15 Things to do in Kochi (on solo trip)

So you’re in Kochi and are looking for some action! Kochi is one of the best cities to solo travel in India.

Here’s a list of 15 things to do to make your solo trip to Kochi exciting! There’s also a things-to-do-in-Kochi list that you can download and keep on your phone. You can find it once you finish reading the article. 

Let’s go.

1. Feel the glory of the Mattancherry Palace

The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a very famous Portuguese palace situated in Mattancherry, Kochi. The glory of the Mattancherry Palace lies in the structure of the palace itself.

This is because it was created in a typical Kerela style which is very simple yet grandeur. Currently, the Mattancherry Palace is used as a museum for displaying the paraphernalia of the kings of Kochi.  

Mattancherry should be on the top of your wish list if you plan a solo trip to Kochi and also if you are a history lover. 

This is because the Mattancherry Palace provides visitors with valuable knowledge about the history of Kochi through the medium of the artifacts that are kept in the museum. 

One great thing about this place is that the entry fee for adults is just 2 rupees, while children below 15 can enter for free. 

2. Have a glimpse of fishing in the Chinese Fishing Nets

Chinese Fishing Nets, also known as Cheenavala, are the most famous attraction in Kochi. 

South Indian states have a special connection to fishing. So you can have a great time exploring their culture. It’s located beside Fort Kochi and is one of the most iconic cultural symbols of Kochi and Kerela.  

The Chinese Fishing nets are large fishing nets attached to bamboos and teak poles. They are thrown at the sea during unique mechanisms and then pulled back, which is fun to watch. 

3. Bunch on Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Imagine having a delicious breakfast while exploring the cultural heritage of Kochi; sounds great, right?

If yes, then Kashi Art Café might be great for you. The Kashi Art Café is one of the most beautiful places for not only foodies but also tourists as the interior of the café is filled with exhibitions of the cultural art and heritage of the locals.  

This place is famous among foreign tourists as they serve non-vegetarian food and exhibit their art gallery. 

If you plan on breakfast in Kochi, don’t forget to hop in at the Kashi Art Café. The average cost for one people would be around 500 Indian rupees. 

4. A glimpse of Kathakali in Greenix Village

The Greenix Village once was a warehouse for multiple tea factories built by the Portuguese. But now it’s completely renovated into a village known for its traditional Kerala architecture.

It’s situated 8 km from Ernakulum and boasts various traditional art forms of Kerela. 

Suppose you get a chance to visit Kochi. In that case, visiting the Greenix Village is a must as you will get a grandeur experience of mixed performances of the world-famous Kathakali dance drama, aesthetic martial arts, and an audio-visual representation of Kerala’s history.

5. Have a relaxing break on the Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach, also known as the “Princess of the Arabian Sea,” is one of the best-voted beaches in Kochi.

It’s situated at a very strategic location, 30 km away from Kochi and is on the north end of Vypin Island. It’s where the sea and the backwaters merge, creating an aesthetic touch to the color of the water. 

It’s also one of the most photogenic places in Kochi. A night walk through the beach is very soothing due to the cool breeze flowing along with night lamps, making the scenery warmer and cozier.

6. Visit the Willingdon Island

Willingdon Island is situated at the heart of Kochi and is one of India’s largest manmade islands. It’s named after the then viceroy of India, Lord Willingdon. 

This island provides links between the Kochi port with other national and international ports throughout the world. 

Also, it boasts some of the state’s most lavish hotels and aesthetic buildings. 

7. Enjoy the views of Dusk on a Sunset Cruise

The Sunset Cruise is situated near the Arabian waters and is a 2-hour journey from the Marine Drive in Kochi during the time of sunset and Dusk. 

It’s an excellent deal as during the journey you’ll see some other attractions of Kochi too. It’s very famous among tourists due to the expertise that it provides. 

The mesmerizing view of the sunset is enough to calm you down and is one of the most soothing things to do in Kochi. 

Also, it’s priced at a reasonable 350 rupees per adult(less than $5).

8. Have some great spiritual experience at the St Francis Church

The St Francis Church, situated in Kochi, is a marvelous showcase of classic Portuguese architecture. It’s believed to be one of the best of its kind created in India. 

Built by Portuegse traders, this church is one of the most visited churches in the entirety of the state for the fact that it holds great historical significance. 

It’s a pathway for tourists who are seeking spiritual peace.

9. Explore the famous Veeranpuzha Lake and the backwaters

Veeranpuzha is a lake in Kochi, along with some lagoons and other lakes being close to each other. The lakes and lagoons together create the famous backwaters.

The backwaters are the most famous tourist attraction in Kerela. It is very calm and serene and is cut off from the noise and pollution of urban cities. Boating is an everyday activity. If you are adventurous and planning a trip to Kochi, you shouldn’t miss out on this place.

10. Spend some quality time at the Marine Drive

Stepping ahead of the backwaters’ rural areas is the Marine Drive’s urban serenity.

Even though you get a glimpse of the Marine Drive during the Sunset Cruise, many more things remain unexplored. For example, the Marine Drive is one of the most visited places in Kochi. 

This place is an absolute dream for those who like to click many pictures! It has a vibe of its own with a 3 km walkway which is very popular among people for watching the sunset. 

The sunset and the sunrise are also great attractions as many people gather here during morning walks to see the sunset. If you plan to take a boat ride, it would cost around 250 rupees per adult. (150 rupees for a child)  

11. Have some fun at the Kuzhupilly Beach

Coming to the second beach on the list – the Kuzhupilly beach. It’s situated 3.5 km away from Cherai beach. Unlike most chaotic beaches, the Kuzhupilly beach is offbeat. 

This means that few people visit here as it is remotely located and hidden from the localities. This makes it an excellent spot for retreating trips. Just like any other beach, this one is also great for clicking some aesthetic pictures. So, if you are visiting Kochi, visiting Kuzhupilly beach is worth a shot.  

12. Go for a shopping frenzy on MG Road

MG Road is famous for its shopping outlets. If you are a shopaholic and on a trip to Kochi, then MG Road will be the perfect spot for getting local handicrafts and gifts. 

The handicrafts available in the market are diverse, mostly made of coir, wood, shells, brass, ivory, and sandalwood. One thing to note is that there are many shops so browsing through all the shops could be a bit hectic but a lot of fun too. 

2000 rupees would be a good budget to meet your shopping needs.

13. Spend some time bird watching at the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

The Mangalavanan Bird Sanctuary is located in the heart of Kochi and is spread across 2.7 hectares. It has around 18 acres of mangroves filled with different species. 

The main attraction of the sanctuary is the tall watch tower. Also, there are countless species of birds that you can watch. Bird watching is one of the most famous activities in Kochi.

And the best part? 

There’s no entry fee! 

14. Have some walk around the Vasco Da Gama Square

The Vasco Da Gama is a famous spot in Kochi near the beach. It’s the perfect place to hang out, take walks, and feast on street food, including coconut, nuts, seafood, and ice creams. 

You could grab some street food, sit in the sitting area, and watch the beach peacefully.  

15. Get closer to the Jewish culture by visiting the Jewish Synagogue

The Cochin Jewish Synagogue, also known as the Pardesi Synagogue and the Mattancherry Synagogue, is one of the biggest and oldest Synagogues still active. 

It’s not just one of the oldest active ones in Kochi but also in the entirety of the Commonwealth nations.

If you plan to visit Mattancherry Palace, it would be perfect for visiting the Jewish Synagogue, as it shares a wall with the Mattancherry Palace.

Spanish-speaking Jews constructed the Jewish Synagogue. It’s one of the reasons it’s also known as the Pardesi Synagogue – which in the local language translates to ‘foreigner’s Synagogue.

Some attractions are the clock towers, eye-catching chandelier, and many more. 

Save the to-do list and enjoy your trip to Kochi!

As promised at the beginning, below’s a checklist you can download and keep on your phone. This way, you won’t miss out on the exciting things to do in Kochi as a solo traveler!