Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi - The chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets. The Chinese fishing nets have become a very popular tourist attraction, their size and elegant construction is very photogenic and their operation is quite hypnotic.

Fort Kochi Beach - Fort Kochi in Kochi was the first European colonial settlement in India. From 1503 to 1663, Fort Kochi was ruled by Portugal. A municipal town from 1866 to 1967, Fort Kochi now is one of the three main urban components that constitute the present day City of Kochi. A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a memorable experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. The coastal stretch has loads of small stalls, which make on demand mouth-watering traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish.

Santa Cruz Basalica, Fort Kochi - The Santa Cruz Basilica, a church in Kochi, Kerala built originally by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558, was spared by the Dutch conquerors who destroyed many Catholic buildings. Later the British demolished the structure and Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira commissioned a new building in 1887. Consecrated in 1905, Santa Cruz was proclaimed a Basilica by the Pope John Paul II in 1984. The church is a sentinel of history.

St. Francis Church , Fort Kochi - It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. St. Francis Church was originally named as Santo Antonio. It is the first church to have been built in the new European influenced style and tradition. The original wooden building of 1510 was soon replaced by the present building around 1546. On his 3 rd visit, Vasco da Gama died here in 1524 and was originally buried in the church, fourteen years later, in 1539, his body was removed back to Portugal. The Clock on this Church was erected in the year 1923 in memory of Hal Harrison Jones, a former managing director of Aspinwall. Open on all days from morning till 6pm.

Cherai Beach, Kochi - Few beaches in Kerala can compare with the cleanliness and beauty of Cherai Beach, situated at a distance of 35 kms from Cochin. Affectionately called the Princess of the Arabian Sea this 10 kilometer long beach is becoming the favourite destination of the tourists with each passing day. From the very ancient times Cherai had been known as the destination to enjoy the best of sea food delicacies to be watered down with the country liquor called Toddy.

Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry - The synagogue, built in 1568, is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, located in Kochi, Kerala and is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry. The synagogue is located in the quarter of Old Cochin known as Jew Town, and is the only one of the seven synagogues in the area still in use. The complex has four buildings . It was built on the land gifted by the Raja of Kochi, RamaVarma .

Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Mattancherry - The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese in 1555 AD. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. The palace is open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm on all days except Fridays and national holidays. Photography not allowed inside.

Bolghatty Palace, Bolghatty Island - The Bolgatty Island is a short but inspiring boat ride away from Kochi. The commercial capital of Kerala is also blessed with monuments of great historic relevance. One such monument is the Bolgatty Palace. One of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland, this quaint mansion was built way back in 1744 by a Dutch trader. In 1909 the palace was leased to the British and it served as their residency till 1947 when the British Raj came to an end in India and was later converted into a heritage hotel under Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary - Mangalavanam, a green belt located in the heart  of Eranakulam city, adjoining the backwaters and the sea, is a protected bird sanctuary. It is a nesting ground for a large variety of migratory birds and supports many varieties of mangroves . The Managalavanam is often regarded as the green lung of Kochi , considering its role in keeping the city's air pollution under check. Mangalavanam is located right next to the High Court of Kerala.

Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura - is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and the erstwhile official residence of the Kochi Royal Family, was built in 1865. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles showing the wealth and splendour of the Rajas of Kochi, including the thone and the crown. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings and oldest building in the complex is a single storeyed Kerala style 'ettukettu' constructed around 1850 AD with an adjacent pond, temple and urappura and is located about 12 kms from Ernakulam.

Museum of Kerala History, Kalamassery - This 'live' Museum is not just a retelling of the past but is a Light and Sound show of three-dimensional visuals. 87 figures who shaped the history and culture of Kerala in the last two thousand years have been represented here in Light and Sound Tableaus. The story, from the  early people of Kerala to the modern age is interspersed with social, cultural and literary facets is a fascinating one.

Marine Drive, Ernakulam - is a picturesque promenade in Kochi , Kerala and is considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of the city. It is built facing the backwaters and a stroll along the long tree-lined coastal pathway that lines the backwater is well worth the time spent, especially late afternoon or dusk. The bustling backwaters, dotted with fishing boats, speedboats, ships, tankers and passenger boats, can be observed from this walkway that lines the coast. The walkway has two contemporarily constructed bridges, the Rainbow bridge and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge .