Hugging the enchanting Laccadive Sea to one periphery, the sleepy and lush port city of Kochi has aged gracefully over the years like fine wine. Even when the time of concrete jungles came, the ever-panoramic Kochi held steadfast to its historical riches. Today, it serves as an untouched explorer’s haven where the best of two worlds collide into paradise as modernity and history blend into perfect harmony. Rightly dubbed “The Queen of the Arabian Sea,” the history of Kochi is boundless and so are its modern pleasures as well. If you’ve set your sights on conquering the beautiful expanse of this city, take a look at our round-up of some of the best places to explore in Kochi.
What is special about Fort Kochi, you may ask. It’s worth pointing out that this destination is home to some of the most revered monuments in history. A couple of its prized collections include:
The China Vela
Vasco da Gama’s maiden church
St. Francis Church
The Dutch Cemetary
And so much more. The old colonial buildings around Kochi are a sight for sore eyes in themselves. Besides providing aesthetic delight, these buildings have many intriguing stories buried within their walls.
Another important historical highlight of Fort Kochi is the over half-a-millennium-year-old Chinese fishing nets, which make for especially impressive viewing under the silhouette of sunset.
One more reason to explore Fort Kochi comes in the way of the Kathakali performances. This special form of theater is a metaphor for the unending struggle between good and evil and dates back to the 17th century. It's quite the spectacle to behold, with intricate costumes and makeup that accompany the ancient tales.
Kochi is perhaps best known for its historical delight. But it is a town not without modern or urban pleasures as well. The Lulu International Shopping Mall in Kochi is a great example, ranking among the largest malls the country has to offer with an area that’s just shy of 172,000 square meters.
The mall’s architectural finesse is enough eye candy to gaze at for hours on end, particularly after sunset when the neon lights and billboards breathe life into the vibrant nightscape. However, it has plenty more to offer with its vast perimeter, including:
An expansive and scenic skating park, the largest in South India
Tons of amusement rides
Gold class 9-screen multiplex
Lulu Mall is your go-to when your shopping sweet tooth strikes. It’s also an excellent place to try out India’s enormous variety of cuisines, with the mall home to countless restaurants and cafes.
If you happen to visit Kochi, be sure to spare some time for the incredible region of Mattancherry. This locality is brimming with Portuguese influence, which is most apparent in the culture, handicrafts, and most vividly, in the Dutch Palace.
This is your chance to experience how 16th-century folk lived and to also witness architectural ingenuity that combines traditional Nalukettu style and colonial influences to create a gorgeous double-storied building. Mattancherry Palace makes for a great addition to your bucket list of Kochi explore places, and here are some of its noteworthy features:
A lovely collection of murals
Life-sized portraits of the rulers of ancient Kochi
Nature-ladden courtyard
Jewish settlements that offer exotic cultural experiences
The scenery, colonial remains, and architecture of the Dutch Palace make it an absolute must-visit for history buffs.
Marine Drive is also another testament to how modern innovation can be a great thing. This 3-kilometer-long promenade that dips through Kochi will take your breath away with wonderful sights and sounds.
Once hidden in backwaters, Marine Drive was reclaimed and turned into a gorgeous walkway that’s right out of your imagination. Palm trees stand guard on both sides, creating a refreshing tropical vibe that pairs incredibly with the waterside views. The whitewashed cityscape backdrops further cement the surreal appeal across the water.
It’s a whole different ball game under the glare of neon lamps and city lights that make the view even more spectacular. Here are a few popular activities to do on Marine Drive:
Strolling or walking
Visiting the nearby Gate of India monument
Catching the view- and Instagram-worthy selfies- at sunset
While at Marine Drive, be sure to also look into visiting the Flora Fountain and Taraporewala Aquarium which are both close by.
Prepare your appetite for lots of enthralling antiques and a day filled with facts that will blow your mind. The Kerala Folklore Museum has amassed a reputation far and wide, most notably for its rich range of past-millennium relics and exhibitions. It is certainly one of the top Kochi historical places that you have to explore.
If India’s military past is a point of fascination, you are sure to appreciate your time here. It is home to priceless military galleries, all of which tie in to illustrate how India’s military has fared and evolved throughout time. Additionally, you can deep dive into the lives of yesteryears, having your fill of India’s customary wear and ancient currencies and adornments.
Less than three kilometers away, the Dream Cather Bridge Kerala makes for an excellent detour from the museum. It is a great place to experience the unspoiled spirit of Kochi with loved ones.
For history lovers, this once-ordinary fishing hamlet offers an all-you-can-eat buffet of historical adventure. It played centerstage for a couple of notable moments in history, proving a bone of contention as Arabian and Colonial merchants grappled for control of its super lucrative spice trade. While the world around Kochi has changed as sky scrappers dominate the sky, Kochi has preserved its history perfectly and clings to the beautiful treasures of its past. Nonetheless, it still doubles up as a modern wonderland with urban gems like Lulu Mall to show for it. Turn to Akshaya India to fully explore Kochi’s historical and modern delights
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