Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Kochi (Cochin) (with Photos)

INTRODUCTION

Also referred as Gateway of Kerala, Kochi is a vibrant city situated in the southwest coast of Indian peninsula. Foreigners like Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese and British used to trade and live here in earlier days, and hence have left their mark on architecture and culture of Kochi. Over a period of time Kochi slowly but gradually emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. The port city is flanked by the Western Ghats in the east and Arabian Sea in the west. Arguably, Kochi is an ideal starting point for exploring the beauty of Kerala.

TEMPLES IN AND AROUND COCHIN CITY

Chottanikkara Temple

Chottanikkara Temple dedicated to the mother goddess Bhagwati is located 20 kilometers east of Kochi. The goddess is worshiped in three different forms in this temple - Saraswati in the morning, Bhadrakali at noon and Durga in the evening. Chottanikkara Temple is one of the best temples in Cochin.

Ernakulam Shiva Temple

Ernakulam Shiva Temple is located in the heart of Kochi and the uniqueness of this temple lies in the fact that in it the Shiva Lingam points towards the sea in the west. Ernakulam Shiva Temple is known as most famous temples in Cochin.

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is situated in Tripunithura, the capital of the former Kingdom of Cochin and is famous for its yearly Utsavams or festivals. Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is the temple of Lord Vishnu and it is believed that the childless couples will be blessed with children on praying here.

CHURCHES IN AND AROUND KOCHI

St. Francis Church

Is the oldest church that was built by the Europeans on India soil? Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese trader died in Kochi during his third visit to India and was buried here. His burial point is still marked clearly in the church.

St. George Forane Church

Is located 10 kilometers from Kochi at Edappally and is popularly known as Edappally Church. This church is famous for its grand nine day festival celebrated in the month of April - May.

Santa Cruz Basilica

Is situated at Fort Kochi and was originally built by the Portuguese devotees. The British colonists destroyed the original structure of the church and the new structure was built in 1905. It was raised to the status of Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

Vallarpadam Church

(NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF VALLARPADAM): This holy shrine is situated in the Vallarpadam Island near Ernakulam.

MOSQUE IN KOCHI

Kanjiramattom Mosque

Located in Kanjiramattom, 30 kilometers from Kochi is an important Muslim pilgrim destination in Kerala. It is believed that this mosque is built on the mortal remains of the famous Muslim saint, Sheik Parid. This Mosque is flocked by thousands of pilgrims during the Kodikuthu festival which is celebrated during the months of December - January.

Cheraman Juma Masjid

Is believed to be the first mosque built in India. The unique thing about this mosque is its architecture which is based on traditional Hindu art and it resembles with a temple to great extent.

TOURIST PLACES IN KOCHI

Dutch Palace:

Originally known as Mattancherry Palace, it is situated in Mattancherry in Kochi and was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Later, the Dutch carried out some extension and renovation after which it was popularly known as Dutch Palace. Dutch Palace is one of the tourist places in Kochi. The Dutch palace was built with traditional Kerala style of architecture with a courtyard in the middle. (Dutch Palace is closed on all Friday)

Jewish Synagogue

Also known as Paradesi Synagogue of Kochi, it is the oldest active Synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. It was built by Cochin's Jewish community in 1568 in the erstwhile Kingdom of Kochi.(Jewish Synagogue is closed on all Friday, Saturday & Jewish holidays)

Chinese Fishing Nets

Is another tourist places in Kochi wherein fishermen employ an unusual and traditional method of fishing which is done on the shores. The nets are fixed installations on shores close to Kochi Fort wherein fishes are still caught using centuries old fishing methods.

Wellington Island

Wellington Island is a man-made island which was created in 1933 by extracting sand from the sea that resulted in the deepening of the backwaters of Kochi Port. Wellington Island is the head quarter of the Southern Naval Command and is an important island of Kochi Port.

Bolgatty Island

Is famous for the Palace and is just a few minutes boat ride away from the mainland. The palace is now converted into a hotel run by KeralaTourism Development Corporation. Wellington Island gives a beautiful view of the port and the harbour that make it a perfect place for picnic and weekend hangouts.

Hill Palace Museum

Show cases the articles depicting the wealth and splendors of the Raja of Kochi. Hill Palace was built in the 19th century by the Raja of Kochi and was later converted into a museum. This museum also houses a large collection of archaeological findings and is located in a satellite town of Kochi viz. Tripunithura, 16 kilometers east of Kochi. Hill Palace Museum is so famous tourist places in Kochi.

Pallipuram Fort

Pallipuram Fort was built by the Portuguese and is the oldest surviving European Fort in India. This is definitely a place every visitor to Kochi should visit during Cochin tourism.

Cherai Beach

The It is an ideal place for swimming and is situated in a small island called Vypeen, just a short distance away from the mainland. The beauty of this beach is enhanced by the lines of coconut grooves and paddy fields all around the beach.

Museum of Kerala History

Depicts the history of Kerala with life size statues of famous personalities and various other paintings. The museum also throws light on the history and culture of Kerala with its spectacular audio- visual exhibits.

MNF Gallery of Paintings and Sculptures

Houses a collection of more than two hundred original paintings, both contemporary and of the past, of recognized Indian artists. In addition to this, the museum also boasts of a large collection of sculptures made of marble, bronze, granite and other materials.

Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary

Once regarded as the richest bird habitat in India, Thattekad wildlife sanctuary is located at a distance of 60 kilometers east of Kochi on the banks of river Periyar. Thattekad wildlife sanctuary is a paradise for the wildlife lovers and bird watchers. Thattekad wildlife sanctuary is home to large varieties of exotic and rare bird species during Cochin tourism.