15 Best Places To Visit in Fort Kochi This Year ( Complete Guide)
A charming seaside area, Fort Kochi is known for its British colonial architecture and tremendous fishing nets. Fort Kochi is in the western part of the Ernakulum district of Kerala. It is notably known to play a pivotal role in the history of Kerala. It has several historical monuments known for its ancient and cultural civilization. Fort Kochi has several attractions, like Santa Cruz Basilica, Jew Town, waterfalls. It holds captivating cultural events, architecture, and historical significance. This blog will help you discover the
- Best places to visit in Fort Kochi
- Things to do or explore in Fort Kochi
- Best restaurants to visit in Fort Kochi
Table of Contents
History of Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi will take you back to the last years of the 15th century, which is known for the preserved history of Colonial times. It is notably known for establishing excellent trade relations and is a significant attraction for Portuguese riches like Vasco Da Gama. It has an eloquent charm, and within its vast confines, the Portuguese built various Churches, houses, and monuments, adding to the culturing significance.
During the Dutch era, Fort Kochi reached heights of fame for its commercial center military base and gave a glimpse of invasions of the spice trading city. The Mattancherry Palace is one of the awe-inspiring palaces renovated by the Dutch, a gift from the Portuguese king. Lastly, the British saw the colonial regime at Fort Kochi, which saw a fine mix of Indo-European architecture and stupendous administration.
Best places to visit in Fort Kochi
Let us explore the various places to visit in Fort Kochi, which are as follows:
1. Jew Town
One of the most popular spots for shopping and is an antique market for buying Keralan crafts, aromatic spices, and many other traditional markets. It is the best place to hang out with shopaholic friends and favorite haunts for antique lovers. It has many outdoor cafes and artsy eateries and is a prominent food spot. It is famous for antique shopping avenues.
2. Mattancherry Palace
You would be mesmerized by the mystical murals and Kerala-style architecture from Indian epic Ramayana, Ardhaneshwara drawings, Krishna Leela in Mattancherry palace. It is a Portuguese gift to the kings of Kochi and is one of the famous heritage buildings in Kochi. It is a notable example of the confluence of Kerala’s colonial and traditional architecture. The courtyard has temples of the deities of the Kochi community.
3. Kerala Folklore museum
It specializes in Indian folk art and has a heritage collection under one roof. It is known for its cultural and architectural miracles. The museum has the most prominent ethnic collections of more than 6000 artworks. It has stupefying sculptures to tribal arts with unique folklore installations. You can splendor the beauty of traditional paintings, and it is a place where you can explore various antiques. I bought various mural paintings, portraits, and oil paintings.
4. Princess Street
It is known as the Loafer’s corner and is one of the famous Fort Kochi tourist places. It has several handicraft shops that sell beautiful and esthetic art and craft pieces. It has various cafes and restaurants that offer mouth-watering appetizers. You will love the grandeur of colonial architecture and structures.
5. Santa Cruz Basilica
It is one of the most beautiful churches in Kochi and one of the major attractions among tourist places in Kochi. It is known for its architectural grandeur and historical significance built around Gothic and European styles. A visit to Santa Cruz Basicilicia deserves a place in your list of things to do in Kochi.
Best Things To Do in Fort Kochi
1. Chinese Fishing Nets
Fishing nets are one of the attractive tourist spots in Kochi. It is a great place to click amazing pictures and experience local culture with the fisherman. It is a fun experience climbing on them and making excellent reels for your Instagram stories. The best time to visit the fishing nets is during the sunsets, which helps capture the live beauty of the fishing activities and experience the sun’s fiery kiss to the night.
2. Watch a Kathakali performance
Fort Kochi has the state’s best performance and cultural centers. It would be best to visit the religious dance practice inspired by the Hindu epic: Ramayana. It is a fascinating sight to watch the performers communicate the story by using various body parts and expressions.
3. Sip a coconut in Fort Kochi Beach
Have a good time by chilling at the Fort Kochi beach with your friends. You would love to take a walk down the promenade next to Fort Kochi Beach. You can capture lovely selfies, pictures that will help you cherish the trip memories. It is one of the happening areas with street food counters and street art.
4. Veegaland Rides
It is one of the most happening places in Kochi and is known for the exhilarating rides for youngsters to visit. It is a fun retreat from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. It is located on a hilltop and is one of the significant getaways for family and friends’ outings. It is the country’s first theme park, and it is a home for thrilling rides and shows.
5. Walking Tour with Gully Tours
You can explore the history of Kochi by taking a walking tour with Gully tours. You can try the historical spice trail route that will take you to the Portuguese, Dutch, and British Colonial areas. You can unravel the historical significance.
Best Restaurants in Fort Kochi With a Great View
1. Fusion Bay
Fusion Bay is one of the best restaurants in Fort Kochi near Santa Cruz Basilica with Kerala-styled food cuisine. Their signature dishes include Green Mango curry, Coriander Pollichathu, and Syrian Christian beef. You can try the mouth-watering dishes and authentic Kerala food items.
2. Arca Nova
It is located at Fort House hotel that offers flavorsome and succulent dishes like Fish Molee, served with appam, Fish vattichathu served with kappa, known as the best traditional dish in Kochi. Malabar tamarind rice serves as the perfect authentic dish, which is delicious appetizing.
3. Mary’s Kitchen
Located next to Kerala Kathakali center, which offers home-cooked Kerala meals like prawns, Fish cooked in banana leaf, or Fish in green mango curry. It is known for its top roof view, the ambiance that sets the perfect evening for couples.
4. David Hall Cafe
It is one of the best restaurants to have a perfect lunch with family or friends. The influential Jewish Koder bought the place, and now it is renovated for artists to exhibit their talents. You would love the garden cafe that offers the best seafood and drinks.
5. Rasoi Fort Kochi
It serves the bright, airy space with rooftop seating that offers a fantastic view. It is an award-winning restaurant that serves top north Indian cuisines. The flavors are authentic, satisfy your taste buds, and are a definite must place to visit Kochi.
We hope the above-listed places in Fort Kochi will help you have the best trip and enhance the traveling experience. It is a beautiful place along with never-ending treasures for tourists. It will help you know the cultural significance of the place, the traditional glory of the monuments, and the scenic beauty, which will make your trip more delightful and thrilling. Do let us know if we have missed out on any best places to visit in Fort Kochi.
About The Author
Gulshan Bafna
Gulshan Bafna is one of the luxury travelers in India. He, along with his wife, has traveled to many exotic places that one could dream. With their travel journey, they bring us the best face of those places. He compiles all of his travel journeys to give the taste of traveling to his readers. In his writing, he jots down the best things to do in all those places that he has visited. Reading these would help one know better about the place. He is also a seeker who loves exploring and discovering new places and share his experiences with everyone.