Kochi Travel Guide
Kochi or Cochin is known as the commercial city of Kerala. It is one of the oldest port cities of India. It is situated at a distance of 206 km from the capital city of Thiruvananthpuram. Bounded by Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea in the west, it forms a significant trading zone. Its landscape is beautified by mangroves and tall coconut trees. For its captivating scenic beauty, it is called ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’.
Kochi has been attracting foreign traders since times immemorial. After the discovery of Calicut in 1498 by Vasco Da Gama, the mystery of sea route from Portugal to India was solved. As a result many Portuguese traders came. Gradually, its charm and ability to attract foreigners made it susceptible to foreign invasion. The monuments and churches in the city are classic specimens of native and western styles of architecture. Kochi is one city where the native cultural background has been blended with elements of the West. It has witnessed many regimes and their contributions in the architecture of the various monuments built upon its land. By being in the port city of Kochi, the tourist will get a feeling of touring the globe, courtesy the multi-cultural fusion here.
The rivers Periyar and Muvattupuzha flow through the land of Kochi, sufficing for its water needs. Kochi is a developed city and is renowned for the Cochin shipyard. Shipbuilding is the major activity of the city. Kochi is known for premier educational institutes and research centers. In addition, it is known for petrochemical industries like the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited(BPCL). The main festival celebrated in Kochi is Ernakulathappan when Lord Shiva is worshipped by the local residents with huge zest and fervour.
How to Reach Kochi
- Air – Cochin has its own international airport i.e. the Cochin international airport. It is connected to major Indian cities and also many international destinations through frequent flights throughout the day. The airport is situated at a distance of 38 km from the main city. It has a second airport Defense Airbase, which is not operational for public.
- Rail – There are 2 major railway stations near Kochi, Ernakulam junction and Ernakulam town. They are well connected with the major Indian cities. Taxis are available outside the railway stations, enabling tourists to reach the main city.
- Road – It is well connected to adjacent cities by state highways and other cities through National highways. It is situated on the national highways: NH 47, 17, 49, 47A and 47C
Distance of Kochi from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Thiruvananthapuram |
210 |
|
Madurai |
272 |
|
Munnar |
130 |
|
Bengaluru |
552 |
|
Chennai |
700 |
Weather
Kochi Temperature
- Summer (Mar to May) – Temperatures are very high and range between (26°C) to (33°C)
- Monsoon – (Jun to Sep) – With heavy rainfall happening at regular basis, this is not a good season for tourists
- Winter – (Oct to Feb) – Temperatures are mild and range between (22°C) to (31°C). Occasional rainfall happens
- Best Time to Visit – Oct to Feb is the best season for tourism
What to See In Kochi
Facing the Cochin backwaters, it is a beautiful and popular hub where tourists get refreshing experience.
Built in the year 1503 A.D. by Portuguese traders, it is an important building not merely of Kochi, but the entire globe. Interestingly, after Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese explorer came to Calicut in 1498, the sea route from Portugal to India was known to one and all. So the admiral had come to Cochin with the help of that same route. The church is the oldest existing European church in India. During this time, Portuguese traders had come to Cochin, along with their Admiral Pedro Alvarez de Cabral. Influenced by the majesty of Cochin, they decided to construct a church here. It is symbolic of traditional Portuguese architecture.
It is an awesome tourist destination. The scene of the backwaters with coconut trees on the banks creates a dynamic effect.
On the banks of the Bolgatty islands, the Bolgatty palace is situated. It is probably one of the oldest palaces. It is symbolic of Dutch architecture.
It is another building representing Dutch architecture. The noteworthy point is that this Dutch style building was constructed by a Portuguese. Situated near Kochi backwaters, the Dutch palace is a quadrangular structure with beautifully decorated walls and ceilings. The palace has a simple yet elegant front view. Inside the palace, one can find walls with vibrantly colored paintings and floral carvings. Moreover it has been adorned with murals which describe the tales from great Indian epics like Bhagwat Geeta, Ramayan and Mahabharat. The Royal bed chamber portrays the storyline of Ramayana.Inside the halls there are idols depicting Kochi kings dressed in royal robes and antiquities like royal palanquins, silk umbrellas, royal swords etc.
It is a very old archaeological museum. It is a gallery of 19th century paintings. Along with paintings, it exhibits coins and scriptures formed out of stone and plaster of paris. Murals of the royal family of Cochin are also included to give a pictorial description of their lives.
Also called Princess of Queen of Arabian Sea, the Cherai beach has a coastline of 15 km delineated with palm and coconut trees. The Cherai beach or the Golden beach of Kerala is known among tourists for its attractive landscape as well as the dolphins seen here quite often.
It is a vibrant marketplace where many antiquities of Kochi are available for buying.
It is a remarkable building and has elements of European architecture.
It is one of the premier tourist destinations in Kochi. Jews inhabited as the land of Cochin as rescuers while escaping from Persian attack in 16th century. The synagogue has been beautified with blue and white Porcelain Chinese tiles and hanging lamps of Belgian style.
Other Details
What to Do
- Relaxation on the house boats
- Cruising on the waters of Arabian sea
- Architectural tour
Where to Eat
Any dining hub in Kochi provides spicy food. Some of the restaurants are:
Cocoa tree: In this a multi-cuisine restaurant, tourists will get exotic food items like Italian dishes, seafood, Mediterranean dishes etc.
The Burger Junction: It is renowned for its food quality and services. The menu list includes light food like patties and sauces apart from burgers.
What to Buy
Kochi is famous for its handicrafts including items formed from bamboo, brass, ivory and sandalwood. Near the marine drive tourists can look for variety of things like garments, jewelry and handicrafts.
- Broadway: It is a shopping centre with miscellaneous items, its attraction being the latest works of contemporary artists.
- Kairali Handicraft Development Showroom: It is the hub for variety of handicrafts. Another spot for handicrafts is Surabhi, the State Handicraft Society Emporium.
- Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan: It is an exhibition of Khadi products.
- Coir Board showroom: It is known all over India for its durable coir products like coir mats and curios.
Get Around
Bus: Intrastate bus services provide regular transport to public on shared basis for traveling inside the premises of Kochi. Buses are owned by private authorities or Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.
Car/taxi: Private companies provide car rental services for local sightseeing. Hiring a private car is desirable in case of a family. Taxi stands are available at many points in the city.
Auto-rickshaw: It is a common mode of private and shared transport. There are many auto-rickshaw stands spread throughout the city.
Rented cars: It is also a good option for good car drivers touring with family. Charges are according to the time duration of hire.
Rented bikes: It is a good option for tourists going single, who love driving.
Walking: To explore the landscape features and monuments of Kochi, walking is a must. It is an effective way for sightseeing and spending good time with family.
Boat rides/ferry: Tourists must never miss the chances of boating near marine drive. It is a wonderful experience, especially with family members and friends. Boats have a preset capacity. Both one way boat rides and round trips are available. The boat rider acts as a guide and explains the various spots of Kochi to the tourists.
Top Destinations - Kerala
– Alleppey
– Kochi
– Kovalam
– Munnar
– Periyar Sanctuary
Popular Tour Plans - Kerala
1-3 Days
1. Munnar (2N/3D)
2. Alleppey (2N/3D)
4-6 Days
1. Ooty-Kodaikanal-Munnar (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Kochi-Munnar-Alleppey-Kovalam-Thiruvanathapuram (8N/9D)
2. Munnar-Alleppey-Periyar Sanctuary-Kovalam-Kanyakumari (10N/11D)
3. Alleppey-Kovalam-Kanyakumari-Thiruvananthapuram (7N/8D)
>10 Days
1. Chennai-Pondicherry-Madurai-Rameswaram-Kanyakumari-Kovalam (12N/13D)