Exploring the Kochi Biennale? Walkable attractions close by

The sixth edition of the Kochi Muziris Biennale is progressing in 22 venues across Ernakulam. If you are in the city for the art fest but feel like taking a breather in between, the exhibition spaces are interspersed among many popular historical and tourist sites, which can enhance your experience. The best part is that many of them are just a few minutes' walk away from the Biennale sites. Here are the options:

Nehru Children’s Park
Closest Biennale venue: Aspinwall House
Distance: Just a 5-minute walk
This seaside park is filled with rides, slides and more for children, but it also has tempting, breezy tree shades for adults. You can just sit here, catch a breath, calmly enjoy Kochi's eventful vibe and even read a book before you head to the next art venue. 

Princess Street
Closest Biennale venue: Aspinwall House
Distance: A 5-minute walk
Lined with extremely pretty heritage buildings, art cafes, European-style buildings, and bakeries, Princess Street is perfect for soaking in the historic yet modern vibes of Fort Kochi. If you love to take selfies, the street has many spots for you. It's also one of the oldest streets in the area. 

KJ Yesudas’ Home
Closest Biennale venue: Aspinwall House
Distance: A 10-minute walk 
Yes, India's legendary singer KJ Yesudas is from Fort Kochi, and his ancestral house is tucked amid the numerous tourist attractions of the region. Step into the 'House of Yesudas' to enjoy some of his evergreen hits and check out the Malgova mango tree planted by his mother. 

Bilalikka’s House
Closest Biennale venue: Aspinwall House
Distance: A 10-minute walk
Anyone who has watched the Mammootty-starrer Malayalam film Big B would be thrilled to visit Bilal's house in Fort Kochi, the character's residence. This 16th-century home, known as Vasco House, is believed to be where the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama stayed. Currently, it is functioning as 'Vasco Home Stay' and is located on Rose Street in Fort Kochi. 

St Francis Church
Closest Biennale venue: David Hall
Distance: Just a minute away
Quite close to Vasco Da Gama's earlier residence is the church where he was once buried. The St Francis Church, built in 1503, is also India's oldest European church. Check out the church to experience its age-old architectural style, wooden roof, old-style fans, and more. 

Dutch Cemetery
Closest Biennale venue: David Hall
Distance: A 2-minute walk
One of India's oldest European burial spots, the 1724 cemetery has over 100 tombs, with Dutch and English inscriptions. It generally remains closed, but it's worth pausing here during your walking tour to check out the weathered tombs and appreciate Fort Kochi's rich history and culture. 

Fort Kochi Beach
Closest Biennale venue: David Hall
Distance: Just about 5 minutes
A colourful lane ladden with street art leads you to the Fort Kochi Beach, from the Dutch Cemetery. Yes, it is messy at times, but during the Biennale days, the beach is quite serene and picturesque. It also has a beautiful walkway that's perfect for photography. Check out the Chinese fishing nets, local fishermen, and try some local food stalls. 

Koder House
Closest Biennale venue: Aspinwall House
Distance: A 5-minute walk
This dark-red building would have caught the attention of anyone who has been to the Fort Kochi area, for its heritage charm and idyllic setting. Once home to a prominent Jewish family, the Koders, it's now a three-storey hotel that has hosted many VIPs, celebrities, and dignitaries. Visitors aren't allowed to click pictures or take videos inside. 

Kerala Folk Arts Centre
Closest Biennale venue: Aspinwall House
Distance:5-minute walk
Are you keen to experience Kerala's folk arts, such as kathakali? This is where you head to. Artists from the Kerala Kalamandalam, the state's most prestigious art institution, perform in this 80-seater AC theatre from Fridays to Sundays at 6 pm. If you also want to see how they apply their makeup step by step, you can go here. Tickets cost Rs 500 for everyone aged 12 or older. Only desk booking at the moment. Ph: 6282455591 for details. The centre also has a dormitory for visitors.  

Jain Temple (Mattancherry)
Closest Biennale venue: Edam exhibition
Distance: 10-minute walk
Do you love a slice of spirituality amid your trips? Step into this centuries-old Jain Temple on Jain Temple Road in Mattancherry. The temple's visiting hours are 11 am to 12.30 pm, during which one can also see their ceremonial dove-feeding. Meanwhile, anyone can visit the temple's prayer room or sthanak, 24/7. Photography is not permitted inside the temple. Visitors should also keep their phones and watches away and be in simple attire. 

Mattancherry palace and museum/Dutch Palace
Closest Biennale venue: Edam exhibition
Distance: 10-minute walk
If you love history, don't miss this Portuguese-Dutch palace styled by Kerala architecture! It also has a museum that showcases many memorabilia from the past, including royal artefacts, various coins, wooden carvings, swords, spears and more. It also features centuries-old murals depicting complete stories from the Ramayana and similar legendary tales. 

Jew Town
Closest Biennale venue: Edam exhibition
Distance: 10 minutes
A visit to the Biennale isn't complete without spending time in the historic Jew Town, the home of the renowned Paradesi synagogue. Not only does the street have numerous stores featuring spices, handicrafts, sculptures, garments, and more, but it also still retains an elegance that draws visitors day in and day out. As for the synagogue, its blue sketch tiles, chandeliers, lamps, inscriptions, scrolls, and more take us back to a time when Jews were a major part of the region. 

Jankar Ride 
Closest Biennale venue: Aspinwall House
Distance:5-minute walk 
The Vypin-Fort Kochi jankar shuttle service, which operates from 6.30 am till around 10 pm, is a unique transportation service that you don't get to enjoy everywhere. Alongside people, vehicles, including huge buses, also drive into it to get transported to the other side of the estuary. What's more, it costs only Rs 3 per person! 

Check out the video of Kochi's walkable spots near Kochi Muziris Biennale exhibitions!