Kochi, India

Top things to do in Kochi

15 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.

Museum

Mattancherry Palace

A Portuguese-built palace featuring stunning Kerala murals and royal artifacts, also known as the Dutch Palace.

Religious site

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi

A historic Roman Catholic church in Fort Kochi known for its Gothic architecture and vibrant interior frescoes.

Outdoor & fun

Fort Kochi Beach

A scenic waterfront promenade featuring iconic Chinese fishing nets, colonial-era buildings, and vibrant cafés.

Religious site

Church of Saint Francis, Kochi

One of the oldest European churches in India, where explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried.

Museum

Indo-Portuguese Museum

A museum dedicated to Portuguese heritage in Kochi, displaying altarpieces, vestments, and architectural fragments.

Park & nature

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

A compact mangrove forest in central Kochi, a vital nesting site for egrets and a haven for migratory birds amid urban surroundings.

Landmark

Marine Drive, Kochi

A scenic 3-km waterfront promenade along the backwaters, offering stunning sunset views of Kochi's skyline and the harbor.

Religious site

Ernakulam Shiva Temple

An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the heart of Kochi, famous for its annual Shivarathri festival and traditional Kerala architecture.

Religious site

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple

A major Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu in Thrippunithura, famed for its grand Utsavam festival and majestic elephant processions.

Religious site

St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam

The mother church of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, showcasing a unique blend of Indian and Gothic architectural styles.

Religious site

National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom

A prominent Catholic pilgrimage site on Vallarpadam Island, known for its annual feast and miraculous shrine of Our Lady of Ransom.

Landmark

Vasco House, Kochi

One of the oldest Portuguese-era houses in Fort Kochi, now a heritage hotel with colonial charm and antique-filled interiors.

Landmark

Vypin Lighthouse

A historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and Kochi backwaters from its top.

Outdoor & fun

Kochi International Marina

A modern marina offering yacht berthing, water sports, and leisure activities along the scenic Kochi waterfront.

Religious site

Paradesi Synagogue

Built in 1568, this is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, adorned with hand-painted blue willow tiles and ornate chandeliers.

Tickets & tours

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