Kochi has always been known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” It’s a wonderful blend of the old and the new. Kochi, with its rich history, colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and scenic beauty, is a favorite haunt of travelers across the globe, and Kochi tour packages have plenty in store to suit any kind of traveller, be it an adventurous weekend getaway or an extended vacation. From cultural exploration to relaxing backwater cruises, Kochi is a city that offers something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore the best Kochi Tour packages, the must-see attractions, and tips for planning your perfect Kochi trip.
1. Kochi City Tour: The Best of History, Culture, and Modernity
A port city located on the southwestern coast of India, Kochi is a historic destination with an extremely rich combination of cultures. It is a city with colonial past and a vibrant contemporary culture, perfectly suited to history buffs and modern travelers alike. A Kochi tour package will provide you with a wonderful amalgamation of heritage walks, delicious seafood, scenic views, and some rather unique experiences.
Tope attractions when on a Kochi City Tour
Fort Kochi: The core of the city’s colonial history, Fort Kochi is a stunning place to walk along the cobblestone streets flanked with centuries-old buildings, churches, and Portuguese-style homes. First, there’s the St. Francis Church, said to be the oldest European church in India. Santa Cruz Basilica boasts of great frescoes as well as gothic designs.
Chinese Fishing Nets: A symbol of Kochi’s historical connections with China, these large fishing nets can be seen along the waterfront at Fort Kochi. Watching fishermen work these nets is a must-do activity on a Kochi city tour.
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch, this 16th-century palace is an architectural marvel that showcases beautiful Kerala murals and artifacts from Kochi’s royal family.
Jewish Synagogue Situated in the Mattancherry area, this synagogue established in 1568 is one of the oldest synagogues in the Commonwealth. It preserves rare antiques as well as a beautiful hand-painted Chinese porcelain tile floor.
Marine Drive and Sunset Cruise: A favorite haunt of both locals and visitors, Marine Drive offers stunning backwater views. A sunset cruise in the Kochi backwaters is an experience as part of most travel packages in Kochi, which offers breathtaking and serene views.
2. Kochi Travel Packages: Themed Experiences for Every Kind of Traveler
Be it as a solo traveler, couple, or family, there is a wide range of Kochi packages that are availed according to the needs. Here are some of the most popular types of Kochi tour packages:
Luxury Kochi Tour Packages
For the luxury seekers, luxury Kochi packages arrange a five-star hotel or resort stay, private boat cruises, spa treatments, and gourmet dining. These packages often form guided tours for the top attractions in Kochi, crafted with comfort and exclusivity. Even get to enjoy private tours of such places as Bolgatty Palace, Vypin Island, or a sunset cruise over the backwaters.
Kochi Budget Travel Packages
If traveling on a budget, don’t worry; there are many budget Kochi tour packages. These cover all the must-see sights of Kochi, including Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, and the Chinese fishing nets, but at costs that are budgeted by including budget accommodations as well as group tours.
Family Kochi Trip Packages
Kochi offers varied entertaining and educational experiences to families. A family tour of Kochi would typically consist of destinations such as Vypin Island, Hill Palace Museum, or the Kochi Science Center. Many have boat rides, beach trips, and even travels to nearby attractions including Athirappilly Waterfalls, which is dubbed the “Niagara of India”.
Backwater and Nature Packages
Kochi is a good base to explore Kerala’s serene waterways, given its close proximity to the backwaters. Several tour packages that begin in Kochi include a day or two spent on houseboats, traversing the winding canals and serene lakes that characterize the Vembanad backwaters. You’ll immerse in Kerala’s beautiful countryside, replete with coconut groves, local villages, and spectacular wildlife while you savor freshly prepared Kerala cuisine.
3. Day Trips from Kochi: Exploring the Surroundings
While Kochi itself has plenty to offer, the surrounding areas also have many unique attractions worth visiting. Most Kochi tour packages include day trips to nearby destinations. Here are some popular choices:
Alleppey: Alleppey is famous for houseboat cruises. Alleppey can be reached in around 1.5 hours drive from Kochi. The backwaters and nice landscapes make a day trip to Alleppey a must for those looking for exploration in the natural beauty of Kerala.
Athirappilly Waterfalls: “Niagara of India,” some people call these breathtaking waterfalls, which lie around 70 km from Kochi. A visit to Athirappilly is perfect for anybody who wants to enjoy the natural beauty of Kerala.
Munnar: It is a hill station located about 130 kilometers from Kochi. Munnar is renowned for its luscious tea gardens, cool climate, and scenic view. Most Kochi travel packages include Munnar trip along with the city tour of Kochi.
Kumarakom: Kumarakom is located on the banks of Vembanad Lake and is famous for its peaceful backwaters. In fact, a day trip from Kochi would include a ride on houseboats in the peaceful waters and visits to the world-famous bird sanctuary for catching up with several migratory birds.
4. Shopping in Kochi: Souvenirs and Local Crafts
No visit to Kochi would be complete without shopping. Kochi abounds with markets selling local goodies, craft shops, and antique stores. Some of the Kochi packages can include visits to:
Lulu Mall: This one is among the largest malls in India at Kochi, offering all the shopping options both from international brands and products of local Kerala.
Marine Drive and Broadway: These are the areas known for this noisy markets from where one can buy antiques, spices, souvenirs, and more traditionally of Kerala handicrafts.
Jew Town: This is a place which has a glorious olden age; antique shops and traditional wooden items, including brassware and Kathakali masks, are major attractions.
5. Best Time to Visit Kochi
The best time to visit Kochi is from October to March during which the weather is cooler and pleasant. During June to September, there would be heavy monsoons that render things richly green but also disrupt travel. During the cooler months, you would find both the backwaters experience and houseboat cruise to be perfectly suitable.
Conclusion: Why Choose a Kochi Tour Package?
Kochi is a city where history, culture, and nature harmoniously come together. Whether it’s about visiting the colonial past of the city, relaxing by the backwaters, or savoring local delicacies, Kochi tour packages are an ideal way to experience it all. Kochi offers an inviting treat along the charming streets of Fort Kochi and scenic backwaters of Alleppey.
Choosing the right Kochi travel package ensures that you make the most of your time in this fascinating city. So, whether you’re booking a weekend getaway or a week-long trip, Kochi has something special in store for every traveler.