Sundeep Bhatia and Bebabrata Chakraborty
Kochi is the official name of Cochin in Kerala. The locals would call the city Kochi but the Britishers called it Cochin. In the year 1996, the name of the city was formally changed to Kochi, a more accurate resemblance to the Malayalam transcription. However, both the names - Kochi and Cochin are still usedKochi is the official name of Cochin in Kerala. The locals would call the city Kochi but the Britishers called it Cochin. In the year 1996, the name of the city was formally changed to Kochi, a more accurate resemblance to the Malayalam transcription. However, both the names - Kochi and Cochin are still used.
Tourists in Kerala target the houseboats at Alleppey or the tea gardens at Munnar. They treat Kochi as a base to explore the rest of Kerala. But Kochi has a lot to offer and you could easily spend a couple of days here. You can enjoy the old-world charm of Fort Kochi, check out the centuries-old colonial churches, take pictures at the Chinese fishing net and visit Jew Town immensely popular for its antique stores.
For a more immersive experience of Kochi, you can explore some underrated spots that are less crowded and offer resounding memories to a traveller.
Time-Travel into the past through Kerala's Folklore Museum
Kochi is an old city with regional as well as colonial influences. The many museums of the city take people back in time through the streets of Cochin. Among those, the museum that stands apart is the Kerala Folklore Museum, a private collection by the late George Thalaith. Prominently located at Ernakulam, the exhibits give a peak into South Indian art and culture, especially Kerala.
This captivating museum houses wood and stone carvings from temples and palaces, intricate altars and statues from old churches, murals and glass paintings, clothes and ornaments worn by people of this region and a dedicated section highlighting Kerala's classical music and dance forms. The three-storied architecture is a fusion of Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore architecture and the fascinating paintings on the ceilings are not to be missed.
Surprisingly, this museum is not well-known among tourists which gives you peaceful viewing and clicking opportunities.
Sailing through serenity: Kochi's charming island escape
Kochi comprises a number of islands – both big and small. These islands not only give the city a verdant look but also a unique character marked with water and waterways. Close to the Folklore Museum is Willingdon Island, the largest artificial island in India.
Willingdon Island was created in the middle of 1930s. It is covered with a variety of greenery while the pristine waters of the Vembanadu Lake follow you on one side. The Port of Kochi is situated on this island. It is now a base of the Indian Navy as well. The Kochi campus of Indian Maritime University is also located here. You can visit the Cochin Shipyard and the Maritime Heritage Museum here.
Or you can just sit on the benches while looking at the lake and soaking in the serenity away from the bustle of the city.
Spice Trails at Kochi's Historic Broadway Market
To feel the pulse of Kochi, you must visit the Broadway Market which is steeped in heritage since the early 20th century. Kochi is renowned for its spices, and here you will find internationally hailed black pepper and cardamom and a host of other known spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, clove, nutmeg, mace and many uncommon ones.
Broadway Market gives you an up-and-close impression of the local lifestyle. The market has old establishments selling traditional lamps and brassware, Kerala style. You can also shop for authentic traditional clothing like Mundu dhoti for men and Mundum Neriyathum, the two-piece sari for women. You can expect fair prices since this market does not feature in the usual tour itineraries.
Broadway is also the best place to taste local delicacies like banana chips and Calicut halwa. When they fry the chips in front of you and you taste those directly from the wok, it is a catharsis of taste buds. There are many eateries here so it's a good place for affordable lunch.
Kochi's Sadya Lunch: a symphony of colours and flavours
Speaking of lunch, you should not miss Sadya, the traditional Kerala feast. Sadya is prepared during festivals such as Onam and Vishu. However, some restaurants in Kochi serve Sadya for daily lunch at the most affordable rates.
You might have tasted Sadya elsewhere but you must try it in Kochi. This multicourse meal is served on a banana leaf, one item at a time. Sadya is a feast of flavours where every element balances taste and nutrition. The meal may be served with reddish warm herbal water. Infused with the herb Pathimugam, this drink is an antidote for waterborne diseases.
Brews and Brushstrokes: Kochi's Art Cafes
Fort Kochi area has a host of art galleries nestled in the colonial buildings. Some of these double up as cafes that have indoor as well as al fresco sitting arrangements. You get continental, Chinese or Indian cuisines with fantastic coffee.
In all likelihood, you would have visited cafes but these cafes offer an eclectic fusion of contemporary art in a heritage setting. Trying seafood at shacks is a popular activity at beaches near Fort Kochi. But try the art cafés of Fort Kochi. The experience is uplifting.
Flames of Skill: Kalaripayattu, a spectacle of fire and precision
The classical dance Kathakali is another gem in Kerala's culture. Kathakali is widely popular not only in its home state but all over India. For a different experience, you can watch Kalaripayattu, an Indian martial art that developed in Kerala.
Kalaripayattu developed in or about the 12th century out of war practices. No wonder this art form involves a variety of knives, swords, spears and war cries. Unlike other art forms, Kalaripayattu is not performed on a stage, but in an arena called Kalari that is built as per Vastu Shastra specifications. Some performances also have jumping through fire as the finale.
You can watch Kalaripayattu performances held in select centres in Kochi. Since it is less popular than Kathakali, it is easier to get an entry. Kalaripayattu is goosebumps.
Kochi-Muziris Biennale: The biggest celebration of contemporary art
Kochi also hosts Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the largest contemporary art festival not only in India but also in Asia. The exhibition is sprinkled all across the city. Artwork including installations is displayed in galleries, halls, heritage buildings and empty spaces. The whole city becomes an art gallery and the festival has participation from India as well as overseas.
This event starts at the end of December and continues till March. If you were in Kochi in this period, you would be able to see a riot of colours and forms that would add a unique feather to your trip.
Waves and Wheels: The Unique Experience of Ferrying across Kochi's water highways
Given that Kochi is crisscrossed with water, ferries are a fun way to commute in Kochi. You may be surprised that cars, bikes and even buses are ferried across water.
A ferry ride would not only add to your adventure but you can also make new friends by striking up a conversation with the friendly co-passengers. You can spot the occasional dolphin if you are lucky.
Kochi is very green for a city with an inherent feel-good factor. It is a heady mixture of nature, history, religion, culture and modernism with a glimpse of the backwaters. And if you get to experience the offbeat with the obvious, you are in for lifetime memories.
