Are you planning to explore Kochi
during this holiday season? Wondering where to refer to plan your Kerala Holiday Packages in Kochi? The
best option is to check with a local and I am on a mission to help you out with
planning an extensive tour of Kochi. Being a native of Kochi, I can take you on
a virtual tour of the best 15 locations in and around the city which will make
your tour an exclusive one. We will cover some of the usual destinations such as
Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and Tripunithura without which the tour will be
incomplete and yet, take you to some amazing places that are rarely mentioned in
other holiday packages in Kochi.
1. Marine
Drive
Marine Drive is a
popular landmark in terms of the commercial aspects and tourism in Kochi. The
Broadway is located opposite to the Marine Drive and is quite narrow for today’s
standards. Yet, it remains one of the oldest markets that still thrive in this
age of malls and e-commerce. A major landmark in Marine Drive is the beautiful
Rainbow Bridge which offers a stunning sunset view over the backwaters. The
ground next to this place is a popular venue for exhibitions and public meetings.
You can see the ships anchored on the backwaters and the boats plying to the
nearby islands from Marine Drive. Tourists can also enjoy a short boat ride
along the backwaters.
2. Subash
Park
This is one of the
oldest landmarks of the city which has been maintained impeccably. After the
recent renovations, the Subash Park has become the most desirable location for
locals and travelers to enjoy a relaxing evening by the side of backwaters. It
is a popular shooting location for Malayalam movies. The children’s park nearby
is a popular picnic spot for children.
3. Kerala
Kathakali Center
The Kathakali lovers
in Kochi have formed this cultural club where the evenings are collared with
Kathakali performances by renowned artists. Tour operators and tourists often
book in advance to watch live performances here.
4. Chinese
Fishing Nets
Even though not much
have been mentioned in the history about the Chinese influences and settlements
in Kerala, these huge Chinese fishing nets are proof of an age-old Chinese
interaction on this land. Kochi is one of the few places in Kerala where you
will find a lot of Chinese fishing nets still operational in their traditional
ways. This is a major landmark as well as tourist attraction of Kochi city.
5. Santa
Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi
Santa Cruz Basilica is
believed to be established by one of the seven apostles of Saint Thomas who
visited Kerala many centuries back. The church was attacked and renovated by
many settlements who ruled the state over the centuries. It is a major landmark
visited by tourists visiting Fort Kochi.
6. Fort
Kochi Beach
The beach looks like
the Marine drive of Mumbai with the concrete blocks paved along the shore and
the benches installed in the area. The place is a perfect hangout for the
youngsters seeking fun beach holidays in Kerala. The palm-fringed shores and
the rows of Chinese fishing nets make the place look picturesque.
7. Jewish
Synagogue
The Jewish Synagogue
was established when the Jews ruled this place many centuries back. The
synagogue has been renovated and maintained over the years by the very few Jew
families who are still settled here and in North Paravoor which is located in
the outskirts of the city. This is a popular destination for tourists on Kerala Packages.
8. Maritime
Museum, Kochi
Maritime museum
showcases the history of Military forces through the images, sculptures and
miniature models displayed here. It will be quite informative to those
interested in history.
9. Tripunithura
Hill Palace Museum
The royal palace has
been converted into a museum that showcases the heritage and culture of the central
Travancore Empire that used to rule this part of Kerala before India got
independence. It is a popular picnic spot in Kochi.
10. Thrikkakkara
Vamana Moorthy Temple
This is one of those
rare temples that worships the Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu who was
responsible for the myth related to Onam. Vamana stomped on King Mahabali and
sent him to Pathal from where the king comes to visit his citizens every year
during Onam. The temple has retained its heritage and charm by holding close to
its traditional rituals and festivals.
11. Kodanad
Elephant Training Center
Kodanad is hardly 90
minutes’ drive from Kochi city. The Elephant training center here is a popular
tourist attraction with many elephants of different ages being treated and
trained here. This is basically a rehabilitation center for elephants that fall
prey to illegal trespassers and traps or fall sick and are abandoned by their
herd. These elephants are given proper treatment and food and trained to go
back to their natural habitat and to survive there.
12. Wonderla
Amusement Park
This water theme and
amusement park around 15 Kms from the city, attracts a huge crowd throughout
the year. World-class rides and impeccable maintenance have made it so popular
among the youngsters and families who keep coming back during the holiday
seasons.
13. Lulu
Mall
This huge mall has
become a major tourist attraction for tourists on Kerala Tour Packages with Price that’s affordable. The mall has
many renowned brands, their own signature shops, dining facilities, multiplex
and amusement and gaming area for tourists of all age groups to enjoy.
14. Kasi
Art Gallery, Fort Kochi
Kasi Art Gallery is a
unique concept where artists from across the world come and stay and showcase
their artistic skills while interacting with like-minded people who come over
with similar aspirations and those who come to explore their creations.
15. Mangalavanam
Bird Sanctuary
This is a nature
treasure hidden in the city area where the thick mangroves become home to vivid
local and migratory birds. As many as 32 different species of birds are found
here according to surveys done recently.
These are some amazing
destinations that help you realize the vivacious nature of this mesmerizing
metro-city that’s very close to its rich heritage and nature around it.
