What is Kochi best known for?
Formerly known as Cochin, it is a paradise for history buffs due to its rich ancient history it has. The scenic beauty it offers is due to its rich flora and fauna. Kochi is a popular destination for traders due to the trading of spices & herbs. Due to its strategic location, it offers serene and beautiful beaches adorned with palm trees. The culture and architecture of Kochi date back to the era of the Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese. It is the second largest after Trivandrum. It is a paradise for food lovers. Historical places, museums, parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and religious activities attract thousands of tourists each year. The climate remains pleasant throughout the year.
The best-known places in Kochi
- The Indo-Portuguese Museum: The museum is an amalgamation of Indian and Portuguese culture and architecture. Located in the Fort Kochi area, it was built by the former Bishop of the city, Joseph Urethra.
- Paradesi Synagogue: Built-in 1568, Paradesi synagogue or the Jewish synagogue is the oldest one amongst all commonwealth countries.
- Hill Palace: Hill Palace built-in 1865 is located in Tripunithura on a hill sprawling over 54 acres. It is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and is home to a deer park, children's park, terraced lawns, ponds, fountains and many other buildings.
- Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum: The museum has an attractive gallery of art, sales, live dance forms etc. The three-storeyed building inaugurated in the year 2009 by Annie George and represents the real legacy of Kerala. The building’s facade is influenced by Malabar architectural influence.
- Veegaland: Popularly known as WonderLa Amusement Park, its major tourist attraction. It is famous for over 50 enthralling and fantastic rides, thus making it perfect for a family day out.
- Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary: The sanctuary sprawls over 2.74 hectares and is home to a large number of migratory birds, 194 birds of 32 different species, a dense population of tree plants and a shallow tidal lake connected to backwaters..
- Santa Cruz Basilica: It is one of the eight basilicas in India and a second church built by the Portuguese to store ammunition and weapons. It was constructed from 1876-1905.
- Qutub Shahi Tombs - The tombs belong to the Qutub Shahis and are examples of Persian architecture, with Ibrahim Bagh, the garden on the outskirts, being a favourite picnic spot.
- St Francis Church: It is one of the oldest churches in India, built by the Europeans.
- Cherai Beach: It is an ideal place to have a lot of fun, located about 30 km from the city. Apart from sand, tourists can also witness the greenery around the beach. One can indulge in fishing, speedboats, water-scooters on Cherai Beach as well as many hotels and resorts around the tourists.
- Veeran Puzha Beach: This beach offers golden sand and azure waters encapsulated with lush green vegetation around the beach. The activities such as fishing and watching the sunrise and the sunset attract many tourists and further enhance the beauty of the beach.
- Areekkal waterfalls: The lush green scenery and picturesque backdrop surrounding the spellbound waterfall fascinate the tourists.
Airport in Kochi
Cochin International Airport is located at a distance of around 25 km from the main city. It is one of the largest and busiest airports in South India.
- Airport address: Cochin International Airport, Airport Rd, Kochi, Kerala 683111
- IATA code: COK