6 Must Visit Places in Kochi That You Can’t Miss!!

-Mansi Senghar

If clean coastline, great weather, soft sand, picturesque backwaters, and palm-lined roads are at the top of your list then you might want to head to Kochi. Long known as a destination famous for its rich architecture, historical temples, vibrant marketplaces, and vintage boutiques, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Fort Kochi, attracts people from all over the world. Fort Kochi has a unique essence of diversity. There’s no better way to describe the immaculate architecture in Kochi than a walk down the historical chronicles and to make the most of your trip to the first European township in India, we have rounded up a list of 6 places to visit in Fort Kochi.

Santa Cruz Basilica

One among the 8 basilica in Kerala, Santa Cruz Basilica takes you on a ride down the lanes of culture, religion, and heritage. Built originally by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Santa Cruz Basilica has the finest architecture and serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin.

The interiors of the cathedral are beautifully adorned with paintings, and murals influenced by the gothic style that gives you a peek into medieval times. The Santa Cruz Basilica is the oldest church in all of India. Standing upright for more than five centuries, the cathedral has still managed to retain its charm and significance.

Princess Street

Also known as Loafer’s corner, Princess Street is a nice breakthrough in the city's historic chronicles. Located right at the heart of the city, the street has a number of dotting bakeries, cafes, and clubs that light up the entire street with neon signs and bright faces at night.

Visiting Princess Street is one of the top things to do in Fort Kochi that makes it to every travel bugs list. While at Princess Street, don’t miss the chance to walk through the European-style houses (while you sniff a batch of freshly baked bread from a nearby quaint bakery) that often have their doors open for the tourists to have a look. This lively street is a major place to hang out and chill for both domestic and international tourists.

Museum Hotels

A one hundred and seventy years old antique property from the colonial period, Bloom Boutique | Waterfront Fort Kochi is a museum hotel, nestled near the busy streets of Jew Town and oozes heritage charm. The strategic location puts it in a close affinity to the Fort Kochi tourist places. The lobby at the entrance is decorated with antiques and a vintage car that will transport you to the old world.

The property also features a terrace restaurant overlooking the sea deck that is perfect for having breakfast and a romantic candlelight dinner or you can plan a romantic sea voyage with your beau on the hotel cruise. The museum hotel in Kochi is a quintessence of world-class hospitality with a serene sea view. The enchanting location and the incomparable services make Bloom Boutique the best hotel in Fort Kochi

Jew Town

Jew town has long been a crossroads of culture, diversity, and trade. Once an abode to various Jews, Jew town is now a tiny antique market located near the synagogue of Mattancherry. The place that once had a vibrant settlement of more than 5000 Jews, now has Kashmiri vendors selling Pashminas, Islamic handicrafts, and Persian antiques.

The narrow lanes, homes, and synagogues of Jew Town are a beautiful remnant of the community that once thrived in these alleys. Silhouetted against the quaint backdrop of the port city Kochi, Jew Town is a haven for antique lovers.

Areekkal Waterfall

The Areekkal Waterfall is one of the very few falls near Fort Kochi. One can witness the spectacle of crystalline cascading water flowing atop a rocky cliff.

The shimmering cascade combined with the verdant forest is an amazing spot to catch a breath of fresh air and make a little detour from the hustle and bustle of Kochi city lights. It is one of the places in Fort Kochi that is a charismatic sight to behold.

Cherai & Vypin beach

Located at a distance of 30 km from Kochi, Cherai is one of the most beautiful beaches in South India. Located on the northern end of Vypeen Island, Cherai is the point where the Arabian Sea blends with the backwaters of Kerala. Surrounded by lush greenery, The most scenic way to get here is by taking a ferry from Fort Kochi to Vypin Island.

The best time to enjoy the exotic views of Cherai is from the months of October to April. The clean coastline and illuminated lamp shades make for awe-inspiring promenades at night.

The European port city where time is rather abstract walks at its own sweet pace and transports you back into the colonial era with its vibrant streets, old-world forts, and crumbling churches and is the perfect getaway destination.