How to plan a trip to Kochi?

Have you been planning a trip to Kerala? So here in this article, we have given you some pointers on how to plan your trip and what you can see. You could probably start with Kakkanad. It is a bustling residential and industrial area in Kochi, Kerala which has lots to offer. There are lots of interesting places in and around this lovely place.

Season – So the very first step would be to decide in which season you want to visit this place. Kochi or Kakkanad has a tropical climate with a temperature of about 27°C. Summers (June) see a lot of rain and the beginning of the year; that is around January is pretty dry. Rains are pretty frequent, so it would be a good idea to pack some umbrellas or raincoats. This being said, Kerala rains can be quite fun too.

Hotels – Once you have decided your dates and then booked your travel tickets, next would be to decide on where to stay; namely the hotel. Picking the hotel is a major decision. It could be the deciding factor on how your trip turns out to be. A good hotel can give you a nice relaxing time while if you are not happy with the hotel, your entire trip could turn out to be a disaster. Kochi has several good hotels that are centrally located. While deciding on your hotel, location is a major point that you need to consider. Whether you are a tourist or a corporate traveler, you need to be able to travel around easily. Park Residency is one such good hotel in Kakkanad for tourists and executive travelers alike.

You also need to check on the amenities and facilities provided by the hotel. After all, it is like another home for you for the next couple of days. You should be comfortable. There are several online portals that help you with the online booking of hotels with complete details. Once you have done your booking, next comes what to see and visit.

Places of Interest – There are several places of interest in and around Kochi. We have given you some examples –

• Cochin International Boat Show – The 2^nd edition is being planned for early Dec of this year from the 5^th to the 7^th in Samudrika, Kochi. It would be quite an interesting event and would highlight motorboats, yachts, kayaks etc.

• Thrikkakara temple – If you are religiously inclined, then you should visit this temple. It is in Thrikkakara in Kochi. It is a rare temple which is devoted to Lord Vamana. It houses records of historical significance and is considered to be almost two centuries old. During Onam, it is one of the focal centers for celebrations.

• Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple – This is another famous temple where devotees throng to see the two main deities which are seen in Keezkkavu and Melekkavu. The deity is considered to be extremely powerful and it is believed that she can cure mental illnesses. The temple architecture itself pulls tourists and architecture students by the numbers. At both, the temples above it are best to dress conservatively.

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• The Santa Cruz Basilica – This is a colossal cathedral that is visited by all. The main altar houses a painting of the “Last Supper” which in itself is eye-catching. The intricate wall carvings, huge stained glass windows just add to the grandeur of the church. The church is as old as the 1600’s but has been renovated several times and still has active services.

• Wonderla Amusement Park – If you are traveling with your kids or with friends, this is one place where adults and kids can both enjoy and have a great break. You have several rides that can get your adrenaline running, give you goosebumps and just plain enjoy. Also, virtual attractions like 3D and XD Max are available with a great visual treat of an indoor musical fountain. It is a great way to unwind after hectic times.

• Mattanchery Museum – Those of you who are interested in architecture, history and the stories of our forefathers, you ought to visit this museum. A tour of this place itself would feel like a tale. It has several exhibits and artifacts which give you the entire history of this beautiful city.

• Jew Town – This is one very interesting place and must-visit site. It is just a narrow piece of a street between the Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace, but it is a great place to visit. It has several antique shops along the streets and is a lovely place to shop for some exotic curios and knick-knacks. Another main attraction here is a large bronze vessel called the big Vaarpu which is three meters large.

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• Houseboats – Being in Kerala, your trip would not be complete without a boat ride or a houseboat stay. You can check the houseboats of Alleppey or there are some houseboats that can be booked in Kochi too. You will surely get more details from your hotel.

We hope the above tips would help you in Kochi trip and know Kochi tourist places.