Vasco da Gama Square

Vasco da Gama Square kerala

Vasco da Gama Square is a popular tourist spot located in Kochi, Kerala, India. It is named after the famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, who landed in Kerala in 1498. The square is situated near the Fort Kochi Beach and is surrounded by numerous shops and cafes.

The main attraction of the Vasco da Gama Square is the large statue of Vasco da Gama. The square is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, with street performers and artists adding to the lively atmosphere. The square is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding area.

Visitors to the Vasco da Gama Square can also explore the nearby attractions such as the St. Francis Church, the Dutch Palace, and the Santa Cruz Basilica. The square is easily accessible by local transport and is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Kochi.

Things to do

There are several things that you can do while visiting Vasco da Gama Square in Kochi, Kerala. Here are some of the most popular activities that you can engage in:

1. Visit the Vasco da Gama statue – The square is named after Vasco da Gama, a famous Portuguese explorer who landed in Kerala in 1498. The square has a statue of Vasco da Gama which is a popular attraction for tourists.
2. Explore the Fort Kochi Beach – The Vasco da Gama Square is located near the Fort Kochi Beach, which is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea. You can take a stroll along the beach, watch the sunset, or even try some water sports.
3. Try some street food – The Vasco da Gama Square is surrounded by several shops and cafes that offer delicious street food. You can try some of the local delicacies such as vada pav, bhel puri, and samosas.
4. Visit the St. Francis Church – The St. Francis Church is located near the square and is one of the oldest European churches in India. It was built by the Portuguese in 1503 and is a popular tourist attraction.
5. Explore the Dutch Palace – The Dutch Palace is located nearby and is another popular tourist attraction. It was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and later renovated by the Dutch. The palace now houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of Kerala.
6. Visit the Santa Cruz Basilica – The Santa Cruz Basilica is a beautiful church located near the square. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and is a popular tourist attraction.
7. Watch street performers – The Vasco da Gama Square is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with street performers and artists adding to the lively atmosphere. You can enjoy some of the live performances and even interact with the performers.
8. Shop for souvenirs – The square is surrounded by several shops that offer a range of souvenirs and handicrafts. You can shop for some of the local products such as spices, tea, and textiles.

Overall, the Vasco da Gama Square is a great place to explore the culture and history of Kochi, Kerala. It offers a range of activities for tourists and is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Kerala.

Where to Stay

There are several options for accommodation near Vasco da Gama Square in Kochi, Kerala. Here are some of the most popular options:

1. Hotel Fort House – Hotel Fort House is a boutique hotel located near the square. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with views of the sea.
2. Trinity With Friends Hotel – Trinity With Friends Hotel is a budget hotel located near the square. It offers basic rooms, a restaurant, and a garden.
3. Secret Garden – Secret Garden is a homestay located near the square. It offers comfortable rooms, a garden, and a terrace.
4. Brunton Boatyard – Brunton Boatyard is a luxury hotel located near the square. It offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, a pool, and a spa.
5. Old Harbour Hotel – Old Harbour Hotel is a heritage hotel located near the square. It offers elegant rooms, a restaurant, a pool, and a garden.

These are just some of the options available for accommodation near Vasco da Gama Square. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak season, to ensure availability.

How to reach

Vasco da Gama Square is located in Kochi, Kerala, India. Here are some ways to reach the square:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Kochi is Cochin International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the square.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station is the Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the square.
3. By Bus: Kochi is well-connected by bus to major cities in Kerala and other neighboring states. There are several private and government-run buses that operate to and from Kochi. You can take a bus to reach the square from the bus station.
4. By Taxi: You can also hire a taxi to reach the square from any part of Kochi. Taxis are easily available and can be hired from the airport, railway station or the bus station.
5. By Auto-rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are a convenient and affordable mode of transport in Kochi. You can take an auto-rickshaw to reach the square from any part of the city.

Once you reach the square, you can explore the nearby attractions and indulge in the activities that the square has to offer.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Vasco da Gama Square in Kochi, Kerala is from October to February, which is the winter season in Kerala. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The humidity levels are also low, making it comfortable for tourists to explore the city and its attractions.

During this time, you can also witness the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which is an international contemporary art festival that is held every two years from December to March. The festival attracts a large number of tourists from around the world, and you can explore various art installations and exhibitions around the city.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you can also visit Vasco da Gama Square in the monsoon season, which is from June to September. While the weather can be unpredictable, the lush greenery and waterfalls in and around Kochi are a sight to behold. The monsoon season is also a great time to witness the traditional festivals and cultural events that take place in Kerala.

Overall, the best time to visit here is from October to February, but the city is beautiful and vibrant throughout the year.