15 Places to Visit in Fort Kochi

Nestled between Mattancherry Palace and Synagogue, Jew Town is a charming straight filled with quirky and antique art pieces. It is one of the top Fort Kochi tourist places, drawing visitors from both near and far places who are eager to explore its unique offerings. No matter whether you are admiring the local craftsmanship or browsing for souvenirs, Jew Town promises to provide a busing and vibrant atmosphere that is worth experiencing.

This small market is pegged with beautiful art pieces that have a long history and fascinating stories behind them. There is a mix of treasures from various cultures, in this market, including China, India, and Europe alongside Jewish items.

It is a paradise for both antique enthusiasts and shopaholics. The more you explore this market, you will find a wide array of decorative pieces and trinkets, each having its unique story and rich history, waiting to intrigue and delight you.

• Entry price: free
• Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM (Everyday)

The Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum, Kochi offers a truly amazing experience for visitors. It is a must–visit destination, especially for those who have a great interest in architecture. The museum showcases different styles of architecture like Travancore, Malabar, and Cochin.

As you enter the museum, you will find statues of elephants, and the building itself features, traditional Kerala, carpentry which gives it a unique and special vibe. The museum is made up of beautiful woods, stone arches, and impressive tiles. Inside, you will witness various Kerala art forms displayed like ornaments, masks, puppets, and more.

There are also antique musical instruments, and sculptures made up of different materials like copper, bronze, and wood. The theatre is a fantastic place to learn about Kerala’s rich culture, history, and art.

• Timings: 9:30 AM – 7 PM (stage performance)
• Entry price: INR 50/– (for students) & INR 100/– (for adults)

Princess Street, well known as Loafer’s Corner, is among the top Fort Kochi tourist places. It is a vibrant area with a blend of handicraft shops that offer beautiful art pieces, restaurants, delicious, dishes, and charming cafes.

No matter whether you enjoy meeting new people, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, or shopping for unique items, Princess Street has something to offer for everyone to explore and enjoy. It is an ideal destination for shopaholics, social butterflies, and fashionistas.

This street offers a fascinating mix of the past and the present. As you walk around, you will find charming old buildings with distinct European styles influenced by the British, French, and Dutch which gives the street a unique historical vibe.

Besides this, you will also find modern homes and shops that create an interesting blend of traditional and contemporary architecture. It will make you feel like you are walking through different periods all on one street.

If you are an architecture enthusiast, you will be amazed by the grand colonial-era buildings along the street. After a day of exploring and admiring these architectural marvels, you can unwind with a relaxing spa treatment at one of the centers located on Princess Street. It is the perfect way to end your day of indulgence and sightseeing.

• Timings: no particular time
• Entry price: free

In Kochi, there is a small area called Mattancherry, and it has something really special to offer i.e. Mattancherry Palace. This two-story building looks amazing with Kerala’s backwaters and blue skies in the background. Just watching it is stunning, but there is even more to enjoy inside.

Inside the Mattancherry Palace, there is a museum which contains beautiful, artefacts and items that belong to the royal family of Kochi. If you are a history buff, then you will have a great time, exploring Kerala’s cultural past.

And if you are an art and architecture lover, then you will be fascinated by the buildings, style, and collection of moral paintings. In addition, there are temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva in the middle of the complex, which are also considered to be popular sports for Hindu devotees to visit. 

• Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
• Entry price: INR 20/– (for adults) & free (for kids)

whenever you visit this beach, you will completely feel refreshed. The beautiful surroundings and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect escape from the busy scheduled life. No matter whether you are walking on the beach alongside the tall palm trees or sitting on the beach and feeling the cool sea breeze on your face, the Fort Kochi Beach will make you feel like you are in a whole new world.

At the beach, you will get a chance to witness the amazing sunset over the blue water and cargo ships passing in the distance. On New Year’s Eve, if you want you can join the fun coaching festival held there every year you can munch on Tasty local snacks while enjoying the beautiful beach. Watching the waves roll in will help you forget all your worries and feel at peace.

• Entry price: free
• Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

The Kerala Kathakali Centre is famous for preserving and featuring traditional arts. When you visit, you will be treated to captivating performances of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, including dramatic dance forms, Kathakali, martial arts, demonstrations, traditional music, and various other dance forms. It is an immersive experience that offers a deep inside into the artistic traditions of Kerala which will leave long lasting impression on visitors.

At the center, the shows are performed by skilled performers in the most genuine way. It is a delight for people who love classical dance and an interested in culture. Experience the true essence of Kerala and feel your excitement soar as you witness these stunning performances that will give you goosebumps.

• Entry price: INR 250/– (per head)
• Timings: 5 PM – 7 PM

The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica in Kochi was Built by the Portuguese and is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Fort Kochi with family. It is one of the only eight Basilicas in India. Many Christians, visit this Cathedral as it serves as the main church for the Diocese of Cochin.

Tourists are attracted to this church every year due to its stunning architecture, which exudes luxury and grandeur. Set against a background of clear blue skies, the church’s White exterior adds to its charming, old-fashioned appeal, making it a must-visit attraction site in Fort Kochi.

The Santa Cruz Cathedral is medieval-style, architecture, showcasing intricately painted ceilings, captivating, paintings, and large arches that attract tourists from all over the world. It is a destination that seamlessly blends artistic grandeur, religion, and spirituality.

• Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM & 3 PM – 5 PM
• Entry price: free

Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth, is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Fort Kochi. Its old-world charm, combined with its beautiful backdrops and peaceful surroundings, creates a serene atmosphere, which is amazing.

Inside the building, you will be amazed by the spacious halls which are filled with captivating and rare antiques. Magnificent chandeliers sparkle in the sunlight from the large windows, feeling the space with warm yellow lights.

The walls are adorned with hand-painted blue willow patterned tiles which give the hall an enchanting and unique atmosphere that will make you feel like you are stepping into another world.

You will be amazed by the carved teak arches, they are really impressive to see. In addition, there is a special oriental rug hanging on the wall which was gifted by the last king of Ethiopia.

• Timings: 10 AM – 12 PM & 3 PM – 5 PM (Friday, Saturday & Jewish holidays)
• Entry price: free

The Bolgatty Palace in Kochi was constructed by Dutch traders as their residence. It is incredibly elegant, luxurious, and sophisticated. With its whitewashed exteriors and thatched roofs, the Palace looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. If you want to book one of the spacious rooms in the palace and experience life like royalty, then you can spend some money on it. It is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Fort Kochi for couples.

The palace offers its golf course, therefore if you love playing golf, then you can play a round there. If you’re traveling with your better half, you can even book one of the honeymoon cottages for a romantic stay. The palace has dense green gardens which are perfect for peaceful moments, here you can take leisurely walks and enjoy the tranquility.

• Timings: no such restrictions
• Price: INR 3000/– – INR 4000/– (per night)

Vypeen is a small island in Kochi and is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Fort Kochi for couples. It covers an area of 25 km². It is one of the fastest-growing and busiest areas in Kochi.

Getting to the island is an amazing tree over a chain of bridges known as Goshree bridges which offers stunning views of the sparkling blue waters. once you arrive, there are plenty of exciting places to explore, some of them are the ancient Portuguese Azhikotta fort and the lighthouse at Ochanthuruthu provides captivating views of the sea from its summit. 

During your visit to this island, you should book a stay at the charming Bungalow Heritage Homestay. At this homestay, you will be treated to exceptional hospitality and provided with all the necessary immunities to make your experience truly comfortable and enjoyable.

• Timings: The earliest boat to the island departs at 6 am, and the final one returns at 9 pm.
• Entry price: free