If you’ve included a trip to Kochi in your Kerala holiday itinerary, you’re sure to have a blast! From historical monuments to scenic locations, Kochi provides visitors a wide array of things to do and places to see. Beaches and backwaters, tea plantations and spice estates, hot steaming appams with stew and vibrant Kathakali performances – these and much more epitomise the God’s Own Country, Kerala on the global tourism map.
However, Kochi stands out. It has an altogether different signature – history and tradition woven together with modernization. The tourist places in Cochin, especially the best ones, are absolutely captivating, and sure to leave you with a bag full of beautiful memories and aspirations.
Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is situated about 13 km from Ernakulam and is famous for Chinese fishing nets, picturesque beaches and architectural style of the buildings. European style is clearly evident and that makes this small town stands apart from other towns in Kerala.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
This biosphere reserve located at Central Cochin is a natural habitat to many endangered and regular species of local and migratory birds, as well as mangrove vegetation. The sanctuary encircles a tidal lake which is connected to the backwaters and one of the imperative places for sightseeing in Cochin especially for nature lovers. It is a also a home to several species of fishes.
Hill Palace Museum
Hill palace museum is the Kerala’s first heritage museum and is also the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. It is situated near Tripunithura, Kochi. It was built in 1865 and was the administrative headquarters of Kochi Rajas.
Along with modern-day art gallery, other popular objects worth seeing are Kudakkallu (tomb stone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), granite & laterite memorials, rock-cut armaments of the Stone Age, wooden temple replicas, and plaster cast prototypes of objects of Mohenjodaro and Harappa of the Indus Valley Civilisation. If you a history or culture buff, Hill Palace is certainly among the best places to see in Cochin.
Bolgatty Island
Near the historic town of Fort Kochi in Ernakulam district, the commercial capital of Kerala, is the Bolgatty Island. This lush, lovely island is famous for its palace of the same name. The Bolgatty Palace, built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. Today, it is a premium hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) Hotels & Resorts, with a small golf course and special honeymoon cottages.
India’s only international marina, Kochi International Marina, is situated in Bolgatty. The marina provides berthing facility for 34 yachts and also offers services like water, electricity and sewage pump-outs. Unwind yourself in the culture and heritage of Kochi at Boglatty Island.
