Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Cochin Sightseeing
Cochin Sightseeing
Cochin Sightseeing
Kerala, the dreamland of the southernmost part of Indian peninsula, cascade delicately down the hills to the golden
coast lined by lush green. This beauty spot or the land with rivers, hillocks and thickets, fringed with long coast of
surfing waters conveys a sense of attraction and affection to all. No wonder, no doubt, this tiny state of India is a gift
of the God, God’s own country.
Knowing Kochi
Kochi, called the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, formerly known in English as Cochin, is a major port city on the Malabar
Coast of India bordering the Laccadive Sea, which is a part of the Arabian Sea. It is part of the district of Ernakulum in
the state of Kerala and is commonly referred to as Ernakulum. Kochi is the most densely populated city in Kerala. As
of 2011, it has a corporation limit population of 677,381[4] within an area of 94.88 km2 and a total urban population
of more than of 2.1 million within an area of 440 km2, making it the largest and the most populous metropolitan area
in Kerala. Kochi was an important spice trading center on the west coast of India from the 14th century onward, and
maintained a trade network with Arab merchants from the pre-Islamic era. In 1505, the Portuguese established trading
ports in Cochin. There are still buildings like the Old Harbour House from this period, some of which have been
renovated in more recent times. The Kingdom of Cochin allied with the Ming Dynasty, Portuguese, and Dutch and
became a princely state of the British. Kochi ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourist
arrivals in Kerala. The city was ranked the sixth best tourist destination in India according to a survey conducted by
the Nielsen Company on behalf of the Outlook Traveller magazine. In October 2019, Kochi was ranked seventh in
Lonely Planet's list of top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2020. Kochi is known as the financial, commercial and
industrial capital of Kerala. It has the highest GDP as well as the highest GDP per capita in the state.
Major sightseeing places/attractions
Entry fee: ₹ 5
Visiting hours: 9 am to 17:00 hrs. The Palace is closed on Fridays and national holidays.
The St. Francis Church, well-known for its beautiful architecture and ambience, is
believed to be one of the oldest churches built by the Europeans in India. The
church’s history dates back to 1503. It owes its origin to the Portuguese Franciscan
Friars, who reached Kochi along with Pedro Alvarez Cabral. The church, made of
wood and mud, was situated in the middle of the fort that had been constructed
by the Portuguese with the permission of the erstwhile Cochin Raja and it was
dedicated to St Bartholomew. The church was reconstructed and reopened in
1516 and dedicated to the patron saint of Portugal, Santo Antonio, hence named
Santo Antonio Church. The church has a lofty structure with a gabled timber
framed roof covered with tiles. A stepped pinnacle is constructed on both sides
of the façade, which is very impressive and retains the old world charm. The
interior of the church too provides a magnificent view with two stepped pinnacles crowning the top of the chancel
roof and with the plain arched opening that divides the chance from the nave. The old world charm and magnificence
is very visible on every element of the church – be it the pulpit made of wood decorated with carvings, the
confessional, baptism platform, book rests or the offering. There also stands a cenotaph in the middle of the lawn and
it was built in 1920 in remembrance of the Kochiites who laid down their lives in World War I.
The most popular spot for shopping in Kochi, especially for antiques, Jew
Town is also called the ‘last Jew Town’ for the last remaining Jews of Cochin.
It’s believed that the first of the Jews who settled near Cochin can trace their
lineage back to King Solomon. It now houses numerous shops selling antique
clocks, carved furniture, prayer shawls, art, and a lot more. The Jewish
Synagogue or the Paradesi Synagogue is the most famous attraction of this
place.
Located about 10 kms from Kochi, the Hill Palace Museum was the
official residence of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi. Built in 1865, it is
now famous for being a full-fledged Ethno-Archaeological Museum
and Kerala's first-ever Heritage Museum. The palace complex itself
comprises 49 buildings and is built in the traditional Kerala style of
architecture. It has over 52 acres of terraced land around it. One can
see oil paintings, murals, sculptures, manuscripts and belongings of
the Kochi royal family.
Antique ceramics from the Far East, Kudakkallu (tombstone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), laterite memorials and
wooden memorials from ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley and Harappa can also be found here.It even
has a gallery housing contemporary art. It is our pride to have relics of such value and significance placed here.
Distance: 15 Km
Visiting Hours: 9:00 to 12:30 hrs &14:00 to 16:30 hrs on all days except Mondays.
Entrance Fee: Adult - Rs. 30/- Children (5-12) - Rs. 10/-
Children's Park: Open till 6.00 pm
Distance: 10 Km
Visiting Hours: The temple opens at 5.00 am to 9 am & temple will be closed between 9am to 16.30 hrs hrs and reopens
at 16.30 hrs to 19: oo hrs
Distance: 22 Km
Visiting Hours: The temple opens at 4.00 am & temple will be closed between 12.30 pm to 16.00 hrs and reopens at
16.30 hrs to 20.30 hrs
Guruvayur Temple
Distance: 96 Km
Visiting Hours: The temple opens at 3.00 am & temple will be closed between 13.30 hrs and 16.30 hrs and reopens
at 16.30 hrs (please take online booking in advance for darshan and offerings to avoid the rush)
Day Excursions (Need to inform/book one day prior before)
Kodanad is a very peaceful and pleasant place situated near Perumbavoor on the banks of Periyar River in the
Ernakulam district (also Kochi), Kerala. It's one of the famous training centres of Elephants. Located at the distance of
45 km towards the north east of Kochi, it's a place where the newly captured elephants are kept for training. Earlier,
elephants were captured in the Malayattoor forests and trained at Kodanad. Though capturing Elephants are banned
now and Kodanad has just become the training centre for elephants. There are many walkways beside the river that
give pleasant experience to the visitors. There is a small wildlife park at the centre which is a home of deer and other
wildlife. The most engaging part of the visit will start at 08:00 am every day, when all the elephants are brought out
from the center and proceed for a royal bath in the river. The river is located 500 meters far from the center where
the elephants enjoy their daily bath. It takes almost 1 – 1.5 Hrs for bathing and later brings back to the center.
Distance: 40 Km
Entry fee: Adults – Rs. 10 | Children up to 12 years – Rs. 5 | Foreigners – Rs 25
Visiting hours: 8 am to 17:00 hrs, closed on Sundays
Kumbalangi is a quiet, leafy island village known for rural tourism activities. People visit the
island to see Chinese fishing nets, explore its mangrove forests, and experience traditional Keralan village life. On
Arrival provides Welcome Drink, Enter into a Coconut farm for village activities (fish farm visits, crab farm visits,
coconut leaves weaving, coir making) also you can experience Kerala traditional lunch.
Distance: 25 Km
Time: Excursion starting time from hotel: 9 am
House boat day cruise – Alleppey
On arrival, you will be received by our houseboat crew. Board the houseboat at 11:30 am and get settled. Enjoy a
welcome drink as the houseboat cruise starts and your captain steers the houseboat towards the serpentine canals of
the Alleppey backwaters.
Relax and enjoy the scenes you pass through. You get exposed to beautiful sights of the countryside and day to day
activities of the people of Alleppey who live close to the backwaters. You come across lush green paddies, old
churches, temples, markets and more. 1:30 pm, you will be served a backwater special lunch which include rice,
sambhar, some vegetarian dishes, fresh water fish fry, Alleppey style fish curry, pappad, butter milk, pickle and more.
In case you are vegetarian, it must be informed prior to your arrival. After a sumptuous on board Kerala lunch, the
cruise continues. Evening at 4 pm, tea/snacks will be provided. Relish some Kerala’s exquisite tea time snacks while
you get entertained by the blissful backwaters of Alleppey. At 5 pm, your Alleppey Houseboat Day Cruise ends and
you will dropped off at your pick up point.
Distance: 70 Km
Time: Excursion starting time from hotel: 8 am
Cherai Beach
Around two dozen kilometres from the industrial district of
Ernakulam and to the side of the Vypeen Island lies every swimmer’s
paradise, Cherai Beach. It is a favorite haunt of those looking for a
relaxing swim with the backdrop of coconut groves being the added
incentive. It provides a wonderful view of the famous Chinese Fishing
Nets or Cheena Vala well. The nearby shacks provide you with fresh
cuisine that fills you up perfectly after a delightful swim. The
seashells found here are unique and one often runs into dolphins in
this area. It is the ideal blend of both the backwaters and the sea.
The area itself has seen many new resorts and hotels crop up, which have facilitated the increase in tourist activity.
Today it is amongst the most visited beaches in Kerala with a view that make it near impossible to tear yourself away
once you get there.
Distance: 30 km
Veeranpuzha Beach
Veeranpuzha Beach is one of the popular beaches in Kochi. With beautiful
blue waters and golden sandy shores, the beach is lined with green
vegetation. The proximity of fishing villages from the beach ensures the
activity of fisher folks at work all day long at the shores. You can visit
Veeranpuzha to watch the fishermen at work, or to have a glimpse of the laid
back rural vibe, or to witness the beautiful sunset and sunrise, or just to soak
in the natural environment.
Distance: 20 km
Kuzhipally Beach
Kuzhupilly Beach in its pristine splendour is a literal paradise for
swimmers. Its white and sandy shores form the perfect backdrop for a
relaxing dip. The backwaters nearby are an added charm, as are the paddy
fields and coconut groves on the way to the beach. The beach will also
host kite festivals are occasionally. Vypin Island forms the best base for
this beach with its equable climate and proximity to Ernakulam.
Distance: 30 km
Allappuzha Beach
An oasis of fun and frolic right by the side of a vast green-blue expanse
that is how the famed Alappuzha beach welcomes you. The palm-
fringed beach, surrounded by lush greenery and historic structures, is a
magical combination that serenades you into a land of wonders. As the
swells of the ocean crash onto the shores and you listen to the gentle
whispers of the cool breeze and the rhythmic song of the ocean, get
ready to be transported to a tranquil space. One of the most popular
picnic spots in Alappuzha, this beach is famous for an ancient pier and
a lighthouse. The pier is over 140 years old and breathes history. Built by Captain Crawford, this structure gives you a
rare experience of walking right into the sea! The old lighthouse here is another fascinating feature that draws people
to the beach. Be it lazing away on the golden sands and finding your moment of quietude, enjoying a sunbath or
indulging in countless entertainment activities, Alappuzha Beach has all this and more to satiate the lotus-eater in
you. The Vijaya Beach Park on the beach is a picnic spot that is tailor-made for children. Facilities for boating, riding
on a toy train and bicycles are also available here. The most interesting time to be here is during the New Year bash
when the beach bursts with festive fervour. The Sand Art Fest and the Beach fest are events to watch out for. Once
here, also keep your ears cocked for sagas and songs that recount the glorious role the district played in the maritime
history of Kerala.
Distance: 62 Km
Marari Beach
Nestled in the Alappuzha District of Kerala, Marari Beach is a perfect location for
holidaying with family or friends. This beach in Kerala is eternal with coconut palm
trees and golden sands. The beach is quite beautiful and the name 'Marari' arises
from 'Mararikulum', which is a local village on the Arabian Sea Coast. Marari
originates from 'Mararikulum', a local fishing village on the Arabian Sea coast. The
serenity and tranquility of this beach take beach lovers backwards in time. The
indolent pace of local life makes vacationing near the Marari beach a reviving
experience.
Distance: 55 Km
Varkala Beach
Distance: 190 Km
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent
crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the
1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a
beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.The leisure options at
this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body
toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising
are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint
blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the
beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages,
Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres.
Accommodation facilities for tourists at Kovalam range from five star hotels to budget hotels and the choice of food
available at restaurants and cafeterias range from Continental varieties to South Indian delicacies.
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if
you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city. The city of Thiruvananthapuram has many
interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The
SMSM Institute, a State owned handicrafts emporium, is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles.
Distance: 230 Km
MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL CENTERS
Kerala Folklore Museum
Kerala Folklore Museum is the only architectural museum in Kerala with the
essence of the life and culture of the common man over the past 1000 years.
This is a treasure trove of stone, wood and bronze sculptures, ancient
terracotta, Stone Age objects, jewellery, paintings, oil lamps, musical
instruments, tribal and folk art, wood works, utensils, masks and traditional
art forms etc. There are around 4000 arti facts from tiny to large size on
display. This unique cultural project aims to provide art education to the
students and to help provide visual and academic knowledge to the art lovers,
researchers and travellers from all over the world. A museum with a difference, the Kerala Folklore Museum is a place
where you can see everything from antiques and sculptures to tribal art and folklore installations. Home to various
musical instruments, costumes and masks, and Stone Age utensils, you can also buy and sell antique items here. This
is a must place to visit when you are in the city.
Entry fee: ₹ 50
Visiting Hours: 9 am to 18: 00 hrs
Greenix village, is situated 600meters from the Fortcochin Jankar Ferry and private bus stand. It has a Museum
showcasing most of the Kerala art forms in live size statues, with a write up for each art form. A 120 seater AC theatre
for permorming arts, has daily shows, giving a glimpse of the art forms like Kathakali, Theyam, Kalaripayattu,
Mohiniyattam, etc. Explanation given before each performance makes everyone understand each art form better.
They also give photo opportunity at the end of the show to get clicked with artists which seemed very popular.
Cochin spice market: This spice market will help you snap up alluring spices like
anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves and pepper at great rates along
with the popular cashew nuts.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive is one of the most popular hangout places in Kochi. It’s also one of
the best places to visit in Kochi at night. Couples often drop in here for the famous
boat rides, which take them to various other tourist destinations, such as
Mattancherry Jewish Synagogue, etc. There are three bridges, namely The
Houseboat Bridge, the Rainbow Bridge (near GCDA shopping complex, is a must
visit place for shopping in Kochi), and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge, which are
located on this promenade, exhibiting exceptional architecture. Many famous
eating joints are sprinkled along the walkway. An ideal place to spend time at with your loved ones or even on your
own.
Distances: Nearest Airport (Cochin Airport) 22 Km |Nearest Railway station: (Aluva) 12 Km | Munnar: 115 km | Thekkady: 157 Km
Alleppey: 65 | Kumarakom 60 Km | Varkala: 190
Kovalam: 230 km | Thiruvananthapuram: 210 km
Kochi Marriott Hotel, Lulu International Shopping Mall 34/1111, NH544, Edappally, Kochi, Kerala 682024
Phone: 0484 717 7777