Places to visit in Kochi

Mattancherry is another old neighborhood which is full of colonial buildings. The main attraction here is the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, which was built by the Portuguese and then gifted to the Raja of Kochi in 1555. It was then renovated by the Dutch in 1663. There's a small museum which houses some rare art, including paintings of kings and beautiful murals from the Hindu epics. 

This landmark church in Fort Kochi is believed to be the oldest European-built church in India. However, it's most famous because it was once the burial site of explorer Vasco de Gama. His remains were later taken back to Portugal. The church although originally built by the Portuguese, was subsequently taken over by the Dutch and British, before it was passed on to Indian hands. 

Cherai Beach is near to Vypeen island and is ideal for swimming or seeing the Chinese fishing Nets. 

Kochi’s most popular and most recognizable sight are The Chinese Fishing Nets. These belong to the 14th century and have been there since then and majestically very much still in use.The local fisherman will show you how these are operated in return for a small fee. In the late afternoon you can head to the waterfront where the nets line the shore. There is awesome seafood available here which you can buy from one of the fishmongers and get it cooked at a closeby shack. 

Kathakali is a very unique and ancient dance drama that's traditional to the state of Kerala. The look, with its red bloodshot eyes and headgear is unmistakebly Kerala’s most visible tourism sight. Although the movements of the dance are subtle, but yet they tell a mythological story. Some of the places you could visit include the Kerala Kathakali Center, Cochin Cultural Center or Greenix Village for a live performance.

If you are a nature lover, go for a boat ride by taking the ferry from Fort Kochi to Vypeen Island, which is approximately four kilometers from the coast. The main attraction here is the Cherai beach.

If you'd prefer to go on a tour, you can try Cochin Magic which offers the Kerala Seafood Trail. 

This place is popularly reffered to as the hub of spice trade in Cochin. You can spend some time wandering through the streets and by exploring the numerous antique stores in the area. It's a fabulous place for photography as well, since it is full of colonial buildngs. These days, most of the Juwes have been replaced by Kashmiri shopkeepers. The Jewish Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth. The interiors are adorned with chandeliers, gold pulpit and imported floor tiles.  

The privately owned museum, located on the outskirts of Ernakulam gives an insight into Kerala’s rich culture. The Museum's three floors are full of artifacts that provide background to the state's rich heritage. Its architecture is also magnificent. The entrance made from the remnants of a temple and amazing wooden carvings. Kerala art and dance forms are also a focus here in this museum, with stage performances taking place daily in the evenings.

Vallarpadam is a cute little islet located in the middle of the Cochin backwaters. This is an islet which has become a major Christian pilgrim center because of the St Mary's Church being located towards the eastern region. 

St George Ferona Church is situated in Edappally, at about 10 km from Cochin. It is a Roman Catholic Church built in the year 594 AD.  It is located on a piece of land donated by the Raja of Edappally. St George Ferona is also counted one of the oldest most churches of Kerala.

The Santa Cruz Cathedral not only happens to be one of the oldest churches in Kochi, but also in the whole of India. It is counted as one of the heritage monuments of Kerala. This church is visited by tourists and locals the whole year round. 

The famous Poornathrayeesa Temple is located at Tripunithura, located at a distance of about 10 kms southeast of the city of Ernakulam. Full of temples, Tripunithura is also referred to as the Land of Temples and the Poornathreyesa Temple is one of them.

If you have children, you could consider taking them to Wonder La Amusement Park . It is set in the side of a hill and it’s lush and tropical environment is a breather ideal for a family trip. It has a 3D movie theater as well.

The Paradesi synagogue or the Jew synagogue is the oldest in the Commonwealth. It was built by the Jewish community of Cochin.It is the oldest synagogue still in use.