Things to do in Kochi

Things to do in Kochi

1. DoErnakulam

   Changampuzha Park

   A spacious place established in 1977, ideal for picnics and group discussions.

2. DoOld Kochi

   Fort Kochi Beach

   A historical beach where 1st Portuguese-Dutch war broke out in the 17th century. Once a very large beach, it has reduced to a quarter in size after the 2004 tsunami. A beautiful, small walkway is ideal for evening strolls. One can find remnants of the Old Portuguese Immanuel Fort, along with parts of the Dutch Stormberg Fort, with some cannons still kept intact. An obsolete boiler that was once used for powering cranes of old port and a very large anchor of an old Portuguese ship are displayed on the walkway. Works for creating a new artificial beach are undergoing near this old beach with the help of the Tsunami development funds.

3. DoThrippunithura

   JT Pac Cultural Theatre

   is one of the most modern and upscale performing arts complexes, which has regular concerts, drama festivals, dance programs and other arts and cultural activities. A 1000-seater theater, it also has a good gallery and latest visual-audio systems. Booking may be necessary to secure seats and the theater has strict dress code regulations.

4. DoErnakulam

   Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium

   Good open multipurpose stadium where locals play regularly, free of cost. Badminton and tennis courts next to this ground can be used on payment of fees at sports office of St. Albert's College which owns them.

5. DoThrippunithura

   Kalikotta

   The official concert palace hall of the Kochi royal family who are patrons of more than a dozen cultural institutions and societies. Most performances are free. The mega Kathakali festival organised prior to Temple festival of Thripunithura Poornathresya Royal temple, is one of the largest Kathakali events here.

6. DoErnakulam

   Kerala Fine-Arts complex

   This is one of the oldest centres, with regular cultural performances. Many require prior booking, as they are organised by prestigious societies and groups. There are some performances that have free entry, and the monthly cultural programs of Bank Employees Union is one such.

7. DoErnakulam

   Managalavanam

   A thick 80-acre mangrove forest in the heart of Kochi and declared a flora sanctuary. More than 30 unique flora are found here and it is also a major bird sanctuary, where migratory birds feed and rest when they escape the cold northern winters.

8. DoErnakulam

   Marine Drive Walkway

   A two-km-long promenade and no car is allowed to ply there. The backwaters are on one side and a busy shopping district is on the other side of the walk. The walkway starts from, goes through two scenic bridges and ends at Rajendra Maidan. The total distance is less than a kilometre. Stroll along this calm stretch without motorised traffic and enjoy an ice cream or fruit juice. A few malls stand along the way. Chill off the heat while you walk with a Sharjah shake or ice-cream, or one of the local delicacies. There is a children's park in the middle and two hanging bridges.

9. DoGoshree

   Matsyafed Milky-way Aqua-Tourist Village

   A unique concept where a large shrimp farm of the state-run cooperative Matsyafed is converted into an aqua-tourist village with options to fish for fresh prawns, crabs and shrimp for a nominal fee, canoeing within a mangrove forest, sun-bathing, swimming at a private beach nearby and enjoying sunset picnic cruise. Breakfast and lunch are included in entry cost and have a wide range of fish delicacies and pickles.

   10AM-5PM·₹100 per person

10. DoErnakulam

    Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium

    It has badminton, tennis, squash, volleyball and basketball courts. Rooms for chess, caroms, table-tennis and board games are also available. For an entrance fee payable at the indoor sports office, you can play here or join regular users. There is a state-of-art fitness complex and billiards-snooker pool inside this stadium. An Olympic-sized swimming pool is available outside. Large football and cricket pitches are available free-of-charge. Locals play regularly here and you can join them.

11. DoErnakulam

    Silverstorm Water Park

    A good family theme park with 29 water and dry rides, a very large park and a Chinese village

12. DoErnakulam

    Wonderla

    second largest theme park in South India. Spread over 50 acres of land with more than 50 Rides and various shows, it has well maintained gardens and five restaurants as well as small cafes

    9:30AM-7PM

13. DoErnakulam Not mapped

    Boating on the Kochi backwaters

    Get the real feel of the Vembanad Lake through boating. There are many cruises offered by many private players as well as the Kerala State Inland Shipping Corp. Sunset cruises are popular. Many guesthouses offer the trip and in the centre you can arrange it by yourself as well. Speedboats also ply on the backwaters. Some premium hotels in Willingdon Island and Fort Kochi offer motorised watersports for its guests. Daily backwater tours can be organised directly through the state tourism office at Ernakulam Park Jetty. They cost ₹650 per person and must be booked at least the day before. The tour includes a stop at local small industries and food sites.

14. DoErnakulam Not mapped

    See India Foundation

    Kalathil Parambil Crossroad, nr Valanjambalam Temple, Chitoor Rd. An evening Kathakali theater, where daily performances take place from 6PM-8PM. This is the oldest and first evening Kathakali theater in India. The show is preceded by a detailed discourse of Kathakali history and philosophy, elaborate make-up performances and a demonstration of Kathakali techniques.

15. DoErnakulam

    Dream World

    Near Silver Storm

16. DoErnakulam

    Subhash Bose Park

    One of the largest parks in Kochi.

17. DoKalamassery

    Wonderla Amusement Park

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Kochi (CC BY-SA 4.0).