Fun at The Elephant Training Centre
Kerala has around 700 elephants belonging to the temple and other private owners. There are several sanctuaries for their protection and training institutes where one can get acquainted with them. So, one of the most delightful things to do in Kochi is to visit them. Kodanad Training Centre is the largest center in Kerala where elephant training takes place. It also offers tourists a chance to interact with the animals and feeds the animals under the guidance of their officials.
Experience devotion at St. Francis Church
St. Francis Church is one of the oldest surviving and abandoned churches in Indian history. It was built in 1503. It was constructed by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars who arrived in the company of the explorer Pedro Alvarez Cabral. Visiting and praying here can be among the most peaceful things to do in Kochi City. Vasco da Gama was also buried in this Church and his tomb is situated inside the church compound. Also, explore and see the Portuguese architecture at this church.
Stroll at Marine Drive
The Marine Drive in Kochi has the Vembanattu Kayal adjoining it. Visiting it is one of the famous tourist things to do in Kochi. You can get a glimpse of the serene backwaters and the Kochi harbor from here. This is a 3-kilometer driveway which also encompasses several malls, shops, and lovely cafés. This drive is popular as the evening walk or boat ride which is normally taken in the early mornings or early evenings and is one of the must-do activities in Kochi.
Experience royal history at Matancherry Palace
The Mattancherry Palace was constructed by the Portuguese in 1555 but the Dutch later remodeled it. There is an attractive central courtyard in Nalukettu Kerala architecture. Inside, the wall artwork shows the tradition and history of the palace. Exploring this beautiful place is one of the interesting things to do in Kochi. Other murals are life-size portraits depicting royal lineage since 1864 and other royal paraphernalia such as the Cochin king’s coins, royal swords, and ceremonial weapons.
Bird watching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Bird watching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is among the popular things to do in Kochi City. The sanctuary is a bird watchers’ paradise since it is home to the Siberian Stork, egret, darter, and heron. A boat ride in a houseboat or motorboat along Lake Vembanad or in the River Kavanar is excellent for watching the birds. You can also take an early morning walk around the sanctuary for a unique experience. The best time to visit this place is in June and August.
Watch the Cultural Shades Unfold in Kathakali Performance
Kathakali has always been perceived as part of the larger component of the cultural fabric of Kerala. This dance form is especially associated with the region and includes fantastic makeup and mounting of masks as well as facial gestures. Witness a performance and make sure to add Kerala Kathakali Centre to your list of places to visit during the nightlife at Kochi.
Dinner by the Promenade at Bubble Cafe
Savoring dinner at the Bubble Café is one of the most unique things to do in Kochi at night. Apart from offering lip-smacking ethnic local and international dishes, the café boasts elegant interiors that make it such a nice place to visit. You can enjoy the views of the marine drive and backwaters that the restaurant offers and have a fun evening.
A Refreshing Stroll at Marine Drive
Marine Drive provides the night visitors of Kochi with fresh air and a calm atmosphere. This beautiful structure promenade is constructed along the backwaters of Kerala. It is one of the famous tourist places that should be included in the Nightlife at Kochi. Some of the activities you can do are taking a walk and admiring the beautiful luminescent view.
Appreciate Art at Kashi Art Cafe
Kashi Art Café serves delicious food and drinks and what makes this café special is its support of art and artists. Visiting this cafe counts as one of the interesting things to do in Kochi at night. You will find many local writers, photographers, and painters. The atmosphere of the café and its perfect location make the place very worth visiting.
A Magical Dinner Night at Armoury Cafe- Brunton Boatyard
Relishing a dinner is one the best things to do in Kochi at night. With the attractive view of the scenery of Brunton Boatyard, Armoury Café has all the chances to give an unforgettable experience of spending the evening at the promenade. The areas are divided into Pier Dining, Terrace Grill, Armoury Restobar, and History Fine Dining. You can experience these amazing things with Kerala tour packages.
Their many festivals celebrated in Kerala - Kochi and few important are listed below:
Cochin Carnival
Center of Activity: Fort Kochi
Time: Last week of December
USP: A massive procession of caparisoned elephants, games and partying
Cochin Carnival which is held in the last week of December is long-awaited by the residents of Kochi. The Village of Fort Cochi is decorated up like a bride. The tourists from all over the globe get together at Fort Kochi to celebrate the fair.
During the ten-day-long carnival several games, fairs, and parties are organized. The highlight of the carnival is the immense procession on New Year`s Day. People of every age group participate in the procession wearing fancy dresses. Beautifully decorated elephants accompanied by drums and music lead the procession.
During the 10 days of the festival, the city is mostly decorated with white color decoratives. Several unplanned competitions taking place on the streets of the village is a common sight. Kalam Vara (Rangoli, floor drawing), tug-of-war, bicycle race, swimming in the sea, beach volleyball are some competitions that take place during the festival. The celebrations continue till midnight of December 31st ending up with fireworks marking the grand finale.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Center of Activity: Cochin Backwaters
Time: Last week of December
USP: Boat race
Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a water sport-cum-festival held every year. Not only Indian tourist but also the tourist from all over the world collect here to witness and cheer the participants. Apart from the tourists, the media crew from all over the country come to do coverage.
The streamlines shaped boats are used in the race, which makes them run fast. However, the boats used in the Indira Gandhi Boat Race are known as the Vallam Kali. The term Vallam Kali or Vallamkali means `Boat Game` in Malayalam. The festival is conducted not only because of a tradition but also to boost tourism in the state of Kerala.
Usually, a boat used in the race is operated by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100 to 125 oarsmen, who row in harmony to the fast rhythm of the song of the boatman.
Malayatoor Perumal Festival
Center of Activity: Malayatoor
Time: March / April
The festival is celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. The festival is organized at the Catholic Church at Malayatoor, which is situated near Cochin. The church is dedicated to the follower of Jesus Christ, St Thomas and the festival is celebrated to remember his visit at the church.
Malayatoor Perunnal is one of the major festivals of Kochi and the devotees from around the globe flock here to attend the festival. Tourists and locals attend the festival to have spiritual happiness and satisfaction
Attachamayam
Center of Activity: Tripunithura, near Kochi
Time: August/ September
The festival is celebrated in remembrance of the renowned victory of the Raja of Kochi. The festival of Attachamayam is celebrated on the eighth day of the Malayalam month of Chingam (August or September). The festival is celebrated through out the port city where as the main attraction is at the historical town of Tripunithura, near Kochi. A grand procession that is full of pomp and show is taken out during the festival. Various folk dance and music competitions are organized in the colorfully decorated town.
The festival is also known as Athagosham and is celebrated for a week. The festival attracts many tourists from India and abroad.
As Kochi is well known for its handicrafts you can find an exclusive collection of items like figurines, colorful bead jewelry, mats, bangles and other goods made up of coir, wood, bamboo, shells, brass, ivory and sandalwood.
You won`t find many shopping malls in the city but still; there are a number of places where you can find branded goods and garments. If you have planned to buy a specific item then its better to ask from a local person. If you are running short of time and want to shop for some sovereigns then you can visit MG Road. Here you will everything ranging from textiles, readymade garments, jewelry, toys, home furnishing, handicrafts, decorative items, etc.
Wood carved items and the brass Diya (standing up to waist level or even higher) can be seen at every shop and are must buy. Kerala`s mirrors are famous around the globe, they are beautifully decorated with shells. Snacks like jackfruit chips and banana chips are must also buy items.
You can find several beautiful handicrafts displayed in the shops, most of which have been simply crafted from things grown locally, such as coconut, bamboo, cane and so on.
What to Buy: Ethnic textiles are woven by hand
Metalware
Camel-bone carvings
Wood carvings
Articles made of coconut shells, bamboo cane
Embroidered screw pine mats
Spices
Brass diyas
Mirrors orkannady
Snacks like jackfruit and banana chips
Markets & Shopping Area: M.G.Road
Broadway
Marine Drive
Coir Board Showroom on Mullasherry Canal Road.
Government Emporiums: Kerala State Handicraft Apex Society, M.G.Road
Kerala State Handicrafts Development Corporation (Kairali) M.G.Road
Khadi Gramaudyog Bhavan, M.G.Road, Eranakulam -Surabhi, the State Handicraft Society Emporium
Eranakulam Market - Spices Board
Book Shops : D.C. Books, Kurian Towers, Banerji Road
Current Books, Press club Road
Higginbothems, Iyyattil Jn. Chittor Road.
Restaurants in Kochi
Cochin/Kochi cuisines comprise an impressive assortment of mouth-watering vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, having a distinct taste and flavor. There are many good restaurants in Kochi serving these. Try out "pachadi" `thoran` or "kaalan", while eating out in Cochin. As bananas are found in abundance here, it happens to be a very crucial ingredient in the majority of Cochin cuisines. Kallappams or Vellayappams are traditional rice flour pancakes eaten during meals in Cochin.
Being a port city, Cochin also offers a variety of rich non-vegetarian cuisine comprising of an impressive range of seafood delights like `Meen vevichathu`. There`s also a host of dishes made of chicken, lamb, and fish. The rich base of coconut makes Cochin cuisine very delicious and gives it a special flavor of its own. Apart from these, there are also many fast food eating joints in Kochi like Pizza Hut, Chic King, Hot Breads, et al. Or you can also try out the multi-cuisine restaurants, where they also serve continental, Thai and Chinese.
Try Local Cuisines Here
Sri Krishna Cafe (Gujerati road, Mattanchery) - Stuffed Parotta & Vegetable Masala Dosa.
Art Cafe - Banana and Chocolate cakes.
Arya Bhavan - Basic Tamil food
Palms Restaurant (Metropolitan) - Local cuisine.
Pandhal (MG road) – Multi-cuisine
Renaissance (MG road) - Continental, Chinese and Thai food, and Indian dishes.
Tharavad (Willingdon Island) - Variety of cuisines
Some other good restaurants in Kochi are Salt N Pepper, Solar Cafe, Fort House Restaurant and Kashi Art Cafe
