What to do in Kochi

[navi554]

Hi all


My friend and I will be travelling to Kochi for a week and we are not familiar with this place, all our information about the city comes from the internet and guide books only, so we were wondering if some fellow travellers can help us locate some good accommodation and food outlets there and can suggest things to do and places to visit in Kochi.

 

[Prits]

What is your budget for the accommodation?

 

[Subu]

Like Prits has mentioned some idea to budget would be good in order to give hotel suggestions. Some idea about food would be good you looking for vegetarian or non vegetarian food, any specialty Kochi food or general food?

 

[ChaiNashta]

Besides site seeing I would suggest sampling food from small restaurants. That is where you get the best authentic South Indian food.

 

[JaiPatra]

I dont know about the accommodation there but regarding sightseeing I would recommend Folklore museum, a historical heritage tour by a tour operator, Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple (there are many other temples to see there as well but it all depends on your interest), and part from that it is about enjoying the backwaters.

 

[briannagodess]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Here's a mini-travel guide for Cochin/Kochi for you:

Places to Visit in Cochin/Kochi

Historical

• Mattancherry Palace - This palace also goes by the name Dutch Palace. This palace was built and gifted by the Portuguese for the King of Cochin during the year 1555. However, some renovations to the palace was done by the Dutch during 1663, hence the name Dutch Palace. The rajas also made some improvements to the palace. Now, it houses the portrait gallery of the rajas. Aside from that, the palace has beautiful murals which are worthy to note. The murals depict certain stories from the Hindu mythology like the Ramayana and Krishna Lila.

• Hill Palace of Tripunithura - This was built in 1865 by the Maharaja of Cochin. The palace was handed over to the Government of Kerala by the royal family though. And now, the Department of Archaeology handles the palace and has converted it into a museum. This is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala as of now. The palace complex itself has 49 buildings and has different museums: archaeological, heritage, deer park, prehistoric park and children's park.

• Bolgatty Palace - This was built by the Dutch traders during the year 1744. It is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside of Holland. The commander of the Dutch Malabar resided here for a while. But soon after, it was leased to the British. After the independence, the palace became a property of the state. It is now a heritage hotel, with a swimming pool, Ayurvedic centre and golf course. Aside from these, daily Kathakali performances are done here.

Museums

• Indo-Portuguese Museum - This museum was built by Dr. Joseph Kureethra. It houses several artefacts depicting the influence of the Portuguese in Fort Kochi and in the Western parts of Kochi. It mostly houses church relics like altars, crosses and sculptures.

• Folklore Theatre and Museum - This museum was opened recently in the year 2009 by a non-profit organisation. It houses artefacts pertaining to the culture of Kerala. Several items found here are traditional costumes, masks, sculptures, musical instruments, jewelries and manuscripts. There's also a daily stage performances here in the theatre at 6:30 pm.

Religious

• St. Francis Church - This is the oldest European church in the country. It was originally built in 1503. The graves of the Portuguese explorer named Vasco Da Gama can be found here. His remains were here as well but it was moved to Lisbon. Originally, the church was dedicated to St. Bartholomew but the Anglicans changed the patron saint to St. Francis.

• Santa Cruz Basilica - This is one of the only eight basilicas in India. This also serves as the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Cochin. The basilica has a Gothic style of architecture and is one of most stunning churches when it comes to design in the country. This was originally built by the Portuguese but since the British destroyed it, so Joao Gomes Ferreira commissioned for the building of the newer structure seen now.

• Gowreeshwara Temple - This was built in 1912 and is a temple dedicated to the Lord Muruga. Locally known as the Malayala Palani or South Pazhani. It was Sree Narayana Guru who installed the image of Lord Muruga in the temple.

• Ernakulam Shiva Temple - This is a temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva, locally known as Ernakulathappan or the Lord of Ernakulam. It was built in 1846 by Diwan Sri Edakkunni Sankara Warrier. It was one of the seven royal temples of the Maharajas of Kochi during ancient times.

• Paradesi Synagogue - This was built in 1568 by the Paradesi Jews. This is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations in Kerala. You can visit the synagogue for a fee and the ticket seller here is the last female Paradesi Jew of child-bearing age. As of present, there are only 5 Jews living in Fort Kochi.

Beaches

• Cherai Beach - This is about 25 kms from the main city centre of Kochi. Around the beach, there are coconut groves and paddy fields, which add to the serene environment. If you're lucky, you might even spot some dolphins swimming here.

Wildlife

• Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary - This is an ecologically sensitive area right in the heart of the city of Kochi. Here, you can find species of migratory and resident birds. Aside from birds, the sanctuary is home to endangered species of mangrove as well. There are about 194 birds here belonging to 30 species. You can spot birds like: common redshank, common greenshank and marsh sandpiper. Mammals can also be found here: Eurasian otter, Indian flying fox and painted bat.

Shopping

• Princess Street - This is also known as Loafer's Corner. You can feel the influence of the colonial era here, with its European style houses. You can also find various coffee shops, eateries and shops selling handicrafts here.

• Jew Town - This is a narrow lane between the Mattancherry Palace and the Synagogue. You can find various antiquities to take home here.

Others

• Veegaland - Also known as Wonderla, as its name was changed in 2011. It is located on top of the Pallikkara Hill. This is an amusement park which I'm sure anyone can enjoy. It has dry rides, water rides, thrilling rides and kiddie rides.

• Chinese Fishing Nets - The Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi are a major tourist attractions. Locally, they are known as the Cheenavala. They droop towards the water like large hammocks. They are best visited during sunset, as they are silhouetted against the sunlight. The Cheenavalas were introduced by a Chinese explorer by the name of Zheng He between 1350 and 1450 AD. The nets are made of teak, wood and bamboo poles and are usually operated by four men or more. It's a great spectacle to watch, especially if it's your first time to see how it's operated.

So as you can see, you can visit various places in Kochi. Shopping, swimming and even having fun at the water theme park I've mentioned. Aside from these, you can try Ayurvedic treatments as well as we all know Kerala is the main region for that.


Hotels in Cochin/Kochi

Budget

• Hotel Srinivas - Their Single Non-AC Room is at Rs. 667 per night. Their Single AC Room is at Rs. 1,200 per night. Both rooms have attached bathrooms, television sets, telephone and wardrobe cabinet. The hotel also has their own restaurant. Their address is: MG Road, Ernakulam, Kochi (Cochin) 682035.

• Hotel Park Avenue - They Deluxe Double Bed Non-AC Room is at Rs. 814 per night. The tariff already includes the complimentary breakfast and WiFi as well. The bathroom haas 24 hours of hot/cold running water. The hotel also has a spa and a restaurant. Their address is: Princess Street, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001.

• Hotel Hakoba - Their Standard Non-AC Room is at Rs. 750 per night. It has an attached bathroom and basic amenities like television and bed. The hotel also has one restaurant and a coffee shop. Their address is: Shanmugham Road, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kerala 682031.

Mid-Range

• Hotel Elegance - Their Deluxe AC Room is at Rs. 2,000 per night. It comes with cable television, attached bathroom, bedside table and wardrobe cabinet. The hotel has different eateries: bars, restaurant and a coffee shop. Aside from these, they also have conference halls for the guests use. Their address is: NH 47, Railway Junction, Karukutty, Angamaly, 683576.

• Woodlands Hotel - Their Single Executive AC Room is at Rs. 1,650 per night. It has a mini-bar, cable television, balcony and attached bathroom. The hotel also has a restaurant and conference halls. Their address is: MG Road, Ernakulam South, Ernakulam, Kerala 682011.

• Aiswarya Hotel - Their Executive Deluxe AC Room is at Rs. 2,650 per night. It has television, WiFi, attached bathroom and telephone. The hotel also has a multi-cuisine restaurant in the premises. Their address is: Opposite Lotus Club, Warriam Road, Jose Junction, Kochi, Kerala 682016.

Luxury

• Old Harbour Hotel - Their Superior Room is at Rs. 9,845 per night. Rooms either overlook the courtyard with fountain or the Chinese fishing nets. It also comes with complete amenities like television, wardrobe cabinet, fridge, modern bathroom and WiFi. The hotel also has their own restaurant offering fresh seafood dishes. Their address is: 1/328, Opposite Nehru Park,, Tower Rd, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001.

• Kochi Marriott Hotel - Their Deluxe Room is at Rs. 7,350 per night. It can accommodate up to three person. Amenities include: king-sized or double beds, chair, in-room safe, alarm clock, desk, fridge. mini-bar and tea/coffee maker. It also has a television and radio. The hotel has different restaurants, spa and fitness centre. Their address is: Lulu International Shopping Mall 34/1111 NH, Lulu Mall NH 47 Entrance, Edappally, Kochi, Kerala 682024.

• Crowne Plaza Kochi - Their Deluxe Room is at Rs. 6,175 per night. It has WiFi, modern bathroom, in-room dining, television and a window overlooking the city. Hotel amenities include: outdoor and indoor pools, fitness centre and restaurant.

Restaurants in Kochi

• Fusion Bay - They have Kerala's local cuisines and seafood dishes. Try out their calamari with pepper, prawns in coconut, seafood platter and beef curry. Their address is: KB Jacob Road, Near Santa Cruz Basilica Church, Fort Kochi, Kochi.

• Dhe Puttu - They also have local dishes of Kerala. Try out their mula puttu and kada fry. Their address is: NH 47, Edapally Bypass, Edappally, Kochi.

• Kochi Kitchen - This is the restaurant of Marriott Hotel but it's worth mentioning. They have Italian and North Indian cuisines. I would highly recommend their buffet as it has many varieties and it's worth it for the price. Their address is: Ground Floor, Kochi Marriott Hotel, Lulu International Shopping Mall, 34/1111, NH 47, Edappally, Kochi.

I hope this helps!