Kochi City Local Sightseeing Day Tour — Explore the Best of Kochi in One Day

Kochi (Cochin) — Kerala’s “Queen of the Arabian Sea” — is a vibrant coastal city where history, culture, and natural beauty come together. On this 8-hour private sightseeing day tour, you’ll witness colonial-era architecture, historic landmarks, and iconic coastal scenes — all in a hassle-free, air-conditioned ride with pickup and drop-off within Kochi city.

Tour Highlights

• Discover the charm of colonial Kochi with its mix of Kerala, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences
• See Kochi’s iconic Chinese Fishing Nets in action — a unique method of coastal fishing over a century old
• Explore Jew Town & the historic Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth with beautiful Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted tiles
• Visit Mattancherry Palace, famous for its traditional Kerala architecture and murals depicting stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata
• Step inside the historic St. Francis Church (the oldest European church in India) and Santa Cruz Basilica — both rich in colonial heritage and architectural grandeur
• Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch (optional) at a local eatery
• Stroll around Fort Kochi’s quaint streets, filled with art galleries, colonial-style cafes, and cultural vibes
• Relax by the waterfront at Marine Drive Kochi for a serene end to your day — or take a short boat ride on the backwaters

Tour Overview

• Duration: 8 Hours (80 km included)
• Tour Type: Private City Sightseeing
• Vehicle Options: AC Sedan (up to 4 passengers) / AC SUV (up to 6 passengers)
• Pickup & Drop-off: Anywhere within Kochi city limits
• Ideal For: Families, international travellers, couples, photographers, history lovers, and explorers
• Sit back and relax in a comfortable air-conditioned cab while your driver takes you through the city’s most iconic monuments, scenic coastal spots, local communities, and cultural landmarks.

Complete Kochi City Sightseeing Itinerary

1. Fort Kochi Beach & Chinese Fishing Nets

• Start your day with a visit to Fort Kochi Beach, one of the city’s most photographed locations. Watch the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, a 700-year-old fishing technique introduced by Chinese explorers. These massive cantilevered nets make for spectacular photos — especially early in the day.

• Top Experiences:

1. Watch fishermen operate the nets
2. Capture panoramic waterfront shots
3. Explore nearby cafés and street art

2. St. Francis Church – Oldest European Church in India

• Built in 1503 by Portuguese settlers, St. Francis Church holds great historical significance. It once housed the remains of the explorer Vasco da Gama before they were moved to Lisbon.
  
  
• Highlights:

1. Simple yet elegant colonial architecture
2. Historical burial sites
3. Peaceful ambience

3. Santa Cruz Basilica – A Gothic Masterpiece

• A short walk away is Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala. With grand Gothic arches, ornate interiors, and vibrant murals, it is a must-visit landmark for architecture lovers.

4. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)

• A UNESCO-recognized heritage attraction, the Mattancherry Palace is a fascinating blend of Kerala and Portuguese architectural styles. Its walls display some of India’s most exquisite temple-style murals depicting mythological scenes.
  
  
• Don’t Miss:

1. Ramayana & Mahabharata murals
2. Historic coronation hall
3. Royal family artifacts

5. Paradesi Synagogue & Jew Town

• Continue to Jew Town, one of Kochi’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. Here lies the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, and still active today. Its hand-painted tiles, chandeliers, and historical relics attract travellers from around the world.

• Things to Explore:

1. Antique shops
2. Spice markets
3. Jewish history & architecture

6. Fort Kochi Heritage Streets

• Take a leisurely stroll through the charming lanes of Fort Kochi lined with art galleries, cozy European-style cafés, boutique shops, Dutch buildings, and vibrant murals.
  
  
• Perfect spot for:

1. Lunch breaks
2. Photography
3. Souvenir shopping

7. Marine Drive Kochi

• End your day with a relaxing visit to Marine Drive, Kochi’s serene waterfront promenade. Watch boats glide across the backwaters as cool sea breeze fills the air.

• Optional:

1. Evening boat ride
2. Street snacks
3. Sunset photography

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

• Kochi is a year-round destination, but the best seasons are:
• October – February (Peak Season)
• Pleasant weather, ideal for beaches, sightseeing, and outdoor attractions.
• March – May (Summer)
• Hot & humid — indoor attractions recommended.
• June – September (Monsoon)
• Lush green surroundings, perfect for photography and nature lovers.Best Time to Visit Kochi
• Kochi is a year-round destination, but the best seasons are:
• October – February (Peak Season)
• Pleasant weather, ideal for beaches, sightseeing, and outdoor attractions.
• March – May (Summer)
• Hot & humid — indoor attractions recommended.
• June – September (Monsoon)
• Lush green surroundings, perfect for photography and nature lovers

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.