There is an abundance of places to visit in Kochi or Ernakulam- with it being a major port city along the Malabar coast, a hub for commerce and tourism, and of course, the beautiful Kerelite traditions. If you’re looking for a weekend escape that mixes history, culture, food, and a relaxed pace, Kochi should be high on your list. It’s one of those cities that gives you just enough of everything — coastal views, art spaces, old churches, spice markets, and great seafood.
As a travel writer at Explurger, I often look for destinations where travellers can explore freely while staying connected. Kochi fits that perfectly. So here’s my straightforward guide to the places to visit in Kochi if you have just a couple of days and want to make the most of your weekend.
Top 11 Best Places to Visit in Kochi for an Unforgettable Trip
1. Fort Kochi
Now who hasn’t heard of this? But just cus it’s famous, doesn’t mean it has lost its charm. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Kochi and the kind of area where walking around is the main experience. You’ll see colonial buildings, art cafés, and small shops selling handmade products. The highlight here is the Chinese Fishing Nets, which have been in use for centuries. Watching them operate at sunset is simple but fascinating.
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2. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
Next, head to Mattancherry Palace, one of the oldest kochi tourist places. It was built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch. Inside, there are murals that tell stories from Hindu mythology, royal portraits, and artefacts from the Kochi royal family. It’s a good stop if you want a quick view of how Kochi looked centuries ago. This Kochi tourist destination is on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites as it depicts the amalgam of Anglo Indian traditions and history.
3. Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue
A short walk from the palace is Jew Town Street, one of the best places to visit in Kochi for local shopping and heritage exploration. The street is lined with antique shops, spice stores, and cafés. The Paradesi Synagogue, built in the 1500s, still stands at the end of the lane. Even if you’re not into architecture, it’s worth visiting for the calm atmosphere. Places to visit in Kochi are often so tied to history that you can’t help but think about what went down centuries ago and how it shaped the world around you.
4. Marine Drive (APJ Abdul Kalam Marg)
Not just for Mumbaikers! This is a 3km picturesque promenade along the gorgeous backwaters. One of the best among Kochi sightseeing places, it includes bridges, cultural landmark statues and some iconic shopping hubs. It offers experiences like boating, sunset watching, luxury cruises, and more. It’s a clean, scenic walkway facing the backwaters and one of the most relaxing places to visit in Kochi. You can take a short ferry ride or just sit and watch boats pass by. If you want to catch a good sunset, this is the spot. It’s also a great place for solo travellers to unwind or chat with locals.
5. Willingdon Island
The largest man-made island in India, it serves as an important home for the navy and the port. Mostly taken out of the Vembanadu Lake, it is also one of the top places to visit in Kochi, as visitors can enjoy the peace. It has heritage hotels, navy offices, and wide roads with minimal traffic. This area gives a quieter view of Kochi, ideal for short morning drives or walks. The island is connected through the Mattanchery Bridge and the Venduruthy Bridge. Made in 1928, it still offers great value and greater views!
Among the Kochi places to go, this one stands out for being calm yet central.
6. Cherai Beach
A long 15 km stretch along the Vypin Island, it is a great spot to see the merging of the backwaters with the sea. If you have half a day to spare, take a drive to Cherai Beach, about 25 km from the city. It’s one of the most visited Kochi tourist attractions and a great mix of sea and backwaters. You can swim, cycle by the coast, or just relax at one of the small cafés. Early morning and evening are the best times to visit.
🏖️ Explurger tip: Add Cherai to your Bucket List. Once you’re in the 50 km radius, you’ll get a reminder to check it off, so you don’t miss it on your weekend plan.
7. Kerala Kathakali Centre
Along Fort Kochi is this magnificent place that is sworn to safeguard the cultures and traditions of Kerala. For cultural enthusiasts, watching a performance at the Kathakali Centre is one of the must-do things to do in Kochi. The show covers traditional dance, music, and even Kalaripayattu — Kerala’s martial art. The performances are well-organized and not too long, making them ideal for short trips. More than just watching some beautiful scenes and talent performances, you can also enroll in classes- one of the best ways to experience any place is to live it like a local.
8. David Hall Art Gallery & Café
Right in Fort Kochi, David Hall is a simple Dutch-era bungalow that now functions as an art gallery and café. It’s one of the smaller but significant Kochi sightseeing places, known for local art displays and workshops. Built around 1695 by the East India Company, it is a great piece of historical evidence and also serves as a good lunch spot!
I spent an hour here and then grabbed a quick bite under the large tree outside — quiet, comfortable, and easy to enjoy alone or with friends.
9. Broadway Market
One of the oldest shopping areas in the city, it offers a great variety of goods at a reasonable price. For local shopping, Broadway Market is among the practical Kochi places to go. You’ll find spice shops, handicrafts, and clothes at reasonable prices. It’s busy, so go early in the morning if you prefer fewer crowds.
10. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Right in the city centre, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is one of the lesser-known places to visit in Kochi. It is an ecologically sensitive area for the protection of migratory birds and even mangroves. Often called the ‘green lungs of Kochi’, these 2.75 hectares of land prevent pollution from taking over the city.
It’s small but ideal for early morning walks and bird watching. You’ll see mangroves, small water bodies, and a few migratory species depending on the season.
If you like quiet, natural spaces, this is one of the simpler Kochi places to see that’s easy to include on a short weekend trip.
11. Beaches of Kochi
Places to visit in Kochi often include the myriad of beaches that dot the coastline.
- Puthuvype Beach: Known for its lighthouse, this is one of the quieter places to visit in Kochi if you want fewer crowds. Early mornings here are perfect for a walk or photos.
- Munambam Beach: Close to the fishing harbor, it’s ideal for watching local life. You’ll see fishermen at work, kids flying kites, and small eateries serving coastal snacks.
- Andhakaranazhi Beach: Located a little further out, this one is cleaner and less commercial. The nearby bridge and sunset point make it worth the drive. Here, you can see the backwaters merging with the Arabian Sea.
- Kuzhupilly Beach: A calm, family-friendly spot lined with coconut trees. You can rent bicycles nearby and ride along the coast.
Wrapping Up
A weekend in Kochi is enough to experience its highlights — history, art, backwaters, and food. The best part is that everything is within short distances, so you can cover multiple places to visit in Kochi without rushing. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or meeting locals through Explurger, this coastal city ensures your weekend feels well spent.
So next time you’re planning a short trip, open Explurger, add Kochi to your Bucket List, and start exploring.
FAQs About Places to Visit In Kochi
2. How many places to visit in Kochi?
There are more than 20 well-known places to visit in Kochi, covering everything from colonial buildings to natural attractions.
3. How to spend one day in Kochi?
If you have just one day, start with Fort Kochi in the morning, visit Mattancherry Palace and Jew Town by noon, and head to Marine Drive or Cherai Beach for sunset.