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.

Hokkaido - Japan: Winter Wanderlust

Our final day in Hokkaido (OTARU) began with a bitter twist. Winter had truly settled in, halting all sightseeing plans. Heavy snowflakes blanketed everything, bringing with them the news that our flight might be cancelled. Secretly, I hoped for more snow, longing for an extra day in this winter wonderland. My hopeful grin drew laughter from the group (NOBORIBETSU).

The greatest disappointment was the cancellation of our visit to the Okurayama Viewing Point, the 1972 Winter Olympic Games ski jumping venue. As someone who relishes visiting iconic spots, this news hit hard, like a sharp arrow piercing my heart. Also cancelled was the panoramic view of Sapporo city from the mountain peak and the visit to the serene Sapporo Shrine in Maruyama Park. No sightseeing at all. It felt like an explosion in my head, shattering my excitement.

Otaru: Nostalgic Winter

Totally crashed out from the previous day's whirlwind of activities and snow fun in Sapporo (SAPPORO WHAT AWAITS), I slept like a log until the alarm blared, signaling the start of another adventure-filled day (HOKKAIDO). Today, we were heading to Otaru, and despite my excitement, a wave of sentimentality hit me - only two days left before heading home. 

It's a familiar feeling that always accompanies the end of my travels, a longing for more adventures instead of returning to the grind. But reality bites; I need to work and save before planning the next holiday. Given the choice, I'd travel 365 days a year. As I showered, I mentally calculated how long it would take to save for my next trip. Once dressed, I joined the group for the buffet breakfast.

Sapporo - (Hokkaido): Discovering More of What Awaits

What an unexpected surprise! On the fourth day of our Hokkaido and Sapporo tour, the winter weather had finally mellowed. Oh boy, I was all grins as I could finally spend more time outdoors, unlike the previous day when we were constantly running for indoor shelter in Noboribetsu. 

Breakfast at Hotel Maharoba (NOBORIBETSU WINTER TIME) was a revelation. While my tour buddies raved about the dinner, I found the buffet breakfast to be an absolute delight. Those Japanese-style dishes, especially the ones featuring tofu, seaweed, fresh seafood, and a variety of vegetables, were simply amazing. And when I saw congee and bacon- my all-time favorite - my excitement soared. 

The varieties of egg dishes were equally impressive, cooked in the soft and fluffy Japanese style. And let's not forget the Japanese desserts, which were an absolute treat - soft, melt-in-your-mouth perfection that added a sweet start to my day.

Noboribetsu - Hokkaido, Japan (Winter Time)

Our stay at Hilton Niseko Village (HOKKAIDO WINTER TALES) had come to an end, and I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Staying for two nights was indeed a luxury, albeit one that came with a price. However, the experience was worth every penny because Hilton Niseko Village truly is a star light, star bright place to stay when in Hokkaido.

With our luggage packed and loaded onto the coach after a hearty buffet breakfast, we embarked on our journey to Noboribetsu. The trip would take about four hours, with planned comfort breaks along the way, especially for the loo. After traveling for a little over an hour, we stopped at a store whose name eludes me.

Hokkaido, Japan - Winter Tales

The first night's sleep while traveling (HOKKAIDO WINTER WANDERINGS) is always restless, don't you agree? For me, as a solo traveler, it's a mix of excitement, adjusting to new surroundings, and maybe a hint of horror movie scenarios playing in my mind - haha! I hardly slept, alone in a new place, managing only about three hours before rising early to shower and layer up in winter clothes, eager for the buffet breakfast. 

The breakfast spread was a tantalizing mix of Asian, Japanese, and Western delights, offering a tempting array of salads, egg dishes, and other mouthwatering treats. I made sure to fuel up with energy-packed foods, gearing up for the adventures that awaited.

Hokkaido, Japan Travel Guide

Updated Version

Hokkaido, located at the northernmost tip of Japan, is one of the most popular destinations among Malaysians (KERALA INDIA TOURIST SPOTS). Particularly during winter, Hokkaido becomes a magnet for travellers thanks to its soft powder snow, ski resorts, snow festivals, hot springs, and comforting local food. A winter holiday in Hokkaido for Malaysians is truly an unforgettable experience. We were amongst the thousands enjoying winter in Hokkaido - and there’s more to do and explore beyond the snow.

Colombo, Sri Lanka: Tourist Attractions

Updated in 2025

Finally, here I come - Colombo, Sri Lanka (THINGS TO DO IN GALLE). Two days before flying back to Malaysia. Without a fixed itinerary, I just went with the flow - exploring places to visit, see, and do. Thankfully, I still had my travel guide, who doubled as my driver, to point out the sightseeing highlights. And yes, even before reaching Colombo from Galle, there were stopovers worth mentioning.

 

Tsunami Honganji Vihara Memorial
I paused briefly at the Tsunami Honganji Vihara Memorial - built in remembrance of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami victims. A somber moment. Ten quiet minutes, standing in silence, paying respect before resuming my road trip (PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA).

Things to Do in Galle, Sri Lanka

Updated in 2025

Honestly, I knew nothing about Galle when I left KATARAGAMA SRI LANKA. It was a blank slate - no expectations, no images in my mind. But once I arrived and explored, I understood why this city draws thousands of visitors year-round. Galle is a blend of cultures shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. From colonial buildings and forts to churches and quaint streets, it’s where East meets West - yet still proudly Sri Lankan at heart (PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA).

Kataragama, Sri Lanka: Sightseeing Spots

Updated in 2025

Leaving NUWARA ELIYA early in the morning, it took us several hours to reach Kataragama. Located in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka, Kataragama is one of the island’s oldest and most sacred towns. People from all walks of life - Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and even tourists - visit this spiritual town, either to seek blessings or as part of their travel journey (THINGS TO DO IN NEGOMBO).

 

Temples

On the drive into Kataragama, I noticed temples along the way - some active, others seemingly quiet or unused. I briefly stepped down at one, just for a quick look. Even without stopping at every temple, I could feel the spiritual pull. Kataragama is, as I like to call it, a pilgrimage town. These temples speak directly to your breath, body, mind, and soul - meaningful and significant in their own quiet way.

Nuwara Eliya Travel Guide: Discover Sri Lanka

Updated 2025

What can you expect in Nuwara Eliya, or even on the route involving a drive uphill and downhill through winding mountain roads?

 

My journey from Kandy (PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA) to Nuwara Eliya took me up into the central highlands, passing tea plantations, misty forests, waterfalls, and valleys along the way. Nuwara Eliya sits at an elevation of about 1,868 meters (6,128 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest towns in the country. It is often called “Little England.”

Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Updated in 2025

From Negombo (THINGS TO DO IN NEGOMBO), the road journey - roughly two hours - took me deeper into the heart of Sri Lanka, revealing some of the must-visit destinations the country proudly offers. Along the way, I passed through Rambukkana, Mawanella, and Kandy. Covering these areas took two days, filled with fascinating sightseeing stops.

 

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (Rambukkana)

I arrived at about 11:30 am, and the place was packed. From the parking area to the riverbank, the street buzzed with shops and visitors. At the river, I watched elephants of all sizes bathing and playing- an up-close and endearing experience. After the usual photos with the elephants (expect to pay), I joined the crowd lining the roadside to see the elephants parading back to the orphanage. Inside, I spent time learning how these gentle giants are cared for. Truly worth a visit.