Kochi, formerly named Cochin, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Known for its breathtaking scenic beauty and awe-inspiring architecture, Kochi definitely deserves a spot on every person's travel bucket list.
The beauty of Kochi has been appreciated by domestic and international travellers alike. According to an article published by the popular online travel magazine Lonely Planet, Kochi was ranked seventh amongst the top 10 cities one should visit in 2020. This city of the southwestern coastal Kerala state was also tagged as the top trending tourist destination in the world, according to the Travellers' Choice Destination Awards 2020.
Kochi has a lot to offer to its visitors, including art, nature, technology, and some very delectable food. If you are planning to travel to India and are someone who is in love with beautiful places and friendly people, Kochi is the ideal tourist destination for you. To help you with your travel to Kochi, we have curated a list of top 10 Instagram places in Kochi that are certainly worth a visit. Read on to find out more about these destinations and what makes them truly special. Top Instagrammable places in Kochi:
1. Fort Kochi
Considered by many as the heart of Kochi, Fort Kochi is the country's first European township and an embodiment of beauty and grace. Here you will find the Chinese fishing nets; in fact, it is the only place in the world sans China where these fishing nets can be found spattered across the harbour. There were 17 Chinese nets to begin with; however, only 8 remain presently. Another beautiful place to visit in Fort Kochi is the Old Kochi, a tiny fishing village. Old Kochi is one of the best Instagrammable places for travellers who just wish to unwind and relax for a while.
The history of the place gets really evident as you walk through the streets of Fort Kochi. Most of the buildings here are made in European style architecture as the Portuguese ruled this place initially, followed by the Dutch and then the Britishers. One of these popular buildings is the beautiful Bastion Bungalow which was built by the Dutch in 1667 and is now used as the residence of the sub-collector of Kochi.
2. St. Francis Church
While St. Francis Church is located in Fort Kochi itself, its beauty and history definitely deserve a separate mention. Built in 1503 by the Portuguese traders, St. Francis is one of the oldest European churches in India. The church is highly popular as this is where Vasco-da-Gama was buried initially. Even though his remains were taken to Lisbon 14 years later, tourists from all over the world visit St. Francis to see his gravestone, which still exists.
Not only because of its rich history, but St. Francis is also well-known for being an architectural marvel. St. Francis church is built in a traditional European style with a stone floor and wooden ceiling. The church contains the gravestones of Dutch rulers on the southern wall, while those of Portuguese rulers are located on the northern wall. A war memorial also exists in front of the church to remember the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I.
3. Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace is one of the best Instagrammable places in Kochi. Located in the western part of Kochi, Mattancherry is an old locality and a very popular tourist spot. Mattancherry gets its name from an old Brahmin house which was called Ancherry Mattom, but instead got pronounced as Mattancherry by the European colonizers. Just walking through the vibrant, bustling streets of this beautiful locality will leave you in awe and wonder. One of the main attractions here is the Mattancherry Palace which was built in 1557 by the Portuguese and gifted to Veera Kerela Verma, the then ruler of Kochi. Later it got renovated by the Dutch, and this is the reason why most people also know it as the Dutch Palace. The palace is a beautiful combination of the Kerela and European style architecture and is known for its spacious halls and exotic murals covering a length of around 300 Square km depicting scenes from Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
4. Jew Town
Jew Town located in Mattancherry is known for the small antique shops sprawled on both sides of the narrow road selling beautiful apparel, trinkets, gems, sculptures, and other home decor items. It was once an important neighbourhood for the Malabari and Paradesi Jews who settled here in the 11th and 16th century respectively. Jew town was later turned into a prominent trading spot for the Jews; however, most of the Jews living here have now moved back to Israel, and now tourists visit this place mainly for its rustic charm, delicious food joints, and vibrant shops selling some of the most exotic artefacts you can ever find.
5. Marine Drive
Marine Drive is one of the best Instagrammable places in Kochi, not only for locals but also for tourists because of the splendid backdrop of Kerala backwaters and the picturesque beauty that will leave you mesmerized. This walkway stretches for around 3 km and is a great place to take a leisurely stroll or spend time with friends and family and enjoy the magnificent sunset. Boat tours are also available for people who wish to enjoy the beauty of Kerala backwaters and the different kinds of flora and fauna in a more authentic way. There are several restaurants and shopping complexes near the area, so if you wish to enjoy some retail therapy after enjoying the serene beauty, Marine Drive won't disappoint you.
6. Kadamakkudy Islands
If you are tired of the bustling noise and pollution that's synonymous with city life, we would advise you to take a short break and visit the beautiful Kadamakkudy islands in Kochi. It is a group of 14 islands and a perfect location for bird watchers, nature, and photography enthusiasts. Everything about the Kadamakkudy Islands is special, authentic and unfiltered. The best time to visit these islands is during the morning as that is when the weather is perfect, and you can see in silence to enjoy the unspoiled and untouched beauty of nature, including paddy fields, several species of birds, and backwaters.
7. Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary
Located on the banks of the Periyar River, Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary is one of the most widely known training centres for elephants. This is the place where rescued elephants are brought in for training and grooming purposes. If you are in love with these royal mammals just like us, you ought to visit this centre once. And even though you can no longer enjoy elephant safari here, you can get a chance to wash elephants under their caretaker's supervision and watch while they feed, which can be a really unique experience. The elephant sanctuary is also a great place to go for hikes or have a quiet evening with friends and family while enjoying the beauty of nature.
8. Veeranpuzha Beach
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One of the popular tourist destinations in Kochi, Veeranpuzha Beach is known for its clear, azure water and golden sand. It is important to note that Veeranpuzha Beach, just like most of the beaches in Kochi, is very different from other beaches of India. It is a secluded beach which doesn't get thronged by tourists so you can sit here for hours just enjoying the sea and nearby beauty. This beach is also located very close to several fishing villages, so it's a great place to watch fishermen indulge in fishing activity all day long.
9. Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum
Interested in the exotic art and rich heritage of India? Then do not give Kerala Folklore Museum a miss. Opened in 2009, this three-story museum is known for its beauty and a massive collection of wooden, stone, and bronze artefacts. This museum is basically a reconstruction of more than 20 heritage buildings of Kerala. Built using inspiration from three different architectural styles of Travancore, Malabar, and Kochi, this museum is certainly a treat for your eyes. Inside, you can find different types of sculptures, paintings, musical instruments, oil lamps, utensils, and tribal artwork on display. The museum is open every day for visitors from 10 a.m - to 5 p.m; except on Mondays and public holidays.
10. Dhobi Khana
The last tourist spot on our list is a bit unconventional yet very Instagrammable. If you are looking for offbeat places to end your Kochi journey with, then Dhobi Khana would definitely entice you. Situated on Veli Street, this place was started by the Dutch almost 300 years ago but later got reinvented as Dhobi Khana in 1975. Several domestic, as well as international tourists, come to Dhobi Khana to witness the daily lives of washers who accomplish their chores with ultimate commitment. As already mentioned above, dhobi khana is one of the most unique yet vibrant and fascinating tourist spots of Kochi.
Conclusion
Kochi, also known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea", has a rich history, wonderful culture, and fascinating natural beauty combined with magnificent architecture. If you are planning to travel to Kochi in the near future, don't forget to give the above-mentioned destinations a visit, but in order to get an India visa, ask for help from pickvisa.com!
