1. Jew Town, Kochi

The most popular spot for shopping in Kochi, especially for antiques, Jew Town is also called the ‘last Jew Town’ for the last remaining Jews of Kochin. It’s believed that the first of the Jews who settled near Kochin can trace their lineage back to King Solomon. It now houses numerous shops selling antique clocks, carved furniture, prayer shawls, art, and a lot more. The Jewish Synagogue, or the Paradesi Synagogue, is the most famous attraction in this place.

2. Veeranpuzha Beach, Kochi

The Veeranpuzha Beach is a typical Malabar coastline with quaint waters, fishermen settlements, and sandy shores. Time stands still here as you gaze into the sunset, sipping refreshing coconut water. This is an ideal place to just laze around. This is also a fishing village, and a walk around will allow you to have a closer look at their lifestyle. Life goes on slow here and is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of life.

3. Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary, Kochi

One of the largest training centres in Kerala, the Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary is an ideal place for a family retreat. Elephants are an integral part of auspicious festivals in Kerala, and it is here that they’re loved, groomed, and trained with the utmost care and respect. Being close to the gentle giants can be a unique experience, especially for kids. Under professional supervision, you can give a bath to the elephants as well. In addition, there are many walkways along the river that can be accessed by boats.

4. Fort Kochi, Kochi

Located close to Mattancherry, Fort Kochi is a place where time stops still. The shops, locals, and streets all have their own pace—a place where you can truly unwind. Fort Kochi has a small fishing village known as Old or West Kochi. There is also an Indo-Portuguese museum at this location. There are many spots to explore around the area, like Fort Immanuel, which was built in 1503, as a sign of the strategic alliance between the Maharaja of Kochin and the Portuguese Monarch; Thakur House, a popular sight symbolic of colonial-era architecture; and the St. Francis Church (built in 1503), where Vasco da Gama was originally buried and is the oldest European church in India.

5. Kerala Folklore Museum

A museum with a difference, the Kerala Folklore Museum is a place where you can see everything from antiques and sculptures to tribal art and folklore installations. Home to various musical instruments, costumes and masks, and Stone Age utensils, you can also buy and sell antique items here. This is a must-visit place when you are in the city.

6. Santa Cruz Basilica, Kochi

One of the oldest and major attractions among Kochi tourist places, the Santa Cruz Basilica, was constructed by the Portuguese in 1505 and is one of the eight basilicas in India. This now stands as the cathedral of the Diocese of Kochin. The Gothic architecture of the church, more than 500 years old, has a certain grandeur owing to its pastel-coloured interior and paintings of historical significance. The Italian painter Antonio Moscheni and his disciple De Gama of Bangalore were the forces behind this. A painting you must definitely look out for is Moscheni’s imitation of Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’, a sight you’ll never forget

The church is visited by people from all faiths and groups. The woodwork and immersive altar are a few sights that you would not find in any church throughout the country.

7. Cherai Beach, Kochi

One of the most visited beaches in Kochi, Cherai Beach is an immaculate and serene location stretching up to a length of 10 km. The water body is isolated from the backwaters by a narrow strip of land and is an ideal spot to relax and see the Chinese fishing nets or the Cheena Vala. Cherai Beach is a hot spot for photographers, as the golden sand, seashells, calm waters, and fishing boats make up a beautiful landscape. Best visited during sunrise and sunset, the shacks nearby provide refreshing coconut water and food. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin in the area!

8. Marine Drive, Kochi

Marine Drive is one of the most popular hangout places in Kochi. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Kochi at night. Couples often drop in here for the famous boat rides, which take them to various other tourist destinations, such as Mattancherry Jewish Synagogue, etc. There are three bridges, namely the Houseboat Bridge, the Rainbow Bridge (near the GCDA shopping complex, which is a must-visit place for shopping in Kochi), and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge, which are located on this promenade and exhibit exceptional architecture. Many famous eating joints are sprinkled along the walkway. An ideal place to spend time with your loved ones or even on your own.

9. Mattancherry Palace, Kochi

Also known as the Dutch Palace, Mattancherry Palace was constructed in 1545 by the Portuguese as a present to King Veera Kerala Verma of the Kochi dynasty. It is the finest example of the confluence of colonial and Kerala styles of architecture, with four individual wings and one patio in between. There is also a temple dedicated to Pazhayannur Bhagavathy, the deity of the royal family.

10. M.G. Road, Kochi

This area has numerous centres for shopping in Kochi, selling everything one can think of. Starting from branded items to local goods, M.G. Road is especially famous for spices, clothes, sculptures, and jewellery.