Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort is a beautiful historic property administrated by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The palace has now been converted into a heritage hotel, which still retains its elegant architecture from the Dutch Colonial period. They also have a 9-hole golf course, bird sanctuary, and an ayurvedic centre providing rejuvenation therapy.
The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is another grand palace with a rich history. The palace was built by the Portuguese, gifted to the Raja of Kochi, and later renovated by the Dutch. The palace houses beautiful murals, exhibits traditional Kerala artefacts, and is a display of the blend of cultures Kerala has experienced over the centuries.
Thakkaaram is a restaurant in Ernakulam which serves traditional Kerala cuisine with a modern twist. Their unique preparations are not only mouth-watering but also informed by Ayurvedic principles. You must try their jackfruit biryani, prawn mango curry, and homemade ice-cream from coconut milk.
The Hill Palace Museum is a stunning complex housing artefacts from the erstwhile royal family of Kochi. The palace was built in the 19th century and used to be the administrative seat of the royal family. The palace now functions as a museum with beautiful gardens, fountains, and exhibits that showcase the family's lifestyle, culture and art.
End your day by enjoying a stunning sunset at Cherai Beach. The beach is pristine and offers amazing views of the Arabian Sea.
If you have more time, visit the famous Paradesi Synagogue, explore the quaint streets of Fort Kochi or have a boat ride in the backwaters. If you have less time, consider skipping the Hill Palace Museum and spending more time at Cherai Beach.