What are the must see/must do things at Kochi?

Well, this is going to be hard. So let me deviate from my usual style and indulge you with a few photographs, and let them do all the talking. First of all, Kochi is a highly multicultural city, that looks more like a laid back town (though that is fast changing due to the severe influx of migrants!). (things can get real chaotic in here!) Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Sikhs, Jains - You can find all of them here living together in peace. Visit whenever any one of the religious festivals are playing out, you will have a great time. A thing to note is that we are highly liberal and highly conservative the same time -  ours is a city of contrasts. If you are planning to come to Kochi, any time of the year is great, although the summer can be a bit too stuffy considering the heavy dose of humidity. Monsoons are strong, and the whole place gets wet, damp and dark, but then it adds to the beauty and gives a surreal touch to the place. So first of all, get drenched! (Splash!) Take a boat ride around the city's backwaters, or take a boat to Fort Kochi or Mattancherry. If you are lucky, you could end up spotting a few dolphins. Tourists come here in hordes, and they usually hang out in the old part of town, ie. the heritage sections. Walk around, nothing much to see as such, but definitely a break from the traffic of the main city. The place is made up of old buildings from the colonial times. For those who do not know, Kochi shifted through multiple European hands - the Portuguese came first, and Cochin was their headquarters for a very long time until they moved it to Goa. Then came the Dutch, who ruled for another century, before ultimately swapping it with the British for a South-East Asian island. (The colors will probably remind you of Goa)  Fort Kochi and Mattancherry are located close to each other, and you can take the ferry from the mainland to reach here. There is an Indo-Portuguese museum here near the Bishop's house. Visit! Spice shops and warehouses like these are common around Mattancherry or Broadway, considering the fact that Romans, Jews, Chinese and Europeans all came to Kerala, or specifically Cochin, for spices. Churches around the city shouldn't be missed. Santa Cruz basilica and Saint Francis Xavier's Church are both great, though the former has more grandeur. The latter is where Vasco da Gama was buried, until his body was taken back to Portugal. (This is Santa Cruz basilica during Christmas) Speaking of Christmas, woo hoo! Where the fireworks at? Christmas time is a time of large scale festivity in Kochi. So come on here, and take part! Do NOT miss Christmas! Never! (Join the procession, take part in the midnight prayers) (Make a crib, if you have the time) (Youngsters dress up as Santa Claus, whose local name is Pappanji) (Another beautiful church decorated for the occasion) (This is Kochi's official Christmas tree. Beat this.) Cochin Carnival takes place during the last week of December each year. What happens in it? Well, look below. If you happen to be here for New Year, head to Fort Kochi beach, because that's where the action takes place (of course, the whole city rejoices, but the celebrations here are something else)! We burn this old guy called the Pappanji to celebrate the end of the year, and to signify the end of all wrongs being engulfed in flames. This is basically a Portuguese/Dutch tradition that we adopted, or perhaps created. These pictures are from last year. The whole world can be seen here, on a single canvas. (and he's on fire!) (This place brings everyone together. [Pics of New Year's Eve 2014]) (New Year's Eve 2015) Visit the beaches, Kochi has got quite a few! (Fort Kochi beach just after sunset) (If you are lucky, you could make some new friends *wink*) A cricket or football match at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium is something else, the peculiar design of the arena amplifies the roars of the crowd, and the adrenaline rush is unbelievable. Now that Sachin Tendulkar has bought the Kochi football team in the Indian Super League, get your ass over here, and let's watch some football! (flood with them lights!) (Ole, ole , ole!) Next, Holi, Navarathri and Ganesh Chathurthi with the Gujaratis! (dandiya all night long) (Ganpati Bappa Moriya!) Relax at Marine Drive, located on the main part of the city. People of all ages hang out here from dawn to dusk. Hangout at the Kochi Marina, and soak in the humble but elegant skyline of the city. Malls, malls, everywhere! There are like 5 major malls around the main city, and more being built. For those who want to shop till they drop, consider one or all of these for time pass. Lulu Mall, the latest landmark, also happens to be one of the largest in India. Catch up with an art exhibition at Durbar Hall Ground. Come December 2014, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale returns with its second edition. This time it promises to be bigger and better, after its successful debut in 2012. The art show happens to be the first Biennale in India and has brought in more people to the city, and put it on the global art scene. Wow, right? I skipped out a lot of things and places due to lack of time, which will be answered by other Kochi based Quorans. I wanted to focus on certain specifics, regarding the best times to visit and what all to not miss! This is strictly my own perspective of my city, and I have skipped many things you will see on Trip Advisor. There are more things to be added, which I shall in due course of time. All pictures have been taken from Route Cochin's facebook page, and these guys are way too awesome! I do not own any of the above photographs, and all rights are reserved with Route Cochin and their brilliant photographers who brought these pictures to life. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/routecochin.co and like them for updates. They are fantastic! The last few pictures have been taken from the Kochi Muziris Biennale's official facebook page, and they can be contacted at https://www.facebook.com/KochiMuzirisBiennale. The next edition of the Biennale happens this year in December, so connect with the page for updates. You surely don't want to miss the biggest art show in India. I do not claim that our city is awesome, as I see no reason to state the obvious. Like any other Indian city, we too have problems related to infrastructure and urban planning (even more in today's context when you take into account the construction of the Kochi Metro Rail transit system). But the uniqueness that Kochi has is inexplicable. Kerala by itself is unique from the rest of India; Kochi even more so. You have to visit the place at least once; not to see Kochi, but rather to feel it. This place has accepted travellers and migrants from all over the world with open arms since the times of the Roman empire. Join in. Welcome to Kochi. Thanks for the A2A. Keep them coming.

If you really want to enjoy Kerala visit then these are the must see and must do things to do in Kerala. Must do things in Kerala #1 Enjoy Houseboat Journey in Kerala Backwaters #2 Ayurvedic Treatment in Home of Ayurveda #3 Celebrate Colorful Traditional Kerala Festivals #4 Photography at Munnar Hill Station #5 Visit Kerala Wildlife Sanctuaries #6 Enjoy Spicy food #7 Adventurous Thing in Kerala (Paragliding) #8 Keep calm at Kerala Waterfalls and Beaches Here are complete info: http://www.sreestours.com/blog/top-8-relaxing-and-fun-activities-to-do-in-kerala-30 Must Visit Places in Kerala 1. Munnar 2. Thekkedy 3. Alappuzha 4. Kumarakom 5. Eravikulam National Park 6. Vagamon Hill Station 7. Wayanad 8. Poover 9. Kochi 10. Cherai Beach I hope this details can help !

  is also great art festival organized by Punekars at http://punebiennale.org/