Center of Activity: Fort Kochi Held in: Last week of December Main Attraction: A massive procession of caparisoned elephants The Cochin Carnival is a merrymaking feast held annually in Fort Kochi, Kerala in the last week of December. Dating back to Portuguese New Year revelries during colonial times, it has evolved into a party atmosphere for youth featuring unique games and illumination. The highlight is a massive New Year's Day procession led by a caparisoned elephant accompanied by music and drums.