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The ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea<\/strong>‘,\u00a0Kochi<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Cochin<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is the iconic Indian port city that has been drawing traders, explorers and travelers to its shores for over 600 years. Although it has a metropolitan appeal, its rich history and tradition bring to light an old-world charm. Nurtured for centuries by foreign powers like the British, Arabs, Dutch, Chinese and Portuguese, the intriguing mix culture and the stunning medieval architecture makes Kochi<\/a><\/strong> stand out from the rest of the places in\u00a0Kerala<\/strong><\/a>. And\u00a0Kochi<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is now the world’s top trending destination according to\u00a0TripAdvisor\u2019s 2020 Traveler\u2019s Choice Destination Awards<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n It has some fabulous hideouts and getaways that are always a hit with holidaymakers, stunning historical monuments and amazing art galleries to explore, beautiful scenic locations and pristine beaches to unwind and some of the finest heritage hotels and homestays to relax.\u00a0Kochi\u00a0is an important center for Keralan arts and an outstanding place to watch the vibrant\u00a0Kathakali<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Kalaripayattu<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n This fantabulous city was even\u00a0<\/strong>ranked seventh in\u00a0Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2020\u2019 top cities<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Interested to explore Kochi? Then, take a look at the list of Places To Visit In Kochi below:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n A charming seaside town,\u00a0Fort Kochi<\/strong>\u00a0is the heart and soul of\u00a0Kochi<\/strong><\/a>. It has the vibe of an ancient colonial city with its old colonial bungalows, toy-town like streets, historical fortifications, European structures, stunning churches, makeshift shacks, the beachside eateries, rows of Chinese fishing nets and picturesque beaches. Fort Kochi\u00a0<\/strong>was ranked ninth among 25 top tourist destinations to explore in 2020 by\u00a0Nat Geo Traveler India of National Geographic<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n The giant cantilevered\u00a0Chinese Fishing Nets<\/strong><\/a>, locally known as ‘Cheena Vala<\/strong>‘ are\u00a0Kochi’s<\/strong>\u00a0most popular sight and perhaps the most photographed sight in all of town. It was introduced to the fishermen in Kochi over 500 years ago by the Chinese explorer, Zheng He and have been in use ever since. One of the most significant cultural symbols of Kerala, the\u00a0Chinese Fishing Nets\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>displays the rich exchange of culture and ideas that existed in the Indian subcontinent at that time. It’s a fun experience watching the fishermen operating the\u00a0<\/strong>Chinese Fishing Nets<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Mattancherry Dutch Palace<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>is one of the finest examples of Kerala style of architecture with a slight colonial touch. The grandeur of\u00a0Mattancherry Dutch Palace<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>lies in its simplicity and resembles a traditional Nalukettu style with four individual wings and a patio in between. Today, this amazing palace serves as an art gallery showcasing some of India\u2019s best art murals and paintings which includes the murals depicting scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana and other Puranic legends and also the life-size portraits of the Kings of Cochin.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Built-in the year 1568 by the Spanish speaking Jews, the\u00a0Jewish Synagogue<\/strong><\/a>, also known as\u00a0Pardesi Synagogue\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>is said to be one of the oldest, active synagogues in the Commonwealth of Nations. The architecture of the\u00a0Jewish Synagogue<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>is truly intriguing with the medley of European and traditional Kerala style. This stunning Synagogue is magnificently illuminated by an exquisite Belgian chandelier and the clock tower inside the Synagogue premise is so admirable. Above all, the\u00a0Jewish Synagogue<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>is a treasure trove of very rare and appreciated antiques.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Lined with antique, handicraft and spice shops, the\u00a0Jew Town<\/strong>\u00a0is a hotspot of antique lovers and shopaholics. From jewellery, crockery, Chinese urns, chandeliers, glass and ceramic products, wooden and metal figurines, statuettes, carved wooden furniture and handicraft items like wooden elephants, wall hangings, paintings, to vintage photographs, and a variety of spices, you can find everything at this tiny shopping street. The lovely colonial buildings on either side of the street add to its quaint charm.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Marine Drive<\/strong>\u00a0is a beautiful promenade in Kochi that offers a magnificent view of the backwaters and Kochi Harbour. The amazing walkway is adorned with black-dotted, red-carpet ultra-tiles and long rows of cast-ironed benches. The stunning sunset views from the Rainbow bridge and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge along the walkway is sure to leave you mesmerized.\u00a0Marine Drive<\/strong>\u00a0is a dreamland for shopaholics and picnickers as this place is brimming with numerous shopping malls, restaurants, and other small shops.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n The antiquity, artistic dignity, spectacular beauty and historical importance make\u00a0Santa Cruz Basilica<\/strong>\u00a0one of the best places to visit in\u00a0Kochi<\/strong><\/a>. One of the finest and oldest churches in India<\/strong>, the\u00a0Santa Cruz Basilica\u00a0<\/strong>is a renowned heritage site in Kerala that reflects historical glory and pride. It is also noted as one of the eight Basilicas in India<\/strong>. It’s ceiling beautifully adorned with paintings showing the scenes from the Via Crucis of Christ are a real treat to the eyes.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Considered as one of the oldest and first European churches in India<\/strong>,St Francis Church\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>is distinguished for its beautiful architecture and calm and peaceful ambience. It’s a well-known landmark where the body of late\u00a0legendry Portuguese explorer<\/strong>,\u00a0Vasco da Gama<\/strong>\u00a0was buried. The gabled timber-framed roof covered with tiles, the stepped pinnacle on either side of the frontage, chancel roof along with the baptism platform, book rests, offering and confessional stage, everything reflects the grandeur and charisma of the old-world and its traditions.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Kadamakkudy Island\u00a0<\/strong>is an enchanting picturesque island destination in Kochi that rewards all its guests with a panoramic view of glittering green paddy fields, scintillating backwaters, swaying coconut trees, verdant patches of greenery, and the most admiring sunrise and sunset views. Known for its everlasting beauty, rustic charm and matchless tranquillity, the alluring\u00a0Kadamakkudy Island<\/strong>\u00a0is comprised of a cluster of 14 scenic islands, nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It serves as a live gallery of agricultural activities, fishing, prawn farming and toddy tapping and ideal for birdwatching.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n A seafront beach, the lovely\u00a0Fort Kochi Beach<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>offers a paved walkway with benches and beautiful views of large\u00a0Chinese Fishing Nets<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>which is its exclusive feature. It is extremely admired by locals as well as tourists because of its pristine waters, captivating beauty and tranquil ambience. The delicious sea-food, the lighthouse,\u00a0Vasco-da-Gama Square<\/strong>\u00a0and the remains of the Fort Immanuel are its major attractions. The famous\u00a0Cochin Carnival<\/strong>\u00a0takes place on the lovely\u00a0Fort Kochi Beach<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>every year on the New Year\u2019s Eve.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n The first heritage museum in\u00a0Kerala<\/strong><\/a>, the famous\u00a0Hill Palace Museum\u00a0<\/strong>is remarkable for its history and antiquity. Built-in traditional Kerala style of architecture, it owns an archaeological museum, deer park, heritage museum, and a well-maintained pre-historic park. Set atop a hill, the\u00a0Hill Palace Museum\u00a0<\/strong>was the erstwhile residence of the Maharaja of Cochin. The magnificent\u00a0Hill Palace Museum\u00a0<\/strong>is a treasure trove of a variety of artefacts belonging to the Kochi royal family along with Chinese and Japanese art and pottery.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n An exquisite example of the Kochi style of architecture, the stunning\u00a0Bolghatty Palace<\/strong>\u00a0is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces, situated outside Holland. The Palace is surrounded by well-manicured gardens that make for a delightful spot for an evening walk. Once served as the Governor’s palace for the commander of Dutch Malabar and was the home of the British,\u00a0Bolghatty Palace<\/strong>\u00a0is now re-established as a luxury hotel.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Enclosed by the tranquil backwaters and blessed with many natural wonders,\u00a0Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village<\/strong>\u00a0is a picturesque island, which transformed as a model fishing village and tourism spot. This beautiful island destination is occupied by farmers, laborers, fishermen, and toddy tappers and the place offers a delightful glimpse of the wealthy livelihood of the villagers. An array of mangroves separate land from water that makes for a beautiful sight. Fishing and boating are the major activities at\u00a0Kumbalangi<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Kerala Folklore Museum<\/strong>\u00a0is a three-storied architectural marvel which is constructed to preserve the splendid folklore wealth of\u00a0Kerala<\/strong><\/a>. Each floor of the Museum is a piece of wonder that follows architectural styles of Malabar, Cochin and Travancore. Kerala’s rich cultural heritage is well-portrayed through the priceless collection of artefacts and other exhibits of the Museum. The first floor of\u00a0Kerala Folklore Museum\u00a0<\/strong>showcases costumes of different traditional dance forms of Kerala like Kathakali, Theyyam, Mohiniyattam, etc while the second floor is adorned with fascinating mural paintings.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Kerala Kathakali Centre<\/strong>, also popular as the\u00a0School of Traditional Arts<\/strong>, is a well-organized institute that not only teaches you every aspect of traditional art forms of\u00a0Kerala<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>but also offers you an opportunity to watch vibrant\u00a0Kathakali\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0martial arts<\/strong>\u00a0performed by well-trained artists. It also hosts performances of classical music, traditional dance, early-morning yoga and meditation sessions, and a range of short and long term courses including Kathakali.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Willington Island<\/strong>\u00a0is deemed as one of the biggest artificial man-made islands in\u00a0India<\/strong>. Named after the British Viceroy of India,\u00a0Lord Willington<\/strong>, this amazing Island is home to\u00a0Kochi Naval Base of the Indian Navy<\/strong>, the\u00a0Central Institute of Fisheries Technology<\/strong>\u00a0and the\u00a0Port of Kochi. Willington Island\u00a0<\/strong>is a major commercial centre of\u00a0Kochi\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>where several luxurious hotels and industrial buildings are functioning.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Built-in typical Kerala style of architecture,\u00a0Ernakulam Mahadeva Temple\u00a0<\/strong>also called Ernakulathappan Temple<\/strong> is one of the historic temples in Kochi<\/strong><\/a> that belongs to the Chera dynasty. The presiding deity of Ernakulam Mahadeva Temple\u00a0<\/strong>is\u00a0Lord Shiva<\/strong>\u00a0in the form of Gourisankara.<\/strong> Unlike other\u00a0Shiva\u00a0<\/strong>temples,\u00a0<\/strong>the deity of\u00a0Ernakulam Mahadeva Temple\u00a0<\/strong>faces the Arabian sea towards the West. This magnificent temple is popularly known as the\u00a0Ernakulathappan Temple.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n The exquisitely beautiful\u00a0Edappally Church<\/strong>, also known as\u00a0St. George’s Syro Malabar Forane Church<\/strong>\u00a0is counted as the richest Catholic Shrine in\u00a0Kerala<\/strong><\/a>. It is Asia’s largest shrine to Saint George noted for its visually arresting interiors adorned with a spectacular mural of Virgin Mary and baby Jesus.\u00a0Edappally Church<\/strong>\u00a0has a miraculous holy well with water that possess curative powers and the Church attracts millions of devotees from all over the world.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n One of the most renowned pilgrim destinations in\u00a0Kerala<\/strong><\/a>,\u00a0the Chottanikkara Temple<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>is remarkable for its amazing architecture which stands as the ultimate testimonial for the ancient Vishwakarma sthapathis (wooden sculpture). The presiding deity of\u00a0Chottanikkara Temple<\/a><\/strong> is Goddess Lakshmi Devi\u00a0<\/strong>who is fondly called as\u00a0Chottanikkara Amma<\/strong>. This temple is so famous among the devotees due to the healing powers of the Goddess, especially in mental illness and disorder.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n A beautiful place blessed with natural bounties,\u00a0Malayattoor<\/strong>\u00a0has gained its fame across the globe for the priceless missionary work of\u00a0one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, Apostle St. Thomas<\/strong>. The major attraction of Malayattoor<\/strong>\u00a0is the ancient Catholic Church, dedicated to\u00a0Apostle St. Thomas <\/strong>which a renowned Christian pilgrimage centre. This lovely church is adorned with the Greco-Roman style of architecture.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n St. George Orthodox Koonan Kurishu Old Syrian Church\u00a0<\/strong>is one of the most revered pilgrim centres in\u00a0Kochi\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>where the\u00a0Coonan Cross Oath<\/strong>, the attempt to resist colonialism and western invasion in India first took place and holy relics of\u00a0St. George<\/strong>\u00a0was installed.\u00a0The Koonan Kurishu Church<\/strong>\u00a0belongs to the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and it was declared as a historic monument as well as a pilgrim centre, considering its historical importance.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n The\u00a0Indo-Portuguese Museum<\/strong>\u00a0is an exemplar of the harmony that exists between two countries and two cultures. It is the highest visited museums in\u00a0Kerala<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0that paves the way to revisit the rich history of the state as well as to explore the vibrant heritage of Indo-Portuguese art, architecture and culture through the various artefacts displayed here. The 16th-century teak altar from the Church of Our Lady and the 19th-century chasuble from the Bishop\u2019s House,\u00a0Fort Kochi<\/strong>\u00a0are the most notable exhibits of this Museum.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n A treasure house of a unique collection of naval arms and missiles, the\u00a0Indian Naval Maritime Museum<\/strong>\u00a0is one of the most astounding naval places in\u00a0South India.\u00a0<\/strong>The Museum gives you a glimpse of the great maritime heritage of the Indian navy in the museum that dates back to Kerala’s trade links with Arabs during Indus Valley Civilization, its popular maritime heroes like the Portuguese explorer\u00a0Vasco da Gama<\/strong>\u00a0and the Indian sailor\u00a0Kunjali Maraikar as well as\u00a0<\/strong>the settlement of India sub-continent by European powers.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Established by the entrepreneur and philanthropist R. Madhavan Nayar in 1986,\u00a0Museum of Kerala History, Edappally\u00a0<\/strong>is\u00a0<\/strong>one of the oldest history and art museums in\u00a0Kochi<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong>Also known as\u00a0Kerala Museum,\u00a0<\/strong>it boasts of three galleries namely, Museum of Kerala History<\/strong>, the\u00a0Dolls Museum\u00a0<\/strong>and the\u00a0Gallery of Modern Art. The<\/strong>\u00a0history of the state of\u00a0Kerala<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is well-portrayed through the life-size figures of historical episodes and personalities from the state displayed at the museum.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Paliam Palace\u00a0<\/strong>was once the residence of the Paliath Achans, who were the prime ministers to the Maharajas of\u00a0Kochi<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong>This beautiful Palace was built more than four hundred years ago whose architecture is a hybrid of Kerala and Dutch styles. It is now transformed into a historic museum where the stages of evolution of Kochi\u00a0<\/strong>Kingdom and the importance of the Paliam family as well as the life of nobility in the ‘Post-Swaroopam period’ constitute the theme of this museum.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n A favourite haunt of art lovers, the\u00a0Kashi Art Gallery<\/strong>\u00a0is the pioneer of\u00a0Fort Kochi’s<\/strong>\u00a0art revival. This stunning Art Gallery is beautifully set-up in a creatively restored Dutch heritage house which is attached to one of\u00a0Kerala’s<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>most fabulous cafes. It displays magnificent contemporary art of great artists like Zakir Hussein, Anant Joshi, NN Rimzon, Valsan Koorma Kolleri and Sosa Joseph.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n A spellbinding narrow promenade with a fascinating history,\u00a0Vasco-da-Gama Square<\/strong>\u00a0is an ideal place to watch fishermen operate the huge\u00a0Chinese Fishing Nets<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0that indicates a legacy of its glorious past. What makes\u00a0Vasco-da-Gama Square<\/strong>\u00a0so special is that you can find here synagogues, mosques, churches and temples located side by side.\u00a0Vasco-da-Gama Square<\/strong>\u00a0is dotted with numerous stalls serving fresh delicious seafood and tender coconut where one can spend a relaxed evening.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Built by the Portuguese in the year 1503, the\u00a0Pallipuram Fort<\/strong>\u00a0is considered as the oldest surviving European monument in\u00a0\r\n
Fort Kochi:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Chinese Fishing Net:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Mattancherry Dutch Palace:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Jewish Synagogue:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Jew Town:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Marine Drive:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Santa Cruz Basilica:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
St Francis Church:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Kadamakkudy Island:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Fort Kochi Beach:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Hill Palace Museum:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Bolghatty Palace:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Kumbalangi Village:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Kerala Folklore Museum:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Kerala Kathakali Centre:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Willingdon Island:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Ernakulam Mahadeva Temple:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Edappally Church:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Chottanikkara Temple:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Malayattoor:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Koonan Kurishu Old Syrian Church:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Indo-Portuguese Museum:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Indian Naval Maritime Museum:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Museum of Kerala History, Edappally:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Paliam Palace:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Kashi Art Gallery:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Vasco da Gama Square:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Pallipuram Fort:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n