Kochi Tourist Places: Explore The Places of Queen of Arabian Sea

Present on the Malabar coast in the southwest of India, Kochi is a port city. The city is also Kerala's financial, commercial, and industrial capital. Kochi has an indiscriminate mix of backwaters, beaches, islands, coasts, and plain terrains. Kochi still has beautiful dutch and Portuguese buildings, like the Old Harbour House, Mattancherry Palace, Bolgatty Palace, Jewish Synagogue, etc. The town has many market stores, art galleries, heritage homes, etc.

The city has many attractions such as restaurants and shopping hubs crowd Ernakulam, Jew Town, and Fort Kochi, along with palaces, beaches, temples, and heritage sites. Kochi is also famous for its Ayurvedic Massages and a must-visit place to witness performances such as the Kalarippayattu, an aesthetic martial art form, and Kathakali, the dance drama form of Kerala.

Kochi is also home to a group of back water lagoons and islands which are interconnected by ferries. The city is also home to the southern command of the Indian Navy, Kochi has an active naval base and an air squadron of the Indian Navy.

Mattancherry Palace

The Palace is also well known as the Dutch Palace, the Palace is a Portuguese palace in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the state of Kerala. The Palace is presently a museum showcasing paraphernalia belonging to the Kings of Kochi. The grandeur of the Palace lies in its simplicity and is built in the Kerala style mansions. The Palace has four separate wings surround by a central courtyard which has a temple. 

Fort Kochi 

Fort Kochi is a sea facing town in the south-western part of Kochi which has its old-world colonial charm. Here we can see the remnants of British rule which attracts the tourists hear all around the year to see how Portuguese or Dutch colonialism affected parts of our country.

The city is filled with European structures that keeps reminding us of the colonial powers that once ruled over the place. Till today, the city has the vibe of an ancient colonial city with its streets, colorful and charming buildings and a picturesque view out at the beach.

Santa Cruz Basilica

The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is present at Fort Kochi and is one of the eight Basilicas in India. The church is famous for its gothic style architecture and Portuguese interiors, the church is the second cathedral built by the Portuguese. The columns of the church are decorated with frescoes, and there are 7 large canvas paintings along the glass windows. This Cathedral has a special importance for the Christians living in the city as it celebrates the start of their religion in the land of India.

Read More: Top Kerala Tourist Places

St Francis Church

The St. Francis Church in Kochi, which purely exhibits Portuguese architecture. The Church was built in the 15th century by the Portuguese traders. Vasco-da-Gama, the famous explorer, was buried in this church when he died in 1524, Later his remains were moved to Lisbon after 14 years but his gravestone is still in the church.

Hill Palace

The Hill Palace is the largest archaeological museum of Kerala, which is present at Tripunithura . The palace was built in the year 1865 and was the Imperial Administrative offices and official residence of the Maharaja of Cochin. 

The Palace consists of 49 buildings made in traditional architectural style, spreading over 54 acres. The palace has an archaeological museum, a heritage museum, a deer park, a pre-historic park and a children's park. The palace complex is famous for being a full-fledged ethno archaeological museum and the first ever heritage museum of the Kerala. 

Bolgatty Palace

The Bolgatty Palace is situated in Bolgatty Island of Kochi. The Palace is a beautiful example of the Kochi style of architecture built by Dutch traders in 1744, it was later extended, and gardens were landscaped around the palace. 

Presently the palace is converted into a luxury hotel and is a favorite among couples. The palace is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens that make for a delightful spot for an evening walk, the palace is divided into 3 sections, the Main Block, the Marina Block and the Mansion Block.

Kerala Kathakali Centre 

The Kerala Kathakali Centre at Fort Kochi is famous for dance performances, the amount of effort put in by the dancers is notable. The locals and foreign tourists come here to enjoy the dance show. The architecture of the Kerala Kathakali Centre is special, with centre’s interiors showcasing Malabar style of architecture and are made up of beautiful wood carvings.

Best Time to Visit 

The best time to visit Kochi is October to March, although it's an all year long destination. This is the best weather to visit Kochi which provides a comfortable environment for exploring the city's diverse attractions. October and March also provides awesome weather for a trip to Kochi. The winter season in Kochi is an ideal season avoiding the monsoon rains and the extreme heat of summer, which ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience for tourists.

Conclusion 

Kochi has a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, which makes the city a must visit destination. From visiting the historic Fort Kochi to tasting the culinary delights of the city, there is something for every traveler in this city. So, pack your bags, plan your tour, and move onto a an unforgettable journey through the heart of Kochi.