Tourist Places in Kochi, Kerala, India

Down to the last two days in Kochi (THINGS TO DO IN KOCHI), we spent our time visiting tourist spots, walking the streets, and taking in daily life. It was also a chance to see what Kochi had to offer in terms of local culture and lifestyle.

Kumbalangi Chinese Fishing Village

Kumbalangi, known as India’s first model tourism village, is famous for its “cheena vala” - Chinese fishing nets. Introduced by Chinese traders centuries ago, these nets still stand as a symbol of traditional fishing methods in Kerala. The area is calm, surrounded by backwaters, and gives a feel of how the local fishing community lives. We saw coir making and crab farming demonstrations. Most of the time, we were just standing around observing. Street vendors were around too, selling snacks and small items on the roadside (ALLEPPEY BOAT CRUISE).

Kochi/Cochin, Kerala, India: Things to Do

Approximately five hours on the road (TRIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA) - including breaks and lunch - we reached Kochi. Also known as Cochin, it is a major port city on the southwest coast of India, in the state of Kerala. Kochi has been an important trading post for centuries, attracting traders from Europe, Arabia, and China. Its natural harbor gave it an advantage, and the result is a mix of cultural influences still visible today (ALLEPPEY BOAT CRUISE).

Dutch Palace/Mattancherry Palace

We started in Mattancherry. The area is a mix of old buildings, shops, and narrow streets. It’s a place for browsing  -  clothes, souvenirs, local snacks, and spices are available in small stores. One main attraction here is the Dutch Palace, also called Mattancherry Palace. It was built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch before being handed over to the local ruler.

Kerala, India: Thiruvananthapuram Tourist Spots

It’s not over yet in THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/TRIVANDRUM, KERALA. There’s more to see, more to do. This part of our Kerala trip continued with a city tour, followed by key sightseeing stops -  the must-visit places and experiences in Thiruvananthapuram (THINGS TO DO IN GALLE, SRI LANKA).

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

One of the most iconic landmarks in Kerala, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a must-visit in Thiruvananthapuram. This temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is famous for its ancient Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance. Built in the 18th century by Travancore Maharaja Marthanda Varma, the temple houses the deity in the unique "Anantha Shayanam" posture - reclining on the serpent Anantha.

Kerala Travel Guide - Thiruvananthapuram

From Alleppey (BOAT CRUISE IN ALLEPPEY) to Thiruvananthapuram, the journey led us to the vibrant capital city of Kerala. Known also as Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram sits at the southern tip of India, facing the vast Arabian Sea and boasting a stunning coastline. With a rich history as the former capital of the Kingdom of Travancore, this city offers travelers a unique mix of nature, culture, spirituality, and heritage - making it much more than just a typical tourist stop (COLOMBO SRI LANKA ATTRACTIONS).

Boat Cruise in Alleppey, Kerala, India

Updated in 2025

No trip or any trip to Kerala, India,  is complete without experiencing their houseboat cruise. It’s a must. Those who’ve done it will vouch it's one of the best things Kerala offers for your things to do in Kerala list or sightseeing in Kerala (COLOMBO SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING).

 

As for the three of us, this backwater tour in Kerala was already part of our Kerala travel itinerary, all necessary payment included. We opted for an overnight stay in a houseboat, which also included all meals. Ours was a two-room private houseboat, just for the three of us.

Best Things to Do in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan

Back to Hokkaido, Japan (HOKKAIDO TRAVEL GUIDE) and sadly, winter and snowfall were severe, dropping to -0 degrees Celsius. Many things to do in Hokkaido during winter were halted due to heavy snowflakes blanketing everything, which also risked our flight back home being canceled (OTARU WHAT TO DO & SEE).

 

Best Tourist Sightseeing Spots in Hokkaido

Okurayama Viewing Point
It was definitely disappointing that our visit to Okurayama Viewing Point, the famous 1972 Winter Olympic Games ski jumping venue in Sapporo, was canceled. Okurayama Viewing Point is well known as a top Hokkaido sightseeing spot, where visitors can take a chairlift to the top for panoramic city views and the ski jump. 

There’s also a small museum showcasing winter sports history and ski jumping. It’s an interesting stop for both the view and winter sports enthusiasts. Unfortunately, it didn’t materialize for us.

Things to Do in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

Within approximately 2 hours’ drive from Noboribetsu (THINGS TO DO IN NOBORIBETSU) is Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. With a population of nearly two million people, Sapporo was established in 1868 during Japan’s efforts to develop Hokkaido. The city features modern urban planning, wide streets, and a grid layout inspired by American cities.

Sapporo History
Sapporo is a major cultural, educational, and economic center in Hokkaido, hosting Hokkaido University and several research institutions that attract students and scholars from across Japan and abroad. Sapporo has a long history of brewing, with Sapporo Beer dating back to 1876. Sapporo food, including the city’s famous miso ramen and other local specialties, is another highlight.

Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan: Things to Do

Heading from Hilton Niseko Village, it takes around a 3-hour drive to reach Noboribetsu, a small city in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, within Iburi Subprefecture. Located along the Pacific Ocean and part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Noboribetsu is undoubtedly one of Hokkaido’s top destinations (THINGS TO DO IN HOKKAIDO, JAPAN).

Attracting visitors year-round, including Japanese from other regions, Noboribetsu is about 110 kilometers southwest of Sapporo and roughly 50 kilometers from New Chitose Airport.

Things To Do in Hokkaido, Japan (Winter)

Hokkaido, one of Japan’s top travel destinations, is the northernmost of the four main islands, located above Honshu and separated by the Tsugaru Strait. It sits north of the Sea of Japan, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Sea of Okhotsk to the north. Hokkaido’s location gives it a colder climate than the rest of Japan, large open landscapes, and sparsely populated regions. Its proximity to Russia’s Sakhalin Island has influenced its history, culture, and unique heritage.

Famous as a winter destination, Hokkaido attracts thousands of travelers every year, mainly from Asia, including China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, while Western tourists are fewer. Asian travelers (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO SRI LANKA) are drawn to Hokkaido’s heavy snowfall, winter festivals, hot springs, and snow-covered landscapes. The snow season typically lasts from late November to early April, making it one of Japan’s snowiest regions.

Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka

The largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a bustling hub with a population of over 5 million people. While Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the official administrative capital, Colombo remains the center of trade, business, and travel in the country. Once a strategic port on the ancient East–West trade routes, its history reflects Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influence (THINGS TO DO IN GALLE, SRI LANKA). 

Situated along the Indian Ocean, Colombo is known for its coastline, colonial architecture, lively streets, and modern malls. Beyond the urban rush, parts of the city still showcase traditional villages, cottage industries, and fishing as a way of trade. There are many things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka, covering different parts of the city and its surroundings.

Things to Do in Galle, Sri Lanka

One of the next destinations in Sri Lanka from Kataragama (THINGS TO DO IN KATARAGAMA) can be Galle Along this approximately five-hour drive, there are sightseeing spots 2–3 hours before reaching the city.

Depending on time and interests, any of these spots can be included in a list of top things to do in Galle, Sri Lanka, including its beaches, historic sites, and cultural attractions. These can range from visiting a traditional village house, stopping by roadside cottage industry stalls, or even purchasing some of the handmade products.

 

Located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is a city known for its colonial heritage, bustling streets, and serene coastal vibes. It offers a blend of history, culture, and seaside relaxation. Life in Galle moves at a gentler pace, reflecting a simple and peaceful lifestyle (THINGS TO DO IN NEGAMBO, SRI LANKA). 

Things to Do in Katagarama, Sri Lanka

Heading to Kataragama from Nuwara Eliya (THINGS TO DO IN NUWARA ELIYA) takes around five hours, a popular route for Kataragama travel. The first half an hour of the journey is worth spending by looking out the window, recalling the natural beauty of Nuwara Eliya one more time. Once the road begins to cut through the winding hills, it is time to lean back or take a nap. 

About half an hour before reaching Kataragama, it is worth looking out again, as the view changes into a different setting that signals the approach to the town.

Best Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

One of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, is simple. Most of them are free. Nature, fresh air, sunshine, waterfalls, breathtaking hillscapes, misty forests, and valleys. This is exactly what should be expected in this part of Sri Lanka’s central highlands.

The journey from Kandy (MUST-DO THINGS IN SRI LANKA) takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. The road winds through slopes and narrow mountain paths. About an hour before reaching Nuwara Eliya, the scenery is already a preview of what awaits in this hill country town.

Must-Do Things in Sri Lanka

Landing at Bandaranaike International Airport, also known as Colombo Airport or Katunayake Airportin Katunayake, about 20 miles north of Colombo, marks the start of interesting sightseeing in Sri Lanka. The route depends on the direction taken first. One of the top spots to begin with can be Negombo, and a day in Negombo is fairly good enough before heading to other parts of Sri Lanka (TOP THINGS TO DO IN NEGAMBO, SRI LANKA). 

From there, travel in a small van amongst a small group of tourists can lead to Rambukkana, followed by Mawanella, before reaching Kandy, one of the significant destinations in Sri Lanka.

Things to Do in Negombo, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Travel
Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located just off the southern coast of India, famously known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” Its attractions are unmatched, from unspoiled nature and pristine beaches to flavorful cuisine made with spices, coconut, and fresh seafood, key highlights when considering what to eat in Sri Lankan food. Covering about 65,610 km², Sri Lanka draws travellers not only for its natural beauty but also for its cultural and historical sites.

Sri Lanka History
Sri Lanka’s fascinating history is shaped by ancient kingdoms and colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Buddhism, practiced for over two thousand years, has left a lasting mark on the island, reflected in its temples, architecture, and traditions. These cultural and historical landmarks are among the main reasons to discover things to do in Sri Lanka.