Top Things to Do in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India

Located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, India, Kochi (Cochin) has been a major hub of commerce and cultural exchange for over a millennium. Its natural harbor and strategic location on the Arabian Sea made Kochi one of the most sought-after ports in the Indian Ocean, attracting merchants from Arabia, China, and later European powers (TOP THINGS TO DO IN TRIVANDRUM, KERALA). 

Kochi became the first European colonial stronghold in India when the Portuguese arrived in the early 16th century, followed by the Dutch and the British, each leaving enduring architectural and cultural influences (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA). 

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – Best Things To Do

Previously known as Trivandrum, a name still referred as, Thiruvananthapuram is located at the southern tip of India, along the southwestern coast facing the Arabian Sea, near the border with Tamil Nadu. It is Kerala’s political, cultural, and educational center, home to institutions like the University of Kerala and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. The city is also known for arts and culture, with museums and galleries showcasing its heritage (KERALA HOUSEBOAT CRUISE). 

Thiruvananthapuram has a history that goes back over a thousand years. In the 18th century, it became the capital of the Travancore Kingdom under Maharaja Marthanda Varma, who shaped the region’s culture and administration.

Kerala Houseboat, India

Think Kerala, and you immediately picture a Kerala houseboat. One of the best things to do in Kerala, a trip isn’t complete without experiencing a houseboat ride. It is one of India’s top nature experiences, generally affordable, and a pride of Kerala. Thousands have already cruised the backwaters, yet returning again for this natural attraction (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA) in India is common.

Things to Know About Kerala, India

Kerala is popularly known as “God’s Own Country” because of its nature, fertile land, culture, and history. It is famous for traditions in music, dance, and food, as well as Ayurveda wellness and spirituality, which make Kerala special.

Best Things to Do in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan

Just within 40 minutes from Sapporo is Otaru, a small port city along the Sea of Japan in Hokkaido. A trip to Hokkaido is not complete without the best things to do in Otaru. Back then, Otaru was a busy hub for trade and fishing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (THINGS TO DO IN SAPPORO JAPAN). 

As Hokkaido developed its industries, Otaru also grew. Its historic canal, stone warehouses, and preserved architecture still show its past as a thriving commercial gateway.

Today, Otaru has both its old side and modern side connected together. Winter is one of the best times to visit, as snow turns the city into a natural wonder. In summer, visitors can expect comfortable weather and seaside breezes.

What to do in Otaru is mostly about walking - for food, shopping, and sightseeing.

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.