Fort Kochi
This is one of the favourite haunts of Kochiites. Every tourist to Kochi is taken to the Fort Kochi beach. The Chinese Fishing nets gives a perfect backdrop for photo opportunity. During the carnival season in December, the beach is crowded. The superb beachside restaurants serving fresh catch gives the place the distinctive identity.
Cherai Beach
This lovely beach ideal for swimming is located on the north end of Vypeen Island, one of the many small islands just off the mainland. The beach is lined by gorgeous coconut groves and paddy fields. Vypeen can be reached by land or by boat.
Boat ride
The backwaters separating Ernakulam from Fort Kochi and Mattanchery are dotted with many small and mid-sized islands. A boat ride through the backwaters is an unforgettable experience.
Dutch Palace
The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation ceremonies of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. The palace is located in Mattancherry.
Veega Land
Veegaland, an amusement park designed by the V-guard group is one of the most popular destinations for kids and elders alike in and outside Kerala. Spread in verdant green hills, the park is so exciting that a day is less to enjoy it. It has water theme rides, haunted houses, fast rides and the like.
St. Francis Church
It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that, his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked out.
Santa Cruz Basilica
The original church, situated in Fort Kochi, was built by the Portuguese in 1505 and named as a cathedral in 1558. The British colonists destroyed the cathedral in 1795. The current structure was built in 1905 and raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.
Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town
The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.
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