19 Places to see in Kochi
Places to see in Kochi is an article talks about what all you can do in Kochi.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2012 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness. Lot more locations has been added to this post.Â
Kochi, the largest city in Kerala, is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. Kochi (or Cochin, as it is also known) has some fabulous hideouts and getaways that are always a hit with the holiday crowd.
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.
Interested in an escapade to this mesmerizing city? Be sure to check out this updated list of 19 must see places near Kochi!!
1. 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. This is one of the Places to see in Kochi
2. Jew Synagogue and Jew Town
Jew synagogue (Paradesi Synagogue) is built in 1568 and is one of the oldest active synagogues. This synagogue is located in the old part of Mattenchery Town in Kochi known as Jew Town. This is another Places to see in Kochi
3. Dutch Palace
The Dutch Palace (also known as Mattenchery Palace) is very near to the Jew town. It was built in 1555 A.D by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma, Raja of Kochi. It has a huge collection of Kerala Temple murals, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. This is a must Places to see in Kochi
4. Marine Drive
It is a popular meeting jaunt for localites (…me included!) This scenic pathway is built facing the Vembanad lake. The walkway has two recently built bridges; the Rainbow bridge and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge. The sunset view from here is simply awesome!
Well, I couldn’t help myself….but post this second picture as well! Isn’t it beautiful? A very good Places to see in Kochi
5. Cherai Beach
Located in Vypin Island, Kochi, Cherai Beach is one of the beautiful beaches facing the Arabian sea. It is about 25 Kms from Cochin and is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the long sandy beach!
6. 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. A must visit Places to see in Kochi
7. Bolgatty Palace

This palace was built by Dutch in 1744 and is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland. Bolgatty palace is located in Bolgatty Island, Kochi. It is now converted into a heritage resort by the state. This is another Places to see in Kochi
8. Kodanad Elephant Training Center
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Kodanad is a rural village near Cochin which is around 42 Kms from Ernakulam town. This place is famous for the elephant training centre established in 1950. Because of the Indian government ban to elephant capture, Kodanad is now just a rescue training centre for stranded baby elephants and wounded elephants. This is another Places to see in Kochi
9. Willingdon Island
Willingdon Island is a man-made island created in 1933 under the supervision of Sir Robert Bristow. Up until recently Cochin airport, Seaport and the railway terminus (Cochin Harbor Terminus) were functioning on this island. Now, the Cochin Port Trust and the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command function here.
Airport continues to function as naval aviation wing. There are beautiful walkways and jetty’s on this island. My favorite is the “Embarkation Jetty”. It has a walkway and a jetty close by. A good place to enjoy a leisure walk over evening sun! This is a must Places to see in Kochi
10. Backwaters of Kochi
A backwater cruise in Cochin is the highlight of the tour.  You can enjoy natures’ bounty through the huge proliferation of palm and coconut trees lining the pellucid waters, and marvel at the quiet ambience generated by the quintessential moments of Cochin, especially when you pass through Fort Kochi and Mattancherry areas.
The backwaters of Kochi are best enjoyed through backwater cruises and you can choose from several package tours that are charted and planned according to the convenience of the traveller. This is a good Places to see in Kochi
11. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
Image by albany_tim via Wikimedia
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica in Fort Kochi is an important Basicilla in India, one of the eight and magnificently constructed edifices of its time. The cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin is an important tourism destination. The most noticing feature of the Basilica is the two lofty spires that greet you from a distance. And of course, the reproduction of the Last Supper is truly magnificent and a feast for the eyes.
12. Museum of Kerala History

Museum of Kerala History at Edappally is a must visit destination for ardent lovers of history and for people who want to know about the history of Kerala. A lovely reproduction of Parasurama, the legend and reincarnation of Lord Vishnu greets you right at the door.
Museum of Kerala History is also known as MadhavaNayar Foundation and showcases amazing episodes of various ancient historical events, including commentaries and life-size tableaux. You can also enjoy more than 200 original works of famous Indian artists. This is a good Places to see in Kochi
13. Pallipuram Fort 

Image by Challiyan via Wikimedia
Pallipuram Fort was built by the Portuguese and is considered to be the oldest such surviving monument in the India. The monument is more than 513 years old and still holds a great deal of attraction to its visitors. The fort is evidence of the stunning architectural nuances followed by the Europeans in those times.
Definitely worth a visit when you are traversing through Cochin. The fort is also known by the following names – Ayikkotta and Alikkotta.
14. Athirappilly Falls

The calming, soothing sound of Athirappilly Falls is the sound that greets the visitor here. Plummeting down 80 feet to Chalakkudy River, the picturesque Athirapilly Falls in Thrissur district is a very famous and very busy tourism destination. Be ready for a mesmerizing spell, right here at the Sholayar forest range.
15. Chottanikkara Temple

Image by Roney Maxwell via Wikimedia
Sri Chottanikkara Bhagvathy Temple is the abode of millions of devotees who come here with many woes and pains. The huge golden idol, bedecked with jewels, flowers and various adornments is a sight to behold. Be ready to feel the positive vibrations emanating from the temple and take part in the festivities and poojas(rituals) to remove any afflictions you are suffering from. This is a must visit Places to see in Kochi
16. Paliam Palace,Chendamangalam

Included in the famed Muziris project in Kerala, Chendamangalam and the Paliam Palace are enjoying renewed attention. The Paliath Achans were the prime ministers of the Maharajas of Cochin and the palace in which they lived in bear evidence to the richness and splendor of a bygone era.
While visiting Paliam Palace, you can also enjoy viewing a typical Kerala-style palace and observe how their lived there and maintained it during the Maharaja’s time.
You can also visit Kottayil Kovilakam and the Vypeenkotta Seminary, both located quite near the palace. At Kottayil Kovilakam, you can see a temple, church and mosque built next to each other; a perfect example of religious tolerance.
17. Malayattoor

Image by Dilshad Roshan via Wikimedia
Malayattoor in the northeast part of Kochi houses the famous St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. This shrine is internationally well known and thus attracts people from all over the world. Malayatoor means the meeting place of the land, river and mountain, and here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery the area around Kurisumudy is famous for. A must-visit! This is a good Places to see in Kochi
18. Vypeen Island ZoneÂ
Image by P.K.Niyogi via Wikimedia
Vypeen Island Zone is where Arabian Sea merges with Vembanad Lake and where you can see Fort Kochi on one side. It is believed that the island zone was formed as a result of a heavy flood during 1341. Vypeen Island Zone is so beautiful and magnificent that you would get the feeling that it is a painting that escaped from its canvas.
You can reach Vypeen Island through the boat and jetty services offered from Fort Kochi. The ethereal Goshree bridge that connects Cochin with Vypeen can also be seen here. Worth visiting!
19. Wonderla Amusement Park (Veegaland)
Being a leading amusement park in Kochi, Wonderla Amusement Park is a must visit destination for people travelling with kids. The clean, safe, hygienic and well-maintained park is a joy where you can spend an entire day exploring the adventurous rides; plenty of these rides are water based. There are special rides for children and thrillers for adults. An amazing experience!
So, have you booked your tickets to Kochi yet?
If I have missed any great hideouts near Cochin, do mention. I love to check out new places and destinations!









Thanks for sharing………….
Next week I arranged tour over Kerala with my friends, we already booked our Online bus ticket . This information is very useful to us.I hope we will enjoy over there.
Thank you for dropping by. Wishing you an awesome holiday in Kerala!
just want to know what good islands i can visit near kochi?
Hello,
Thanks.Very useful info. Planning to have a trip during vacation in July.
Regards,
Rajeev.Nambiar
thanks
Really thanks a ton…!!!! great info…Thanks for sharing…
thank you sir
I am planning for a trip in next year with my friends, children and collegues and I got a beautiful information from your site. A wonderful highlights of places thank you.
Thank you. Glad to be of help.
my wife and i are planning to visit kochi on sept 24. we will be staying for a couple of days .what are some of the places as a must see in kochi? no temples please.
Mr Hari Prasad, thank you for visiting our blog and leaving a comment. The places listed in this article are the major ones covered in sight seeing tours and they are worth seeing. There are few more relatively small hideouts in and around Kochi. If you are very much interested and have some time to spend in Cochin, you can ask your tour operator for more information.
Thank you…
We have planned to visit kerala next month…I need some details about the resorts r hotels…Can u send some details about the hotels or resorts….
We are 70 students of an Engineering college…
sure sir
How time will be require to cover all these 9 locations in Kochi? Do I need to plan for a stay at Kochi to cover these locations?
One full day should be enough
I am planing to visit kerala for two nights and two days , please advsie what would be better to get at kochi or trivendrum because i shall be coming from chennai and going back to Mumbai, I would prefer natural beauty , beach resort only no temple no historical place please advise on ashwindeshmukh68@gmail.com
you may please book to and from cochin.
Please contact me for booking a trip in early 2014 (jan-feb) to Kochi and Allepey. I will travel from and Hyderabad and again back.
Thank you Mr Manash. Our travel team will be touch with you very soon and they will help you in coordinating your Kerala tour.
Nicely presented.Hope to see all these places in a day. We have booked our package through you and hope to have a great time.
Thank you Mr.Prashant. We look forward to see you and make your Kerala trip unforgettable!
hi,
I plan to go cochin, allapey, munnar thekaadi. could you help which good to see. 4days 3nights.
Thank you Mr Gopal. Our travel team will contact you and will help you in planning a great Kerala trip!
I m planning to visit kerala on 10th june 2014. Please guide us what to see.
I wanted to visit kochi with familyi in dec2013. Wanted to knw for how many days shud I visit.. N some intresting places…
What is best time to visit Cochin. I am planning to visit during 1st week of December 2013.
Many thanks in advance and kind Regards
Thank you Mr. Govind for dropping by. Cochin is pleasant and comfortable year-around. December is indeed a good time to visit Cochin..!
Can you please tell me what are the other places that can be visited near Cochin.
Is Alleppy close by?? I would like to visit Guruvayur too. Some information on how to reach these places would be helpful.
Thanks.
Thank you Sandhya. We are happy to assist you. You can check our Kerala tour planning article for more information on places near Cochin and distances between each.
Hi Sunu,
Me and my family members are arriving from Munnar to Cochin to board a train to Mangalore on 10th January. [Train starts at 2 pm from Ernakulam Junction. we were planning to board from Aluva]. I wanted to know if we can do any sightseeing [1 or 2 places] in cochin before boarding the train?
If yes, what can we see and by what time should we leave from Munnar?
Thanks in advance for your help
I am planning to visit Kerala( Cochin-munnar-Thekkady-Allepey). My timing would be around 16-17 January. Will land Cochin via train. Holiday period around 5-6 days. Will leave from Cochin for benguluru. Could you arrange my itinerary?? Thanks
Hi,
We are going to Lakhsdweep and we have 1 full day free. Can visiting above places be arranged in a day trip? My travel plan is –
Arrival 21-Dec 9PM
Departure – 23-Dec 10AM
22Dec is the full day with me.
Thanks,
Abhay
Hai we need to Below Places , how much need to this also how much you charging per head
1. Jew Synagogue and Jew Town
2. Dutch Palace
3. Bolgatty Palace
4. Hill Palace
Thank you for your interest. Our travel team will get back to you!
Hi,
I would luv to know the details of visiting ChottanikaaraBhagavathy Amman temple. I would be traveling with about 7 family members 3 of them are children. I would also like to know the accommodation and travel facilities regarding the temple visit and also local sightseeing. We are planning to visit around May 26th to May 28th. 2014. Could you please guide me how to plan my travel plans as we are from Chennai and would like to travel in train to Kerala. Please also let me know the places of interest and the distance from Ernakulam. Thanking you in advance
With regards
Dinesh
Thank you for your interest in traveling with us Mr. Dinesh. I have forwarded your request to our travel team. They will get back and guide in planning your tour to Cochin.
1 day tour at munnar, 2 days tour for thekaddy, 2 days tour at cochi, 1 day tour at aleppy, 2 days tour at kovalamagain and last 1 day tour at cochi
Thank you Mr.Debasis Nag for commenting on our blog. What exactly do you need help from us?
Hi,
I am planning for 4 days kerela trip . I would be travelling with my family for Cochin – Allepy – Munnar – cochin between 12- 15 June. I would also like to know the accommodation and travel facilities regarding the local sightseeing.
Can you assist me in planning this trip.
Also, I would like to tell you, I have a friend’s marriage to attend in cochin on 14th.
Thanks in Advance.
Regards
Thank you Mr.Anshul for your interest in traveling with us. Our travel team is always ready to help you plan a great Kerala trip! I will forward your query asap.
madam your informations and photograps are really amazing.we are planning to visit cochine during may first weak. but we are middle ciass family.let me know about the lodging and food charges in cochine? thank you.
Thank you so much. There are many options out there Mr. Thirupathi. I would suggest you to check with your travel operator to get the details!
Hi Mam,
I am visiting Munnar this May and I am planning to cover a one day trip to Cochi and I would like to get the details for this. Could you please help me in getting these?
Thanks
Thank you Mr.Khizar. I will forward your request to our travel team!
May I know how do I get around thse attractions in cochin ? Is public transport doable ? Tq for your help
Yes, there is public and private transport facility available in Cochin. You can also hire tour operator or rent-a-car facility to go around at your leisure!
Great information and will be very useful for me as I am holidaying in Kumarakom and also planning to see places of interest in Kochi. Thanks a lot
Thank you Mr. Manoj!!
Hello,
We want to visit Kochi and nearby places in late September 2014. Anybody can guide where to visit, what to see etc? We would like to taste Kerala food, fish and want to have typical spices. Please respond me. We are a couple having two kids aged 8-10 years.
Divya Giri
Kathmandu, Nepal
lovelydivya.giri@gmail.com
Thank you Diya. I will pass on your request to our team. They will get back to you and will help you plan your Kerala trip!
Thanks for some great places and ofcouse beautiful pics..Cant wait for next week i.e., 1st of August me and some friends are coming to Ernakulam/Cochin 😉
hi, am travelling to india for the first time, going to cochin for some treatment meanwhile also would like to see some places , please advice as ill be coming on 23 aug
Hi Sunu,
Your blog provided me a lot information about kochi must see places and We are visiting Kochi in late September. Could you please provides us the stay and travel details?
We planned for 5 days trip.
Thanks,
Ramesh
Hello Sunu,
We have already booked for keral site seeing for 3 nights and 4 days in Paradise
look forward to experience the good hospitality to make memorable…..and we are coming on 23.oct-2014
Thank YOu
KK
]
Good informative blog. I am visiting kerla from 23-28 Nov. I will arrive at kochi on 23rd at 1:10 pm by air and leave on same day at 11:30pm by train. I have a daughter (22yrs) on wheel chair. Can you guide me what place should we go to see in kochi?
For two days, budgeted plan for me and my spouse. Accmodation already fixed by me
Very usefull information about tourism…
Thank you!
Hi Sunu Philip,
I am travelling with my family to kochi from bangalore in the month april 2015 for three days, 4th day morning, will travel back to Bangalore from kochi, can you please help in planning the trip, its first time for us to kerala. await for your reply.
thanks in advance.
Nice comments and help seen and I look forward to my visit to Kerala this coming week thru your operators – Sylvia who is arranging our plan. My travel dates are from 4th Feb – 10 Feb…look forward to see this wonderful place.
Thank you Stephen. Hope you had a great time in Kerala!
I am in kochi right now, all alone. Waiting for KTDC backwater 1 day tour to start.
Hello there,
Do you think 2 days are enough to see al the places?
Hi Sunu,
We are planning a half day outing to a near by place in Kochi. Looking for some amount of refreshment and good food. We are based at Kakkanad. Could you advise for some places.
Thanks.
Rosmi Joseph
Kochi places wonderful and amazing website post.
Thnk u fr yr valuable.. infrmationzz☆
Will be visiting Kochi in March 2016 and your blog is extremely informative.
Thank you so much Rudolph! Glad to hear that…
I want a holiday trip wih my family for 10 days. Please contact me. Thank you
Very informative sight.! Keep making it better.! Thank you.! I need some planned trip route/prices etc. for a two full day sight seeing tours of Kochi, covering everything.! Shoot me an email pls
Thanks, Our travel team will get back to you.
Hi Sunu,
Nice information. We are o planning to visit Cochin for 3N/4D. Looking forward for help for accommodation and sightseeing details.
Thanks
Hi Ajit,
Thank you, our travel team will get back to you.
amazing post.. thanks for your information..
Thanks Savitha
I have read many articles on the same topic in different blogs. But this one is really different and special.
Thanks David
Should have found this blog earlier,visited kochi a week ago and have only seen 2 – 3 listed here.
Hi Sam,
You can visit all the other places on your next visit to Kochi. Make sure to make a checklist of the places mentioned in the article so that you won’t miss them.
Hello,
we are coming on 6th April from ahmedabad by flight and return on 9th April so according our plan can you please help me for accommodation and guide us for visiting places.
Hi Amitkumar,
Thank you for reaching out. Our travel team will get in touch with you soon or feel free to contact us at info@paradise-kerala.com to get the details.
Lovely pictures and great tips on Kochi, Kerala as a whole is so lovely!
Thanks, Vidyut.
Hello
I am Saurabh from Raipur, Chhattisgarh. My family is planning a trip to Kerala from 26th Septtember to 5th october 2017. We will reach Cochin at 09:30 pm on 26th September. Planning to dedicate a full day of 27th September,2017 for Cochin Sight-seeing. Can you please guide us with such an itinerary?
We would not like more of anything (temples/museums etc.), but everything within appreciable limits. Also an itinerary which ends at Marine drive in evening sunset will be great.
Hi Saurabh,
Thank you for reaching out and we hearty welcome you to experience the mind blowing beauty of Kerala.
Please feel free to contact us at info@paradise-kerala.com to get the details of visiting places and packages.
Your blog is amazing. Well written and is impressive with so many beautiful pictures in the blog.
Thank you, Omkar!
Thanks for nice points on Kochi
Thank you, Anirban for your kind words!
I am on holiday from uk to India.I would like to see Famos places in and round kochi.
Hi Harbhajan,
Thank you for reaching out and we hearty welcome you to experience the mind blowing beauty of Kerala.
Please feel free to contact us at info@paradise-kerala.com to get the details of visiting places and packages.
Very interesting article,thank you for sharing this
Thank you, Aman!
Very interesting article,thank you for sharing this
Hi Mahesh,
Glad to hear that you find the article interesting. Thank you!
lovely explanation of places.
we are planning to visit there in the month of November, will it be fine and safe to travel at this time as the whole area has got much affected by the flood?
Hi Komal,
Please feel free to contact us at info@paradise-kerala.com for details regarding traveling in Kerala.
your 14th place Athirapilli waterfalls not in Ernakulam . athirappilli located athirapilli panchaayath thrissur district . please note . and your website is super well arranged . like it
Thank you, Prasad. Very soon we will correct our article.
Wow awesome post brief information about places near Kochi. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you
Nice collection of places in kochi, kerala. These are the prime visit places in kochi. Good information.Thank you for posting.