcases a variety of antiques and artifacts from different historical periods, including furniture, coins, weapons, and pottery.
• Marine Biodiversity Museum : Situated within the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute campus in Kochi, this museum exhibits the diverse marine life found in the Indian Ocean through an extensive collection of specimens, models, and displays.
• Museum of Kerala Arts and History : Found in Edapally town, this museum features exhibits that depict the history and culture of Kerala, such as traditional art, costumes, weapons, and other artifacts.
• Cochin Port Maritime Heritage Museum : Located near the Cochin port, this museum celebrates the rich maritime heritage of the region with displays showcasing the history of navigation, shipbuilding, and trade in the area.
• Hill Palace Museum : This museum is situated in Tripunithura, close to Kochi, and once served as the official residence of the Maharaja of Kochi. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and displays related to the history and culture of the area.
• Indo-Portuguese Museum : Situated in Fort Kochi, this museum focuses on the history and cultural interactions between India and Portugal, showcasing art, furniture, and other artifacts from the Portuguese colonial era.

• Kashi Art Gallery is an art gallery located in Fort Kochi that displays contemporary Indian artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations.
• David Hall, located in Fort Kochi, is a cultural center that provides a platform for various events, including art exhibitions, music performances, film screenings, and literary events. The building was constructed in the 17th century and used as a Dutch bungalow.
• Vancasso Art Gallery is situated in Vyttila, Kochi, and exhibits contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations by both established and emerging artists.
• Pepper House, situated in Fort Kochi, serves as a hub for contemporary art and culture, offering a platform for exhibitions, performances, and events related to art, music, and literature.
• Aspinwall House, located in Fort Kochi, is a heritage property that has been converted into a cultural center. It is the primary venue for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which is a bi-annual international exhibition of contemporary art. The exhibition showcases artworks such as paintings, sculptures, installations, and performances by artists from around the world.

• Kochi Carnival : Kochi Carnival is an annual 10-day festival held in Kochi, Kerala, which typically takes place between the last week of December and the first week of January. The festival is marked with a variety of cultural programs, art exhibitions, food fairs, and parades. The highlight of the event is the carnival parade, which features brightly colored floats, music, dance performances, and fireworks.
• Indira Gandhi Boat Race in Kochi : Indira Gandhi Boat Race is an annual event held in Kochi, Kerala, on the second Saturday of August. The boat race takes place on the backwaters of Kochi, and teams from different regions of Kerala compete in the race. The event is named after the former Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, and is characterized by long boats called 'chundanvallams.' The race attracts a significant number of spectators who gather along the banks of the backwaters to watch the exciting event.

• Subhash Bose Park is a green space located in the center of Kochi, Kerala that is well-liked by visitors for its tranquil atmosphere. The park has pristine lawns, footpaths, and a play area for kids, and is named after Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a famous Indian freedom fighter.
• Thamarakulam Park, a small park in Kadavanthra, Kochi, is a favorite spot among locals. It has a central pond and is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect location for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.
• Nehru Park, situated in Panampilly Nagar in Kochi, is a famous park with a large children's play area, gardens, and footpaths. It bears Jawaharlal Nehru's name, who served as India's first prime minister.
• Changampuzha Park, located in Edapally, Kochi, is a prominent park known for its well-maintained lawns, gardens, and footpaths. The park is named after the famous Malayalam poet Changampuzha Krishna Pillai and features a statue of him. Additionally, it has a play area for children, a skating rink, and a musical fountain.

From October to February is considered the ideal time to visit Kochi, as the weather is pleasant and suitable for various outdoor activities and exploring the city. The temperature during this period ranges from 20°C to 32°C, which offers a comfortable experience to travelers. Moreover, this season is marked with numerous cultural festivals and events like Cochin International Film Festival, Kochi-Muziris Biennale, and the Kochi Carnival, which add to the city's vibrancy and cultural richness. It is important to note that this is also the peak tourist season, so travelers should book their accommodations and flights in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

• By Air : To reach Kochi, there are three main modes of transportation available. The city has an international airport, Cochin International Airport, which is located about 25 kilometers from the city center. It is well-connected to major cities in India as well as several international destinations. You can choose to take a taxi, bus, or hire a car from the airport to reach your desired location in Kochi.
• By Rail : Kochi has two primary railway stations, Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town, which provide train services to major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. After arriving at the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your destination in Kochi.
• By Road : Kochi is connected to major cities in South India through state and national highways. You can drive yourself, take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Kochi. There are also several public and private transport companies that operate buses to and from Kochi, to neighbouring states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.