Things To Do in Kochi
Kochi is a series of small islands and peninsulas alongside the shore of the Arabian Sea. It steeped in wonderful history, nurtured and shaped for centuries by overseas powers like the Dutch, Arabs, Chinese, British, and the Portuguese. This port town is the largest metropolis in the state of Kerala. It is a must-visit tourist destination for folks who traverse to India to research the prosperous records of colonial India and its trading prowess.
Table of Contents
Chinese Fishing Nets
The Chinese Fishing Nets are the most famous sight of Kochi with no doubt. According to legend, the nets had been delivered from the court of Chinese emperor Kublai Khan. They were presented to fishermen in Kochi by Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th century, and have been in use ever since. Local fishermen exhibit how to use them in return for a small fee. You will find it an enjoyable trip and later on in the day, you can buy fresh morning fishes from the fishmongers. You can have it cooked in the nearby shacks and experience it whilst taking in the breath-taking sunset.
The Mattancherry Palace was constructed and introduced as a token of appreciation by the Portuguese to the Raja of Kochi, Verra Kerala Varma, in 1555. The Dutch undertook renovations and formed extensions in 1663, therefore it also referred to as the Dutch Palace. The double storeyed palace has the architectural form of the Portuguese, However, it follows the stylish patterns of Kerala temple architecture, which can be viewed in the sloping roof and the wooden balconies. Today, the palace serves as a gallery of art exhibiting some of India’s exceptional paintings and artwork murals. The huge attractions are always being the murals depicting scenes from the Hindu epic called Ramayana and different Puranic legends in detail.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Kerala with Kids
Pardesi Synagogue
This Jewish Synagogue is the ancient synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Paradesi is the Hindi phrase for ‘foreigner’ which used to be utilized to the synagogue as it was often frequented by exiled Jews from the Middle East and Europe. It was constructed in 1568. Even though somewhat destructed by the Portuguese in 1662, it was reconstructed when the Dutch took over Kochi. The synagogue has a hand-painted and gold pulpit, willow pattern floor tiles imported from China. The synagogue is beautifully illuminated by a remarkable Belgian chandelier and the clock tower was brought in 1762. Paradesi Synagogue is a well-known tourist spot and well worth every minute spent there.
Elephant Training Centre
Kodanad is a tiny rural riverside village in the Ernakulam district in Kochi. Most of the hotels organize a day tour to this small, unspoiled village that has super coaching facilities for stranded grownup and baby elephants. If you are in a position to reach before eight in the morning, there is a good chance that you can give a hand to the trainers to wash the elephants. It is one of the most energetic and happiest pleasures that you can have in Kochi. Watch the elephants roll around and douse you in water as they play around. One can even attend elephant safaris for a low cost.
Kathakali Performance
Kathakali is one of the nine Indian classical dances and has its origins in Kerala. It is popular for its vibrant and captivating costumes. The dance exhibits themes derived from the Hindu epics Mahabharata, Ramayana, and many others. Kerala Kathakali Centre of Kochi carries out performances each day and even offers opportunities to watch the artists put their make-up and provides training packages in the classical dances too.
St. Francis Church
This church is considered as a landmark monument. It is believed to be the ancient European-built church in India. It stood as a silent spectator to the colonial dispute amongst the European nations for dominion over India. It was constructed in 1503 with the help of Portuguese as a Roman Catholic Church. It grew to become a Dutch Reformist Church in 1664 and finally an Anglican Church in 1804. The church is possibly most well-known for being the burial vicinity for the explorer Vasco De Gama when he died in 1524. It draws the attention of hundreds of tourists from across the world. His remnants were shifted to Lisbon 14 years later, however, you can nonetheless visit his tombstone in the church.
Also Read: List of best 5-star hotels in Kerala
Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum
The Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum is a three-floored building with every floor covering three architectural patterns. They are nothing but Malabar on the ground floor, Kochi on the first floor, and Travancore on the second floor. The second floor is the most gorgeous and stunning shelter to experience the prosperous heritage of Kerala. It shelters above 4000 artifacts sourced and accrued from historic temples and old houses. The museum also shelters a wood-lined theatre along with a 17th-century wood ceiling. The theatre carries out real stage performances every day from 6.30 pm. All the credit for the theatre goes to the passion and hard work of George Thaliath, his wife Annie George, and the craftsmanship of 62 skilled workers and carpenters.
Princess Street
Princess Street or Loafer’s Corner is one of the oldest regions in Kochi. It is an amalgamation of modern and traditional. It is located proper in the center of Kochi with both sides of the road dotted with buildings and residences of European architecture. Among these, Portuguese, Dutch, and British are the essential ones. Princess Street is the destination to go to Kochi for cafés, book shops, street shopping, and people watching. As there are many stores selling souvenirs, artifacts, and little handicrafts, the great way to experience it is by foot.
Dal Roti
In a south Indian state, Dal Roti is regarded as one of the best eating places in the region that serves north Indian cuisine. It is a convenient restaurant in the Fort Kochi with a laid back ambiance and old wooden tables. The restaurant is famous for its parathas and Kati rolls. The friendly and sweet owner Ramesh always makes certain that each of his clients is well looked after. It is an extreme destination to relax and have homely, simple, and scrumptious food.
Scuba Cochin
Scuba Cochin is South India’s first PADI licensed dive center. It provides several PADI certification guides from open water diver to instructor stage and everyday dive trips. It is situated in the origin of Kochi and it also renders a course in Emergency First Responder. They even undertake kayaking, snorkeling, and have a dive save which provides branded and updated equipment.
