As you appreciate the arts at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which runs through March 29, 2017, dig deeper into the history of Kochi, the port city in Kerala. Kochi, formerly called Cochin, the quaint port town on the Malabar Coast was formed naturally due to the great floods of Periyar in 1341 AD and its future was shaped by many hands. It still has crumbling remains of the Portuguese, Dutch and British cultures blended with traditional Indian ethos. After you wind up your artistic adventures, spend some time in admiring the city. We list out a few places of interest and things to do, during your visit to Kochi.History and Heritage         Kochi instantly gives you the impression of a commercial city with its one foot firmly planted in modernization and other in traditionalism. Spend some time in some of India’s finest homestays and heritage accommodations. Kochi is a center for ancient arts and one of the best places to see traditional dance of Kathakali and martial art form Kalarippayattu. History is found in every nook and cranny, from 400-year-old St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica to the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace. The Dutch Palace in Mattancherry has displays of murals, clothes, jewelry of the Cochin Royal Family. The Maritime Museum in Fort Kochi documents naval history. The Hill Palace Museum in Thripunithura, too, preserves Kochi’s royal heritage.Retail TherapyKerala and spices are almost said in the same breath. Stock your spice boxes, or get cozy knick-knacks made from coconut shells. Pamper yourself with a traditional Ayurveda massage and spas. Head to the ‘Jew Street’ or ‘Crafters,’ for antique shopping or peek into ‘Idiom Booksellers,’ for finding those old literary treasures. For typical Kerala silk sarees with gold borders, visit Ramachandran Handloom. Your desire for gold jewelry can be sated across the city with traditional temple jewelry designs.Culinary SecretsThere’s no better place than Kochi to see the integration of various flavors. Dutch bruder bread is still baked daily in Fort Kochi. Enjoy the convergence of Mediterranean and Malabari flavors at The Malabar Junction. Taste the Railway Mutton Curry at Brunton Boatyard’s History Restaurant in addition to classics like idiappam with fish curry. At Eighth Bastion Hotel’s East Indies, find specially prepared menu of satays, rendang, and shrimp balchao (pickle) wrapped in a leaf with rice. For vegetarians there are mouth-watering options too, try the traditional sadya with over 40 dishes or eat at one of the many thattukadas (street eateries) serving piping hot dosas, puttu, idiyappam and parottas.Colonial StaysNeemrana’s Le Colonial and The Tower House have one of the best locations. Amritara’s Poovath Heritage next to the Dutch cemetery or The Old Harbour Hotel, blends Dutch and Portuguese architecture. The beautiful Koder House also adds a lot of charm to the city.Quick Getaways About a six-hour drive from Kochi is Wayanad, a lush-green small town with hilly ranges and wildlife on all sides. Stay at the Vythiri Resort, an exquisite jungle hideaway and a naturalist’s treasure trove. For coffee and tea estates and cool weather visit Munnar, around three-hours’ drive from Kochi. The serene backwaters of Alleppey offers houseboat stays, while for a beach experience, visit Kovalam. Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek at Kochi. Read more