16 places to visit in Kochi that are not tourist traps

Kochi is the city where cultures dock and decide to stay. It opened its shores to colonial powers—Portuguese, Dutch, and British—who claimed it as their own, while Arab, Chinese, and Jewish traders found a home in its spice-laden streets. Today, it welcomes urbanisation with the same grace, blending the old with the new. Old Cochin, with Fort Kochi and Mattancherry at its core, forms the city’s historic heart—where colonial mansions, ancient synagogues, and spice markets still thrive. Across the harbour, urban Kochi bustles with modern energy—pubs, art galleries, and thriving business hubs. Venture further, and the outskirts reveal Kochi’s quieter side—island villages and forests. This guide explores Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, through its three distinct zones—Old Cochin, the urban city, and the outskirts. Here are the best places to visit in Kochi, Kerala.

The best places to visit in Kochi

Cochin, the Old Quarter

Fort Kochi Heritage Landmarks

Fort Kochi was the seat of colonial powers, one after the other, until India’s independence. With trees older than your grandparents and colonial landmarks that hold more stories than a library, the best way to soak in its charm is on foot by a self-guided tour, where heritage sites sit just a stone’s throw from one another. Start at Vasco da Gama Square, where the iconic Chinese fishing nets sway against the Arabian Sea—sunset is when they are most magical. From there, stroll along Napier Street to the remnants of Fort Immanuel, the first Portuguese fort built in India. Continue to visit Bastion Bungalow, a Dutch-era structure overlooking the sea, open to visitors interested in its colonial past. On Rose Street, step into the historic St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was once laid to rest. Nearby, pass by Vasco House, believed to be one of Fort Kochi’s oldest Portuguese homes. Detour down River Road to view the weathered tombstones at the Dutch Cemetery before concluding your walk at the Santa Cruz Basilica, with its grand Gothic spires and stunning stained glass interiors. If you want to discover the roots of Cochin’s history and dive into fables of yore, join the Kochi Heritage Project for their signature A Queen’s Story walking tour.

Kerala Kathakali Centre

The Kerala Kathakali Centre in Fort Kochi is a portal to the state’s living traditions, where art comes to life in vibrant colour, sound, and movement in a traditional setting. One of the highlights here is the Kathakali—a centuries-old dance drama that tells mythological tales through facial expressions, hand gestures, and rhythmic movements. Adding to the magic are live singers narrating the story through melodic verses, while grand costumes and elaborate makeup transform performers into larger-than-life characters. The centre also has Kalaripayattu martial arts, Indian classical music, and graceful South Indian classical dance performances.

Cafes, bars and boutiques in heritage spaces

In Fort Kochi, heritage buildings do more than sit pretty; they double as cafés, restaurants, art spaces, pubs, and boutique stores. Kashi Art Café, housed in a century-old Dutch colonial structure, blends international art with hearty food. Lila Art Café, once quarters for Vasco da Gama’s senior officers, now serves artisanal bites alongside Kazcha Art Gallery and Aashayam, a curated homegrown lifestyle store. Pandhal Café & Deli occupies a 17th-century Dutch mansion, sharing space with David Hall, an art gallery buzzing with contemporary exhibits. Loafer’s Corner Café, housed in the 200-year-old Dutch-Portuguese building, offers balcony views over the aesthetic Princess Street. Pepper House, a former Dutch spice warehouse, brews coffee and creativity, doubling as a Kochi Biennale venue. Loving Earth Café brings vegan dishes and yoga to a restored colonial space. Armoury Restobar at Brunton Boatyard pours cocktails and local seafood steeped in maritime nostalgia. Francis the Pub, once a Portuguese trading post, now pours beers and cocktails in a cosy colonial setting. Koder House, the former residence of the Jewish Koder family, and the Old Harbour Hotel (book now), a 300-year-old Dutch mansion, now serve continental fare. One Zero Eight, the boutique store housed inside a Portuguese villa, displays sustainable designer fashion.

Mattancherry

Mattancherry, approximately 3 km from Fort Kochi, is where the world once came to trade and stayed to create—a cross-cultural hub where more than thirty communities still peacefully coexist. Anchoring this historic quarter is the Mattancherry Palace, gifted by the Portuguese to King Veera Kerala Varma in 1555 and later restored by the Dutch, earning it the name Dutch Palace. A short stroll away, Jew Town stretches from the palace to the Paradesi Synagogue, a testament to the once-thriving Jewish community. The synagogue gleams with hand-painted Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Along Synagogue Lane, Sarah’s Hand Embroidery Shop sells Jewish crafts and souvenirs, a legacy left by Sarah Cohen, one of Kochi’s last Jewish residents. Jew Town’s streets pulse with antique shops, spice-scented air, and boutique cafés snugly housed in Mattancherry’s once-Jewish homes. To experience Mattancherry’s layered history, the Kochi Heritage Project offers immersive walks – Microcosm of the World explores the area’s diverse communities; One Heart, Two Worlds leads you through the stories of Jew Town; for food lovers, Naalu Mani Kadikalum Kadhakalum promises a street food trail.

Urban Kochi

Tripunithura

Contrary to Kochi’s well-charted colonial tales, Tripunithura is a journey into the lesser-explored side of the city, which was once the royal capital of the Kingdom of Cochin. The main attraction is the Hill Palace, built in 1865 as the residence of the Cochin kings, now Kerala’s largest archaeological museum. For those eager to step back in time, Cochin Chronicles, led by Balagopal Varma—a heritage conservationist and descendant of the erstwhile royal family—offers walking tours. Starting at his family palace, the tour moves through the gallery where maharajas once observed temple rituals, passing stately bungalows, and a century-old iron bridge, offering a rare glance into the city’s regal past.

Kochi Backwaters

Kochi’s backwaters, a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes, and canals feeding into the Arabian Sea, are like the city’s lifeline. For centuries, they have shaped trade, transport, and daily life, first for colonial rulers and now for the locals who navigate them daily. Surrounded by 10 inhabited islands, Kochi’s need for connection birthed its ferry services in 1968. These ferries—both traditional passenger boats and jankars (large vessels)—are now a floating slice of history which is an experience. Adding to this legacy is the newly introduced Kochi Water Metro, India’s first of its kind with electric hybrid boats and disabled-friendly floating jetties that promise sustainable travel, reshaping urban mobility. For a closer brush with Kochi’s backwaters, SUP in Kochi offers stand-up paddling at sunrise—a peaceful glide over still waters as the city wakes up. If indulgence calls, The Blue Yonder offers Nilavala—Twilight Dinner, where guests will be taken by canoe to a floating dining spot, which is nothing but a repurposed Chinese fishing net deck, a fading cultural icon. Dinner, prepared by the local fishing community, is a love letter to the region, made with local produce, and inspired by forgotten fishing traditions.

Willingdon Island

Willingdon Island wasn’t born from land. It was dredged from the depths of Vembanad Lake, an idea pulled from the mind of Sir Robert Bristow and brought to life in 1928 as India’s largest man-made island. Beyond its role as a commercial hub anchoring the Port of Kochi and the Kochi Naval Base, the island offers pockets of calm, easily accessible by road or the Willingdon Island Boat Jetty. Stroll along the waterfront at Walkway Park, where ferries and naval ships drift across the horizon. To learn more about the island’s history, visit the Cochin Port Maritime Heritage Museum, which houses black-and-white photographs, port miniatures, and vintage equipment that narrate its creation.

Vypeen Island

With the Arabian Sea on one side and the Kochi backwaters on the other, Vypeen Island stretches like a slender blade of land, running 27 km and linked to mainland Kochi by the Goshree bridges. Vypeen’s story traces back to the 16th century, when the Portuguese set their sights on this narrow strip, leaving behind relics that still stand for history enthusiasts—Pallipuram Fort, India’s oldest surviving European monument, and the Church of Our Lady of Hope, one of Kochi’s earliest churches. The island’s coastline is dotted with beaches that locals hold dear—Cherai, perfect for a swim and dotted with beachfront eateries; Kuzhupilly, a quiet stretch of white sand ideal for sunset; and Puthuvype, where the lighthouse climb presents a sweeping view of the Arabian Sea. For a sustainable escape, take the Mangrove Conservation Trail curated by The Blue Yonder. Glide through dense mangroves by canoe, guided by locals who share stories of how these tangled roots shield the coastline from shifting tides.

Art Galleries and Museums

Art and Fort Kochi have been inseparable since the Kochi-Muziris Biennale debuted in 2012, putting the city on the global map as the host of Asia’s largest contemporary art festival. For three months, warehouses, colonial facades, and spice markets come alive with creative expression. But even outside the Biennale season, Kochi’s art scene is worth a visit with year-round art galleries. The Durbar Hall Art Gallery, managed by the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, displays exhibits, including works by Raja Ravi Varma. In Mattancherry, Gallery OED showcases bold, curated exhibitions by contemporary artists, while the Kerala Museum flaunts masterpieces by legends like MF Husain and a dedicated contemporary art section. To step into Kerala’s past, visit the Kerala Folklore Museum, a marvel of architecture pieced together from 25 heritage buildings across the state that displays exquisite stone, wood, and bronze sculptures. For something more nautical, the Indian Naval Maritime Museum charts Kerala’s seafaring history through antiques of the Indian Navy, including World War II bunkers.

Iconic Eateries

Kochi’s culinary map is a rich blend of heritage, spice, and modern flair. Grand Pavilion leads the fine dining scene with its iconic fish curry meals and Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish). At the Rice Boat at Taj Malabar (book now), you can indulge in the celebrated Kerala Tasting Menu inside a restored wooden boat overlooking the water. For global flavours, Thai Soul at Grand Hyatt (book now) delivers authentic Thai dishes, while Zoka at Crowne Plaza (book now) serves Pan-Asian treats. Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss Fusion Bay or Kartyanis for their fresh, fiery catches. On the casual side, Paragon, Arippa, and Kayees Rahmathulla serve comforting Kerala delicacies like Malabar biriyani, kappa with beef fry, and Kayees’ mutton biriyani. Cafés such as Pandhal Café & Deli, French Toast, and Cocoa Tree are perfect for leisurely brunches and coffee breaks, while Zera Noya is known for its artisanal breads and pastries.

Resto Bars and Pubs

Kerala has strict alcohol restrictions, but Kochi knows how to keep the fun flowing—five-star hotels and licensed spots serve everything from cocktails to beer and wine. Just a heads-up: you’ll need to be 23, the legal drinking age of the state, to enter a pub here, and bars call it a night by 11 PM, so plan your evening accordingly! If you prefer your drinks by the water, the Seagull is a classic—cold beer and seafood right by the harbour. Skygrill, the lounge bar at Crowne Plaza (book now), serves up city views with craft cocktails, while MayaBay and Hortus, two restobars, turn up the sophistication with sleek interiors and signature drinks. On the pub front, Watson’s, Mezzo, and Velocity keep things lively with thumping beats.

Toddy Shops

Toddy shops are Kerala’s window into rustic simplicity, where the region’s traditional drink, toddy—a naturally fermented alcoholic beverage made from the sap of coconut palms—is served. Once considered male-dominated spaces, many toddy shops have evolved into family-friendly venues, providing a welcoming atmosphere. Be sure to ask for freshly tapped toddy, which is mildly sweet when collected in the morning or evening. As toddy sits, it ferments and develops a sour taste. Pair fresh toddy with regional delicacies like tapioca, spicy fish curry, duck roast, or beef fry, as its sweetness perfectly balances the spicy preparations. For the best experience, Mullapanthal Toddy Shop and Nettoor Toddy Shop are local favourites, serving classics like grilled fish and mussels. Boche’s Toddy Pub brings a modern twist to the toddy experience, while Kadamakudy Toddy Shop brings the charm of island life to your table. Kilikkoodu Toddy Shop and Family Restaurant ensures everyone can enjoy this quintessential Kerala tradition.

Outskirts of Kochi

Kadamakudy Islands

Kadamakudy is one of Vembanad Lake’s best-kept secrets, a cluster of 14 living islands on the outskirts of Kochi. It is believed to have formed during the great floods of 1341, which reshaped Kochi’s coastline. For generations, islanders crossed to the mainland by wooden boats, navigating the waters as second nature until roads arrived very recently.

“Living island means being self-reliant, where people live independent of the mainland,” says Vishal Koshy, founder of Tropiq Getaways. His company offers zero-emission electric boat cruises, mangrove kayaking, and cycling tours that give a glimpse into the rural lifestyle of the islanders and their indigenous pokkali rice-prawn integrated farming practices.

Muziris Heritage Sites: Chendamangalam & North Paravur

On the banks of Kerala’s Periyar River, Port Muziris shimmered as India’s first great emporium, where civilizations— including the Romans and Greeks—anchored their ships, drawn by the scent of Kerala’s black gold, the pepper. But the thriving port mysteriously vanished, with legends claiming it lost to floods. Centuries later, excavations unearthed traces of the lost city. To revive the once lively port, the Kerala government started the Muziris Heritage Project, stretching across Chendamangalam and North Paravur in Ernakulam district to Kodungallur in the neighbouring Thrissur district. In North Paravur, visit the restored Paravur Jewish Synagogue and the Kottappuram Fort, which has stood overlooking the Periyar River since the 16th century. In Chendamangalam, explore the 450-year-old Paliam Palace, the former residence of the prime ministers to the erstwhile Cochin kings, and the Chendamangalam Synagogue, now a museum preserving the region’s Jewish history. For those who want to cover the complete Muziris Heritage circuit, hop-on hop-off boat tours are available to glide through these heritage sites.

Chendamangalam Handloom Village

Beyond its ancient monuments, Chendamangalam breathes the rhythm of its looms. Famous for the golden glint of Kerala kasavu sarees, this handwoven heritage wears its GI tag like a badge of honour. Step into this world of warp and weft with The Story of Chendamangalam tour, where you will explore the weaving units, meet artisans in their homes and witness the alchemy of dye. And there, meet the poignant Chekkutty dolls, crafted in 2018 from flood-damaged fabrics, now standing as a global symbol of resilience.

Mamalakandam

Mamalakandam, 85 km from Kochi and skirting the edges of Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, stepped into the limelight of Kochi’s day-trip circuit after its waterfall-side government high school became a social media darling. But beyond the viral reels lies a forest that the Mudhuvan tribal community calls home. Tropiq Getaways curates the Bamboo Tales Expedition, a doorway into the secluded world of Mudhuvans, an indigenous people from the region, that takes you off-road through the forest, leading to Mamala Hut. Here, Mudhuvans host you with bamboo-cooked meals and introduce you to a lifestyle carved from the wilderness with little more than handmade knives and ancestral skills.

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