Must-Visit Places in Kochi for Your Kerala Tour Packages
Kochi—often called the Queen of the Arabian Sea—remains one of the most essential destinations featured in Kerala tour packages. From colonial heritage zones to serene beaches, from the iconic Water Metro to vibrant art festivals, Kochi blends tradition with modernity like no other city in Kerala.
Whether you’re preparing your Kerala holiday plan or connecting Kochi with other popular destinations like Munnar, Thekkady, or Alleppey, this guide highlights the top attractions and the latest 2025 tourism updates that every traveler should know.
⭐ What’s New in Kochi (2025 Tourism Updates)
Kochi has undergone major upgrades in 2024–2025, making it even more traveler-friendly:
✔ Fort Kochi Declared a Green Tourism Destination
New waste-management systems, upgraded walkways, toilets, and beautification projects have transformed the heritage zone.
✔ Water Metro Cultural Hubs
Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, and Willingdon Island terminals now host open-air cultural performances, buskers, shopping kiosks, and heritage displays.
✔ Heritage Tourism Circuit Expansion
GCDA is mapping suburban heritage areas—making Kochi’s history more accessible than ever.
✔ Beach Tourism Corridor
Cherai, Kuzhippilly & Munambam beaches are being upgraded with:
- New boardwalks
- Decorative lighting
- Safe, licensed horse rides
- Better seating & parking
✔ Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025
India’s biggest art festival returns on December 12, 2025 with 30+ venues, including Water Metro terminals.
Top Places to Visit in Kochi
1. Fort Kochi – The Cultural Heart of Kerala
Fort Kochi remains the first stop for most travelers arriving on Kerala tour packages because of its charming blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences.
Don’t miss:
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- St. Francis Church
- Santa Cruz Basilica
- Fort Kochi Beach
- Narrow colonial streets perfect for walking
2025 Update:
Fort Kochi now features improved waste systems, better footpaths, and a new “green tourism” badge, making your walk around the neighborhood more pleasant.
Planning a hill station trip? Read: Kochi to Munnar travel route in Kerala travel packages
2. Mattancherry & The Dutch Palace
A showcase of Kerala’s royal history, murals, and artifacts.
The newly introduced Mattancherry Water Metro route makes it easier to reach the Palace.
Highlights:
- Royal portraits
- Kerala mural artwork
- Heritage alleys
- Antique shops
2025 Tip: Visit before noon—less crowd and softer lighting for photos.
3. Jew Town & Paradesi Synagogue
A beautifully preserved Jewish quarter with antique shops, spice stores, and heritage charm.
What to see:
- Hand-painted tiles
- Antique chandeliers
- Scrolls of the Old Testament
This is one of the most historically significant Jewish sites in the world.
4. Marine Drive & Water Metro Rides
No Kochi trip is complete without a Marine Drive walk during sunset.
2025 Highlights:
- Newly added seating areas
- Street food stalls
- Quick Water Metro connection across the backwaters
The Water Metro makes Kochi sightseeing in Kerala tour packages more eco-friendly and faster.
5. Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura
Kerala’s largest archaeological museum and former home of the Kochi royal family.
See:
- Royal jewellery
- Historic artifacts
- Ancient manuscripts
- The famous golden crown of the Maharaja
Beautiful gardens and peaceful surroundings make it ideal for families.
Want a culture-focused trip? See: Why You Should Tour Kerala During Monsoon
6. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
A quiet green lung in the center of busy Kochi—perfect for nature and photography lovers.
Species you might see:
- Egrets
- Pelicans
- Cormorants
- Kingfishers
Best visited early morning.
Exploring wildlife? Check: Thekkady to Alleppey route guide
7. Kochi Beaches (Cherai, Kuzhippilly, Munambam)
With the 2025 development project, these beaches now have:
- Horse riding
- Better pathways
- Shaded seating
- Improved parking
Cherai Beach is one of the most recommended add-ons in Kerala tour packages for beach lovers.
8. Lulu Mall Kochi
One of India’s largest malls—ideal for:
- Shopping major brands
- Family dining
- Entertainment & cinemas
Perfect for a half-day outing.
9. Chinese Fishing Nets
These iconic cantilevered fishing nets are a signature image of Kochi.
Best time: Sunset
Cost: Free (small fee if you want to try lifting the nets)
Kochi is usually the first destination included in Kerala tour packages, especially for travelers exploring Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey.
Many premium Kerala tour packages offer customized Kochi sightseeing including Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Marine Drive, and Cherai Beach.
If you’re booking Kerala tour packages, always choose one that includes at least one day in Kochi for heritage and coastal experiences.
Why Kochi Is a Must-Include Destination in Kerala Travel Packages
Kochi uniquely connects:
- Hill stations
- Backwaters
- Wildlife regions
- Cultural hubs
This makes it the ideal starting point for most Kerala itineraries.
Your trip naturally pairs with:
✓ Kochi → Munnar (hill stations)
✓ Kochi → Thekkady (wildlife)
✓ Kochi → Alleppey (houseboats)
Conclusion
Kochi continues to grow as Kerala’s most vibrant travel hub. With new cultural venues, upgraded beaches, and improved heritage zones, it deserves at least one full day in every Kerala holiday plan.
Food lovers can explore: Kerala Street Food Delights
Whether you’re exploring history, beaches, food, or art, Kochi offers something unforgettable for every traveler.