🏰 1. Fort Kochi
Description: Fort Kochi is a charming historic enclave with colonial architecture, artistic cafes, street murals, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets swaying along the shore. This heritage zone blends Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences, making it perfect for history lovers and photography buffs. 🚶♂️
History: Was a key port under Portuguese rule since 1503, later taken by the Dutch and British.
Distance: 13 km from Ernakulam city
Travel Time: 30–40 mins
Best Time: Oct–Mar
How to Reach: Ferry, cab, or KSRTC bus
Best Food: Kashi Art Café, Oceanos Restaurant
Local Culture: Colonial heritage, indie art scene, spice trade roots
Great Deals: Walking heritage tour + sunset ferry ride with Kreative Routes
🛕 2. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
Description: A blend of Portuguese and Kerala-style architecture, Mattancherry Palace is famous for its intricate murals of Ramayana legends, royal artefacts, and colonial history. A must-visit for culture and history enthusiasts. 🎨
History: Built by the Portuguese in 1555 and gifted to the Kochi Raja, later renovated by the Dutch.
Distance: 12 km from Ernakulam
Travel Time: 30 mins
Best Time: Oct–Feb
How to Reach: Ferry or taxi to Mattancherry
Best Food: Ginger House Restaurant nearby
Local Culture: Hindu & European architectural fusion
Great Deals: Palace visit + Jewish Synagogue combo by Kreative Routes
✡️ 3. Paradesi Synagogue
Description: The oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, this 16th-century treasure in Jew Town features hand-painted tiles, Belgian chandeliers, and Torah scrolls – reflecting Cochin’s rich Jewish legacy. 🕍
History: Built in 1568 by Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain
Distance: 13 km from Kochi
Travel Time: 40 mins
Best Time: Nov–Feb
How to Reach: Cab or auto from Fort Kochi
Best Food: Café Crafters, Kochi Jewish Kitchen
Local Culture: Jewish merchant heritage, antique trading
Great Deals: Jew Town heritage trail with shopping time by Kreative Routes
🌅 4. Marine Drive
Description: A scenic promenade overlooking the backwaters, Marine Drive is ideal for relaxing walks, sunset views, and boat rides. The Rainbow Bridge and Chinese Fishing Net Bridge are Instagram favorites. 🛥️
History: Developed in the 1980s as part of Kochi’s waterfront beautification
Distance: Central Kochi (near MG Road)
Travel Time: 10–15 mins
Best Time: Evenings
How to Reach: Cab or walk from city center
Best Food: Grand Pavilion, Tea Pot Café
Local Culture: Urban meets coastal lifestyle
Great Deals: Sunset cruise with snacks & city lights by Kreative Routes
⛪ 5. Santa Cruz Basilica
Description: This grand white-washed church is an architectural marvel with Indo-European design, beautiful frescoes, and Gothic arches. A peaceful and spiritual landmark in Fort Kochi. ✝️
History: Originally built by the Portuguese in 1505, elevated to Basilica status in 1984
Distance: 13 km from Kochi
Travel Time: 30 mins
Best Time: Morning visits
How to Reach: Ferry or cab
Best Food: Teapot Café nearby
Local Culture: Catholic-Christian heritage
Great Deals: Historic churches of Kochi tour with lunch by Kreative Routes
Kochi Tour Packages
🎨 6. Kerala Folklore Museum
Description: A treasure trove of Kerala’s artistic heritage, the Kerala Folklore Museum houses over 4,000 antiques, tribal artefacts, masks, and dance costumes across three floors designed in traditional architecture. A cultural deep dive for art and history enthusiasts. 🪔
History: Privately curated museum opened in 2009 to preserve Kerala’s cultural legacy
Distance: 7 km from city center
Travel Time: 20 mins
Best Time: Morning or early afternoon
How to Reach: Cab or bus to Thevara
Best Food: On-site café, Pai Dosa
Local Culture: Kerala folk dance, tribal artistry, wooden crafts
Great Deals: Folklore museum visit + Kathakali experience with Kreative Routes
🐳 7. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Description: A serene green space in the heart of the city, this ecological haven is perfect for birdwatching, photography, and nature walks. Over 72 bird species and mangrove vegetation make it a unique urban jungle. 🦜
History: Declared a protected area in 2004
Distance: 2 km from Marine Drive
Travel Time: 10 mins
Best Time: Early morning (6–9 AM)
How to Reach: Auto or cycle from city
Best Food: Nearby: Brindhavan Veg Restaurant
Local Culture: Urban eco-consciousness
Great Deals: Nature walk + birdwatching session by Kreative Routes
⛪ 8. St. Francis Church
Description: The oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was initially buried. This serene colonial structure is a silent witness to Kochi’s colonial saga. A must-see for history buffs. ⛪
History: Built by Portuguese in 1503; Vasco da Gama’s grave remains here
Distance: 13 km from Ernakulam
Travel Time: 30 mins
Best Time: 9 AM – 5 PM
How to Reach: Fort Kochi route
Best Food: Ginger House or Fusion Bay
Local Culture: Colonial and Catholic heritage
Great Deals: Colonial Kochi walking tour with expert guide from Kreative Routes
🌴 9. Cherai Beach
Description: Located on Vypin Island, Cherai Beach is a blend of backwaters and beach with calm waves, dolphin sightings, and golden sands. Ideal for swimming, cycling, and peaceful sunrises. 🏖️
History: Evolved into a tourism spot in the 1990s
Distance: 25 km from Kochi
Travel Time: 1 hr
Best Time: Oct–March
How to Reach: Ferry + cab or direct road
Best Food: Chillout Café, seafood shacks
Local Culture: Fishermen’s lifestyle, beach cafés
Great Deals: Sunset beach + seafood dinner combo by Kreative Routes
🛍️ 10. Lulu Mall Kochi
Description: One of India’s largest malls, Lulu offers a world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment experience with international brands, an ice skating rink, and a huge food court. Perfect for families and shopaholics! 🛒
History: Opened in 2013 by Lulu Group
Distance: 7 km from city center
Travel Time: 20 mins
Best Time: Weekdays
How to Reach: Metro or cab
Best Food: Paragon, Chicking, SFC+
Local Culture: Modern cosmopolitan crowd
Great Deals: Shopping spree + Kochi city tour by Kreative Routes
Honeymoon in Kochi
🎭 11. Kerala Kathakali Centre
Description: Watch traditional Kathakali performances, Kalaripayattu martial art shows, and attend cultural workshops. One of the best venues to experience Kerala’s performing arts live. 🎭
History: Established to preserve classical art forms
Distance: 13 km from Ernakulam
Travel Time: 30–35 mins
Best Time: 5–7 PM
How to Reach: Fort Kochi route
Best Food: Loafers Corner Café
Local Culture: Classical dance & temple arts
Great Deals: Evening cultural show with backstage tour by Kreative Routes
⚓ 12. Vasco da Gama Square
Description: A seaside promenade near Chinese fishing nets and colonial buildings, ideal for leisurely walks, photography, and street seafood snacks. A local favorite for sunsets. 🌅
History: Named after explorer Vasco da Gama
Distance: 13 km from Kochi
Travel Time: 30 mins
Best Time: Evening
How to Reach: Fort Kochi by ferry/taxi
Best Food: Street grilled fish & tea shops
Local Culture: Chill beach vibes, history blends with modern street life
Great Deals: Photo walk & snacks trail by Kreative Routes
🛕 13. Hill Palace Museum
Description: A former royal residence of the Kochi Maharaja, Hill Palace is now Kerala’s largest archaeological museum with royal artefacts, weapons, and ancient manuscripts. Great for history lovers! 👑
History: Built in 1865 by the Raja of Cochin
Distance: 13 km from Kochi
Travel Time: 30–40 mins
Best Time: Morning–Afternoon
How to Reach: Cab to Tripunithura
Best Food: Brahmins Kitchen
Local Culture: Royal heritage, classical arts
Great Deals: Royal tour with curated heritage storytelling by Kreative Routes
🚣♂️ 14. Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village
Description: A model eco-tourism fishing village with crab farming, canoe rides, coir making, and authentic village meals. Perfect for experiencing rustic Kerala life. 🐟
History: Developed as India’s first model tourism village
Distance: 12 km from Kochi
Travel Time: 30–40 mins
Best Time: Sept–Feb
How to Reach: Cab or auto
Best Food: Home-cooked seafood in village homes
Local Culture: Fisherfolk, eco-tourism, coir-making
Great Deals: Village tour with canoeing + lunch by Kreative Routes
🕌 15. Thirikkakara Vamana Moorthy Temple
Description: This ancient temple is dedicated to Vamana, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is the heart of the Onam festival celebrations. A spiritual stop with divine architecture and festive vibes. 🛕
History: Believed to be over 2000 years old
Distance: 12 km from city
Travel Time: 30 mins
Best Time: Onam season (Aug–Sept)
How to Reach: Cab or metro to Kakkanad
Best Food: Nearby – Dhe Puttu, Onam Sadhya joints
Local Culture: Onam traditions, temple arts
Great Deals: Festival temple circuit by Kreative Routes
🙋♀️ FAQs – Kochi with Kreative Routes 💼
Q1. What’s the best time to visit Kochi?
🌤️ October to March – great weather and festivals like Biennale & Onam.
Q2. Can I cover Fort Kochi and Mattancherry in one day?
✅ Yes! Kreative Routes offers full-day heritage tours with guides and lunch.
Q3. Is Kochi ideal for family holidays?
👨👩👧👦 Absolutely – mix of history, beaches, shopping & nature spots.
Q4. Do you offer airport pickups and hotel stays?
🛬 Yes! Get custom packages with stays, transfers, sightseeing, and meals.
Q5. How do I book with Kreative Routes?
📞 DM us or call to customize your Kochi holiday. Great prices + curated experiences!