The Best Things to See and Do in Kochi, Kerala's Colourful City
Famously known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Kochi is a quaint port city on the south-west coast of India, standing at the crossroads between old-world and cosmopolitanism. Testament to the inherent charm of Kochi is its perennial significance in India’s history, luring the Portuguese to colonize it as early as 1503. Subsequently, Kochi enjoyed prominence during Dutch and British colonialism, the remnants of which, remain to this day. That said, the tourism industry boasts a bunch of exciting things to see and do in the colorful city of Kerala, rest assured to make your day.
1. Willingdon Island
Apart from being the largest artificial island in India, Willingdon Island is an aesthetic setting in itself. The island harbors a host of administrative buildings, some of them tracing back to British colonialism in India. Not to mention, the construction of the island is attributed to one Lord Willingdon, erstwhile Governor of Madras Presidency. Kochi’s hospitality industry has set up some fine hotels on Willingdon Island, luring hordes of tourists all year round.
2. Kerala Kathakali Centre
Theater
3. St. Francis Church
Church
4. Mattancherry Palace
Museum
Chinese Fishing Net
The primary attraction of Kochi is the extensive use of Chinese fishing nets by the local fishermen, which are otherwise indigenous to China. Legend has it that these fishing nets were a gift from a Chinese emperor to the then ruler of Kochi, but caught on with the fishermen through centuries. Fishing nets lined up beside the seaside promenades are a sight which is appealing and distinctive to Kochi.
5. Paradesi Synagogue
Synagogue
6. Indo-Portuguese Museum
Museum
Sunset Cruise
Marine Drive is a idyllic stretch overlooking the backwaters that beautifully encompass the city of Kochi. To top it all, sunset cruise rides are on offer. When the sun begins to descend, you can go on a cruise ride on the scintillating waters that beautifully reflect its golden hues. As the twilight draws to a close, cruise back to the bank having experienced the best Kochi had to offer.
Ayurveda
Kerala has an array of admirable features, but it stands out in the field of Ayurveda — an ancient medical science indigenous to India. Even Kochi, for instance, features a good few Ayurvedic spa and healing centers to get acquainted with the world of alternate medicine. Ayurveda is garnering widespread notice on a global level and Kerala is undisputedly at the forefront of the burgeoning industry.
7. The Malabar Cuisine
Restaurant
The eccentric cuisine of Kerala is dominated by the seafood for obvious reasons. Additionally, savories such as appam and thoran too are liked by tourists and locals alike. A Malabar restaurant, Paragon, in LuLu Mall of Kochi comes recommended by many epicureans. Also, Kochi doesn’t disappoint when it comes down to continental restaurants, catering to the diverse preferences of the tourists.
Paragon, Lulu Mall, Edappally, Kochi, India, +91 0484 401 1000
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