Entertainment & Recreation

Entertainment & Recreation in Kochi - In Kochi one can enjoy multifarious activities, from art and culture to discovering the backwaters on a Kettuvalam, a local rice boat, or delving into the history through its beautiful monuments and museums or enjoying the warmth of the sun on its lovely beaches or savouring the fine foods at its many restaurants and street dinners or scouring the markets for priceless antiques or mementos for a loved one. For those interested in art, Kochi is on the throes of becoming an important art destination with numerous art galleries.

One of the must do thing is a ride on a country boat along the backwaters or on a ferry to the mouth of the harbour where large ships constantly ply. There are numerous tour companies that have organized trips in the mornings and evenings. The state government runs Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) his boat tours around the city and neighboring islands. Start at the Sea Lord Jetty at Marine Drive (Shanmugam Road) in Ernakulam. The evenings here are quite magnificent with the shore gleaming with lights that reflect upon the waters.

For art lovers, there is plenty to see especially in contemporary Indian art. Towards Fort Kochi are newer art galleries like Kashi and Eka that offer a platform for upcoming Kerala artists. Fine arts hall in the city often has traditional dance performances in the evenings, very often focusing upon the traditional art of Kerala. There are many other centers, too, like Dharani, which teach as well as hold dance performances. Malayalam Cinema is another important feature and the theatres that dot the town, like shenoys and Sagarika, screen new films regularly.

Another option is basking in the history and heritage. At Ernakulam, the Thripunithara Museum and the National History Museum throw light upon the various aspects of Kerala's rich past. Fort Kochi is the ideal location to savour old Kochi. The many historical building portray Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. Best would of, of course, be to take a heritage walk, including a stroll through Mattancherry and ancient Jew Town.

And if one wants physical rejuvenation and complete relaxation, the many Ayurvedic centres and spas around the town offer various packages.