What to See in Kochi
Explore 50 landmarks, monuments, and attractions in Kochi, India. From iconic sights to hidden gems — curated from real traveler experiences.
Browse all sights-
Hill Palace Museum
The erstwhile Kochi Maharaja's palace, now converted to a large museum along with a small zoo. Has paintings and epigraphy from the collections of the Travancore & Kochi royal families. This is the largest archaeological palace in South India with more than 500 artifacts divided into 16 galleries.…
Read more
The highlight of the Palace is the display of multi-billion worth Cochin Royal Crown and Crown Jewels. The Crown Gallery is a high security zone which has elaborate security check procedures, photography and bags are prohibited. The Palace complex is huge with several buildings inside it. There is a good Deer Park (10AM-4:30PM) along with peacocks. A small fauna garden was set up in 2003. Also the palace has more than 100 different species of trees and plants, many of which are of medical value. The palace has five large gardens and two large resting grounds of late Maharajas.
-
Fort Kochi Beach
A historic beach where 1st Portuguese-Dutch war broke out in the 17th century. Once a very large beach, it has reduced to a quarter in size after the Tsunami. A beautiful, small walkway is constructed recently, making ideal for evening strolls. One can find remnants of Old Portuguese Immanuel Fort along with parts of Dutch Stormberg Fort with some canons still kept intact.…
Read more
An obsolete boiler that once used for powering cranes of old port and a very large anchor of an old Portuguese ship are displayed on the walkway. Works for creating a new artificial beach is undergoing near to this old beach with help of Tsunami development funds.
-
Kanjiramattam Mosque
A major Muslim pilgrimage centre and venue of the Kudikkuthu Festival. It is famous for the annual Urus festival. The imams of this mosque are famous for being leading scholars, who were advisors to Kochi Rajas. This mosque is the right example of antique beauty of mazhars and dargahs. This was an official temple classified by Kochi Maharajas.…
Read more
The annual Chandanakudam in January attracts many pilgrims. During the festival, pilgrims carry pots smeared with sandalwood paste in a procession to the mosque, with caparisoned elephants and percussion musics – both found in temples – form essential parts of the Chandanakudam festival.
-
Dutch Palace
Constructed by the Portuguese in 1568 as a gift to Maharaja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma, after he granted permission to construct Fort Immanunel. During the Dutch siege of Kochi, many parts of the original palace were destroyed. However the Dutch Governor repaired the palace and renamed as Dutch Palace. The coronations of Kochi Maharajas are always held here.…
Read more
A large throne and coronation costumes are on display and there is an extensive collection of royal chariots, swords and other artifacts. The most interesting part is the mural room, which has the entire Ramayana and Mahabharat depicted in a single mural.
-
David Hall
This 315 years old Dutch bungalow was the official residence of the Dutch Army commanders, the most famous being Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede tot Draakestein who was the author of Horticus Malabaricus. Currently the complex belongs to Netherlands Govt agency CNO which recently renovated to open a large art gallery, a traditional Dutch performing arts centre and large studio for young painters.…
Read more
The building is a classic specimen of colonial Dutch architecture with elaborate Dutch gardens. For cultural performances, one need to check at the reception to know the schedule.
-
Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village
India's first eco-tourist village, this award winning initiative allows tourists to explore and enjoy the authentic rural culture with the cooperation of natives without disturbing their natural lifestyle.…
Read more
Tourists to this island village have chances to explore rural work styles, a specialized local paddy cultivation, canoeing in a country boat in a maze of mangrove forests or enjoying fishing or partying in rural style with locals. In order to maintain best eco-protection practices, several restrictions are placed on use of plastics, smoking or even carrying soft-drinks.
-
Kodanadu Elephant Training College
Lies on the southern bank of the Periyar amongst the scenic beauty of the high ranges, Kodanadu is extremely famous for its unique elephant training college, elephant orphanage and a mini zoo with deer and peacocks here. Wild elephants are first tamed in special cradles and then taken to the nearby training college, where they are trained.…
Read more
The elephant orphanage rears baby elephants until they are ready for training college. Elephant safari is one of the most sought tourist activity here along with kids playing ball games with baby elephants.
-
Jew Street and Paradesi Synagogue
The synagogue was constructed in 1568 after allowing Jewish refugees from Jerusalem to settle here during the Crusades making this the Commonwealth's oldest Synagogue. This is one of the very few functional synagogues in India and the structure is unique due to influence of native Hindu-Christian architecture as well as the only synagogue having two bimahs.…
Read more
Many Jews lived in the area until the creation of Israel, today there is only a handful. Jew Street is a heritage zone with several antique/handicraft shops.
-
St. Francis CSI Church
Constructed by the Portuguese in 1503 and the burial place of Vasco da Gama (his remains were later transferred to Lisbon). His tombstone can be seen inside the church. The church has a large cemetery which serves as resting grounds of many Portuguese army officials and soldiers.…
Read more
The church is the only Catholic Church not demolished by Dutch which was handed over to British to re-establish an Anglican church. A large war memorial is at the back, and honours the unknown soldiers who died in World War 1.
-
Chembittapally Mosque
Famous for its large super-imposing structure having large shining copper domes (thus the name, which means Mosque having Copper Roofs). The compound has 3 gates; one in west which opens way to Panayapilly, second in south which opens way to Goldenmukku and Kochangadi, and the main gate in the eastern side of compound,…
Read more
which opens way to Angadi, which in turn leads the way to Jew Street and Mattancherry Bazaar towards the north and to Chullickal towards south.
-
Mastyafed Milky-way Aqua-Tourist Village
A unique concept, where a large shrimp farm of the state-run Mastyafed Organization is converted into an Aqua-tourist village with many options to fish for fresh prawns, crabs and shrimp (you can take your catch for a nominal fee), canoeing within a mangrove forest, sun-bathing, swimming at a private beach nearby and enjoying sunset picnic cruise.…
Read more
The breakfast and lunch, which are included in the entry cost, have a wide range of fish delicacies and fish pickles.
-
Holy Koonan Cross Church
A historic church where Malayalee Christians in the 17th century revolted against Portuguese Jesuit missionaries' attempts to convert them into the Latin church. It was here native that Christians received the Bishop of Persia and declared their affinities to the Orthodox Eastern Church.…
Read more
This was the first recorded revolt against Europeans in India, forcing the Pope to recognize native Christians and to establish a new church, the Syro-Malabar Church.
-
Cherai Beach
Golden beaches with big sand grains, coconut palm corridors, backwaters, and historical monuments. Cherai Beach is one of the safest beaches to swim or play water sports or beach games. A very large beautiful backwaters just 250 m from beach famous for its scenic beauty and boating. Cherai Beach surpasses all with its swimming facility and coconut groves.…
Read more
Occasional sights of dolphins is also an added attraction.
-
Museum of Kerala History
A good, well maintained museum with a 40 minute light and sound show (English and Malayalam) about Kerala history. Depicts the history of Kerala through life-like wax statues. Adjacent are the Museum of Dolls with nearly 1,000 dolls from various countries, and M.N.F Art and Sculpture Gallery that has many good collections of paintings and sculptures.…
Read more
This museum has a small, well maintained garden.
-
Paniyeli Poru
An unexplored beautiful scenic river bank. The Periyar river flows here in its original pure form, without any kind of pollution. During Summer season, when the volume of river water is at its lowest, it is very easy to cross the 2 km wide river from one bank to other.…
Read more
Beware during rainy reason, when a large volume of river water flushes this area and it is extremely dangerous to swim.
-
Santa Cruz Basilica
The first European Church built in Asia, by the Portuguese in 1502, also the first Cathedral of Asia and seat of second Catholic Diocese in India. The British modified the structure and added oil paintings. Today, it serves as the primary seat of the Latin church of Kerala. Pope John Paul II declared it a Basilica in 1984.…
Read more
It houses several historical paintings, decors and artifacts.
-
Dharmanath Desar Jain Mandir
Popularly known as Gujarathi Mandir is one of the oldest Jain temples in India, established by the Gujarathi community who settled here more than 300 years ago. This is a major Theerth (pilgrimage) for Jains and all major North Indian festivals are celebrated in grand way.…
Read more
Pigeon feeding during noon, is one of the main rituals here.
-
Pareekshith Thampuran Durbar Hall Art Gallery
Contains oil paintings, old coins, sculptures, Mughal paintings plus models of temples and traditional Kerala buildings. This was the official Durbar Hall of Kochi Maharajas, now converted into a large fine arts gallery, named after last Maharaja of Kochi, who was an oil painter.…
Read more
A small studio is nearby promoting young artists.
-
Princess Street
The most famous street of Fort Kochi which gives you a slice of authentic colonial European architecture. The only street that never faced any raid or demolitions in past, Princess street is a prefect destination for evening walk with numerous western styled cafes, souvenir shops, art galleries and heritage complexes.
-
Pallipuram Fort
Built by the Portuguese in 1503, this is the oldest existing European fortification in India. It was later handed over to the Travancore Army, to become a major army base till 1903 when it was converted into a heritage museum. It has a small museum and good views of the lagoon on one side and the sea on the other.
-
Chottanikara Devi Temple
One of the 108 large Devi (Goddess) temples of India. The temple is famous for treatments of various psychic disorders like split personality syndrome as well as for its annual Makam festival (mid Feb-mid March). It is believed to have 3 forms of the Goddess in 3 phases of day. Famous during Navarathiri time.
-
Indo-Portuguese Museum
A modern museum highlighting the start of European colonization of the Orient in the 16th century. The museum showcases the growth and decline of the Portuguese life in Kochi with focus on the growth of the Latin Church. There are also excavated ruins of the former fort wall in the basement of the museum.
-
Chendamangalam Palace Fort
Historically the seat of Paliath Achan, the Prime Minister of Kochi Kingdom. Here the plans were forged for revolt against the British in the 1820s. A functional Jewish Synagogue and a large market are some of the attractions. It is now a centre for handloom weaving and coir manufacturing.
-
Pierce Leslie Bungalow
The only surviving bungalow built in authentic Portuguese style, it was the home and office of famous English merchant family- the Leslies. Currently it has been restored into a boutique hotel. The hotel management allows tourists to explore the grand exteriors and public interior spaces.
-
Chinese Fishing Nets
Serves as the official icon of Kochi and are a testimony of relations between Ancient Chinese Empires and the Kochi Kingdom. They were gifted by Chinese Emperor Kubalagi to Kochi King in 14th century. There were more than 100, though currently only a few remain in working condition.
-
Thrikkakara Temple
The only temple in India devoted to the Hindu deity Vamana and a major centre for celebration of the Onam festival. Get here during Onam and you can catch ten days of festivities, peppered with performances of Kerala's traditional arts and ending with a Onam feast.
-
Managalavanam
A thick 80 acre mangrove forest located in the heart of Kochi and declared a flora sanctuary. More than 30 unique flora are found here and it is also a major bird sanctuary, where migratory birds feed and rest when they escape the cold northern winters.
-
Bastion Bungalow
Typical Indo-Dutch architecture, this bungalow was built on the site of the erstwhile Stromsburg Fort, which was demolished during the Arab raids. Currently, it serves as the official residence of the Cochin Sub-Collector and entry is restricted.
-
International Pepper Exchange
Kochi's answer to New York's Wall Street, but instead of money, its all about pepper trading. This is the world's only pepper exchange. Its worth to visit to see the wide range of pepper varieties as well as some of trading practices.
-
Poornathresya Temple
Devoted to Lord Vishnu was once the royal temple of Kochi Maharajas. This temple is famous for its Panthizhuaari (Milk Dessert made of rice flakes) distributed during afternoons and grand temple festivals twice in a year.
-
St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam,
The Cathedral is dedicated to "Our Lady of Ports". The Cathedral was built in the early twentieth century under the direction of Mar Louis Pazheparambil The church is also a prominent Marian Pilgrim Centre in India.
-
Indian Naval Maritime Museum
Built by the Indian Navy. Many battle scenes are recreated with life-size models, a huge display of naval arms and ammunitions, replicas of large naval ships, personalities, are some of the major highlights.
-
PVR cinemas
PVR Cinemas is a 9-screen multiplex, the largest in Kochi(as of March 2014) and has 2 food counters (offers hotdogs, popcorn, burgers, pizza, sandwiches, nachos, etc.) and a Cafe Coffee Day outlet.
-
Thirumala Devaswom Temple
Built by the Gowda Sarawatha Brahmins with Lord Venkateswara as the main deity. It is famous for housing the second largest brass bell in Asia. The North Gopuram is fully roofed with copper.
-
Malayattoor Mount
A major Christian pilgrimage centre believed to be the place where St Thomas performed his first miracle in AD 52. Today, it is famous for its annual Holy week-Easter pilgrimage.
-
VOC Gate
The only remains of the office of Dutch East India Company is this large wooden gate with a monogram (VOC (Verenigde Oostindische Companie) emblem of Dutch East India Company).
-
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
Is the lone Sikh Gurudwara of Kerala, established by the Punjabi community of Kochi in 1955. Special rites and Guru ka Langar rituals are held every Saturday and Sunday.
-
Marine Drive Promenade
It starts from Gateway Hotel area and ends in Ernakulam boat jetty bus station. The total distance is less than one km. There is a children's park in the middle.
-
Kashi Art Gallery
Official websiteKashi Art Gallery is both an art gallery and cafe that serves light breakfasts and lunches. The gallery exhibits work by popular contemporary Indian artists.
-
St. Antony's Shrine
At this shrine that belongs to Archdiocese of Verapoly people of different faith and culture flock together day and night seeking blessings.
-
Durbar Hall Ground
Official websiteThe venue for many fairs during festivals and regular evening concerts and other programs.
-
St.George's Church
A popular church, also amongst non-Christians. Famous for its poison cure treatments.
-
Aluva Manalpuram
Famous for the annual Shivarathri festival on the banks of the Periyar river.
-
St. Francis Assisi Cathedral
Locally known as Kappalpalli (Ship Church due to its ship shaped structure).
-
Children's Park
With children's rides, a musical fountain and a small boating lake.
-
Beach Children's Park
A good small park, which is well maintained for evening strolls.
-
Indira Renewable Energy Park
Has unique rides and gadgets which run on renewable energy.
-
Changampuzha Park
Spacious place, ideal for picnics and group discussions.
-
Ernakulam Siva Temple
Has three temples within its complex.
-
Subhash Park
One of the largest parks in Kochi.
Exploring Kochi: A Guide for Solo Travelers
Kochi is one of India's most rewarding cities to explore on foot. With 50 documented sightseeing spots — from grand monuments and historic churches to hidden squares and local museums — the city rewards curiosity at every turn. This guide covers everything you need to plan a great sightseeing day in Kochi, whether you have a single afternoon or an entire week.
How to See Kochi Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist
The best way to discover Kochi is on foot, moving between neighborhoods rather than rushing between landmarks on a tour bus. Start your day early — most major sights in Kochi are significantly less crowded before 9am. Many iconic spots, such as Hill Palace Museum and Fort Kochi Beach, look entirely different at dawn versus midday, and you'll get far better photographs without the crowds.
Budget at least 30–45 minutes for each major attraction in Kochi, and don't underestimate walking distances between them. The city's neighborhoods are best experienced by wandering rather than following a rigid itinerary. If something unexpected catches your eye — a courtyard, a street market, a viewpoint — follow it. The most memorable moments in Kochi rarely appear on any official list.
Planning Your Sightseeing in Kochi
Before you visit major paid attractions in Kochi, check whether they offer discounts for students, young travelers, or EU residents. Many museums and monuments have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, or offer combined tickets with nearby sites that save significant money. Some of Kochi's best sights are entirely free — outdoor landmarks, historic streets, and public spaces cost nothing to explore and can be more atmospheric than ticketed attractions.
If you're visiting Kochi as a solo traveler, consider joining a free walking tour. They typically depart from main squares in the morning and cover the city's most important sights in 2–3 hours with a knowledgeable local guide. These tours are also excellent for meeting other travelers — you'll often find the group ends up exploring Kochi together for the rest of the day.
Sightseeing in Kochi with Fellow Travelers
Solo sightseeing in Kochi is perfectly enjoyable, but exploring with others can transform the experience. When you share a landmark with a fellow traveler, you see it through their eyes — their questions, their stories, their cultural context. A French traveler will notice different things about Kochi's architecture than a Japanese one. That exchange of perspectives is what makes travel memorable.
Nomax is a free travel companion app that helps solo travelers in Kochi find each other and plan sightseeing together. Browse profiles of travelers currently in Kochi, join group activities like city walks and museum visits, or post your own sightseeing plan and invite others to join. Many travelers in Kochi use Nomax to find companions for specific attractions — someone to split a taxi to an outlying monument, or a walking partner for the old town.
What Makes Kochi Worth Seeing
Kochi offers 50 documented sights in this guide alone — and that's only the beginning. Hill Palace Museum, Fort Kochi Beach, Kanjiramattam Mosque are among the most visited, but the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and viewpoints are equally rewarding for the traveler willing to explore beyond the main itinerary. India's history, culture, and architecture are all visible in Kochi's streets and buildings, making it one of the best cities in the region for sightseeing.
Whether you're spending a single day or a full week in Kochi, this guide gives you a starting point for building your own itinerary. The sights are ordered by the richness of their documentation, with the most detailed descriptions at the top. Use the coordinates to navigate with any map app, and check the hours and entry prices before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Sightseeing in other India cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions in Kochi?
Kochi has 50 notable sights including Hill Palace Museum, Fort Kochi Beach, Kanjiramattam Mosque. This guide covers landmarks, monuments, churches, museums, and hidden gems curated from traveler experiences and editorial sources.
How many days do you need to see Kochi?
Most travelers spend 3–5 days exploring Kochi to cover the major sights comfortably. A focused itinerary can cover the top 10–15 highlights in 2 days. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers and plan a shared sightseeing itinerary for Kochi.
Are there free things to see in Kochi?
Yes — many of Kochi's best sights are free or low-cost. Several POIs in this guide are listed as free entry. Check individual entries above for price information.
What is the best time to visit Kochi's sightseeing spots?
Early mornings (before 9am) are the best time to visit popular sights in Kochi to avoid crowds. Many monuments and outdoor attractions are also magical at dusk. Use Nomax to find fellow travelers who can share timing tips and join you for a sightseeing day.
How do I meet other travelers to explore Kochi with?
Download Nomax — the free travel companion app — to instantly see solo travelers near you in Kochi. Join sightseeing activities, meet travelers at the same landmarks, and chat before you meet up. It's the easiest way to explore Kochi with company.
Is Kochi good for solo travelers?
Kochi is popular with solo travelers for its rich sightseeing, accessible public transport, and welcoming atmosphere. The Nomax app helps solo travelers find companions in Kochi so you never have to explore alone — from guided walks to museum visits to spontaneous meetups.
Explore Kochi with fellow travelers
Download Nomax to find travel companions in Kochi, join sightseeing activities, and make your trip unforgettable.
Download Nomax — FreeAvailable on iOS and Android. Free forever.
Travel tips from Wikivoyage contributors, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
