Kochi City Local Sightseeing Day Tour

Do you believe that airports have names, but journeys don’t? So take a journey on the Kochi sightseeing day tour and experience some of the best moments of your vacation. Kochi, a coastal city in the southwestern state of Kerala, India, is a captivating blend of rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. Known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," Kochi boasts a picturesque waterfront, historic forts, and charming colonial-era architecture.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the colonial city of Cochin on the Arabian Sea.
• Look at the age-old method of fishing using Chinese nets.
• See the Jewish Synagogue.
• Discover the oldest European church in India.
• Hassle-free pick-up and drop-off facility.
• Services of an expert driver on an all-private tour.

DETAILED OVERVIEW

• Kochi, a vibrant city in the southern Indian state of Kerala, is a melting pot of cultures and influences. Known for its picturesque backwaters, bustling spice markets, and colonial architecture, Kochi offers visitors a unique blend of history, tradition, and modernity. The city's iconic landmarks include the Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, and the tranquil backwater cruises, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the beauty of Kerala.

Kochi City Local Sightseeing Tour Itinerary

• Start your day with a visit to the Mattancherry Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Kerala-style architecture and historical murals depicting stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue
  Explore the nearby Jew Town, famous for its antique shops and spice markets.
• Visit the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth, with beautiful Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted tiles.
• St. Francis Church
  Head to St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India and the original burial site of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.
• Santa Cruz Basilica
  Visit the Santa Cruz Basilica, a stunning Roman Catholic cathedral known for its impressive architecture and vibrant frescoes.
• Local Kerala Lunch
  Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Kerala cuisine, like seafood, appam, or the famous Kerala thali.
• Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi Beach
  Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi Beach. You can watch fishermen at work and even try operating the nets.
• Fort Kochi
  Take a stroll through the quaint streets of Fort Kochi, lined with colonial-style buildings, cafes, and art galleries.
• You can also visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum, showcasing a blend of Indian and Portuguese culture.
• Hill Palace Museum
  Visit the Hill Palace Museum, the largest archaeological museum in Kerala, located in Tripunithura, just outside Kochi. It houses relics of the Kochi royal family and exhibits ancient artifacts and royal jewelry.
• Marine Drive
  End your day at Marine Drive, a popular waterfront promenade where you can relax and enjoy the sunset. You may also opt for a short boat ride to enjoy the views of Kochi’s backwaters.
• Kathakali Performance
  If you’re interested in Kerala’s traditional arts, catch an evening Kathakali performance at one of the cultural centers in Fort Kochi.
• Performances usually last about 1–1.5 hours.
• This itinerary provides a balanced mix of Kochi's history, culture, and scenic beauty, making the most of a day trip.

Additional Temples & Tourist Places to Visit:

• Bolgatty Palace
  Located on Bolgatty Island, this Dutch colonial mansion is now a luxury hotel. The surrounding gardens and scenic views of the backwaters make it a serene place for relaxation.
• Cherai Beach
  About 25 km from Kochi, Cherai Beach is ideal for a relaxed beach day. It's known for its long coastline, shallow waters, and views of Chinese fishing nets.
• Kerala Folklore Museum
  This museum showcases Kerala’s rich culture and history, with over 4,000 artifacts, including masks, sculptures, musical instruments, and traditional costumes.
• Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
  A green oasis in the city, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a small but vibrant ecosystem for migratory birds. Nature lovers can enjoy a peaceful walk in this mangrove forest.
• Vasco da Gama Square
  A popular spot near the Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi, this promenade is a great place to walk along the coast, try street food, and catch scenic views of the Arabian Sea.
• Kochi International Marina
  Located near Bolgatty Island, this marina is the only one in India, catering to yachts from around the world. It’s a beautiful place to stroll around and admire luxury boats.
• Ernakulam Shiva Temple (Ernakulathappan Temple)
  One of the most important temples in Kochi, dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple is located near the Durbar Hall Ground in Ernakulam. It’s an important spiritual and cultural site.
• Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
  Located about 17 km from Kochi, the Chottanikkara Temple is dedicated to Bhagavathy (Goddess Rajarajeswari) and is one of the most revered temples in Kerala. It's famous for healing rituals.
• Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple
  Located in Tripunithura, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Poornathrayeesa, protector of the city. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant festivals.
• Kalikotta Palace Temple
  Close to the Poornathrayeesa Temple, this palace is known for its grand architecture and serves as a venue for cultural events. The palace also has a temple within its complex.
• Sree Thrikkakara Vamana Moorthy Temple
  This temple, dedicated to Lord Vamana (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), is a key site during the Onam festival, as it is believed to be the legendary site of King Mahabali’s sacrifice. It’s about 10 km from Kochi.
• Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
  About 40 km from Kochi, this ancient Shiva temple is a major pilgrimage site. It is known for its historical significance, peaceful atmosphere, and annual festival (Vaikom Ashtami).
• Pallipuram Temple (Pallipuram Fort and Cheraman Juma Masjid nearby)
  Located on Vypeen Island, the Pallipuram Temple is near the oldest European fort in India, Pallipuram Fort, and close to the Cheraman Juma Masjid, the oldest mosque in India, giving you a mix of history and religious significance in one trip.
• Subhash Bose Park
  This urban park is a good place for relaxation and offers pleasant views of the backwaters. You can take a boat ride to enjoy the serene surroundings.
  
  

Best Time to Visit Kochi City 

The best time to visit Kochi is during the winter season, from October to February. Here's a breakdown of what to expect throughout the year:

Winter (October to February)

• Weather: Pleasant with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 30°C.
• Ideal for: Sightseeing, outdoor activities, and beach visits. The humidity is lower, making it comfortable for exploring the city.
• Highlights: Major festivals like Cochin Carnival in December, Christmas, and New Year's Eve celebrations. It's also a great time for backwater cruises and visiting attractions like Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.

Summer (March to May)

• Weather: Hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 37°C.
• Ideal for: Off-season travel for budget-friendly accommodation and fewer tourists. However, the heat can make outdoor activities uncomfortable.
• Highlights: While sightseeing may be limited due to the heat, you can explore museums and art galleries and enjoy indoor attractions.

Monsoon (June to September)

• Weather: Heavy rainfall with temperatures between 24°C and 28°C.
• Ideal for: Nature lovers who enjoy lush, green landscapes and the calming beauty of rain. This is also the best time for Ayurvedic treatments, as they are believed to be more effective during the monsoon season.
• Highlights: Kochi looks vibrant during the monsoons, with lush greenery. However, heavy rains may disrupt travel plans and outdoor sightseeing.
• In summary, the October to February period is the best time to visit Kochi for a comfortable and enjoyable experience, while the monsoon season offers a different charm with lush landscapes and Ayurvedic wellness opportunities.

Please note

• This is not a guided tour; the driver will not be the guide for the tour.
• Itinerary is only a suggestion; guests may skip any of the places and add new ones.
• A well-experienced professional driver knows all the places to take the tour.
• This is a local city tour; hence, the vehicle cannot be used for any outstation tour.