8 Best Place to Visit in Kochi

Visit the enchanting city Kochi where you can also go on bicycle tours

8 Best Place to Visit in Kochi,  Kochi is known as the ‘Gateway to Kerala’; Kochi is an enchanting city that’s had an eclectic influence. Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese have all left their mark there. The architecture and historical sites in Fort Kochi draw most of the visitors to the area. Fort Kochi is an excellent place to explore on foot or bicycle. Don’t miss these top Kochi attractions and places to visit. You can see many of them, and more, on these Kochi tours, which include bicycle tours

 

1.Chinese Fishing Nets

The Chinese Fishing Nets, undoubtedly Kochi’s most recognizable sight, have been there since the 14th century and are remarkably still in use today. Local fisherman will show you how they’re operated in return for a small fee. In the late afternoon head to the waterfront where the nets line the shore, buy some seafood from one of the fishmongers there, get it cooked at a nearby shack, and enjoy eating it as the sunsets.

2.Jew Town

Aromatic Jew Town is the center of the spice trade in Kochi and the air is filled with the heady waft of masala. Spend some time wandering through the streets and lanes, and exploring the antique stores. It’s a fabulous neighborhood for photography. These days, you won’t find many Jews left there though. They’ve been replaced by an influx of Kashmiri shopkeepers who hawk their wares to tourists. However, the Pardesi (Foreigner — White Jew) Synagogue remains in use and is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth. Its interior is resplendent with chandeliers, gold pulpit and imported floor tiles.

3.Mattancherry

Mattancherry is another old neighborhood full of colonial buildings. You’ll find it fascinating if you’re into history. The main attraction there is the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555, then renovated by the Dutch in 1663. It lacks the grandeur that you’d expect of a palace. Yet, there’s a small museum and some rare art inside, including paintings of previous kings and some beautiful murals from the Hindu epics.

4.St Francis Church

This landmark church in Fort Kochi is believed to be the oldest European-built church in India. However, it’s most famous for the fact that it was once the burial site of explorer Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524 (his remains were later taken back to Portugal). The church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1503, and was subsequently claimed by the Dutch and British, before passing into Indian hands.
5.Princess Street

The happening Princess Street is the place to go for people watching, cafes, restaurants, bookstores, tea shops, art galleries, and souvenirs. It’s one of the oldest streets in Fort Kochi and has become the main tourist strip. You’ll also find grocery stores there, so you can to restock on any essential items. It’s a great destination for an evening walk.
6.Kerala Folklore Theater and Museum

If you want to learn about Kerala’s culture, then it’s worth making the journey to this privately owned museum, located on the outskirts of Ernakulam. Opened in 2009, the Museum’s three floors are packed full of artifacts that showcase the state’s heritage. Its architecture is magnificent, as too is its entrance made from the remnants of a temple and wooden carvings. Kerala art and dance forms are a focus, with stage performances taking place at 6.30 p.m. daily.

7.Kathakali Performance

Kathakali is a very unusual and ancient form of dance-drama that’s traditional to Kerala. The look, with its red bloodshot

eyes,borders on grotesque. The movements of the dance are subtle, yet they tell a meaningful mythological story.

8.Vypeen Island

If you feel like going for a boat ride, take the ferry from Fort Kochi out to Vypeen Island, around four kilometers off the coast. The main attraction there is Cherai beach, on the northern tip. If you’d prefer to go on a tour rather than travel by yourself, it’s just 25 km from Kochi and 30 km from Cochin International Airport. The nearest towns are North Paravur (6 km) and Kodungallur (10 km) and the nearest railway station is Aluva (20 km).