Kerala/Kochi

15 km from city centre

India's first eco-tourist village, this award-winning initiative allows tourists to explore and enjoy the authentic rural culture with the cooperation of natives without disturbing their natural lifestyle.

Vallarpadam

A minor basilica and a major Christian pilgrimage centre. The picture of the Virgin Mary and Infant Jesus, installed at the top of the main altar of the Vallarpadam Church, was brought by Portuguese merchants under the leadership of Vasco…

KJ Herschel Rd, Fort Kochi

Built by the Indian Navy, the museum has many life-size exhibits, a huge display of naval arms and ammunition, replicas of large naval ships and personalities.

30 km to the east

Major Muslim pilgrimage centre and venue of the Kudikkuthu Festival. Famous for the annual Urs festival. Imams of this mosque are famous for being leading scholars who were advisors to Kochi Rajas.

12 km southeast of Ernakulam

The erstwhile Kochi Maharaja's palace, now converted to a large museum with a small zoo. Has paintings and epigraphy from collections of Travancore and Cochin royal families.

Jew Town, Mattancherry

The synagogue was constructed in 1568 after allowing Jewish refugees from Jerusalem to settle here during the Crusades, making this the Commonwealth's oldest synagogue.

Near to Fort Kochi Beach· Free

Constructed by the Portuguese in 1503, and the burial place of Vasco da Gama (his remains were later transferred to Lisbon). His tombstone can be seen inside the church.

Folklore Junction, Thevara

A theatre with regular evening performances, a state-of-the-art museum and cultural gallery.

Palace Rd, Mattancherry

Constructed by the Portuguese in 1568 as a gift to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma, after he granted permission to construct Fort Immanuel. During the Dutch siege of Cochin, many parts of the original palace were destroyed.

Kakkanad

second largest theme park in South India. Spread over 50 acres of land with more than 50 Rides and various shows, it has well maintained gardens and five restaurants as well as small cafes

Take Route-3 bus from High Court stand

Gold beaches with big sand grains, coconut palm corridors, backwaters and historical monuments. Cherai Beach surpasses all with its swimming facilities and coconut groves. Occasional sights of dolphins are also an added attraction.

Fort Kochi

A historical beach where 1st Portuguese-Dutch war broke out in the 17th century. Once a very large beach, it has reduced to a quarter in size after the 2004 tsunami. A beautiful, small walkway is ideal for evening strolls.

Kadavanthara

It has badminton, tennis, squash, volleyball and basketball courts. Rooms for chess, caroms, table-tennis and board games are also available. For an entrance fee payable at the indoor sports office, you can play here or join regular users.

A two-km-long promenade and no car is allowed to ply there. The backwaters are on one side and a busy shopping district is on the other side of the walk. The walkway starts from station High Court water metro

at Marine Drive

Get the real feel of the Vembanad Lake through boating. There are many cruises offered by many private players as well as the Kerala State Inland Shipping Corp. Sunset cruises are popular.

Choice House, Choice lane, Kumbalam

is one of the most modern and upscale performing arts complexes, which has regular concerts, drama festivals, dance programs and other arts and cultural activities.

Palace Rd

The official concert palace hall of the Kochi royal family who are patrons of more than a dozen cultural institutions and societies. Most performances are free.

Kalathil Parambil Crossroad, nr Valanjambalam Temple, Chitoor Rd. An evening Kathakali theater, where daily performances take place from 6PM-8PM. This is the oldest and first evening Kathakali theater in India.

Rose St, Fort Cochin

The bar fills up each day with tourists looking for a beer in Fort Cochin. There is nothing cosy about the place and the staff are quite lazy. It can be a nice spot to meet other travellers, since everyone has one thing in common: drinking…

From High Court junction, proceed toward SBT along Shanmugham Road. Right after SBT, on the left, there's a by-lane leading to Broadway.

Variety of snacks from the Malabar region, juices and milkshakes. Ojeen is probably the only place in Kochi for the delectable, meat-rich Malabar snacks.

near Hotel Woodlands, Woodland Junction, MG Rd

Tasty North Indian, particularly Punjabi, food. The Kadai chicken and ginger chicken is truly world class, and no other place in Kochi can offer their unique taste. The peas masala is also really superb.

Grand Hotel, Jewel Junction, MG Rd

Popular especially during evenings for its seafood, particularly karimeen pollichathu (smoked pearlspot fish) and Alleppey fish curry.

near Gandhi Square

A unique heritage hangout set in a 200-year-old Mangayil house. Serves authentic Kerala coffee and popular varieties of dosas. Regular cultural performances, cooking class, ethnic handicrafts class are some of the popular activities there.

Hotel Mercy, Ravipuram area, MG Rd

A lovely, upscale bar lounge popular with businessmen and upscale visitors. Famous for its signature dishes and cocktails.

take ferry from High Court Jetty or reach through Goshree Bridges

A premium heritage property of KTDC, where English Royals celebrated their life during British Raj days. The Palace complex was built in 1630s by Dutch owners and soon became the residence of the British Resident Commissioners for Cochin…

Near Kochi Port Trust Complex

On the tip of Willingdon Island. Its heritage wing was built in 1935 to accommodate the visiting Princess of Wales (Elizabeth II), and later to accommodate senior officials of the Royal Navy.

NH Bypass, Vennala 33/1739 A, Chakkaraparambu Junction

132 king bedrooms, 47 twin rooms; 18 deluxe rooms; 12 executive suites, 1 presidential suite and 2 specially able rooms. Tea/coffee makers, iron and iron board, separate work area; LCD, TVs, mini bar and safe.

Near Bus stand

A heritage bungalow, once built as Dutch Governor's Palace, later owned by the Brunton brothers boatbuilders. Today is a premium property of CGH group.

next to INS Dronarchary of Indian Navy

This heritage property was once the residence of Sir Robert Bristow - the architect and father of modern Kochi Port. It has opulent interiors in a traditional English style and a good antique collection, along with large pools, a garden…

between Cannonshed Rd. and Mullassery Canal Rd.

At the Ernakulam side, it's a very laid back place, where the check in is sometimes done by phone at the reception with the number to call. The fact that is on the Ernakulam side make it cheaper.