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Kochi has attracted global attention, making it into Booking.com’s list of top 10 trending destinations for 2026. The city is the only destination in India to feature in this list. Located on the south-west coast of Kerala, Kochi’s charm comes from centuries of trade and cultural exchange. Fort Kochi, with its colorful colonial-era mansions, glittering art cafes and iconic Chinese fishing nets fluttering in the Arabian Sea, is a major attraction, the travel platform said.
The city really transforms during the Kochi Muziris Biennale art festival, held every two years from January to March, when old warehouses in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry are transformed into vibrant contemporary art galleries. The streets are filled with installations, pop-up exhibitions, live performances and travelers from all over the world who come to witness India’s biggest art festival. Beyond art, Kochi’s food culture is a big part of its charm. You’ll find everything from traditional toddy shops serving spicy curry and crab roast to cafes and home-style kitchens serving up classic dishes like fish moli, appam and beef fry.
Its accessibility also makes it an easy choice for travelers, thanks to Cochin International Airport, one of India’s busiest and the world’s first fully solar-powered airport. And if you want to explore out of the city, Kochi is the perfect place for day trips. You can travel through the tranquil backwaters of Alappuzha, drive up to the cool, mist-covered hills of Munnar, or relax on the serene, golden beaches of Marari Beach. Together, these experiences shape Kochi into a culturally rich, effortless stay.
Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas said the recognition is a global milestone for Kerala tourism, adding it will help boost tourism development in the state.
The full list of must-visit destinations includes:
- Mui Ne, Vietnam – a relaxing beach capital known for sand dunes, windsurfing and fresh seafood.
- Bilbao, Spain – famous for the Guggenheim Museum, pintxo bars and nearby surf beaches.
- Barranquilla, Colombia – a lively port city celebrated for its carnival, riverside walks and coastal cuisine.
- Philadelphia, USA – Home of historic sites, creative neighborhoods, and diverse cuisine.
- Guangzhou, China – a blend of centuries-old trading heritage with modern architecture and Cantonese cuisine.
- Sal, Cape Verde – sun-drenched beaches, dive sites, salt flats and colorful villages.
- Manaus, Brazil – Urban life meets the Amazon jungle with river cruises and rich biodiversity.
- Münster, Germany – Gothic architecture, bustling markets and student-run café culture.
- Kochi, India – colonial streets, art galleries, backwaters and spice-packed cuisine.
- Port Douglas, Australia – Tropical adventures in the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
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