India is a vast country where you will get to see more than one place for tourism. One of these places is Kochi, one of the most beautiful cities in the state of Kerala. It is situated on the southwest coast of India. Kochi or Cochin City has a different importance from a commercial point of view. Popularly known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea", Kochi holds the status of the financial, commercial, and industrial capital of Kerala. Kochi is a great tourist destination with very attractive and charming places to visit which fills the tourists visiting here with a thrill. Beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and temples, etc. add to the beauty of this city. Today we are going to tell you here about the major tourist places of Kochi city where you can enjoy visiting.

Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach is located on the northern side of Kochi. It is a quiet beach where people come to relax and have a fun time with friends and family. A lot of people come here to swim against the backdrop of coconut trees. The place also offers an amazing view of Chinese fishing nets. There are many shacks on this beach where you can enjoy the cuisine of your choice after a lovely swim. Dolphin spotting can also be done at this beach. Several new resorts, as well as hotels, have sprung up in the area. You can also enjoy some thrilling water sports here.

Marine Drive
Spend a wonderful evening with your travel partner at Marine Drive to understand what Kochi is all about. Here, you can experience the resplendent beauty of the backwaters and be wooed by the gentle breeze. After all, what could be more pleasurable than facing the vast sea and relishing scrumptious food from stalls nearby? One of the places to visit in Kochi for couples, Marine Drive has many fancy restaurants for a romantic dinner date. Marine Drive represents Kochi and is one of the best places to visit in Cochin.

St. Francis Church
St. Francis Church is known as the first European Church in India, which was built in 1503 AD. This church is also related to Vasco da Gama, the explorer of India. This is the church in which Vasco da Gama was buried when he died. Many attacks in the areas around Kochi in ancient times have also been reconciled in this church. This beautiful European church has played an important role in the history of Kochi.

Jewish synagogue
The famous Jewish Synagogue of Kochi is also known as Cochin Jewish Synagogue or Mattancherry Synagogue. The Jewish Synagogue is located in the Jew Town area of Kochi and was constructed in 1567. Beautiful chandeliers, a brass prison pulpit, a clock tower, and hand-painted Chinese architecture can be seen in the major attractions of the Jewish Synagogue. The Jewish Synagogue was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 but was rebuilt by the Dutch two years later.

Bolgatti Palace
The Bolgatty Palace is located on Bolgatty Island in Kochi. The specialty of this palace is that it is the oldest of the existing palaces built by the Dutch. It was built in the year 1744. The palace with its lush green garden is breathtaking. The palace has not been converted into a heritage hotel. The two-storied palace is beautifully decorated. You can find an Ayurvedic center here. The famous dance form Kathakali is performed here every day.

Chhotanikara Temple
This is the temple of Mata Bhagwati. It is believed that the goddess is present inside the temple in the form of Mahalakshmi. It is believed that she solves all the problems of the devotees. It is one of the most popular Hindu temples in the state. The area where this temple is located once had a very dense forest. It is believed that this temple wards off mental illness and evil spirits. Patients are given lemon, neem, and chilies from the temple and it is believed to keep evil spirits away. The Thiruvonam festival is celebrated with great pomp in this temple. It's like a huge feast.

Folklore Museum
Are you interested in knowing the history and lost culture of Kochi in one place? Then do not forget to add Folklore Museum to your list of destinations for a day trip in Kochi. The museum is a repository of the lost glory of the state, in which some rare artifacts like watercolor on paper, oil on canvas, kinda, etc. are preserved. The museum is also known as Mrs. and Mr. George Thalith and is a family-run private museum. The most unique thing about the Folklore Museum is that you can sell your fine art or antique collection here.

Willingdon Island
The island is the largest man-made island in India, named after Lord Willingdon, who also served as the 22nd British Viceroy and Governor General of India. Here you will find good restaurants and hotels etc. to eat and drink and stay. People from different cities of the country come to visit this island located just 2 kilometers away from the city of Kochi.

Sunset cruise
The sunset cruise included in the places to visit in Kochi presents a captivating sight to the tourists. In the evening, tourists can enjoy a sunset cruise on the waters of the Arabian Sea during a 2-hour long walking tour. Major attractions of the Kochi sunset cruise include Marine Drive, Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, Willingdon Island, Chinese Fishing Net View, Bolgaty Island, Cochin Shipyard, etc.

Ernakulathappan Temple
It is a famous ancient Shiva temple located in the downtown area of Kochi. This temple is situated on the premises of Durbar Hall Ground. It is built on about 1 acre of land. People come from far and wide to visit this temple. Various pujas are organized here. The rituals performed here are regulated by Vilavamangalathu Swamiyar. The devotees who come to pray in this temple attain the ultimate 'Moksha' in life. Shiva is believed to be present in his purest form in this temple and that is the reason why people throng this place in large numbers.

Kathakali Center
Places to See in Kochi The Kathakali Center is known for its dance performances in the center of Fort Cochin. Domestic and foreign tourists come to this place to enjoy the dance. The architecture of the Kathakali Center in Kerala is worth visiting, which follows the Malabar style of architecture. Morning meditation (yoga) is also organized here. Let us tell you that apart from Kathakali, dance styles like Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohinattam can also be seen here. Drum instruments, Kalaripayattu, classical music, drums, tabla, violin, veena, madam, string instruments, sitar, flute, etc. are also the center of attraction.

Fort Kochi
Even today in Fort Kochi, the architectural influence of the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British is visible. Fort Kochi has a rich cultural heritage and the buildings here reflect the past of the city. Fort Kochi was granted by the Raja of Kochi to the Portuguese in 1503 as a mark of gratitude for the help they received while fighting Soumyiri, Kozhikode. The influence of Portuguese, Dutch, and British styles of architecture can be seen in the constructions at Fort Kochi. Some of the important places in Fort Kochi include Fort Emmanuel, Thakur House, David Hall, St. Francis Church, and Vasco-da Gama Square.

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