Things to Do in Cochin

Kochi is a town distinct of all major towns in Kerala. The town is associated with a lot of history and tourist visit this town to enjoy some memorable time soaking in the past and discovering new things like the Chinese Fishing Nets. It is a fun experience. When in Kochi one must visit the Mattancherry Palace and the famous Jewish Synagogue, which is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Kathakali dance performances are a treat to watch for the dance form speak a lot about the age old culture. Shopping can be a great recreation activity where in Kochi, tourists can shop for local made artefacts.

Kochi is a prominent port city in the state of Kerala, the city offers great architectural splendours on display and other than this it is also host to many other exciting adventure activities. Kochi is home to South India’s first PADI authorized dive centre called Scuba Cochin.

This centre offers various PADI certification courses from open water diver to instructor level and daily dive trips. One can venture out on an exciting high altitude mountain cycling adventure in Munnar around 150 kms from Kochi. Chokramudi trekking provides panoramic views and is a promising trek for all adventure lovers.

Periyar wildlife sanctuary is much known for its large Elephant population and a thrilling safari here can be a great addition to your vacation in Kochi. Get the experience of a lifetime on a thrilling elephant safari at Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Nagarhole also offers wildlife safari experiences to its visitor, it one of South India's best Tiger Reserve.

The harbour city of Cochin, offer numerous getaway opportunities, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary offers to its tourists numerous safari experiences of which include jeep safari and elephant safari.

Since Cochin is just like any other city, folks staying here do feel the need to go out away from the cacophony of the big city. Camping is a favoured activity in and around Kochi with new campsites coming up every year at picturesque locations.

The Hornbill Camp is set amidst a coconut grove on the banks of the Periyar River, consists of cottage tents overlooking the lowland forests of the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad in Kerala. Chinnar Valley is the only rain shadow of the Western Ghats of Kerala near Idukki boasts of good camping sites. Silent Valley Camping is also famous near Kochi.

Cochin is a port city but it is also blessed with the Western Ghats owing to which the regions outside Kochi offer great hiking trails. Ramakalamedu Trek in Idukki offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Kambam and surrounding places on the slope of the Western Ghats.

Rajamalai is one popular place for trekking in Munnar. Other adventurous treks near Kochi includes Top Station in Munnar from where one can get 360 degrees view of the Western Ghats.

Many tour operators in Kochi like the Art of Cycling offers unique cycling, walking and hiking tours across the city. Cycling tours around Kochi makes one explore the culture and heritage of a the historic port city, These guided bicycle tours are conducted by professionals who provide speed bikes with helmet.

Popular bicycling routes in Kochi are Willingdon Island and Fort Kochi- Allepey Route where the route passes through several rural villages and fishing communities.

Athirampally Falls in Kochi is a great side for birding rare birds like the Malabar whistling thrush, black headed oriole, pied wagtail, black drongos and more. The Vembanad Lake is known for being a great spot for sighting wetland birds and hornbills.

The Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, located within the city, is an ideal spot for bird watching too. A large number of birds can be spotted at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary where one can spot many species of birds including Rose ringed parakeets, crow pheasant, and magpie robin.

LuLu Shopping Mall located in Edappally is among the biggest malls in Asia and is a tourist hotspot. Kochi is also stocked with shopping markets selling knick knacks, apparels, souvenir and more such items. There are many shops along Bazaar Rd, selling spices, pulses etc and the Broadway are a series of narrow lanes selling varieties of clothes and spices which are famous in kochi. At M.G road, one can buy stuff ranging from clothes to cosmetics to knick-knacks.

For jewellery shopping, visitors can head to Jewel Junction which is famous for its jewellery showrooms. Among other known shopping markets, Marine Drive road, the Streets around Synagogue at Fort Cochin and the GCDA shopping complex are top rated ones.

The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi make up a very popular tourist attraction. At the fixed land installations, which are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing, local fishermen show tourists how to use the nets.

One can try this fun activity in return for a nominal fee. Later on in the day, guests are allowed to purchase the morning catch, if requested the fishermen can also get them cooked at additional prices. One can also explore the virgin beauty of Kerala backwaters and the Njarakkal Aqua fish farm in Cochin promises great fishing opportunities.