India has many wonderful, magical travel destinations. Globe Aware offers volunteer vacations in this diverse, culturally-significant country.

Kochi or Cochin was voted the year' s trending destinations in the TripAdvisor' s Travelers' Choice Awards 2020.

By Clinton Moodle
Feb 27, 2020
Source: IOL

The city in southwest India’s coastal Kerala state saw the biggest spike in reviews and ratings on the travel website. And, judging by its many attractions, there' s plenty to keep you occupied.

TripAdvisor revealed why travellers were enticed by this Indian city:

"A blending of several small villages on the southwestern coast created the current incarnation of Kochi (or Cochin), where sunset strolls, sampling fresh fish from seaside vendors and boat rides through the islands just offshore top visitors’ to-do lists.

"Art centers showcase the traditional dance, Kathakali. European influences are seen in the 16th-century Portuguese-built churches and forts, while the mark of early Chinese traders is visible in the unusual fishing nets dotting the shoreline." (sic).

One of the popular tours is the ‘funny and helpful Tuk Tuk Tour in Kochin’ for only R158. The guide shows you some of the famous places in Kochi with a bit of humour to the tour.

Then there' s also experiences for foodies. If you are interested in learning about the city' s food story, you can book a class to cook Kerala inspired dishes with a local host.

The tour, around R260, provides insight on how to prepare dishes like chapati round bread, dosa, ghee rice, vegetable dishes, fish fry or chicken curry.

The best part, you get to eat what you prepare.

If you do not feel like cooking, then have a local named Joseph prepare a meal for you.

His only request is that you purchase your ingredients at a local market and he will do the rest.

Joseph will take you to the market to do the shopping and insight about the city as he cooks for you.

You will end the evening around the table with Joseph and his family.

Shopping and cultural tours feature heavily on the itineraries. Other trending destinations include Luzon in the Philippines, Porto in Portugal and Porto Seguro in Brazil.

IOL