Places To See In Kochi

Kochi, with its rich network of natural harbors and beaches, has an innate ability to spellbind any tourist. Scent of aromatic spices permeates through your nose as you walk down the streets of Kochi. The place is dotted with significant number of tourism spots like Fort Kochi, Beach, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Mattancherry Palace and lots more. The buildings here, especially Fort Kochi and Mattancherry Palace, reminds you of strong European influence on the land. The ideal time to visit this multicultural land is between August to February. There are innumerable numbers of budget hotels lined up in this port city that offers standard accommodation facilities. Besides visiting the attractive destinations, you must also indulge in water sports activities at the tropical beaches, shop for lovely souvenirs such as wooden boxes loaded with spices and fragrant oils from Jew Street and try out the local delicacies. Given below is detailed information on the top tourist attractions in Kochi that are worth seeing. Check them out.

Tourist Attractions In Kochi

Fort Kochi Beach
Fort Kochi Beach, also known as Kochi Beach, is the best place to watch sunsets or just leisurely stroll along the sandy beach. Early mornings are usually crowded by regular morning walkers and health freaks. Evenings generally gets crowded with tourists and local people who gather to catch a glimpse of the setting sun and indulge in water sports like canoeing, catamaran sailing, kayaking, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and wind surfing. Also, check out the anglers engrossed in catching the fishes. Around the beach, there are various food stalls serving sea delicacies and other snack items.

Mattancherry Palace
This magnificent structure that dates back to the year 1557 is also referred to as Dutch Palace. The building is built in the typical Kerala or Nalakettu style and comprises of a courtyard, two temples, dining hall, King's bedchamber, and rooms. Also, on the walls of the palace, you can see interesting murals that depict the scenes and images from famous epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, Hindu legends, Rajas of Kochi, and Hindu temple art. Housed within the building is the valuable collection of royal palanquins, Dutch maps of old Kochi, coronation robes belonging to former Maharajas of Kochi and elegant furniture set belonging to that period.

Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi, situated 8 km off kochi, is one of the significant landmarks in the city. The whole area near this tourism spot strongly reflects European influence, and the structures here are a living proof to that. The streets are filled with old colonial buildings and other attractions such as Vasco House, Fort Kochi Beach, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets and Santa Cruz Basilica. Also, if you are interested in shopping, then head over to the nearby Jew Street that houses rare antique and spice shops.

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
Situated in Fort Kochi, this church was originally built by the Portuguese. However, the building got destroyed and was re-erected in the year 1905. The interiors of the church are pastel colored and the ceilings are impressive with beautiful paintings inscribed on it. There are elegant lampshades hanging from the tops of the ceiling. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is a must-see place while you are on a tour to Kochi.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Mangalavanam bird sanctuary, set amidst lush greenery and mangrove trees, is situated in the heart of Kochi. An ornithologist's haven, the place, besides, bustling with rich flora, also houses a wide range of birds ranging from Little Cormorant, lack-crowned Night Heron to Parrots, Kingfishers, etc. Within the vicinity of bird sanctuary there are government guesthouses and private lodges put up to aid tourists. Also known as the green lung of Kochi, Mangalavalam is good place to visit.

Bolgatty Island
The picturesque Bolgatty Island that is situated right beside the other two islands of Kochi namely Ernakulam Island and Willingdon Island is a favorite spot among tourists who like to hang out here and be one with the nature. Besides savoring the serene beauty, cool breeze and surrounding greenery, you can also have a look at the nearby Bolgatty Palace, which was built in the year 1774.