Why visit Cochin during Kochi-Muziris Biennale?
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale festival has already been started and is the most prominent art festival in India. In fact, a cultural hub for art lovers for the whole world, Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an extravaganza of art and culture. The festival dates starts in December and ends in March and offers you a never before experience. The festival will be a wonderful experience for students of art and literature, media studies and other creative fields including photography and film-making.
This art festival is conducted once in two years and attracts artists from all over the world to showcase their art. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is organized by Kochi Biennale Foundation, a non-profit charitable trust in India working to promote Art, Culture, and Education. If you are an ardent art lover and Kerala trip is on your mind, this is the best time to visit Kerala.
If you plan to explore Kochi during your trip to Biennale then below are the best things to do:
Discover the History of Kochi
Fort Kochi is bestrewed with a number of landmarks that are must-visit places for those who are into culture and history. While you are here, do not forget to visit Santa Cruz Basilica, the St Francis Church, Bastion Bungalow, Aspinwall House, Thakur House, David Hall and many more.
Experience Sunset of Kochi
After visiting the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, head to Fort Kochi Beach. The perfect place to enjoy Sunset and watch Chinese fishing together. Grab coconut and enjoy the soothing coconut water while you gaze at the amazing sunset in Fort Kochi.
Where to Eat While You Browse?
If you are afraid that you could get stuck in the web of the art show during lunch or whenever you are hungry, don’t worry. Many places like Kashi Art Café, David Hall, Pepper House etc., are offering international fare. Much of the action in Kochi will be around Mattancherry’s Anand Warehouse, MAP Project Space, and the TKM Warehouse. While in Mattancherry, do not forget to visit curio shops striven across the place with some stunning curios and antiques. Also, visit some ancient Jewish and Dutch Places.
A Long Drive to Ernakulam
If you are planning for a long drive, you can set off to the Kottapuram Fort which is 45 kilometers far from Fort Kochi. The drive will take you over spectacular views of the backwaters and through the beautiful city of Ernakulam and you can also explore Darbar Hall exhibition on your way.
Experience an Ayurvedic Spa
When you need to get the circulation going in your tired body which could be more exacting than seeing art all day long, get an ayurvedic massage. The spas here in Kochi offer a wide range of massage therapies using herbal oils.
Explore Old Cochin Town on Tuk Tuk
Soak yourself in the archaic charm of old Cochin, which is full of colonial architecture worth seeing. Tuk Tuk or auto-rickshaw take visitors from one place to the next; following an itinerary that includes the Santa Cruz Basilica, the erstwhile Portuguese bastion Fort Immanuel, St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church, and the Dutch cemetery.
Take Some Home Cooking Classes at Local Market
Buy some fresh ingredients like seafood and vegetables at the market and visit a local family to learn how to make classic Keralite dishes like appams, fish curry, and vegetable toran. End your tour by indulging into the meal with your host.
Observe Kalaripayattu and Kathakali Dance Performances Closely
Watch an engrossing performance of the 3000-year-old martial art cum dance form Kalaripayattu that was practiced by the Chola, Cheras and Pandyas dynasties and is, these days, opted by movie stars for action flicks. Also, catch a performance of another most dramatic Indian dance form Kathakali. Traditionally, this dance form is performed in temples. Though, this show is a quick tourist-friendly capsule.
We hope this article will help you explore beautiful Kochi while your visit to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale festival.
