Tourist Places in Kochi, Kerala, India

UPDATED VERSION

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.