Kochi, Traditional Cuisine and Culture

This city with a blend of atmospheric and busy cosmopolitan culture is situated in Central Kerala. There are ancient structures and forts dating back to 600 years and gigantic fishing nets. Known to be the hub for trading there are several overhead bridges and network of ferries near mainland Ernakulam. The city is a great combination of English, Portugal and Holland mix over the Malabar Coast with two beautiful islands Vypeen & Willingdon.

Major Attractions of Kochi:

• Mattancherry Dutch Palace :

  This is one of the most exotic bird sanctuaries in the whole world. It is spread over an area of 14 acres on the banks of the picturesque Vembanand Lake. This is the favorite for nature lovers, bird watchers and ornithologists who throng this place to spot migratory and resident bird species. View the spectacular Gold Back Woodpecker, Native Kingfisher, and birds that migrate from Himalayas and Siberia.

• Fort Kochi Beach :

  Popularly referred to as ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ this roaring blue sea waters will mesmerize your eyes. This also serves as a great shopping place for products cheaply available. The greater attraction here is undoubtedly the Giant China Fishing Nets spread across the sea. There are several monuments that mark the passage of history along the Fort Kochi. The Kochi Beach is an excellent hangout place for relaxation, shopping, eating, etc.

• Chinese Fishing Nets :

  This is an amazing tourist attraction as nobody would think what they do to catch fish. There is huge mechanism to hold rods horizontally in place to lower fishing nets with heavy stones. This is not only a sight to view but a new experience for tourists as they allow tourists to go fishing. Moreover they offer to cook a dish out of your catch from your hammocks!

• Indo-Portuguese Museum :

  The exquisite artefacts collected from all places including the historical structures of Fort Kochi. The museum tells about Indo-Portuguese heritage and culture and details the influence of Portugal on a Cochiti. The invaluable objects give details on the rich art and Kerala architecture. The museum housed inside Bishop's House has five divisions called Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral.

• Paradesi Synagogue :

  This Jewish synagogue is the only present day functioning one here. Tourists throng this historical site to view wooden lattice works, clerestories, clay tiled roofs, cusped arches and conical top. The exterior bears a giant clock and gives an appearance of an old building. The interiors are amazing with hanging chandeliers and colored glass lampshades. The structure is sure to mesmerize your senses and give you an unforgettable experience.

Best Time to Visit Kochi

Summers are too hot and humid. Monsoons are wet and pouring rain. So the ideal time to visit Kochi during winter months or during September when rains reduce to March before the summer is too hot.

How to Reach Kochi

The city’s Cochin International Airport is well connected with international flights. An upcoming metro offers connecting trains to various suburbs from here. It is a 30 minute walk to Fort Cochin or auto-rickshaw. Various other transport services are available including taxes, uber cabs, and hired scooters by agents to shop around. Several ferries are available from mainland to other island.

Shopping in Kochi :

Kochi is the hub of shopping areas. You get any traditional items to the most modern provisions. For big shopping malls there is Lulu Shopping Mall and Oberon Mall. Marine Drive offers numerous shops for clothing, etc. For spices and other essentials famous market areas in Kochi are Broadway, Bazaar Road and MG Road.