Cochin is the commercial capital of Kerala. Cochin was occupied by the Dutch, the British and the Portuguese over several periods of time. It was an important trade centre in ancient times. Chinese fishing nets at Fort Cochin, Vypeen and the surrounding islands are unique to Cochin. Cochin has interesting museums, churches, art galleries, temples and parks. 

The Monsoons in Kerala last from June to September. And the summer is from March to May. The best time to visit is from September to February. People flock here even during the heavy monsoon rains.  

Cochin has many tourist spots to offer its visitors. Mattancherry Palace was constructed in 1557 and was presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin as a gift by the Portuguese. The Palace is known for the murals depicting scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.  

The St. Francis Church in Fort Cochin, built in 1503 AD, was the first church built by the Dutch in India. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524, and later, around 1538, his remains were taken to Lisbon, Portugal.

Cochin and nearby areas have a number of museums, art galleries and historic places to be visited. What tourists love the most about Cochin are its serene environs, easy accessibility and the loving hospitality of its people.

Places to visit in Cochin :

Fort Cochin                        

It was here that the first European fort was built on Indian soil - in 1530 by the Portuguese with the permission of its then ruler. It was then known as 'Manuel Kotta'. The Dutch gained its possession in 1663 until British wrested it from them in 1795. Situated on one of the finest natural harbours of the state, it housed the first European township that soon became an important commercial centre and trade centre that flourished under the British. It soon became a major military base, cultural hub, shipbuilding centre and also a centre for Christianity. The Portuguese held this area for about 160 years and the Dutch held it in their power for over a hundred years. Their influence can be seen in the city's architecture, lifestlye and culture.

Mattancherry

The oldest synagogue in India, Pardesi Synagogue, is open to visitors on all days except Saturdays. There’s a Jew Town nearby that sells curios, spices and handicrafts. There were seven synagogues in Fort Cochin on this street. Only Pardesi Synagogue is still open now. It’s over 400 years old, and its interiors hold curved brass columns, Belgian crystal chandeliers, carved teak ark and Torah crowns of solid gold set with gems.

The floor has hand-painted porcelain tiles from Canton, China. No two tiles are similar; they depict a love affair between a mandarin’s daughter and a commoner. An exclusive gallery for ladies is located upstairs above the main entrance. There’s a carved Ark that houses four scrolls of the Torah in silver and gold. There are two copper plates dating back to the 4th century showing privileges granted to the Jewish community during the reign of Bhaskara Ravi Varman in the 10th century. 

Kumbalanghi

Kumbalanghi is a backwater village situated in Ernakulam district. It is known for its idyllic tourist getaways, lagoons, mangroves and fishing villages. Indigenous methods of agriculture, prawn and crab farming, coir weaving etc. make locals earn a living as well as provide for tourist attractions.

There are houseboats and smaller local boats that will take you around the backwaters and visit the luscious paddy fields and mangroves. You can visit the Chinese nets, quiet countryside and the ancient churches. The village is connected to Cochin and other cities in Kerala through canals and waterways. You can cruise through these canals on a country canoe and see the scenery changing as you move from one village to another. 

There are regular boat trips from Kumbalanghi to nearby areas such as Kumarakom, Alleppey, Ezhupunna and Vaikom. 

Bolghatty

It is a narrow island accessible from mainland Cochin. The Bolghatty Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744. Now, it has been converted into a hotel by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). There is a golf course as well as a yachting berth.

Kodanad

Located on the banks of the Periyar, Kodanad is most known for the elephant training camp there. A small zoo here attracts a lot of visitors. Tourists can spend a day watching how elephants are trained, go on elephant safaris and also visit a waterfall nearby. 

Athirappally Waterfall

The Athirapally waterfall is located 78km from Cochin. It stands aat the entrance to the Sholayar range of forests. It falls from a height of 80ft. It is part of the Bharatapuzha River and flows into the Chalakudy River. The fall is located enroute the road to Valparai, a hill station and wildlife spot. It has an important elephant corridor and connects Parambikulam and Malayattur. 

Cherai Beach

This beautiful beach is located on Vypeen island. It lies along the border of the placid island. It is an ideal spot for swimming. Paddy fields and coconut groves are abundant in the area, too. The beach is less than 20km from town and has a nice walkway. Restaurants in the area serve fresh seafood. 

Hill Palace

This was the 18th century palace of the Cochin Rajas. It is situated 14km from Cochin city. Most parts of it is now converted into a museum with a good collection of paintings, items used by the kings and rare antique pieces. The palace also has a deer park.