If you thought Kochi, the financial hub of Kerala, was all about a bustling city running after numbers and mumbo jumbo, then you got it entirely wrong. The city of Kochi, christened the queen of Arabian Sea, is close to some scintillating places that will get a pride's position on any traveller's wish list. From historical monuments to bird sanctuaries to cruise ships, Kochi offers plenty of options.
Kochi beats Kovalam, Varkala to become favourite tourist destination in Kerala
Check out why Kochi in Ernakulam is simply irresistible
Thrippunithura - the land of the royals
Thrippunithura, which is about 7 km from the heart of Kochi, has always had a distinct charm. A drive through this town will take you past some old buildings and remains of forts, which speak of a proud bygone era. Tripunithura was the home of the ruling kings of erstwhile Kochi kingdom, before the state of Kerala was formed. The Hill Palace and the Sree Poornathrayeesa temple adds to its rustic charm.
Kerala's New Year celebration hotspot
History sleeps in each nook and corner of Fort Kochi. And come December, this historical place is all decked up. The carnival flags go up and Kochi-Muziris Biennale gets underway making this place a hub for people who love art and culture. Walk through Mattancherry or down the promenade silhouetted with the Chinese Fishing Nets. Explore the Synagogue, the Jew Street – the markets. And trust us, Fort Kochi will never cease to amaze you. And make sure you see the carnival procession.
If nature is what brought you to Kochi, you need to head to the quaint and serene Ezhattumugham. With its cool breeze and beautiful river, this is a green spot you shouldn't miss. The hanging bridge under the Ernakulam District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is also an attraction in the Ezhattumugham tourism village, which is a great tourism spot for anyone who want to spend a day with nature at its best.
Various places across Ernakulam see migratory birds setting up homes from September to February. Among these, Thattekkad sanctuary, a bird lover's paradise, is home to rare species of birds such as the Malabar pied hornbill.
Enjoy a cruise ship ride off Kochi for budget rate
You can now also add a cruise ship ride to their evening fun activities as the state-owned Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) is offering a three-and-a half hour cruise ship ride off Kochi. The KSINC will engage two vessels - one with a capacity to carry 92 people and the other with a capacity to carry 72 people - every day between 3pm and 5pm. A ride in these cruise ships would cost Rs 350 per head.
DTPC offers a bus tour experience of Kochi
There's a new way to see around Kochi. The initiative by District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is aimed at creating awareness on the immense tourism potential will take you around the city on an AC bus.
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