12 Best Places to Visit in Kochi (Cochin)

The city Kochi (also formerly known as Cochin) is a coast or port of the Malabar Coast area. For the abundant natural beauty, it is also called the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ and the Swiss Town of South India. Hence there is no denying that nature has poured in her blessings upon this small town of Kerala. Kochi has been a unique region from ancient times as it has got everything right from beauty, beach, backwater, and spice. In addition to these, it was the port for commencing business through various mediums. The history of Kochi shows that it has been a global trade center and also a princely state of Kerala. It was known to Arabs, Greek, and Romans as a source and trading center for Indian spices.

However, in the present time, with its old glory, Kochi has also emerged as a beautiful tourist place. Situated nearly 54km (by road 205.4 km approx) away from God’s own country, Kerala, Kochi is a must-visiting destination. This place will surely soothe their souls for travelers who love to explore India and nature with hill stations, fresh air, pleasant weather, beach, backwater, etc.

Here is the list of Top 12 Tourist Destinations to Visit in Kochi:

There are countless spots in Kochi that can be significant as traveling destinations in Kochi. Even some of these places are yet unexplored by many travelers. But as people have a limited time for vacation it is best to go to the renowned places where you can enjoy the utmost. Here in this article, we will discuss some of the best destinations to choose for vacation purposes. So, whenever you decide to give Kochi a shot, you can hastily make a good choice. Such spots include;

1. Athirapally Waterfalls

If you are a traveling freak, then you must have heard of the ‘Niagra of India’, that is, Athirapally Falls. Having a height of nearly 80 meters, Athirapally waterfall is known as the most significant fall situated in Kerala.

If you want to look at this beautiful sparkling fountain, you must include Thrissur as one of your visiting places in Kochi. It is open every day with an entry fee worth 15 Rupees for each person and the visiting hour is between 8 am to 6 pm.

2. Veeranpuzha Beach

A mesmerizing sunset can make your whole vacation memorable for the rest of your life. The scenic beauty of the Veeranpuzha beach can give you one such view. Not only this, the sandy beach, fisherman’s daily life story, eye-soothing surroundings, etc., all are a deadly combination to enjoy the whole day in a unique way.

Unlike Athirapally fall, this place has no entry fees, and people can spend time as long as they want. It is a must visiting place for a family vacation.

3. Areekkal Waterfalls

Situated beside the Piramadam –Vettimood road, with abundantly grown rubber trees and the serene view of the falling cascade, Areekkal waterfall is an ideal destination for bike trekking. Although the height of this fountain is nothing like that of Athirapally.

Yet this little effervescent fall offers you a pleasant outing. It remains open for everyone from 9 am to 6 pm every day. The ticket price is Rs. 10/ per head. Away from the crowd of the city, this place is also the most sought-after place for picnic lovers.

4. Vypeen Island

For those who love spending their time watching peoples’ haste, observing how they work out their everyday necessities and obstacles, this Vypeen Island is definitely for them. This small island has many bridges. There are also a number of visiting spots within this island, such as the lighthouse, Bungalow Heritage Homestay, Azhikotta fort (Portuguese), etc.

All of these can be a short trip with the open blue seawater at the backdrop. While filling the eye and soul with the serene beauty of Vypeen Island, one must keep in mind the boat timings of the first and last ones, which are 6 am and 9 pm, respectively.

5. Museum of Kerala

The mythology regarding the creation of God’s own country, Kerala, can have a piece of proofing evidence found in the Museum of Kerala. Here at the entry point, you will see a statue of the sage Parasurama (it is believed that Kerala arose from the seawater after Parasurama threw his ax into the sea). Apart from this, the museum itself is standing under the peaceful green shadow of the great trees. One can take a tour inside the museum as well.

Here, you can see the tremendous prideful works of outstanding personalities like Raja Ravi Verma, Jamini Roy, Manu Parekh, and many more. The museum is open for all from 10 am till 5 pm all through the entire week, excluding Mondays.

Also read: Budget to 5 Star: 20 Best Hotels to Stay in Cochin

6. Palace Museum

One can have a royal experience by visiting the museum of Hill Palace. Originally the museum was a palace of the then Maharaja of Kochi, and later it was turned into a museum with things such as the king’s crown, jewelry, coins, weapons, etc. This museum also primarily depicts the cultural history of the ancient days.

The Hill Palace museum has its own timings for public visiting, and people can visit it from 10 am to 12.30 pm and again from 2 pm up to 5 pm every day except Mondays and state or national holidays. With 2 to 3 parks and two separate museums inside the main museum area, this place can be considered one of the best tourist spots to explore with your family.

7. Marine Drive

If you love cruises, then Marine Drive is the ideal place for you. Ernakulam’s prime attraction is this Marine Drive. Apart from getting on a cruise, one can also enjoy walking through the beach, the famous rainbow bridge, the Chinese fishing net bridge, and all.

But people mainly go to this fantastic place to have a boat ride. Many private operators offer their boats there on an hourly basis, covering nearby areas like Cochin harbor, Bolgatty, etc., around Marine Drive.

8. Elephant Training Center

Your kids will love this place, and at the same time, they will have a great time learning many strange things regarding the giant yet lovely animal, elephant. The Kodanad Elephant Training Center is situated alongside the Periyar River. It is a calm small rural countryside village where rescued elephants are kept under the eco-tourism project of Govt.

Here you can have the chance to see the elephants taking a nice bath and playing with water. If granted permission, you can also touch them. So the overall impact that this tour will leave on you and your kids’ minds is going to be a long-lasting one.

9. Cherai Beach

As it is popularly known among the tourists, the princess of the Arabian Sea, the Cherai Beach is one of the clean, calm, and best beaches of Kochi and Kerala. As it has a shallow watery strand, taking a bath or swimming here is less dangerous and enjoyable. And if you are lucky enough, you can even have the chance of witnessing the sight of dolphins that give a frequent visitor there.

10. Malayattoor

The name Malayattoor itself carries the places one can visit here. That means the name Malayattoor is a combination of three meaningful words, which are Mala (meaning mountain), Arr (indicating river), and Oore (meaning place, i.e., land). Together, these three words form Malayattoor, where one can have a mountain, river, and plane land at the same destination.

The devotees of the Christian religion often visit this place as on the top of the famous Malayattoor hill is built the Malayattoor church in the name of St. Thomas. The designs and architectures of the church wall are something worth going for.

11. Indo – Portuguese Museum

Another museum that you should not miss if you love culture and heritage is the Indo –Portuguese Museum which represents Indian and Portuguese cultural and architectural history. The museum has things like a silver cross, wooden cross, treasures, furniture, monstrance, and many more for public exhibition.

With an entry fee of Rs. 10 and Rs. 25 per head for Indian citizens and foreigners, respectively, the museum is open every day except Mondays and public holidays. This Joseph Urethra (former Bishop of Kochi) museum offers free entry for every person on the first Thursday of every month.

12. Paradesi Synagogue

To have a detailed knowledge of the multicultural heritage and other cultural spots, the Paradesi Synagogue, which holds the record of being the oldest one among others situated in the commonwealth countries, is a must visiting place side by side. It will help to have a good opinion about the enriching Jewish synagogue.

You can further have one out-of-the-world experience by taking a tour of the cultural differences of this place. There are people from 4 to 5 different religions, all living in peace and harmony. Therefore, take a day off from the destination traveling and spend the entire day exploring the way of living of the natives by walking in the localities.

Besides these beautiful places, one can also visit Shiva Temple, Kadalkkara Lake Forest, Kathakali Center, Fort Kochi, Willingdon Island, Princess Street, Lulu Shopping Mall, Greenix Village, Wonderla Amusement Park, etc. Indeed, the places of Kochi will draw you again and again towards this place.

Conclusion

Exploring Kochi is not a matter of a few days as there are plenty of things to do or see. But even within the limited days, Kochi can fill your soul with energy and your mind with unforgettable moments and memories. So pack your bags ASAP and head to Kochi. Also, make sure to maintain safety precautions due to the pandemic situation.