Formerly known as Cochin, Kochi is a city in Kerala, India that is popularly known as the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, flaunting one of the finest natural harbors in the world. In fact, it was the center of spice trade for hundreds of years. Today, it is one of the main tourist destinations of Kerala. Whether you visit Kochi in winter, spring, summer or fall, you will find endless holiday ideas for the seasons.
Sightseeing destinations in Kochi
Known as the Gateway to Kerala, this enchanting city has had an eclectic influence, with a range of cultures, such as British, Arabs, Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese leaving their marks here. While in the city, you can visit a lot of historical and architecture sites, particularly Fort Kochi that is drawing most of the visitors who can explore it by walking or cycling.
Top tour activities in Kochi
To make your Kochi holiday more worthwhile and memorable, here are some of the best things to do to include in your itinerary:
- Get an Ayurvedic massage therapy - At Fort Kochi, you will find a renowned Ayurvedic center, which is situated on a picturesque seaside that is surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Here, you will have the opportunity to get a traditional Ayurvedic massage by an expert therapist in a relaxing environment.
- Watch a Kathakali dance show - By watching a performance of impressive sounds and displays of a traditional Kathakali show at the Kochi Cultural Center, you will be able to discover a rich cultural tradition that spans hundreds of years. You can even witness the meticulous preparation performers take in the dressing rooms.
- Take a private houseboat cruise along the Alleppey backwaters - In this activity, you can explore the fascinating complex of delightful canals, calm rivers and shaded backwaters on board a comfortable houseboat. You will pass ancient fishing towns and lush green landscapes—after all, the place is known as the “Venice of the East”.
Top tour attractions in Kochi
While Kochi offers many places of interest, here are the attractions that you should not miss:
- The Backwaters - This covers a chain of brackish lakes and lagoons that lie parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea in Kerala, and in Kochi in particulalr, it stretches from Kochi Azhi to Munambam Azhi, with serene backwaters popularly known as Veeranpuzha.
- Marine Drive - A picturesque promenade in the city, this was constructed facing the backwaters and is a favorite hangout for the locals. It has several shopping malls and a walkway that has two contemporarily constructed bridges. The view of its setting, the rising sun over the mouth of the sea and its gentle breeze has made this place a main tourist destination in Kochi.
- Fort Kochi - Situated on the Mattancherry peninsula, this fort is a historical part of the city and is home to a lot of attractions, including the Mattancherry Palace, the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and the Santa Cruz Basilica.
- Hill Palace - Located near Tripunithura, this is the largest archaeological museum in the city and was the administrative office of Kochi Rajas. Aside from a heritage and an archaeological museum, it also has deer, pre-historic and children’s parks.
Kochi sightseeing tours and activities
Come visit this beautiful city, and to find all the things for your itinerary, check out all Kochi sightseeing tours and activities here at La Vacanza Travel!