Places to visit in Kochi
The city of Kochi is the most densely populated part of the state. It is the largest urban agglomeration in Kerala. Kochi has been an important spice trading port site since the 14th century. Kochi was occupied by the Portuguese in 1543 and it was the first of the European colonies.
Kochi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Numerous travellers from within and outside the country visit the city every year. Some of the local attractions of Kochi include Chinese fishing nets, Waterfront Marine Drive and Parikshith Thampuran Museum.
The geographical limits of Kochi extend over to Fort Kochi, Ernakulam Town, a few islands on the Vembanad Lake, Edapally, Kakkanad and Kalamassery. Kochi is often called the commercial capital of Kerala.
Apart from tourism and hospitality, the major contributor to the city’s economy is the construction and manufacturing sector. Kochi is also the fastest growing tier-II city in the country. Some of the important tourist destinations in Kochi are the Paradesi Synagogue and the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary.
The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery, which is situated at a distance of 28 km from the city. The nearest railway stations are the Ernakulam Town and the Ernakulam Junction. These are locally known as the North and South stations. Kochi is well connected by State and National Highways to nearby cities and states and there is a regular bus service on these routes.
Marine Drive is a beautiful coastal roadway stretching 3.6 kilometres along Mumbai's coastline. It is famous for its scenic sunny views and seafront walkway. The row of glittering lights along the coast looks like a necklace, earning its name as "Queen's Necklace." These street lights resemble a sparkling jewel chain, radiating a charming glow at night.
Located in Kochi, Kerala, the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is one of the top places offered by Kochi tour packages. It is a place of worship, pilgrimage, and spiritual reflection, hosting various masses, prayers, and religious festivals year-round.
The Basilica in Fort Kochi, built by the Portuguese in 1505, was designated as a cathedral in 1558 and later elevated to basilica status in 1984. Today, it stands as one of India's most magnificent churches, attracting visitors from across the globe.
It combines Indo-European and Gothic architectural styles. Its grandeur is highlighted by a white exterior, pastel-colored interior, and two spires. Inside it, the vibrant paintings, stained glass windows, frescoes and murals illustrating the life of Christ add to its artistic beauty.
Plan your visit to a famous Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi which was built in 1568. This is a rectangular-shaped building having a brick roof and iron gates. There is a Dutch-style clock tower with four clocks of different number styles.
Fort Kochi, situated approximately 13 kilometres away from Ernakulam, displays a fascinating fusion of history, culture, and culinary delights. The area boasts well-preserved colonial buildings built by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, highlighting its profound historical significance.
Visit Mattancherry Palace, built in 1555 by the Portuguese, and learn about the rich past of Kerala. This old palace includes a classical Kerala structure with beautiful courtyards and wooden and leaned roofs.
Kerala is bestowed with several precious destinations nestled amidst mother nature. One such adored treasure being, the Cherai beach, which is spread across 10 KM and is one of the most admired beach by visitors in Kerala. Situated in the suburbs of Kochi, Cherai is gifted with the splendour of nature in contrasting hues. Cherai beach attracts a lot of local and foreign tourists because of its tranquil surroundings. The less-crowded beach is the place to go to for solitude and a few cherished moments of harmony with nature. The beach is lined with lagoons, backwaters, coconut groves and few luxury resorts.
This pristine and immaculate beach has low tides making it accessible by tourist of every age throughout the day for various activities and water sports. This is the only beach where the Sea and backwaters are seen to merge in a single frame enhancing its panoramic beauty. Cherai beach is considered to be one of the cleanest beach in the country, added to its gentle waves making it an ideal beach for swimming in clean water. The beach has an alluring walkway dotted with greens and sufficient seating arrangements for weary legs.
The beach is stippled with seating areas made out of dried hay and wood for visitors to revel in the beauty of the ocean. Evenings have a divine effect on the beach, the light blue sky turns crimson making it a place where nature translates it’s beauty into something serene and soothing where the only hymn heard is the rhythmic sound of waves constantly lashing against the land. Cherai beach offers a magnificent view of the sunset across the horizon, resembling a ball of hot fire melting away amidst the mighty ocean to return yet again the next day.
Cherai beach takes pride in its traditional Seafood cuisine, the beachfront has several eateries and restaurants treating their guests to fresh catch of the day with elan. Try out Karimeen, fresh crab and oysters cooked the classic way and squids, tiger prawns and Kingfish dished out with perfection. The beach has a lot of activities to keep the visitors on toes, ranging from parasailing, speed boat, banana boat, bumpy boats and much more which is conducted with great safety and care of international standards. If activities with an adrenaline rush aren’t your kind of entertainment to keep you engaged, indulge in Yoga and meditation on the beach. Breathing fresh air from the ocean refreshes the entire being from tip to toe with a feeling difficult to express in words.
The most scintillating beach of Kerala has every possible attribute that a visitor looks for, making it a place to visit by the tourist of every genre. Adventure seeker, memorable moments with family and friends, the traveller in search of solace, couples, a bunch of teenagers and people in their twilight years, everybody has a thing or two to cherish at the Cherai Beach.
More Kochi Packages
Kochi Reviews
