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When we think of Kerala, we think of the beautiful coconut trees in the backwaters, the wonderful boat rides, and banana chips. The picture that we paint in our head about Kerala and its majestic beauty is true to its original form. Thousands of people visit Kerala each year, to admire and experience the ambiance of this state. If you are wondering, ‘Why Visit Kochi‘, then you should keep reading.
Kerala, known for its highest literacy rate in the entire country, is located in the far south. This state has a lot to offer with its endearing tea plantations that reach up to the horizon, its deep culture that is etched in the hearts of the residents and the colorful clothing. One of the most popular tourist spots in Kerala is Kochi, where you can see the aesthetic yet fierce Laccadive sea meeting the sky beyond.
Kochi, which also goes by the name Cochin, was known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Up until the fourteenth century, Kochi was an important trading and transportation center for various spices. It was the first land to be colonized by a European community, as the Portuguese took control of Kochi in the year 1503, and it remained an important seat for them until they chose Goa in 1530.
Kochi is one of the best cities to visit in India, and it is the most-visited place in Kerala. It is one of the world’s 440 cities that will contribute fifty percent of world GDP by the year 2025. With a rich history and unique culture, Kochi is a perfect destination for your next holiday. There are several wonderful places to visit in Kochi. We have created a list to help you:
Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch palace was built by the Portuguese in the year 1555. Portuguese originally built this an art palace to show their gratitude to Verra Kerala Varma, the King of Kochi back then. In 1663, it was renovated and extended by the Dutch. This palace shows a wonderful mixture of both cultures and is one of the rare monuments built out of respect and gratitude.
Kochi is a land of trade close to the sea, making fish one of its main exports. Undoubtedly one of the most wonderful sights to see here is a fishing net being cast in the waters of Kochi. Through this excursion, you not only explore one of the major pillars of Kochi-Culture but also experience the simple beauty of the Fishing trade.
Kochi is a land of many cultures, religions, and traditions. You can see a beautiful cultural synagogue built in the year 1568 by the foreigners who took control of Kochi. This synagogue was built for the Jews who lived here. Since they came from the Middle-east and some parts of Europe, they were called “Pardesi”, and hence the name. With hand-painted and willow pattern floor tiles, you are going to simply feel ecstatic if you were to visit this magnificent synagogue. Also, there is a clock tower near this synagogue, which is popular among tourists.
The oldest monument in the city, The St. Francis Church was originally built by the Portuguese, as a Catholic church. This Church is also the burial ground for the great Traveler Vasco Da Gama. The Dutch reformed this church in the year 1804, and even to this day, this building can be easily hailed as one of the best cultural representations of the Portuguese-Indian people during their time.
As a traveler, a trip to Kochi will simply be incomplete if the best beaches remain unexplored. As it is one of the best coastal regions in the country, you can check out some of the most amazing beaches such as Cherai Beach, which is about 20 kilometers from downtown Kochi. It is one of the cleanest and beautiful beaches that you will find. Sit around and watch the sunrise, or sunsets in the orange skyline, and find the hidden beauty of the seashore and the peace that follows with the motion of the dancing sea waves.
While visiting Kochi, you may also like to know the things you can do in the city other than visiting tourist destinations. Here is a list of things that you can do in Kochi to keep yourself entertained.
Visit Kodanad, an elephant training center in Kochi. Here, you not only get to see the elephants in the training session but you also get a chance to play around with these wonderful creatures. Enjoy this unique and amazing experience by visiting Kochi and reveling in its beauty.
One of the most popular, unique and vibrant forms of dancing is the Kathakali that originated from Kerala. It is one of the best examples of the prevailing culture of this region. You can watch an epic Kathakali performance at the Kathakali Centre here, and visualize the epic stories told in the form of dance in front of your eyes.
One of the best experiences in Kochi is hanging out at the Marine Drive beach. You can experience both the backwaters and the Kochi shore here at the beach simultaneously. Relaxing on the beach with the people you love can be refreshing in so many ways. This is a must-do for every traveler visiting Kochi.
Another thing that you can enjoy in Kochi is the various types of Water sports. Snorkeling, one of the safest and most enjoyable deep-water sports, can be done at the Thiruvankulam beach. You can also try out a hoard of other activities, like dolphin watching and paragliding.
You can visit Kochi depending upon your weather preferences. Even then, one of the best times to visit this place is from October to February, which is the winter months. The temperature during this time is between 17-33 degrees Celsius, which makes it pleasant for sight-seeing.
Kochi is extremely easy to reach via different modes of transport. There are well-established rail, air and road networks that connect different parts of the country and the world to this beautiful city. Since Kochi is also a major connection between different parts of Kerala and the world, the railway station and airports at Kochi are fairly busy.
Kochi by Air: Cochin International Airport is the first airport in the world that is fully powered by solar energy. There are regular flights to and from Dubai, Sharjah, Colombo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and other destinations. Domestically, Kochi flights fly to and fro from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Jaipur, and other cities regularly.
Kochi by Rail: There is a well-connected rail network in Kochi with trains even running from the northernmost areas of the country. The Ernakulam Railway Station is the largest railway station in South India in terms of train routes. Also, it is a fully disabled-friendly railway station, the first of its kind in India. It is just 7 km from the main Kochi city.
Kochi by Road: Public transport is efficient in Kochi connecting the city with other cities in the state as well as beyond the boundary of Kerala. The roads are well maintained and one may choose to hire a car or take a cab for sightseeing as well as to neighboring cities. To board buses for inter-state and intercity travel, one should consider going to KSRTC Central Bus Station in the south.
For commuting within the city, one may also like to explore the rapid transit system which was inaugurated in 2017. The metro network eases the congestion in the city, making travel cheaper and more convenient for locals as well as tourists.
Distance from nearby cities
Kochi to Alleppey: 53 km (approx. 1.5 hours)
Kochi to Munnar: 129 km (approx. 4 hours)
Kochi to Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram: 200 km (approx. 5 hours)
Kochi to Madurai: 295 km (approx. 7 hours)
You can get ready and pack your bags to enjoy one of the most diverse and beautiful places in this country. Along with the enjoyment you get at beaches, you can also enjoy the perfect scenery, the vivid colors and cultures and the wonderful story that Kochi awaits to tell you. Be a part of the history of Kochi along with thousands of other people who visit Kochi every year from various parts of the world. The City will welcome you with open arms and gratitude that you won’t receive anywhere else.
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April 15, 2024 
