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Places to Visit in Fort Kochi

The Jew Town is a winding street sandwiched between Mattancherry Palace and Synagogue and is an attractive destination for those of you always on the lookout for antique and quirky art pieces. You will find the place brimming with local and international tourists on the hunt for unique items.

The tiny market is full of pristine pieces of art that have a rich history and interesting stories behind them. It’s a great spot to explore with friends or fellow travellers on a group trip to Kerala, especially for those who love uncovering cultural gems together.

The items showcased belong not only to Jews, but some also have a cultural background related to India, China, and Europe. If you are a shopaholic and antique lover, this is the place to be. You will find a plethora of trinkets and decorative items that each have a story of their own to tell you and diverse history to enchant you.

Distance - 4.2 km from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings – No entry fee.

Entry fees - 5 am to 9 pm, every day

Offering you one of the richest experiences you will ever gain on a holiday, Kerala Folklore Theater and Museum is one of the most interesting places to visit in Fort Kochi. The museum is a hotbed for architectural buffs with its Malabar, Cochin and Travancore style of architecture. Elephants statues adorn the entrance and traditional Kerala carpentry style lend it a unique air.

The elegant arches made of wood, tiles and stones are a stunning addition. The museum showcases different art forms of Kerala along with masks, puppets, ornaments, wood carvings, oil lamps, antique musical instruments, sculptures made of wood, bronze, copper, etc which makes it one of the best places to visit in Kochi. The theatre is a great place to get to know the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and get first-hand knowledge of the art of the state.

Distance - 10.2 km from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings - Stage performances from 9:30 AM to 7 PM.

Entry fees - Rs. 50 for students and Rs 100 for adults

Also known as Loafer’s Corner, Princess Street is one of the most popular forts in Kochi tourist places. Offering everything from handicraft shops that sell beautiful pieces of art and craft and cafes and restaurants that serve mouth-watering delicacies, Princess Street is the place to be for the social butterflies, shopping lovers, and fashionistas among you.

The street features a unique confluence of old and new – you can enjoy the sight of the old world, European-style buildings showcasing Dutch, British and French influences, just dotted on the street, along with modern-styled housing and shops.

Architecture buffs will love the grandeur of colonial-era structures. And at the end of the long day walking and admiring the building, you can enjoy a relaxing spa in one of the centres on the street. It’s the perfect blend of culture and comfort, making it a great stop on a family trip to Kerala.

Distance - 350 m from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings – No timing restrictions.

Entry fees - No entry fee.

A small locality in Kochi, Mattancherry has an incredibly beautiful experience to offer – the Mattancherry Palace. The double-storied building looks magnificent and stunning against the backdrop of Kerala’s backwaters and deep blue skies. The sight itself is a treat to the eyes, but that is not all the place has to offer.

The museum part of the palace houses gorgeous artifacts and belongings of the royal house of Kochi. History enthusiasts will have a lovely day here, exploring the cultural history of Kerala. Art and architecture buffs will find the style of the building and the mural paintings collection fascinating. The temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna in the centre of the complex are also a tourist site for Hindu devotees. You can explore all of this and more with specially curated Cochin tour packages that cover the city's cultural and historical gems.

Distance -  2.7 km from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings - 10 am to 5 pm every day, except on Fridays.

Entry fees - INR 20 for adults, no entry fee for kids. 

One of the most prominent fort Kochi tourist places is the beach, which will revive you to the core. With its serene environs and lush surroundings, the beach offers an idyllic getaway from everyday routine. The walk to the beach itself is a calming experience – the tall palm trees swaying in the breeze and the cool, salty wind on you face serve to transport you to a different world. Many 4 days Kerala tour packages include Fort Kochi beach in their itinerary, making it a must-visit for those short on time but big on experiences.

Catch a glimpse of the stunning sunsets over the blue waters and marvel at the sight of cargo ships in the distance passing through the sea. Visit the beach at New Year’s Eve and participate in the brilliant Cochin festival held there every year. Enjoy local delicacies and spicy snacks on the pristine beaches. Watch the undulating waves wash all the worries off your soul.

Distance - 1.5 km from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings - 9 am to 6 pm, every day.

Entry fees - No entry fee.

Famous as the school of traditional arts, a visit to the Kerala Kathakali Center is a rich and diverse experience that will remain etched in your memory forever. The school offers captivating shows off some of Kerala’s traditional and influential art practices – like Kathakali, music, martial arts and other dance forms, making it one of the top places to visit in Kerala.

The shows are performed in the most authentic manner by experienced performers and are a treat for classical dance lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Get a taste of the real Kerala and feel your senses heightened to a whole new level as you watch these goosebumps-inducing performances. Experiences like these are often part of a well-curated 7 day kerala tour package, giving you ample time to immerse yourself in the state’s vibrant cultural heritage.

Distance -  550.0 m from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings - 5 pm to 7 pm.

Entry fees - INR 250 per person.

Constructed by the Portuguese and now considered as one of the most magnificent places to visit in Fort Kochi, the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is one of the eight Basilicas in India. The basilica serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin and is visited frequently by devotees of Christianity because of the same.

The fine architecture of the church attracts tourists every year that wish to admire the grandiose and opulent style. Set up against a backdrop of clear blue skies and with its exteriors painted in white, the church exudes a quaint old charm.

The medieval styled architecture with huge arches, painted ceiling, and mesmerizing paintings make it a must visit tourist destination. The Santa Cruz Cathedral is one of the few places in India where spirituality and religion embrace artistry and architectural grandeur.

Distance - 450.0 m from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings - 9 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 5 PM.

Entry fees - No entry fee.

Known for its splendid architecture and awe-inspiring ambience, the Church of Saint Francis is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Fort Kochi. It is considered to be one of the oldest churches in India and is known as the mute witness to the struggle of India against European colonialism.

Legend has it that the remains of great explorer Vasco de Gama were buried in the church before being shipped off to Lisbon after 14 years. The gravestone of Vasco de Gama is a popular tourist attraction, along with the cenotaph erected in 1920 in memory of Kochi residents that died in World War I.

Architectural enthusiasts also visit the church to admire the eminent structure with its European style, and quaint, old-world charm. If you're exploring Kochi as part of one of the 10 days Kerala tour packages, this historic site adds a meaningful chapter to your journey through the state’s rich heritage

Distance -  700 m from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings - 10 am to 5 pm, every day.

Entry fees - No entry fee. 

Boasting of being the oldest surviving European monument in India, the Pallipuram Fort is one of the most amazing places to visit in Fort Kochi due to its rich cultural heritage and bedazzling architectural splendour. The gigantic hexagonal building is uniquely designed with laterite, mortar and wood.

Amidst lush green surroundings and virgin environs, the quaint charm of the fort is a mesmerizing sight to behold. Far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the fort stands among glistening skies and blankets of greenery offering an escape from everything related to the concrete jungles. The inside of the place offers open spaces where you can go on a relaxing picnic with your family, making it a great addition to many Kerala tour packages under 10000 that focus on both affordability and cultural depth.

Distance -  24.1 km from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings - 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, every day except Mondays.

Entry fees - No entry fee

Known for being the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth, Paradesi Synagogue is one of the most interesting places to visit in Fort Kochi. The old-world charm of the place paired with pollution free environs and picturesque backdrops provides it with a serene air.

The inside of the building is marvelling in itself – the spacious halls, rare and enchanting antiques on display, magnificent chandeliers glittering in the sun, large windows that filter in crisp yellow sunlight. The entire place is covered with hand-painted blue willow patterned tiles and stepping into the hall will transport you to an entirely different world.

The carved teak arches are spectacular to behold and a special oriental rug gifted by the last king of Ethiopia can also be seen hanging.

Distance -2.7 km from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings - The Synagogue is open every day except Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays from 10 am to 12 noon and from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Entry fees - No entry fees.

Chinese fishing nets are fixed land installations used for fishing in the sea. If you visit the beaches of Kochi at dusk and dawn, a one-of-its-kind sight will reveal itself to you. The silhouette of the nets being raised from the water against the setting sun has been the subject of many a photographer’s shots.

The nets are set up on teak and bamboo poles and each net is operated by at least 6 fishermen. The sight of these fishing nets suspended in mid-air against the backdrop of azure waters and clear blue skies make for a spellbinding experience. This iconic scene is often included in 5 days Kerala trip packages, offering travellers a perfect blend of coastal beauty and cultural encounters.

Distance - 1.4 km from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings - No timing restrictions.

Entry Fees - No entry fees.

Also Checkout: Beach resorts in Kochi

Walk a few meters down the road from the St Francis Church and you will walk into the beautiful Dutch cemetery running parallel to the golden sandy beaches and overlooking the gorgeous blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Constructed in the 18th century, it is considered as one of the oldest cemeteries in India. For those planning a 3 day trip to Kerala, Fort Kochi’s historic charm—highlighted by places like the Dutch Cemetery—makes for a meaningful and enriching stop.

The brilliant Dutch architecture of the place is an attraction among tourists and serves to lend the place an elegant air. Most of the tombstones are made of granite and red laterite and appear as a stark contrast against the rest of the complex. Set against the backdrop of lush green surroundings and virgin environs, the cemetery offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life.

Distance - 1.0 km from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings - All days of the week, 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM.

Entry fees - No entry fee.

Vypeen is one of the many tiny islands that form the city and is considered one of the most gorgeous forts Kochi tourist places. Sprawling over an area of 25 kms, it is one of the most densely populated and fast-growing places in Kochi and is also considered as one of the top islands in Kerala.

Reaching the island itself is a mesmerizing journey involving a series of bridges called Goshree bridges that provide a stunning view against the clear blue waters. Once you reach the island, there are numerous tourist destinations to enjoy – the Portuguese Azhikotta fort, which is one of the oldest European forts in India, and the lighthouse at Ochanthuruthu in Vypeen that offers bewitching views of the sea from the top.

While you are here, book your stay at the gorgeous Bungalow Heritage homestay and experience excellent hospitality and thoughtful amenities.

Distance -  800 m from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings - The first boat to the island leaves at 6 am and the last returns at 9 pm.

Entry fees - No entry fee.

One of the most culturally and historically important places to visit in Fort Kochi is the Fort Immanuel built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The double rowed walls of the fort are flanked by coconut trees fastened together securely and lend the outside of the fort a quaint charm.

The fort was reinforced in 1538. But the Dutch, and later the British, destroyed most of the fort walls and its bastions. The ruins of the fort are visited every year by tourists both local and international because of their significance in the history of the town. Standing tall against the golden sandy beaches, the fort still commands an imposing presence and appears as a bastion of Portuguese culture.

Distance - 700 m from Fort Kochi bus stand.

Timings - 10 am to 5 pm, every day.

Entry fees - No entry fee.