kochi tourism fishing

Kochi Fishing Village Excursions

• Local Guide
• Port and hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport by A/C car or mini van
• Entry/Admission - Mattancherry Palace
• Entry/Admission - Jew Town
• Entry/Admission - Paradesi Synagogue
• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Gratuities ( Optional )
• 1. In case you are arriving Kochi by ship we will meet you when your ship docks at Kochi Port you will be met by our staff by the side of the ship. Our staff will be holding the pager board with lead travelers name. 2. In case you are arriving Kochi by other kindly let us know your location, so that we can pick you up from there.
• Cruise Terminal of Kochi Port
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking,:1. Docking time, 2.Disembarkation time and re-boarding time
• Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
• A minimum of 02 people per booking is required.
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Mattancherry Palace
• Paradesi Synagogue

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Chethy Beach Road Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 2 Chellanam Fishing Harbour Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 3 Fort Kochi Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 4 Mattancherry Palace Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• 5 Jew Town Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• 6 Paradesi Synagogue Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• John J 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Back Water day trip Cochin We took part in this tour from our cruise ship whilst at Cochin Port. It was really enjoyable. The guide was very good and explained things very well to the group. The meal following the tour was really nice and tasty. Read more Written February 23, 2024
• benbD2547AJ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Kerala countryside and waterfall tour Thank you Joyce for the second Tour in two days. We visited the true Kerala country side on our way to see the waterfalls. Along the way we visited an iconic Syrian Orthodox Church and meet with the High Priest. Then a Hindu Temple, pedestrian cable bridge and had dinner at a nice hotel restaurant. I highly recommend Joyce as he really knows the countryside. Thank you Joyce for two great days of adventure. Read more Written September 4, 2023
• benbD2547AJ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great City Tour Joyce was a great host. We reached him last minute and he was able to accommodate. We had a great tour of Fort Kochi and City Read more Written September 2, 2023
• DayTrip49161886015 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Joyce was a very obliging guide Before we book the tour we can speak about any thing we want to do. He organised that in a perfect way. Very special was the tour through the traditional vegetable and meat market to see how is the real life in Cochin. I traveled with my family and we have a very safe feeling through the hole tour. Ask him if he can organized a traditional lunch during the Tour and let you surprise. We enjoy every minute on the tour. Joyce.... That was very very good. Read more Written August 12, 2023
• Globetrotter_anna_k 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful and Pleasant Visit Joyce was an exceptional guide. His in-depth knowledge of history, art and architecture of Cochin was amazing. He is very professional and friendly and went above and beyond to ensure that our visit to Cochin was excellent. We had a wonderful experience and would highly recommend Joyce. Read more Written August 7, 2023
• R2813RHjonasb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Kochi Tour in English We had a really good tour around Kochi and our guide (Joyce) explained everything really good and detailed and could answer all the questions we had. He was by far the best Tourguide we had in India. The planning was also really smooth with him and he organized a really good driver for us as well. We suffered a bit from the heat but the tour was adapted to our needs and we spend a good day in Kochi. Read more Written April 22, 2023
• Dream32536371335 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Joyce the guide to choose Joyce was an amazing and a very competent guide. We have been a German travel group of 16 pax with the age around 35 years. We booked the the day package for Kochi. Joyce organized the itinerary and the required transport including the driver for a more than reasonable price (We traveled Kerala for 10 days and could compare several prices). Joyce shared several interesting stories of the sights and could ask all our questions. His English is very good. We totally recommend him as a guide and kept his contact data. Read more Written April 21, 2023
• Explorer632903 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Dishonest Joyce was dishonest. We were visiting from Delhi for 4 days. On the first day we went to Alleppey and I asked him about day cruise for 3 hours which driving there. He had a connection with someone and kept saying that it will be 10000 rupees and you wont find any cruise there and please go there directly. We thought it is a lot so we checked with state tourism counter and they gave us an excellent houseboat in just Rs 5250. I am sure he had some cut in that money and glad we did not chose his guy. Second day we decided to go to Munnar. He asked us to leave early so we can do things in Munnar but after reaching Munnar, he was making faces in taking us everywhere that day. We again had to speak to state tourism counter to get more information. He insisted us not to go to Ernakulum national park saying you wont see any wildlife there and unfortunately we agreed to that. Then he started saying lets go back to Kochi as there will be rain and risk for landslides and we unfortunately could not complete the whole trip to Munnar. He just want to make his money by driving us on per kilometer rate. The next day we decided to go to wonderla amusement park and then to airport. This day he was horrible. I told him that it will take us 5-6 hours in the park. Then he started asking for more money or take all our lugagge out. We checked out of the hotel earlier that day as we were planning to go to airport directly. He was rude and started saying ‘dont argue’. He knew he is locally in Kochi and can get more business than waiting for us. Suddenly his per kilometre rates increased significantly more than the first three days which does not make any sense. Because he was rude we could not leave our luggage with him. We took it out and took a locker in the park. He is an absolute dishonest man. Do not trust or book his car. Read more Written April 3, 2023
• chandrasekharg14 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Best international Airport I just loved the place, vert clean maintainence. Airport construction reveals culture heritage of kerala. good staff, Local kerala famous products available in airport. Lounge is available to take rest. Read more Written December 10, 2022
• b1missouri 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Kochin beach and city tour with Joyce My wife and I encountered Joyce on a houseboat cruise boat on the Kerala backwaters. Joyce was very clear and straightforward in his explanations of Kerala and its history, and given his 17 years of tour experience, had answers to all of our questions. We liked Joyce so much we hired him for an additional day to tour us around Cochin to see several sights (beach resort, Maharaja Palace, heritage museum, Fort Kochi, etc). Joyce was very flexible in adapting the tour so we could see what we wanted (more historical sites than massages or resorts), and he arrived early and catered completely to our needs. Will recommend Joyce to any of our friends that visit Kerala. Read more Written April 6, 2019
• Hayley S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sights sounds and flavours of Cochin We were on a business trip to India with only one free day which was thankfully in Cochin. My Joyce offered a half day tuk tuk tour which sounds just the ticket after a week of taxis, hotels and airports. My Joyce and his driver are super friendly, very knowledgeable and relaxed. his recommendation of lunch at the Tissin hotel was spot on and we had we enjoyed the best meal so far in India. Thanks Mr Joyce for making our visit so memorable. Read more Written July 24, 2016
• Ngaire G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Off the tourist trail Joyce was a fantastic guide. I wanted to get away from the tourist places and see the real India. He took me to places only the locals go to. Breakfast in a little cafe with all the men heading to work, the local food and spice markets. I booked a day ahead of my tour and it was so good I booked another when my tour finished. I got to meet locals in there own homes and came away with a much better understanding of the realities of life in India. Read more Written May 12, 2016
• Dharam G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Kerala back waters house boat cruise. Our trip on Kerala back waters was organized by Mr. Joyce Xavier . We dad house boat to ourselves and the service provided by the crew was excellent. Our every request was catered for with a smile.The inclusive LUNCH on board was a feast for our taste buds. I would not hesitate to recommend Joyce who wants a knowledgable gentleman as a organizer and guide. Read more Written May 12, 2016
• cbaumann1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Joyce Joyce Xavier was a great tour guide. Very professional, extremely knowledgeable and personable. We could not have asked for a better tour and guide. Highly recommend Joyce. Read more Written May 7, 2016
• pesiegal 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excel tours in Cochin India Our guide guide Xavier was excellent and we highly recommend him to to other travellers. He took us to some out of the way sights we had heard about and were eager to see. He is very knowledgable and accommodating. We were on a cruise and ha to pack in a lot in one day,Eleanor and Pablo, San Antonio, Texas Read more Written May 4, 2016

More to explore in Kochi (Cochin)

Kochi Fishing Village Excursions provided by Excel India Tours

• The Top 10 Things To...

The Best Things to Do and See in Kochi, India

Welcome to Kochi : a collection of tiny islands and peninsulas along the shore of the Arabian Sea, shaped and nurtured for centuries by foreign powers such as the Dutch, British, Chinese and Portuguese. This port city (also known as Cochin ) is the biggest city in the India n state of Kerala, and it’s a must- visit for people who want to learn about the rich history of colonial India and its trading prowess.

Chinese fishing nets.

The Chinese fishing nets are, without a doubt, Kochi ’s most popular sight. According to legend, the nets were brought from the court of Chinese emperor Kublai Khan and introduced to fishermen in Kochi by Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th century, and they’ve been in use ever since. Local fishermen show how to use them in return for a small fee. It’s a fun experience, and later on in the day, you can purchase the morning catch from the fishmongers, have it cooked in the nearby shacks and enjoy it while taking in the breath-taking sunset.

Mattancherry Palace

Paradesi Synagogue

This is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Paradesi is the Hindi word for foreigner, which was applied to the synagogue because it was frequented by exiled Jews from Europe and the Middle East. It was built in 1568, and although somewhat damaged by the Portuguese in 1662, it was rebuilt when the Dutch took over Kochi . The synagogue features a gold pulpit and hand-painted, willow pattern floor tiles imported from China. The synagogue is magnificently illuminated by an exquisite Belgian chandelier, and the clock tower was added in 1762. Paradesi Synagogue is a famous tourist attraction and worth every minute spent there.

Kodanad Elephant Training Centre

Kodanad is a small rural riverside village in the district of Ernakulam in Kochi . Most hotels arrange a day trip to this small village, which has training centres for stranded adult and baby elephants. If you’re able to arrive before 8am, there is a good chance that you can lend a hand to the trainers in giving a wash to the elephants, one of the liveliest pleasures to experience in Kochi . Watch the elephants roll around, and let them douse you in water as they play. You can also attend elephant safaris for a small fee.

Kathakali performances

Kathakali is one of the nine classical dances of India and has its origins in Kerala. Well known for its colourful and fascinating costumes, the dance presents themes derived from the Hindu epics Ramayana, Mahabharata and many others. Kochi ’s Kerala Kathakali Centre runs performances every day, provides opportunities to watch the artists apply their makeup and offers training programs in the classical dances too.

St Francis Church

This church is a landmark monument, as it is believed to be the oldest European-built church in India . It stood as a silent spectator to the colonial conflict among the European nations for dominion over India . Built in 1503 by the Portuguese as a Roman Catholic Church, it became a Dutch Reformist Church in 1664 and eventually an Anglican Church in 1804. The church is perhaps most famous for being the first burial place for the explorer Vasco De Gama, who died in 1524. His remains were moved to Lisbon 14 years later, but you can still visit his tombstone in the church.

Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum

The Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum is a three-floored structure covering three architectural styles: Malabar on the ground floor, Kochi on the first floor and Travancore on the second floor. It houses over 4,000 artefacts sourced and collected from ancient temples and old houses. The museum also houses a wood-lined theatre, with a 17th-century wooden ceiling. The theatre conducts authentic stage performances daily from 6:30pm; the credit for the theatre goes to the hard work and passion of George Thaliath and his wife Annie George and to the craftsmanship of 62 carpenters and skilled workers.

Princess Street

Loafer’s Corner or Princess Street is one of the oldest areas in Kochi and is an amalgamation of the traditional and the modern. The influence of the colonial powers is evident here, with both sides of the street dotted with buildings and homes of European architecture, most prominently Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture. Princess Street is the place to go in Kochi for street shopping , cafés and people watching, and the best way to experience it is by foot.

Scuba Cochin

Scuba Cochin is South India ’s first PADI-authorized dive centre and offers various PADI certification courses, from open water diver to instructor level and daily dive trips. Located in the centre of Kochi , it also offers an Emergency First Responder course. It conducts snorkelling trips and kayaking excursions and has a dive store that offers updated and branded equipment. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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See & Do

The best things to see and do in kochi, kerala's colourful city.

Kochi's Best Contemporary Art Galleries and Museums

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• Cochin Tourism
• Travel Guide
• Kerala Tourism
• Tour Packages
• Things to Do
• Popular Places to Visits

Cochin is a captivating coastal city and a canvas of heritage and modernity. Every corner of Cochin whispers tales of its fascinating history while embracing the dynamic energy of the present.

Cochin is a coastal gem on the southwest shores of India. This town effortlessly merges its rich historical tapestry with contemporary vibrancy. Also known as Kochi, this captivating city unfolds a narrative of centuries-old trade routes, colonial influences, and cultural diversity. With its iconic Chinese fishing nets framing the harbor, the historic Fort Kochi showcasing colonial architecture, and the aromatic spice markets of Mattancherry, Cochin offers a unique sensory experience. From the rhythmic Kathakali dances to the tranquil backwaters, every corner of Cochin is a chapter in a storied travelogue. Immerse yourself in the city’s festivals, explore narrow lanes laden with history, and embark on culinary adventures. Cochin blends tradition and modernity, inviting you to explore its dynamic streets and discover the magic that unfolds along its shores.

Cochin Historical Significance

With a history spanning centuries, Cochin has been a melting pot of cultures and trade. As a key port on the spice route, it attracted explorers and traders, leaving a legacy of diverse influences. The city’s landmarks, including the centuries-old Mattancherry Palace and the iconic Jewish Synagogue, narrate stories of Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial rule. Cochin stands as a testament to its historical significance, offering a captivating journey through time for those eager to delve into the roots of this vibrant city.

Facts About Cochin

Festivals in Cochin

• Kochi Muziris Biennale : Held biennially from December to March, this contemporary art festival transforms Cochin into a vibrant cultural hub featuring exhibitions, installations, and performances.
• Onam: Celebrated in August-September, Onam is a significant harvest festival filled with colorful processions, traditional dances like Kathakali, and the grand Onam Sadya (feast).
• Cochin Carnival: Ring in the New Year with the Cochin Carnival, a lively celebration with parades, music, and vibrant displays that take over the city streets.

Travel Tips To Visit Cochin

• Respect Local Customs: When visiting religious sites, dress modestly, and remove your shoes as a sign of respect for the local customs and traditions.
• Mind the Monsoons: If traveling during the monsoon season (June to September), be prepared for heavy rainfall. Pack accordingly, and check weather updates for potential disruptions.
• Transportation Awareness: Familiarize yourself with the local transportation options, including buses, auto-rickshaws, and ferries. Understanding the city’s transport system will help you navigate Cochin more efficiently and explore various areas.
• Health Precautions: Prioritize your health by staying hydrated, especially in the warm and humid climate of Cochin. Carry a reusable water bottle and consider consuming bottled or filtered water. 
• Currency and Payments: Ensure you have some local currency (Indian Rupees) on hand, especially for smaller establishments and markets. While credit cards are widely accepted in many places, having cash can be convenient for certain transactions and purchases.

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TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN COCHIN

Fort Cochin

Fort Cochin is a historically important place in Kochi where the past meets present and it has a heartbeat of its own. It has preserved the history of colonial times with the old colonial roads, tree-lined avenues, quaint little houses, and the magnificent Chinese fishing nets. Fort Cochin, with its European heritage and cosmopolitan temperament, is a jewel in the crown of Kerala. Walking through Fort Cochin can surely take you back to the 15th century. The main attractions are the colonial-style houses, villas, and churches of Indo-European architecture built by the Portuguese and the serene, beautiful Fort Cochin beach.

Indo-Portuguese Museum in Fort Cochin houses an invaluable collection of artifacts, architectural relics and antique pieces that reveal the Portuguese legacy in Fort Cochin. It maintains the rich heritage of Indo-Portuguese art, culture, and architecture in Cochin. The basement of the museum has remnants of the 16th century Portuguese-built Fort Emmanuel and the major attraction is a piece of the altar made of teak. Fort Cochin is made of quaint streets, vibrant markets, and stately houses. Princess Street, one of the oldest streets of Fort Cochin, is an amalgamation of old and new times. It is filled with cafes, restaurants, book stores, tea shops, art galleries, and souvenir shops and Fort Cochin beach is at the end of this street.

St. Francis Church

St. Francis Church in Kochi is popular for its simplicity, structural design, vibes, and serene ambiance. This church also holds an essential place in ancient history. This church finely exhibits Portuguese architecture. It is considered as one of the most prominent amongst all the European churches which were constructed in India The famous explorer, Vasco Da Gama, was buried in this church in 1524. His remains were taken back to Lisbon after 14 years but his gravestone is still present in this church. Today, this church stands as evidence of the history of Christianity in India.

7:00 A.M – 6:30 P.M (Monday to Saturday)

8:30 A.M – 6:30 P.M (On Sundays)

St. Francis Church Entry Fees: Nil

Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace is also called the Dutch Palace which is a melting pot of different cultures. It is the only place in Kerala that reverberates with so many different varieties of population. This palace is mainly famous for its architecture, serene beauty and colonial remains. It is a Portuguese palace in Mattancherry, Cochin in the state of Kerala. Dutch Palace is now converted into a museum that displays paraphernalia belongings of the Kings of Kochi. Here, tourists learn about the fascinating history of Kerala via irreplaceable artifacts and embellishments.

Mattancherry Palace Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all the days of the week.

Mattancherry Palace Entry Fee: INR 10 for children and INR 20 for adults.

Bolgatty Palace

Bolgatty Palace is a stunning 18th-century Dutch palace. It is situated in the calm and serene Bolgatty Island right in the midst of the bustling city of Kochi. It is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland. Bolgatty Palace Cochin was built under the directions of the Dutch traders in 1744 and served as the Governor's palace for the commander of Dutch Malabar. In 1909 this palace was leased out to the British who used it as the residence of British Governors. Bolgatty Palace is intricately designed and its architecture is influenced by the European style of architecture. After the independence of India, it became the property of the Kerala government and soon made it into a luxurious heritage resort. This beautiful resort has attractive gardens, a 9-hole golf course, an Ayurvedic center, and daily Kathakali performances to entertain the visitors.

COCHIN TOUR PACKAGES

13 Nights & 14 Days

Mumbai & kerala vacation package.

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Goa & kerala vacation package.

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Golden triangle vacation package with goa & kerala.

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South india vacation package: tamil nadu & kerala.

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Best of kerala vacation package.

Kerala Vacation Package with Periyar National Park

Things to do in cochin, spice market exploration.

Dive into the aromatic world of spices at Mattancherry’s spice market. Engage with vendors, learn about various spices, and take home a piece of Kerala’s culinary heritage that is one of the major highlights of Cochin tourism.

Sunset Cruise

Embark on a serene sunset cruise through Cochin’s backwaters, capturing breathtaking views of the city skyline and experiencing the tranquil beauty of the waterways. On top of that, you can admire the landscape of Cochin from the cruise.                                                            

Heritage Walk

Stroll through the narrow lanes of Fort Kochi, adorned with colonial architecture and vibrant street art. A heritage walk unveils the city’s layered history and cultural evolution and also you will get a better outlook on the local lifestyle of Cochin.                                                                

BEST TIME TO VISIT COCHIN

SUMMER SEASON

( March to May )

Summers are warm, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 37°C. While it can be hot, it’s still a suitable time to explore the city.

MONSOON SEASON

(June to September)

Cochin experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. While the lush greenery is captivating, travel plans may be impacted, so check weather conditions before planning a visit.

WINTER SEASON

( October to February )

The winter months offer pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 32°C, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

HOW TO REACH COCHIN

Cochin is one of the most captivating cities that is well-connected through air, rail, and road.

Popular Tour Packages

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5 Nights & 6 Days

Kerala vacation package with eravikulam national park, popular places to visit in kerala, faqs about cochin travel guide, how do i explore the backwaters of cochin.

To experience the backwaters, consider a houseboat cruise or a traditional canoe ride. These waterways offer a serene journey, allowing you to witness the beauty of Cochin’s coastal landscapes

What local specialties should I try in Cochin?

Indulge in Kerala’s culinary delights, including seafood dishes, Kerala Sadhya (traditional feast), and local snacks like appam with stew. Don’t miss trying the region’s famous spices available in markets like Mattancherry.

Are there cultural performances to attend in Cochin?

Yes, Cochin offers vibrant cultural experiences. Attend a Kathakali dance performance for a traditional art form, or explore the local music scene. Check for schedules at cultural centers and performance venues for an enriching cultural encounter.

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Destinations

A Curated Guide To Kochi – The Pretty Port Of Kerala

Published: September 11, 2023

Modified: January 3, 2024

by Christine Jason

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Welcome to Kochi, the mesmerizing coastal city located in the southern state of Kerala, India. Renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Kochi has long been a favorite destination for travelers seeking a blend of tradition and modernity. With its bustling port, serene backwaters, and charming neighborhoods, the city offers a captivating experience for visitors of all interests.

Formerly known as Cochin, Kochi has a history that dates back centuries, with influences from the Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British. This melting pot of cultures has shaped the city’s unique identity, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals.

Kochi is easily accessible, with an international airport that connects it to major cities worldwide. The city itself is well-connected with a network of roads, making it convenient to explore the various attractions it has to offer.

When it comes to sightseeing, Kochi has something for everyone. From historic landmarks to picturesque backwaters, each corner of the city has its own charm. In this curated guide, we will take you on a journey through some of the must-visit places and experiences in Kochi, giving you a taste of the city’s vibrant culture and unique attractions.

So, whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, Kochi promises to delight you with its myriad offerings. Get ready to explore the pretty port of Kerala and immerse yourself in its enchanting ambiance.

Getting to Kochi

Getting to Kochi is convenient and hassle-free, thanks to its well-connected transportation infrastructure. The city is served by the Cochin International Airport, located about 30 kilometers northeast of the city center. It operates flights to and from major Indian cities as well as international destinations.

For those traveling domestically, Kochi has excellent rail connectivity, with two major railway stations – Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town – serving as important hubs. Regular trains from major cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, connect to Kochi.

If you prefer road travel, Kochi has a well-maintained network of national highways and state highways. You can easily reach the city by private or state-run buses, taxi services, or self-drive options. The drive to Kochi from neighboring cities like Bangalore or Coimbatore is scenic and enjoyable.

Once you arrive in Kochi, getting around the city is convenient with various transportation options. The local bus network is extensive and affordable. Auto-rickshaws, or simply autos, are a popular mode of transport for shorter distances. Taxis and app-based cab services are also readily available. For a unique experience, you can also explore the city on rented bicycles or motorbikes.

Another popular way to explore Kochi is through its ferry services. The city is dotted with several jetties, and ferry rides can take you to different parts of Kochi, including Fort Kochi and Vypeen Island. It’s a picturesque and leisurely way to travel and soak in the coastal beauty.

Overall, Kochi’s accessibility and transportation options make it easy for travelers to reach and navigate the city, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Exploring Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi, located in the southwestern part of Kochi, is a historic neighborhood that exudes a charm and character like no other. This picturesque waterfront area is a testament to Kochi’s colonial past, with influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British evident in its architecture, streets, and cultural attractions.

One of the highlights of Fort Kochi is the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. These massive fishing nets, believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders, are a sight to behold. As you stroll along the shore, you can witness local fishermen skillfully operating these nets, creating a unique and mesmerizing spectacle.

The streets of Fort Kochi are lined with colonial-era buildings and quaint cafes, perfect for leisurely walks and exploration. You can visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, which holds historical significance as the resting place of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.

Fort Kochi is also home to the Dutch Palace, also known as Mattancherry Palace. This architectural marvel showcases a blend of Kerala and European styles. The palace exhibits a fascinating collection of murals, artifacts, and portraits, providing insights into the region’s rich history and culture.

To delve deeper into the city’s artistic heritage, make sure to visit the Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum. This cultural center offers glimpses into Kerala’s traditional art forms, including Kathakali, Theyyam, and Mohiniyattam. You can witness live performances and admire the intricate costumes and expressive movements.

Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the vibrant food scene in Fort Kochi. From local street stalls to upscale restaurants, there are plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. Don’t miss trying the traditional Kerala cuisine, especially the mouthwatering seafood dishes.

In the evenings, Fort Kochi comes alive with its bustling market and vibrant street performances. You can browse through handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs at the local market, and witness Kathakali dance performances or traditional music shows at the various cultural centers.

Exploring Fort Kochi is like stepping back in time, with its quaint streets, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures. It’s a place that captures the essence of Kochi and leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.

Discovering Mattancherry

A stone’s throw away from Fort Kochi lies the vibrant neighborhood of Mattancherry. Known for its rich cultural heritage and multi-ethnic influences, this area is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, fascinating museums, and bustling markets.

One of the iconic attractions in Mattancherry is the Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue. This synagogue, built in 1568, is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth. Its exquisite architecture and interior, adorned with hand-painted porcelain tiles and Belgian chandeliers, make it a must-visit. Exploring the Jew Town, with its shops selling antiques, handicrafts, and spices, is an experience in itself.

Adjacent to the synagogue is the Dutch Cemetery, showcasing the tombs of Dutch officials and merchants from the colonial era. The serene atmosphere and the historical significance of this cemetery make it a fascinating spot for history enthusiasts.

For art lovers, the Mattancherry Palace is a must-visit. Also known as the Dutch Palace, it houses a remarkable collection of mural paintings that depict scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The palace offers insights into the royal history of Kochi and the artistic traditions of Kerala.

Mattancherry is also famous for its spice markets. Walking through the bustling streets, you will be greeted by the aromatic scents of various spices like cardamom, cloves, and pepper. The spice markets offer a wonderful opportunity to witness the trading and packaging of these precious ingredients that have been an integral part of Kochi’s history.

Another attraction in Mattancherry is the Indo-Portuguese Museum, which showcases the cultural influences that shaped Kochi. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including furniture, weapons, and religious art, providing a glimpse into the Indo-Portuguese heritage of the region.

As you wander through the streets of Mattancherry, you will encounter colorful and intricately designed street art and murals, adding to the vibrant ambiance of the area. These art installations are a reflection of the city’s contemporary art scene and add a modern touch to the historical backdrop.

With its unique blend of history, culture, and art, Mattancherry offers a captivating journey that will transport you to a bygone era while immersing you in the vibrant present-day charm of Kochi.

Visiting the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple

Nestled amidst the serene surroundings of Chottanikkara in the outskirts of Kochi, the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathy. Considered one of the most powerful and sacred temples in Kerala, it attracts devotees from all across the country.

The main deity of the temple is Goddess Rajarajeshwari, who is believed to possess both healing and protective powers. The temple is known for its unique rituals and traditions, and it is believed that divine energy fills the air, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

The architecture of the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is a mesmerizing blend of Kerala and Dravidian styles. The intricate carvings and vibrant colors of the temple walls depict mythological stories and deities, adding to its visual appeal.

One of the distinctive rituals of this temple is the Guruthi Pooja, which is performed to appease the goddess and seek her blessings. During this ritual, the entire temple is immersed in darkness except for a single oil lamp, creating an enchanting and mystical ambiance.

Another important offering at the temple is the Neyyabhishekam, where pure ghee is poured over the deity as an act of devotion. It is believed that this ritual has healing properties and can cure various illnesses.

Visiting the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple during the annual festival of Makam Thozhal is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The temple comes alive with grand processions, traditional music, and performances. Devotees from far and wide come to seek the blessings of the goddess and be a part of the festive celebrations.

Outside the temple complex, you will find various stalls selling devotional items, souvenirs, and local handicrafts. The aroma of incense and the sound of devotional chants fill the air, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere.

As you explore the temple premises, take a moment to immerse yourself in the serenity and spirituality that surrounds you. Experience the strong sense of devotion and the deep-rooted faith that devotees have in the presiding deity. Whether you are seeking spiritual solace or are simply curious to explore the religious traditions of Kerala, a visit to the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is an enriching experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Experiencing the Kochi-Muziris Biennale

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a contemporary art exhibition held in Kochi every two years, attracting art aficionados, artists, and tourists from around the world. This international art event has put Kochi on the global map as a hub for contemporary art and has become a major cultural highlight of the city.

The Biennale takes place in various venues across Kochi, including heritage buildings, galleries, and public spaces, creating a unique blend of art and architecture. Artists from different backgrounds and disciplines come together to showcase their works, ranging from installations and sculptures to paintings and experimental art forms.

One of the key attractions of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale is the Aspinwall House, a historic property that serves as a primary venue for the event. This heritage building transforms into a hub of artistic expression, with its rooms and courtyards filled with thought-provoking installations and immersive art experiences.

What sets the Biennale apart is its engagement with the local community and its focus on social themes and issues. The artworks often reflect the local culture, traditions, and socio-political realities of Kerala, fostering dialogues and conversations on relevant topics.

As you explore the various installations and exhibitions, you will have the opportunity to interact with the artists themselves, attend talks and workshops, and engage in artistic discussions. The Biennale creates a platform for cultural exchange and learning, attracting both established artists and emerging talents.

Alongside the art exhibitions, the Biennale also features parallel events, including performances, film screenings, and music concerts. These events add a dynamic and vibrant energy to the entire festival, showcasing the multidimensional nature of contemporary art.

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is not just an art exhibition; it is an experience that transcends boundaries and challenges conventions. It celebrates the power of art to provoke, inspire, and create meaningful connections. Whether you are an art enthusiast or someone simply curious about the world of contemporary art, the Biennale offers an immersive and enriching experience that will leave you with a new appreciation for the transformative and universal language of art.

Cruising the Backwaters

A visit to Kochi is incomplete without indulging in the serene and enchanting experience of cruising the backwaters. The backwaters of Kerala are a network of interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes that stretch along the coast, offering a glimpse into the idyllic rural life and unparalleled natural beauty.

There are several options available for exploring the backwaters, including houseboats, motorboats, and traditional canoes. The most popular choice is a houseboat, locally known as a “kettuvallam.” These beautifully crafted boats provide a luxurious and comfortable way to navigate through the backwaters.

As you embark on your backwater cruise, you will be surrounded by lush green landscapes, coconut groves, and mesmerizing reflections on the calm waters. The peaceful ambiance and the gentle rhythm of the boat create a soothing and meditative experience.

During your cruise, you will encounter local villages and communities living along the backwaters. Watching daily activities like fishing, farming, and weaving unfold in front of your eyes gives you a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Kerala.

The cuisine served on the houseboats is a highlight of the backwater experience. Traditional Kerala dishes, prepared with fresh local ingredients and aromatic spices, are served on board. Indulge in lip-smacking delicacies like karimeen (pearl spot fish) fry, prawn curry, and appam (rice pancakes) as you cruise along.

As the sun sets, you can witness the mesmerizing spectacle of the backwaters enveloped in a golden glow. The tranquil beauty and the symphony of colors create a picture-perfect moment that will stay etched in your memory.

If you prefer a more immersive experience, you can opt for a canoe ride through the narrower canals. Rowed by skilled local boatmen, these canoes offer a closer view of the rustic life along the backwaters, as you glide through narrow waterways enveloped by lush greenery.

The backwaters of Kochi provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you choose a leisurely houseboat cruise or an adventurous canoe ride, the backwaters offer a rejuvenating experience that allows you to connect with nature and witness the timeless charm of rural Kerala.

Enjoying the Beaches

Kochi is blessed with a coastline that stretches along the Arabian Sea, offering a range of beautiful beaches for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, water sports, or simply a stunning sunset view, Kochi’s beaches have something for everyone.

One of the most popular beaches in Kochi is Cherai Beach. Located about 25 kilometers from the city center, this pristine stretch of white sand is perfect for unwinding and taking long walks. Cherai Beach is also known for its calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and other water activities.

If you’re looking for a more vibrant and energetic atmosphere, head to Fort Kochi Beach. This bustling beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, with its lively street food stalls, souvenir shops, and vibrant cultural performances. You can also witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets here, creating a unique backdrop against the sea.

Munambam Beach, also known as Muziris Beach, is another hidden gem in Kochi. Located at the mouth of the Periyar River, this tranquil beach offers stunning views of the river and the Arabian Sea. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching, as migratory birds flock to the nearby bird sanctuary during certain seasons.

For those seeking water sports and adventure, head to Kuzhupilly Beach. This beach offers activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides, providing a thrilling experience for adrenaline enthusiasts. You can also explore the nearby fishing villages and witness the local fishing activities.

Kochi’s beaches are not just about leisure and recreation; they also offer a glimpse into the local culture and culinary delights. Stroll along the beach promenades and you’ll find vendors selling delicious seafood snacks and refreshments, allowing you to savor the flavors of Kerala’s coastal cuisine.

One of the best ways to end your beach day in Kochi is by witnessing the breathtaking sunset. The golden hues painting the sky as the sun dips into the sea create a captivating view that will leave you in awe.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, Kochi’s beaches provide a perfect escape. Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea as you immerse yourself in the coastal beauty of this charming city.

Indulging in the Local Cuisine

A trip to Kochi is incomplete without exploring the rich and diverse culinary heritage that the city has to offer. Known for its vibrant flavors, fresh seafood, and aromatic spices, the local cuisine of Kochi is a delight for food enthusiasts.

One of the must-try dishes in Kochi is the traditional Kerala meal, also known as the “Sadya.” Served on banana leaves, this elaborate vegetarian feast consists of an assortment of curries, rice, pickles, papad, and payasam (a sweet dessert). It’s a culinary experience that will leave you satisfied and craving for more.

Seafood lovers will be in for a treat in Kochi. With its coastal location, the city offers an abundance of fresh catch from the Arabian Sea. From succulent prawns and crabs to flavorful fish curries, every bite is a celebration of the ocean’s bounty.

When it comes to snacks, don’t miss out on trying the famous Kerala-style appam. These soft and fluffy pancakes made from fermented rice batter are best enjoyed with stew or spicy curries. Another popular snack is the banana fritters, locally known as “pazham pori,” which are made by deep-frying ripe bananas coated in a batter.

Kochi’s culinary scene is also influenced by its historical connections with various cultures. The city boasts a strong Dutch and Portuguese influence, reflected in dishes like the Dutch-Portuguese inspired “Duck Roast” and the mouthwatering “Bebinca” dessert.

To truly immerse yourself in the local food culture, make sure to visit the bustling street food stalls and local eateries. These hidden gems offer a wide array of delicious treats like spicy fish fry, crispy fried chicken, and fragrant biryanis, all bursting with flavors and aromas.

No gastronomic journey in Kochi would be complete without trying the refreshing coconut water and freshly squeezed juices from the numerous roadside vendors. They provide the perfect respite from the tropical heat and are a great way to quench your thirst.

To enhance your culinary adventure, consider taking a cooking class in Kochi. Many establishments offer classes where you can learn to prepare authentic Kerala dishes under the guidance of experienced chefs. It’s a wonderful way to gain hands-on experience and bring a taste of Kerala back home.

Indulging in the local cuisine of Kochi is not just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s a journey that delves into the region’s history, culture, and flavors. So, don’t hesitate to explore the diverse culinary offerings and embark on a gastronomic adventure in this food lover’s paradise.

Shopping in Kochi

Kochi offers a unique shopping experience, with a wide range of options to explore. From traditional handicrafts to stylish boutiques, the city is a shopper’s paradise where you can find something for every taste and budget.

One of the best places to indulge in shopping in Kochi is the famous Jew Town. Located in the Mattancherry neighborhood, it is known for its antique shops, spice vendors, and traditional handicraft stores. You can find an array of unique items like antique furniture, exquisite jewelry, brassware, and aromatic spices.

The vibrant markets of Kochi are a must-visit for bargain hunters and those looking to immerse themselves in the local shopping scene. The Broadway Market and MG Road are bustling with activity, offering a wide range of products, including textiles, clothing, electronics, and home decor items.

For those interested in traditional crafts, the Kerala State Handicrafts Corporation showroom in Kochi is a treasure trove. Here, you can find intricately carved wooden statues, coir products, handloom textiles, and beautiful pottery items, all handmade by skilled artisans from across the state.

The Lulu Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in India, is a paradise for shopaholics. It houses both international and domestic brands, making it a one-stop destination for fashion, accessories, electronics, and entertainment. The mall also features a food court where you can sample a variety of local and international cuisines.

In addition to these popular spots, Fort Kochi and Princess Street are known for their boutique stores, showcasing local designer creations, art galleries, and quirky souvenirs. Strolling through these charming streets, you will discover unique items that capture the essence of Kochi’s artistic and cultural heritage.

When shopping in Kochi, don’t forget to explore the local markets for authentic spices, tea leaves, and traditional Ayurvedic products. You can find them in shops and markets around the city, offering high-quality products that are synonymous with Kerala’s rich herbal traditions.

Shopping in Kochi is not just about acquiring material possessions; it’s an opportunity to support local artisans, discover unique treasures, and delve into the region’s cultural fabric. So, take your time, explore the various shopping venues, and bring back a piece of Kochi’s charm and heritage with you.

Kochi, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, is a destination that captivates the hearts of travelers from around the world. From exploring the charming streets of Fort Kochi to discovering the cultural gems of Mattancherry, there is a wealth of experiences to be had in this pretty port city of Kerala.

Getting to Kochi is convenient with its well-connected transportation infrastructure, making it easily accessible to visitors. Once you arrive, you can embark on a journey through the city’s diverse offerings, from the tranquil backwaters to the breathtaking beaches.

The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple offers a spiritual experience, while the Kochi-Muziris Biennale showcases the dynamic art scene of the city. Indulging in the local cuisine allows you to savor the unique flavors of Kerala, and shopping in Kochi provides an opportunity to bring back precious memories and souvenirs.

As you explore Kochi, you will be greeted by the warmth and hospitality of the local people, who are proud of their city’s heritage. The blend of tradition and modernity, the vibrant festivals, and the serene beauty of the natural surroundings create a truly enchanting atmosphere.

Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, Kochi has something to offer for everyone. So, pack your bags and immerse yourself in the diverse and captivating ambiance of Kochi, where you can create unforgettable memories and discover the magic of this coastal gem.

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Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi

Open 24 hours

Entry Ticket

A brief about the place.

The Chine­se fishing nets, also known as Chee­navala , are a type of fishing nets locate­d at the mouth of the harbor in Fort Kochi .

These­ enormous cantilevere­d nets hang over the­ water resembling ove­rsized hammocks, serving as an iconic symbol that marks Fort Kochi on the tourist map.

There was a time when the nets were utilize­d only for fishing purposes. But with the passing of time, they have now transforme­d into a popular attraction for visitors. If you will visit Kerela through a popular travel agency then you might see the place added to your travel plan for sure.

Here are some interesting facts about the Chinese fishing nets in Kochi:

• Nets are made of teak wood and bamboo which can weigh up to 20 tons.
• These nets are typically 20 meters in diameter, and they can catch up to 1,000 fish at a time.
• It takes six fishermen to operate the fishing nets using a system of ropes and pulleys to raise and lower the net.
• The Chinese fishing nets are mostly used to catch sardines, mackerel, and tuna.

Things to do at Chinese Fishing Nets

One of the­ highlights when visiting this place is a visit to Vasco da Gama Square . It’s a narrow walkway along Fort Kochi be­ach that offers the best vie­w of the magnificent Chinese­ nets.

As the sun sets, the­se nets capture an awe­-inspiring silhouette against the be­ach, suspended in midair and lined up be­autifully.

History of Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi

The Chinese fishing nets are believed to have been introduced in Kochi by Chinese explorer  Zheng He , from the court of the Kubla Khan. The fishing net established itself on the Kochi shores between 1350 and 1450 AD.

How to reach Chinese Fishing Nets by road, train, and air

• The Chine­se fishing nets in Fort Kochi lie approximate­ly 13 kilometers away from the city ce­nter of Ernakulam.
• Visitors can conveniently re­ach Fort Kochi by taking a bus from Ernakulam, with a travel time of around 30 minutes.
• The Ernakulam Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Chinese Fishing Nets and you can reach there with a number of Trains available
• From the railway station, travele­rs have several transportation options available­ to reach Fort Kochi.
• The Cochin Inte­rnational Airport is the nearest airport to the­ Chinese fishing nets. Trave­lers can conveniently re­ach this airport from any major city in India by taking a flight.
• From the Cochin Inte­rnational Airport, visitors have convenient transportation options to re­ach Fort Kochi.

• Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Railway Station
• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

Key Highlights

• Established on the Kochi shores between 1350 and 1450 AD
• The Chinese fishing nets, locally known as Cheenavala is a hallmark of Kochi's tourist map
• Amazing tourist spot to experience historical technique for fishing

Included/Excluded

• See the nets being operated by fishermen
• Take a boat ride out to the nets
• Buying fresh fish from the fishermen
• Food and drinks are not included
• Throwing plastics in the sea is prohibited
• Going too near the nets is not allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

The Chine­se fishing nets in Kochi are locate­d at various spots, including Vasco da Gama Square, The Ernakulam beach, and The­ Mattancherry beach.

The Chine­se fishing nets, known locally as Chee­navala, can be found at the mouth of the harbor in Fort Kochi. The­se impressive cantile­vered nets de­scend towards the water’s surface­ resembling oversize­d hammocks, and have become an iconic symbol that re­presents Fort Kochi for tourists.

One of the­ finest activities in this place involve­s heading to the Vasco da Gama Square. This narrow walkway runs alongside­ the Fort Kochi beach and offers an e­xquisite view of the ne­ts.

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• 1 Districts
• 2.1 History
• 2.2 Culture
• 2.3 Climate
• 2.4 When to visit
• 2.5 Tourist information
• 3.1 By plane
• 3.2 By train
• 3.5 By boat
• 4.1 Orientation
• 4.3 By metro
• 4.4 By train
• 4.5 By auto-rickshaw
• 4.6 By taxi
• 4.7 By private car
• 4.8 By ferry
• 4.9 By water metro
• 4.10 On foot
• 4.11 By bicycle
• 6.1 Festivals
• 6.3 Boating
• 6.4 Performing arts
• 7.1 Markets
• 7.2 Antiques/art works
• 7.3 Shopping malls
• 7.4 Apparel and fabric
• 7.5 Jewellery
• 7.6 Cosmetics
• 7.7 Electronics
• 7.8 Supermarkets
• 7.9 Banks, ATMs and changing money
• 8.1 Cuisine
• 8.2.1.1 Other
• 8.2.2.1 Indian
• 8.2.2.2 Other
• 8.2.3.1 Indian
• 8.2.3.2 Other
• 9.2 Nightlife DJ parties & pubs
• 9.3 Coffee shops
• 9.4 Ice cream parlours
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 10.4 Homestays
• 11.1 Art forms
• 11.2 Kalaripayattu
• 11.3 Yoga and meditation
• 12.1 Emergency support & assistance
• 13.1 Hospitals
• 13.2 Ambulances
• 13.3 24-hour pharmacies
• 14.1 Telecom
• 14.2 Internet
• 14.4 Newspapers
• 15.1 Electricity
• 15.2 Holidays
• 15.3 Public libraries
• 15.4 Hairdressers

Kochi ( Malayalam : കൊച്ചി), formerly Cochin , is a cosmopolitan city in Kerala with a bustling commercial port. Kochi is the financial and commercial capital of Kerala and, with a population of more than 2.1 million (2011), the biggest conurbation in the state.

Districts [ edit ]

After rapid growth during the two last decades, Kochi is now one of the most densely populated urban areas in India. The city is an amalgamation of two towns, each with its unique identity.

Understand [ edit ]

A city born in storm, nurtured in rivalry and established as battling ground for European empires. This phrase is a good description of Kochi, which was formed as an ancient port city after the Great Floods of the Periyar River in 1341. With the partitioning of the Chera Kerala Empire in the 14th century, this region came under the control of a new dynasty, rivalled by other local feudal lords. With the advent of colonisation, Kochi became the first major battle ground of almost all colonial European powers.

History [ edit ]

Kochi merchants began trading in spices such as black pepper and cardamom with the Arabs, Dutch, Phoenicians, Portuguese and Chinese more than 600 years ago. This helped Kochi to prosper and to become the gateway to old India. It was from Kochi (then Cochin) that the colonisation of India started. Portugal was first to establish its base in Kochi, followed by the Dutch and British. The Anglo-Dutch treaty of 1814 compelled the Dutch to hand over Cochin to the British in exchange for Bangka Island in Indonesia. The British managed to establish their influence over Cochin, limiting their direct administration to a small enclave of Fort Cochin and British Ernakulam with their capital at Bolgatty Island. The rest of the Cochin Kingdom was administered by the Cochin Maharajas from their capital at Thripunithura. However, the real administration was done by Diwans (prime ministers), leaving the Maharajas to patronise culture, arts and focus heavily on the areas of public health and education.

The foundations of modern Cochin started when Sir Robert Bristow, a senior Royal Navy Engineer, felt the need for a modern large port after the opening of the Suez Canal. This resulted in the creation of the largest man-made island of the country, Willingdon Island, to house the new Cochin Port.

In the 1930s, the Cochin Maharaja joined the public outcry to form a common state of Malayalam-speaking people by merging with the Kingdom of Travancore and British Malabar. Maharaja Kerala Varma Raja was at the forefront of this agitation, and passed the Aykiakerala Resolution in the Cochin Parliament. In 1947, the Kingdom of Cochin and Travancore merged to form the Royal State of Travancore-Cochin. The Cochin Maharaja was amongst the first to advocate the state joining the newly formed Indian Union. Finally, in 1948, the state of Travancore-Cochin merged with India.

Since the formation of Kerala in 1957, Kochi has been the commercial capital of Kerala as well as the seat of the Kerala High Court. Since 2000, Kochi has revitalised its economy, with a focus on tourism, information technology and its port.

Culture [ edit ]

Kochi has a cosmopolitan culture, highly influenced by historical trading partners, Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, Chinese, and Japanese. Kochi is the seat of the Latin church of Kerala and has many Catholic churches and followers.

Kochi was traditionally a potpourri of various Indian and international communities. Syrian Christians started the first wave of immigration, followed by Jews between the 7th and 10th centuries. Arab merchants also made a strong settlement in Kochi. In the 15th century, Gujaratis settled in Kochi, especially on Mattancherry, where they played a strong role in spice trading and other areas.

Later, at the beginning of the colonial era, the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British all made their settlements in Kochi. The Portuguese had a strong influence in Fort Cochin.

In the early 1970s, Punjabis settled here, focusing their strong presence on the local automobile industry. Tamilians, Telugus and Kannadigas have all formed small settlements since the days of royalty. Kochi has a sizeable expatriate population mainly from the Middle East.

Being a city that has a tradition of various cultures being given equal respect, a high level of tolerance exists. Social modesty prevails, especially in villages and rural areas.

Climate [ edit ]

Kochi has a typical tropical climate. Daytime temperatures range between 30°C and 35°C and around 24°C at night. Kochi is one of the first places to experience the heavy monsoon showers, which start around mid-May. It thus experiences heavy rainfall between mid-May and the first week in September. Daytime temperatures during the monsoon fall to between 25°C and 30°C. From September to early February, the weather is fine, marked with cool winds and light showers. Summer starts in February. Although temperatures never reach 40°C, the high humidity can make summers uncomfortable. This continues until early May. Frequent showers cool down the harshness of summer.

When to visit [ edit ]

The peak visitor season is often from August to February with December being the busiest month when there are many festivals and special attractions along with the famous Cochin Carnival and Christmas celebrations. Onam season (mid Aug-mid Sep) is also a busy tourist season with a traditional line up of various festivities. Monsoon is being promoted heavily by the tourism department as a rejuvenation season which also slowly becoming a popular season to visit to experience the heavy rainfalls. However it is advisable to avoid March and April considering the harsh summer, and the Indian domestic tourist season.

Tourist information [ edit ]

Free information and city maps are available at state run Kerala Tourism Development Corp ( KTDC ) offices at:

• Airport Tourist Counter ( in Arrival hall of both terminals ), ☏ +91 484 2611308 , +91 484 2611309 .  
• Central Toll-Free Number , ☏ +1 800 4254747 .  
• City Tourist Information Centre ( Old Collectorate in Park Ave ), ☏ +91 484 2381743 .  
• Railway Tourist Office ( Ernakulam South Railway Station ), ☏ +91 484 2378723 .  
• Tourist Reception office ( Marine Drive from where KTDC city tours starts/ends ), ☏ +91 484 2353534 .  
• India Tourism , Willingdon Island , ☏ +91 484 2668352 .  
• District Tourist Promotion Council ( DTPC ), ☏ +91 484 2367334 , +91 484 2383988 . Providing information to tourists about other parts of Kochi District  

Get in [ edit ]

As the financial capital of Kerala, Kochi is well-connected by air, road, rail and ferry from others parts of India, and to some other international destinations.

By plane [ edit ]

The airport has a hotel with rooms for hourly or per-night stays for ₹750-2,000. The international terminal has reasonably priced international cuisine restaurants and a terrace garden lounge bar. There are cafes and snack kiosks in the waiting area. The Concourse has free Wi-Fi, a business centre, free public telephones for local calls and large televisions. Premium lounges are available for first and business class passengers. Visa on arrival is available for some nationalities. The Airport has a Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), for visa extensions, fee waivers and other visa-related issues.

The airport has a good 18-hole golf course nearby. Golfers can register at the Airport Golf counter and pay green fees to use the facility. There is a small recreational centre, a pool and a lounge/bar at the golf club.

There are five major airport hotels opposite the airport terminal that offer rooms on an hourly basis. There are also many budget hotels and restaurants near the terminal.

The domestic terminal has a good shopping arcade selling mainly Kerala-specific items. Food is expensive but there are cheaper options after security.

Transport options to the city centre include:

• Orange bus: KSRTC Orange Bus (locally called "Low Floor Buses") operates air-conditioned Volvo buses every 30-40 min to Kochi City via Aluva, Kalamassery, Vytilla, and terminating at Fort Cochin. Fares are ₹70 for the 1-hour-and-40-minute journey. To the airport, the Orange Bus leaves from the Fort Kochi bus area near the Chinese fishing nets at the following times: 7:25AM, 8AM, 9:45AM, 11:35AM, noon, 1:55PM, 3:30PM, 4PM and 6:05PM.
• By taxi: All taxis operated from Cochin Airport belong to the Cochin Airport Taxi Society (CATS) which is a pre-paid taxi service. While other taxis can drop-off passengers at the airport, only CATS taxis are allowed to pick up passengers at the airport. CATS charges government fixed rates and their process is simple. Take a receipt from the CATS counter in the arrivals hall and walk to the prepaid taxi stand to find your taxi. For airport/city transfers, the standard charge is ₹510 for non air-conditioned taxis or ₹650 for an air-con taxi, with an additional premium of 15-25% at night (7PM-6AM). It costs ₹250 for a trip to Aluva. CATS also operates limo services as well as customised packages available for full/half day trips.
• By rental car: Many car rental companies operate counters in the arrival area of both terminals. Many hotels and travel agents provide free pick-up/drop-off services in their cars.
• By train: The nearest railway stations are Aluva or Angamaly (15 km) where almost all major express and passengers trains to all over Kerala stop.
• By auto: Autos are not allowed to ply inside the airport, to protect the interests of CATS taxis. However, it's pretty easy to get an auto outside the airport premises, ideal for budget-conscious travellers. Auto ride from the airport to the nearest railway station at Angamaly or Aluva costs less than ₹50. Be prepared to bargain. Getting autos early in the morning and late at night is pretty difficult.
• By helicopter: Pawan Hans, in the departure gate of the domestic terminal, operates a wide range of helicopter services to almost all parts of city as well as state, which requires a prior booking. K-Air also operates air-taxi and private jets. Cochin Airport has its own helicopter services with support of Bharat Airways. Scheduled and chartered helicopter services to pilgrimage centres like Sabarimala , Guruvayoor and major cities like Thiruvananthapuram , Kozhikode are available.

By train [ edit ]

Kochi is well connected by train from all parts of India. Most Kerala-bound trains have a major stop here. There are two major rail terminals inside the city limits.

Some of the major trains that pass through these stations are:

Kochi has many suburban railway stations where long-distance trains stop, such as Aluva, Thripunithura and Angamaly. Book in advance, as trains are usually crowded. Reservations are available from 3 months in advance of the travel date. Depending upon the season and day bookings may close up to several days prior to departure with all remaining travellers going onto a waiting list. You can also try using Tatkal' which is an emergency booking system costing ₹150 above the normal rate. The Tatkal service is open for the day before the departure of the train, excluding the day of journey from the train originating station.

One of the best ways to get to Kochi is to take a Konkan Railway train from Mumbai . The train ride is renowned for the breathtaking scenery and the natural beauty of the terrain.

Outside Ernakulam Junction, there is a pre-paid taxi stand where you can stand in line for a receipt and take an auto-rickshaw to other parts of Kochi. The service fee is ₹1. This is recommended for getting a fair fare and no haggling or scams with the drivers. A pre-paid auto rickshaw to Fort Kochi cost ₹179 as of 2014.

By bus [ edit ]

Kochi is accessible from all southern parts of the country as well as other parts of the state, through the extensive state run Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services and services of neighbouring state transport corporations.

KSRTC operates 3 types of services; Super Fast (No Frills), Express (Standard non-A/C) and Garuda Hi-tech (Volvo premium). Karnataka State buses run daily services from Bangalore , Mysore and Mangalore with three types of services; the Rajahamsa (executive service and reclining seats), the Airavat (A/C service, with reclining semi-sleeper seats), and Ambaari (A/C sleeper service). Tamil Nadu SETC operates superfast and executive services to many destinations like Madurai , Ooty , Coimbatore , Tirunelveli , Salem and Tiruchirappalli . Most inter-state buses start and end their journey from KSRTC Central & Inter-state Bus Station (CBS), in the heart of the city at Rajaji Rd. To reduce congestion at CBS, some local KSRTC buses start/end their services at KSRTC Boat Jetty Stand in Park Avenue.

Apart from government services, numerous private bus companies operate scheduled services to almost all major cities in South India as well as Mumbai, Goa, etc. All these buses are executive or premium services offering air-conditioned travel with good facilities and higher prices to match. Several online bus booking sites exist like RedBus , KPN Travels , Customer Needz [dead link] , TicketGoose.com , Via.com and MyTicketBuddy.com [dead link] .

By car [ edit ]

Kochi is well connected by road from all parts of the state as well as other major cities. Three major national highways connect Kochi with other parts of country.

• NH 66 (old no: NH 17), the 7th longest highway in India, connects Kochi with Mumbai via most of major towns in Malabar , Mangalore , Goa .
• The heavily congested NH 544 (old name: NH 47) connects Thiruvananthapuram with Kochi and continues on to Coimbatore and Salem in Tamil Nadu via Palakkad and Thrissur.
• NH 49 connects Kochi with Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu which passes through Madurai via Munnar .

Kochi is well connected to other parts of state through various state highways.

By boat [ edit ]

Kochi can be reached by sea in yachts or the occasional cruise ship from Goa , Mumbai , Lakshadweep , Colombo and Male . Almost all leading international cruises on global voyages operate to Kochi from the US and Europe at Wellingdon Island Cruise Berth. Yachts can be anchored at Kochi International Marina or Yacht Club Marina. There is a direct ferry service between Kochi and Lakshadweep .

Get around [ edit ]

At peak hours, traffic moves at a snail's pace in Kochi, and air pollution is bad, despite being way better than smoggy Delhi . Limit your plans to three or four places in a day unless you have good knowledge of the geography or a trustworthy transport option.

Orientation [ edit ]

The main city arterial road is Mahatma Gandhi Road. Traveling inside the city at peak times (8-10AM, 1:30-2:30PM, 5:30-7PM) takes a lot of time, with frequent road blocks and traffic congestion. North and South over-bridges are two bottlenecks. Knowledge of side roads and crossroads is very useful to avoid traffic blocks.

Kochi has a typical Indian-style address system which is a bit confusing, as there is no sector or house numbering system. Most buildings have their own name which are commonly used along with the road name for the address, e.g. "Alappatt House, Diwans Road, Near Lakshmi Hospital, Kochi".

Some up-market areas have their own house-numbering system. Panampilly Nagar and Giri Nagar are divided into various zones and each house has its own zone number followed by a house number. Many residential areas have formed their own associations and established their own addressing system. In most of the residential colonies or areas, a map sign is found at the entrance. Fort Kochi has a more western-style numbering system, yet still locals use the nearby landmarks for addressing, rather than house numbers.

For communicating with taxi drivers, you must know the nearby landmarks.

Kochi has an excellent public bus network with four types of buses operated by marker|type=govt-run KSRTC and private operators. The most common option are privately operated Blue buses (also referred to as 'Line buses') which provide a cheap no-frills journey. Using these is not that difficult as many destination boards have English lettering and most bus conductors can provide assistance in basic English. Peak hours on weekdays can lead to overcrowded buses, particularly Route 1. marker|type=government-operated KSRTC offers no-frills city services Thiru-Kochi which also ply in same Red-Bus routes. Thiru-kochi buses can be distinguished from other buses with its blue-white livery. Most of Red and Thirukochi buses run primarily on the Big 4 Routes . These cover virtually all parts of the city. There are other feeder routes, which interconnect places between these Big 4 Routes. Vytilla-Vytilla circular services cover most of the city core. The minimum fare for all city buses is ₹8. The average waiting time is 1-10 min.

Apart from regular city services, KSRTC under JnNURM's funding operates 2 class of bus services which can be distinguished from other city buses with its distinctive livery and JnNURM logo.

For premium travel, low-floor air-conditioned Volvo services called Orange buses connect many important destinations. Rates are ₹10 for first 5 km, ₹2 for every km thereafter. Average waiting time is 10-30 min. These buses can stop anywhere on the route as per passenger's request. Route notices are available in English at each stop.

Green buses provide non air-conditioned low-floor service which links all suburbs to city centre. This is ideal for budget tourists as it connects to many faraway tourist attractions while maintaining excellent standards. The rates are ₹5 for first 5 km, 75p for every km thereafter. Only 3 lines are served, which will be increased soon. Like Orange Bus, these buses stop anywhere on the route as per passenger's request. Timetable for Orange/Green are available at the KSRTC site [dead link] .

All city bus services start at 6AM and end by 10PM. A certain number of seats are allocated for women in the forward portion of each bus, and men must vacate them when a woman wishes to sit there.

Different bus shelters/stops are used for bus plying different routes. The important bus stations in and around the city include:

• 10.108347 76.350815 4 Rajiv Gandhi Bus Station — A large bus station in Aluva , nearest to the airport and interchange for long-distance services.
• 9.939136 76.244883 5 Beach Road Bus Stand — The major terminus which is nearest to most tourist attractions.
• 10.018507 76.343868 6 Civil Station Bus Stand — A commercial and IT sector zone.
• 9.994109 76.291762 7 Kaloor Bus Stand — A major city bus station and interchange for long distance private buses.
• 9.978174 76.276981 8 Menaka Bus Stand — At the heart of Ernakulam shopping with Broadway market nearby.
• 9.968209 76.288066 9 South Girls High School Bus Stand — Nearest to South Railway station (ERS).
• 9.947639 76.292524 10 Thevara KURTC Bus Stand — Only for Low Floor Buses.
• 9.935337 76.262289 11 Thoppumpaddy bus stand — Major junction for Mattancherry

By metro [ edit ]

The Kochi Metro is the metro system serving the city. As of 2021, it consists of a single line of 22 stations, with more lines under construction. It runs in a U-shape between Aluva to SN Junction. Fares are based on distance and range from ₹10 to ₹60.

Some suburban areas are well-connected via regular passenger and long-distance express trains. The most used route is Ernakulam-Aluva. Almost all regular passenger, express and intercity trains have a stop at Aluva. Regular passenger trains have 1-minute stops at Edapally, Kumbalangi, Angamally and Aroor stations. Many long-distance trains operate between Thripunithura and Ernakulam Town station.

It is a good idea to take rail during busy peak-hours when buses are overcrowded. Equally good idea to take rail to Aluva from city centre which is the nearest point to the airport (12 km) from where a taxi or Orange Route A bus can taken to avoid city traffic congestion.

By auto-rickshaw [ edit ]

This is a cheap method of transport between attractions. You can find an auto stand at almost every bus stop and important places near junctions and residential areas. Make sure you agree on a fare with the driver before the journey. The government fixed rates starts at ₹30 for the first 1.25 km and ₹7 per km thereafter with a premium of 15% at night (7PM-6AM). Pre-paid auto stands are available only in railway stations. The apps Ola, Rapido and Uber are operating in Kochi, offering rides with auto rickshaws.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are convenient, comfortable, and safer than auto rickshaws. If you are alone or going to an unknown destination, this is a marker|type=good option, though the rates are double that of an auto. Unlike many countries, taxis are not usually marked with signs on the top and do not have meters inside the taxi.

Next to ride-hailing apps like Ola, Rapido and Uber, which are available for Kochi, there are two type of taxi services, regular and call taxis. Regular taxis are normally available at designated taxi stands at places such as railway stations, the airport, boat jetties, major bus stations and in front of important hotels.

There is no need to negotiate prices, as most of them follow fixed rates. Regular taxis have tariff cards displayed on the dashboard. Call taxis have charges fixed by their respective companies (although they are normally uniform). The standard tariffs are ₹50 for first 3 km, and ₹8 per km thereafter. Add 10% for a taxi with A/C, and 15-20% at night.

Many taxi companies offer full or half day services. Most of them are fixed on ad-hoc basis, based on the negotiating skills of the passenger. Typical rates are ₹1,100/1,500 for standard/AC taxis for a full day and ₹500/750 for a half day. These rates are not available after 7PM.

By private car [ edit ]

Driving in Kochi is not recommended as traffic is bad and drivers do not obey the road rules. There are long stretches of roads passing through heavily populated areas that have no median strips, and most of them are congested 2 lane roads. A few major roads like MG Rd, NH Bypass Rd and Marine Drive are two-lane dual carriageways with marker|type=good medians. The speed limit in the city is 30 km/h. Driving is on the left, and all foreign drivers need a valid International Driving Licence attested by the Road Transport Office (RTO). Driving outside the city limits is better with marker|type=good scenery and far less traffic. Most of the bridges and few roads carry toll charges collected at manned toll plazas or checkpoints. Almost all tolls are charged separately for one/two way; 2 wheelers- ₹3/5, 4 wheelers- ₹5/10 and bus/minivans - ₹15/25. Most tolls are valid for unlimited travel for 24 hours, though a few bridges allow only one-time travel.

Foreign guests will find renting cars for self-driving a difficult task, as many rental companies will not rent to foreigners. Normally a bank guarantee letter or security cheque/traveller's cheque to the value of the car or a passport are taken as security for renting the car. No security deposit is needed if the car is chauffeur-driven.

Most hotels with three stars or more provide private cars for their guests at rates slightly higher than elsewhere.

By ferry [ edit ]

Kochi has an excellent system of cheap (₹6 from Park Jetty in Ernakulam to Fort Kochi) inter-island ferries. The Ro-Ro (roll on-roll off) ferry service called Junkar between Fort Kochi and Vypeen is very popular, too. There are regular boat services operated by KSINC and other private operators, every 20-30 minutes, from Ernakulam to Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, Vypeen and Willingdon Island which are cheaper and in many cases faster, than buses. All services operate from 4:40AM-6:30PM with an exception to Park Jetty-Fort Kochi service until 9:30PM and Fort Kochi-Vypin Junkar service from 4AM-10:30PM.

The major boat jetties are

• 9.984461 76.272588 13 Ernakulam Main Jetty
• 9.972627 76.278407 14 Park Jetty
• 9.970039 76.262209 15 Customs Embarkation Jetty
• 9.969012 76.25193 16 Fort Kochi Jetty

Do take a look at the map provided, as some ferries do not stop at all stops along the way. A few tourist-oriented private ferries service non-scheduled routes during tourist seasons connecting mainly to Kumbalangi Tourist village from Ernakulam Main Jetty as well as from Aroor.

Main boat times:

• Fort Kochi to Ernakulam . 4:40-21:30 . 30 services per day ₹6 . ( updated Jan 2022 )
• Fort Kochi to Willingdon Island . ₹6 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• Mattancherry to Ernakulam via Fort Kochi . 6:00-21:10 . Duration 20 min ₹10 . ( updated Mar 2021 )
• Vypeen to Ernakulam via Willingdon Island . 7:00-21:30 . Every 30 min ₹9 . ( updated Mar 2021 )
• Ernakulam Main Jetty to Varapuzha . 6 per day, 1 hr duration, 7:40AM-6:45PM
• Ernakulam (High Court Jerry) to Bolghatty . 10-minute ride.
• Fort Cochin - Vypeen . 6:30AM-9PM. Duration 10 min, every 10 min.

By water metro [ edit ]

In addition to ferries, water metros are also an option in Kochi, the first of its kind in India. Water metros are like ferries but the compartments are like a typical metro train, with air-conditioning. As of 2023, there are only two routes:

• Vypin–High Court
• Kakkanad–Vyttila

A ride in a water metro can also be a way to see beautiful views of Kochi while travelling through the backwaters.

On foot [ edit ]

Kochi is traditionally not a pedestrian-friendly city considering the humid tropical climate, poor pedestrian walkways and reckless traffic. So it might be better to avoid too much walking in the busy city-centre area. Fort Kochi is one of the better places to walk, with elaborate colonial-style stone pavements.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Fort Kochi is a perfect place for cycling with dedicated tracks and walkways. However, there are no separate bike paths on roads on the mainland. Take extra care while biking in Kochi roads as road users can be reckless. Bike hire shops are easy to find in touristy areas.

• Vasco Information Centre , Fort Kochi , ☏ +91 484 2216215 . A popular option, which rents cycles for ₹7 on hourly basis.  

See [ edit ]

Do [ edit ]

Festivals [ edit ].

• Chendamangalam Matta Chanda (2 days prior to Vishu Festival) near Chendamangalam Fort, is the only official barter market in the world, as reminiscent of olden market style. The recorded history of this market is nearly 300 years old, where traditional & heritage items are sold in exchange of modern items of equal value. Matta Chanda is today a tourism attraction and a traditional ritual rather than serious shopping, hence only traditional Kerala specialties can be brought in exchange of modern and regular items like branded soaps, perfumes, clothes, hair accessories, electronic components, batteries, medicines, as agreed mutually buyer and seller.
• Cochin Carnival (Dec 20-Jan 2) is the biggest carnival festival in the city. Started in 1582 as part of Portuguese New Year's celebrations. A wonderful array of colourful rallies, fancy dress parades, regular competitions, bike races, beach games, sports, theme festivals, concerts and dances, fireworks and most important, the night beach parties, make it one of the largest celebrations in India. The New Year's Eve party is the highlight of this festival, when a large parade carrying a huge statute of Papanai (a Santa Claus-like image) is taken to the beach, where it is set on fire on the stroke of midnight. This is followed by a grand party. The carnival ends with the Grand Parade on the afternoon of January 1st.
• Fireworks Festival of Maradu Kottaram Devi Temple (mid March - mid April) hosts India's second largest fireworks as part of their temple festival finale. Takes place in the festival grounds of Maradu with mega fireworks display lasting for 1½ hours for last two days.
• Onam Festival (ten day festival mid-August to mid-September) is the state festival of Kerala originating in Kochi. It is based on the legend of welcoming the mythical King Mahabali whose capital was believed to be at the current site of Thrikakkara Temple. The ten day festivities start off with an parade on Atham day called Athachamayam. It is held in Thripunithura starting from the Atham Grounds and has many tableaux, dance parades, cultural art forms ending at Thrikakkara Temple.
• Shiva Temple Festival (first week of January) takes place at the Shiva Temple and Durbar Hall Ground, famous for its ten elephant parade and host of cultural activities. The last day of the festival, Pakalpooram, is famous for its traditional Kerala percussion ensemble, a huge display of fireworks and a 21-gun salute by the Indian Navy and Kerala Police.
• Thripunithura Vrischikolsavam (mid November - mid December) at Thripunithura Poornathrayeesa Temple is a grand temple festival in Kerala, one of the biggest after Thrissur Pooram. This was once the royal festival of the Kochi Kingdom. The cultural attractions draw huge crowds with regular performances of Kathakali.

Sports [ edit ]

Kochi has some good sporting facilities. Football is the official game here and is regularly played by locals in open areas. Cricket is extremely popular and regularly played by youngsters.

• Beach Sports . Fort Kochi beach and Cherai beaches are very popular among locals for playing beach volleyball. Try a tough game of beach-football which is very popular here. Water-ski and biking is also popular in Fort Kochi beaches.
• Cricket pitches , Palace Oval Grounds in Tripunithara is the most popular large open cricket pitch where the Kochi Royals used to play their favourite past-time. Apart from this, there are new large pitches in Parade grounds of Fort Kochi and in Kadavanthara (near GCDA Nagar).
• Football pitches . There is a large football pitch at Parade Grounds in Fort Cochin, where locals play regularly in evening and you will likely be welcome to join in. Likewise at Maharaja's Football and Cricket pitches near College Ground in MG Road, Ambedkar City Stadium near KSRTC Bus station in Rajaji Rd and at the Marine Drive ground.
• Maharaja's Stadium Grounds , at KPCC Jn in MG Road has large athletic grounds, a state-of-art synthetic track popular among athletic enthusiasts.
• Water Sports is popular in Kochi, particularly in Fort Kochi beach and Cherai beach where water skis/jets and water scooters are available. Cochin Marina in Bolgatty Island, Yacht club in Thevara and Ramada Resort in Panagad operate a wide range of water sports games. Para-gilding is not allowed due to proximity of several strategic military installations.

Boating [ edit ]

• Boating on the Kochi backwaters ( at Marine Drive ). Get the real feel of the Vembanad Lake through boating. There are many cruises offered by many private players as well as the Kerala State Inland Shipping Corp. Sunset cruises are popular. Many guesthouses offer the trip and in the centre you can arrange it by yourself as well. Speedboats also ply on the backwaters. Some premium hotels in Willingdon Island and Fort Kochi offer motorised watersports for its guests. Daily backwater tours can be organised directly through the state tourism office at Ernakulam Park Jetty. They cost ₹650 per person and must be booked at least the day before. The tour includes a stop at local small industry and food sites. ( updated Jun 2017 )

Performing arts [ edit ]

There are many performing arts complexes across the city, offering a good experience of various art-forms and culture. Kochi has the largest number of regular evening Kathakali theaters, offering the best insight into this traditional dance-drama art-form of Kerala. Apart from Kathakali, many other events are regularly performed in Kochi.

Buy [ edit ]

Day-shopping is more popular than night-shopping. All shopping outlets close by 8PM. During festive seasons, late night shopping (11PM-3:30AM) are organised to reduce day-time shopping congestion.

The Onam Festival (mid-Aug to Sep) is one of the best shopping seasons, when you get heavy discounts ranging between 10-50% for almost all items as well as regular consumer fairs. Christmas is the next best season. The Kerala Government has started the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (15 Dec–30 Jan), to promote Kerala as a shopping destination. Kochi is the main focal centre of this festival and you get heavy discounts at participating stores and regular lucky draws.

Markets [ edit ]

The narrow strip sandwiched between Marine Drive and MG Road houses the celebrated Broadway Market , one of the Kochi's oldest shopping corners where you can buy anything from safety pins to motor scooters. Also try Mattanchery Old Spice Market , one of the oldest spice markets in the country.

Antiques/art works [ edit ]

Jew town in Fort Kochi has numerous antique and craft stores. Most of the antique shops sell colonial era and heritage pieces, as well as Jewish items from the traditional Jewish homes of the area. You can also find many kinds of Indian sculptures, decor, interior artifacts and souvenirs. Bargains are available but be warned that many 'antiques' were probably made in the owners backyard. Shop with care and bargain hard. Never trust touts, who get hefty commissions from unscrupulous antique dealers.

Try state-run emporiums that offer high quality certified antiques and artworks. However, they offer no bargain or discount. Check at Kerala's state emporium showrooms, Kairali & Surabhi and Karnataka's Kaveri, all on MG Road.

Shopping malls [ edit ]

Large western-style shopping malls opened up in the last decade. Six are functional. Apart from malls, there are numerous shopping complexes in Kochi (large complex having many shops close to each other, selling mostly only one type of product).

Apparel and fabric [ edit ]

Kochi has many famous designer boutiques, mostly in Convent Junction between MG Road and Marine Drive. Panampally Nagar also houses premium exclusive designer boutiques. MG Road, the arterial road, is lined with many premium brand stores, leading apparel shops and boutiques. Cloth bazaar in Broadway Market is one of the largest apparel market selling unbranded fabrics and apparels at lower rates.

Jewellery [ edit ]

Kochi is famous for gold, silver, diamond and platinum jewellery. Most jewellers are concentrated at Jewel Junction ( Woodland Junction ), MG Road near Hotel Woodlands. Normal gold purity in India is 22 carat. 24-carat gold ornaments ( thankam ) are not so popular but are available. Lightweight collections in 18-carat gold have become popular among youngsters and teenagers.

Cosmetics [ edit ]

For cosmetics and women's accessories, Convent Junction is the haven for the fairer sex. Many international cosmetics and personal care brands can be bought at prices lower than in western countries.

• Alphonsa Cosmetics Collections , ☏ +91 484 2366676 . Convent Junction. A good collection of all international and national cosmetics brands.  
• The Body Shop , Lulu Mall .  
• Goodwill Collections , ☏ +91 484 2380142 . TKM Park, Convent Junction. One of the largest cosmetic store with collections of jewellery and bags.  
• Le Mars , Civil Lanes, Palarivattom , ☏ +91 484 2339142 , +91 484 2339152 , +91 484 2339162 . A popular multi-brand women's store.  

Electronics [ edit ]

You can buy electronic gadgets at comparatively lower rates than most other regions in India. For the latest technology, Kochi hosts many large consumer electronics fairs and every new technology gadget gets into stores very fast. The Electronics Street (opposite Medical Trust Hospital in Pallimukku) and Kadavanthara are the prefect place to buy most of electronics gadegets. Penta Menaka and GCDA Mall are famous for mobile phones. Atlantis Junction and Ravipuram are well known for various computer/laptop hardware shopping.

• Canon Image Square , Lulu mall .  
• Currents , Centre Square . Apple's premium reseller  
• Imagine , Lulu Mall . The first Apple premium reseller in Kerala  
• Lulu Connect , Lulu Mall . A perfect place for gaming consoles, tablets, smartphones and other appliances.  
• QRS , Edapally, near Ravipuram . A store for electronic appliances.  
• Reliance Digital , M G Road . A showroom for all sorts of electronic gadgets.  
• Samsung , Ravipuram, Lulu Mall .  
• Sony Center , Ravipuram .  
• Sony Vaio , Lulu mall .  

Supermarkets [ edit ]

Food shopping is mainly done at supermarkets and bakeries. Bakeries normally sell bread and branded food products, while most supermarkets sell household provisions and packaged food items.

• KR Bakes , Anns Bakery , Bake My Days , Breadworld and Best Bakery are the most popular local bakery chains, with many locations.
• Lulu Hypermarket , Lulu Mall . The largest hypermarket in Kochi, it has all sorts of groceries and household objects. Over 20 billing counters.  
• Reliance has many branches in Kochi, in 2 formats, Fresh (offers a wide range of fresh vegetables and fruits with limited other grocery items), Super (large supermarket, offering groceries and vegetables/fruits). Reliance is a pure vegetarian supermarket chain but outside the supermarket, they operate a small store called DeLite that offers non-vegetarian items, including fresh meat.
• Mitra , Food Bazaar , Big Bazaar Express , Nine-Ten , WellMart and Triveni are other popular supermarkets.
• Supplyco (Govt run), operates an extensive chain of small stores branded Maveli and regular supermarkets branded as Supplyco throughout the city. They also have a medical pharmacy attached to the supermarkets, offering English medicines at a 30% discount.

Banks, ATMs and changing money [ edit ]

Almost all national banks operate in Kochi and most have branches in MG Road, as do a few international banks such as HSBC, Citibank, Standard Chartered and Oman Bank. ATMs are uniformly spread across the city and most major shopping places have an adjacent ATM.

Most of the nationalised banks are authorised to carry out Forex activities. Western Union and Moneygram have many franchises in the city.

• American Express Foreign Exchange Services Pvt Ltd , 39/1728, Tharakan House, MG Rd. , ☏ +91 484 2375839 .  
• Muthoot Exchange Co (P) Ltd , ☏ +91 484 2395345 . G.F.13, Muthoot Chambers, Kurian Towers, Opp. Saritha Theatre, Banerji Rd.  
• Pheroze Framroze & Co (P) Ltd , ☏ +91 484 2367943 . Behind Woodland Hotel, Layam Rd.  
• Thomas Cook (India) Ltd , ☏ +91 484 2369729 . Palai Towers, 1st Floor, Right Wing, M G Rd.  
• UAE Exchange , ☏ +91 484 2360037 . Opp Maharaja's College Ground, M G Rd.  
• Wall Street Finance Ltd , ☏ +91 485 2372149 . G 42, Pioneer Tower, Marine Drive.  

Eat [ edit ]

Cuisine [ edit ].

For the past 600 years, Kochi has catered to many visitors from around the world including Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, French, English, Dutch, Russians and Japanese. This has made the city a melting pot of various cultures, and this diversity is evident in the cuisine.

Being a coastal city, plenty of fresh seafood is the local speciality. With the backwaters, freshwater fish is also popular here. Prawns, squids and shrimps are easily available and cooked in many styles. The most famous of Kochi's specialty dishes is Meen Molagitta Curry (smoked freshwater fish with chilly and coconut milk). The English popularised smoked fish with steamed bread and mashed potatoes. One of Kochi's traditional vegetarian specialties is Kurukku Kalan (a thick yogurt curry with toasted banana and hot rice). Packed Kurukku Kalan as well as Palada (a sweet dessert with rice flakes and milk) are sold in many supermarkets and food stalls, especially during festive times.

At Fort Kochi beach you can buy fresh fish and have it cooked at the nearby food stalls. Fishmongers will sell you a kilo of tiger prawns for around ₹300 and a kilo of squid for around ₹250. Food stalls will charge you ₹40-50 per person to cook your fish (grilled, curry, whatever) and provide you with a serve of chips and salad. Conditions are reasonably hygienic.

Fried fish , Fish molly (a coconut milk sauce based curry almost like stew), Alleppey fish curry (traditional curry with tomato sauce and fish tamarind) and Fish Peera (chunks of fish toasted with grated coconuts with fish tamarind sauce), Varatharacha Kozhi curry (semi-fried chicken toasted with coconut and chilly) are the favorites, usually taken with rice or steamed tapioca (cassava). Also worth trying are the traditional rice based breakfast snacks, puttu and kadala, appam and stew.

Eateries and restaurants [ edit ]

Kochi has a variety of cheap restaurants all over the city. A full meal should cost less than ₹50.

Thattukadas are streetside food hawkers, where you can get hot, fresh-cooked delicious food, costing a maximum of ₹50 for a good filling meal. Most offer set meal combinations served from portable cooking trolleys with a few benches or chairs nearby. The most famous delicacies are stuffed or plain thattu dosas (thick dosas almost like pizza bread), hot Kerala porottas (flat bread of milled wheat), Kerala roast beef with chapatti and kanji (rice porridge). The main concern is the lack of hygiene and constant reuse of oil for frying.

Kochi has some home-grown fast food chains: KR Hot Chicken, 61 Pai Dosas, Luciya's Food Court, Potpurri, The Oven, Krispy Chicken, Arabian Treat, Papa Milano's and Breadworld Broasted Chicken have a presence in most parts of town. Foreign franchises such as KFC, Chicking, Noodle Kings, McDonalds, Burger KIng, US Pizzas, Marrybrown, Pizza Hut and Domino's also have a presence here.

Indian [ edit ]

• Aruvi Restaurant , Tea, coffee etc. are not available. Instead "Jappi" an ayurvedic herbal drink is offered. Aruvi is on I. S. Press Road (9496044519), Kacherippady (9496044519), and Chambakkara at Vyttiila (9496044517).
• Arya Nivas , Chitoor Rd ( opposite South Bus Stand ). A chain of vegetarian restaurants run by Tamilians, famous for typical south Indian foods.  
• Hotel Thali ( opposite Little Flower Church, near Kadavanthra ). Very good Kerala style cuisine.  
• Hotel Unnikrishnan , Pallimukku ( opposite Medical Trust Hospital ). Famous for Kerala style fish fries and set meals.  
• Indraprastha Gujarati Food Court , MG Rd ( Ground floor, DD Food Court, near Shenoy's Theatre ). Famous for its unlimited North Indian thalis and various sweets. A full plate thali with five dishes, Roti and rice costs ₹50.  
• 9.962741 76.254745 1 Kayees Rahamatulla Cafe , Mattanchery .  
• 9.967849 76.283252 2 Kayees Hotel , Durbar Hall Road ( opp. Darbar Ground ).  
• Krishna Kripa Seafood Restaurant , Fort Kochi ( opposite SantaCruz Basilica Church ). Good Kerala-style food, low prices and a great location.  
• Mughal Restaurant , South Railway Station Rd . Has a good range of north Indian foods and a good juice bar.  
• 9.957844 76.254832 3 Sree Krishna Cafe , Gujarathi St, Mattancherry . Gujarati restaurant famous for its cutlets and battoora and vegetarian curries.  

Other [ edit ]

There are many street side Arabic restaurants offering shawarma and grilled chicken. Popular options are Real Arabia , Arabia Dreams and Grill Arabia , which are dotted all over the city. Most supermarkets and bakeries have a Shawarma Corner outside, which is a cheap, yet filling sandwich. most budget Arabic restaurants are open from 5PM-midnight.

• Royal Food Court ( Near North Railway Station ). Good food with Arabic-Lebanese delicacies around the clock.  
• Street Menu ( Opposite SBT Bank, Padma Junction, MG Rd ). Offers a lot of grilled options at low prices.  

Mid-range [ edit ]

Most of the restaurants in Kochi are mid-range and there are lots of them.

• Banana Leaf , Jos Junction, MG Rd ( near Jos Collections ), ☏ +91 484 4022334 . noon-3PM . Good traditional Kerala food with non veg and veg options. ₹60 .  
• Delhi Durbar , Pallimukku, MG Rd . A good, small North Indian restaurant.  
• 9.968857 76.249834 4 Fort House Restaurant and Hotel , 2/6A Calvathy Rd ( next to Coast Guard ), ☏ +91 484 2217103 . At the water front offering good Kerala food and great views.  
• 9.970612 76.285331 5 The Grand Pavilion , Grand Hotel, Jewel Junction, MG Rd . Popular especially during evenings for its seafood, particularly karimeen pollichathu (smoked pearlspot fish) and alleppey fish curry.  
• Kadaloram , Abad Plaza . Good typical Kerala buffet at about ₹300 per head.  
• Khyber Pass , First floor, Bimbis Restaurants, Jos Junction, MG Rd . A North Indian/Afghan food outlet with a wide range of tikkas and kebabs.  
• Mirch Masalas , TD Rd ( near to Temple ). Vegetarian Punjabi restaurant with good ambiance.  
• 9.978139 76.277207 6 Ojeen , By-lane after SBT towards Broadway, Marine Dr ( From High Court junction, proceed toward SBT along Shanmugham Road. Right after SBT, on the left, there's a by-lane leading to Broadway. ), ☏ +91 484 3121591 . 11AM-7PM . Variety of snacks from the Malabar region, juices and milk shakes. Ojeen is probably the only place in Kochi for the delectable, meat-rich Malabar snacks. ₹100 .  
• Raju dhaba , Falcon truck terminal, Kalamassery . 11AM-11PM . Authentic north Indian dhaba food. ₹100 .  
• Shala , 1/605 Peter Celli St, Fort Kochi , ☏ +91 484 2216036 . Started by the same people who run the Kashi Art Cafe, Shala serves delicious Keralan food. The menu which changes daily. The owner, Anoop, hires local housewives to cook their local specialties. The restaurant is in a beautiful and tastefully restored historical building.  
• Sharma's Restaurant , Broadway, Marine Dr ( Just behind Penta Menaka ). Good North Indian food at low prices.  
• 9.970158 76.286896 7 Woodland Junction , SRV Road .  
• 9.966948 76.28625 8 Opp. Avenue Regent, South area, MG Rd .  
• Chinese Garden , Dwaraka Junction, MG Rd and Kadavanthara, SA Rd . A good restaurant, serving lots of Indianised Chinese dishes.  
• Chiyang Restaurant , Madhava Pharmacy Junction, Banerji Road ( adjacent to PNVM hospital, opposite erstwhile Oman International Bank ). One of the oldest Chinese restaurants.  
• 14Avenue Restaurant , 14 Cross Rd, Main Avenue, Panampilly Nagar . Italian and continental cuisines, including lasagna, pies, pastas and steaks.  
• South Star , Bimbis Menaka ( near Penta Menaka, Marine Drive ). Well maintained, nice interiors. Food styles from North Indian, South Indian, Chinese and Arabic and a wide range of Biriyanis.  
• Thai BBQ House , Kunnumpuram Road, Njaliparambu Junction, Fort Kochi . Thai cuisine, with grilled squid tempuras and coconut prawns.  
• Upstairs Italian , K.B. Jacob Rd, Fort Kochi ( opposite Santa Cruz Basilica ). Run by an Italian family, classic traditional Italian cuisines.  

Splurge [ edit ]

Most of the upscale restaurants are in hotels with 3 stars or more.

• BTH Kempa , BTH Hotel, BTH Junction, Durbar Hall Rd . A classic hotel which dates back at least 100 years. Its restaurant, Kempa, is popular among high-end vegetarian travellers. Serves North Indian, South Indian and Kannadiga-Udupi dishes.  
• Chillis Andhra , Layam Rd . Very tasty, as well as fiery food, particularly the chicken options. Few vegetarian options.  
• Hotel Dwaraka , Dwaraka Junction, MG Rd . It was the first star hotel in Kochi and it remains a popular option for Indian vegetarian food.  
• Ila , Marine Dr ( near Hakkoba Lodge ). 11AM-11PM . Tasty Travancore food, with both Southern Travancore veg options and Central Travancore Syrian Christian non veg specialities.  
• Lily Grace Seafood Restaurant , Post box 22, River Rd., Fort Kochi ( near Hotel Killians - Fort Kochi Vypeen Ferry Terminal ), ☏ +91 484 2217245 , [email protected] . 7AM-11PM . Freshly caught seafood from Kerala.  
• Sreekrishna Inn , Warriam Rd, Durbar Hall Rd . This restaurant is famous for its classic look and theme, and offers a large range of Indian vegetarian dishes. The dosas are most famous, along with its elaborate thalis.  
• S36 , Mills St, Foreshore Rd ( within Bat&Ball Inn ), ☏ +91 484 645 9495 . 11AM-11PM . Traditional North Indian cuisine, particularly Mughal specialty foods.  
• Tandoor ( Clay Oven ), Layam Rd ( near Hotel Woodlands, Woodland Junction, MG Rd ). 11AM-11PM . Tasty North Indian, particularly Punjabi, food. The Kadai chicken and ginger chicken is truly world class, and no other place in Kochi can offer their unique taste. The peas masala is also really superb. Their trademarks are romali roti and stuffed bread options. A full Kadai chicken serves at least 4-5 people. Caution, it is very spicy.  
• Arctic Circle ( next to Hokkoba Lodge, Marine Drive, near to Coffee Beanz ). 11AM-11PM . Steak, more than 14 sizzlers, such as an American styled sizzler with Texas mashed potatoes with mushroom sauce. 20 European dishes, along with a few continental salads.  
• Ayela & Keshai ( Part of Dreams Hotel ), near Elamkulam Lake, SA Rd . A very good seafood restaurant with four theme courts, Kochi, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese. It has a fresh seafood selection court, with the fish cooked in front of the guests. A multi-cuisine restaurant also operates at the site.  
• Conucopia , Mills St, Foreshore Rd , ☏ +91 484 6459495 . 11AM-11PM . A cricket theme restaurant, operating inside Bat&Ball Inn, this restaurant is famous for its wide selection of Continental, Greek, Mediterranean cuisines.  
• Golden Dragon , Mercy Estate, Atlantis Junction, Ravipuram side of MG Rd . 11AM-11PM . A pure Chinese restaurant without any Indianisation. Serves alcohol.  
• Hon. East India Company , Hotel Travancore Palace, Warriam Rd, Durbar Hall Rd . 11AM-11PM . A historical themed restaurant operating within the four star Travancore Palace Hotel. Famous for its classic paintings and heritage photo galleries as well as its food. The evening buffet is one of the largest in town, offering the best of English, Kerala and North Indian cuisine.  
• Lokah World Cuisines , NH Bypass Rd, Vytilla ( near Mithra Supermarket ), ☏ +91 484 4033220 , +91 484 4033221 . 11AM-11PM . Offers nine international cuisines from an American Wild West theme to Vietnamese sea-food, Italian pastas and Arabic grills. This restaurant has a family hall, a smoking lounge, a street food area and French cafe along with bakery. Free wifi for guests.  
• Itty's Place , G31, Panampally Nagar ( near Hotel Centre ), ☏ +91 94 4657 5551 . 11AM-11PM . Itty's place is an eco-friendly restaurant made completely with bamboo, coir and wood having 3 sit-down options. Favourite Italy offers traditional Italian pizzas, pastas and subs.  
• Ming's Wok ( Opp.Bank of Baroda Near Malayala Manorama Panampilly Nagar Cochin ), ☏ +91 484 231355 . 11:30AM-11PM . Authentic Chinese cuisine prepared by professional chefs, using quality ingredients.  
• Spice Route , Level 4, Oberon Mall, NH Bypass Rd, Palarivattom , ☏ +91 484 4000040 . 11AM-11PM . Themed around historical spice route with focus on traditional Persian foods.  
• Somewhere Else ( near Muscat Tower (Sony and Vileno Showroom), near Kadavanthara Junction ), ☏ +91 484 2313339 . 11AM-11PM . It has a cafe and restaurant. The cafe serves a wide range of coffees and mocktails, whereas the restaurant has sizzlers, steaks, grilled wraps, burgers and desserts. Also offers some good biriyanis and Indianised European options. Free wifi for guests.  
• 24 Carat , 3rd floor, Gold Souke Mall, Vytilla . 11AM-11PM . A popular upscale multi-cuisine restaurant, themed around weddings, it is ideal for candle-light romantic dinners and high power lunches.  

Drink [ edit ]

Keralites are well known for their drinking habit. Finding bars or pubs is not difficult in Kochi. For those who do not drink alcohol there are lots of excellent local options.

• Fresh toddy ( kallu ) is an alcoholic brew from the coconut tree. Be careful as adulteration is very common. Your best bet is to get it from a local who has given over his coconut trees for extraction. Mullapanthal Kallushap near Thripunithura is a certified Kallu brew shop.
• Karikku /ilaneer (tender coconut), could be found at many hawker stalls, especially in Marine Drive.
• Sambhaaram (buttermilk) , is especially popular on hot summer days when it is even distributed freely by some clubs.
• Shakes , such has Sharjah Shake are good cool down options and there are numerous cool-bars and juice stalls across the city.
• Sarbath (sharbat) is a popular sweet drink which can be of various varieties. Soda lime, lime water, fresh lime, etc. are other common thirst quenchers available everywhere.

Bars [ edit ]

Finding a bar or pub is not difficult. Most of the budget oriented bars are near the railway stations and in Kaloor and Edappally. Mid-market and high end bars are all over. There are many beer and wine bars catering for foreign tourists at Fort Kochi. As elsewhere in Kerala, all bars and pubs have to close every first and second day of the month as well as on all state holidays . These are known as dry days. All bars have to close by midnight.

You can buy almost any brand of liquor from state-run Beverages Co stores, which have an extensive network of in Kochi, selling at competitive rates. Expect long queues, especially on the eve of dry days.

• Central Park Bar , Kaloor-Kadavanthara Rd . A posh well maintained bar having a designer lounge.  
• Nasha , at the Metropolitan Hotel bar, South Railway station . A well maintained good lounge bar, ideal for families and visitor. Offers a wide range of drinks offering at moderate prices. Very famous for its signature Kerala dishes as short eats.  
• Oberoi Bar , MG Rd . A good small bar dominated by men.  
• Polakkulattu Sliverspoon Bar , Jewek MG Rd . A good, well maintained bar with branches in Palarivattom near Metlife, and in SA Rd at Janatha Junction.  
• Silca Bar , Hotel Mercy, Ravipuram area, MG Rd , ☏ +91 484 2367372 . A lovely, upscale bar lounge popular with businessmen and upscale visitors. Famous for its signature dishes and cocktails.  
• Velocity , Banerjee Rd . A seedy bar with a wide range of liquors and beer. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• XL Fishnet Bar , Rose St, Fort Cochin . until about 10:30PM . The bar fills up each day with tourists looking for a beer in Fort Cochin. There is nothing cosy about the place and the staff are quite lazy. It can be a nice spot to meet other travellers, since everyone has one thing in common: drinking beer. There is a busy restaurant downstairs that also serves beer (more pricey) and may be preferred by solo women. ₹125 for a Kingfisher beer .  

Nightlife DJ parties & pubs [ edit ]

The nightlife is mostly very limited compared to big cities. There are lots of bars available but the city is very conservative compared to big metros.

• ÁVA lounge , Dreams Hotel, SA Rd . A lounge cum disco bar, ideal for families. Good music, a large dance floor and wide range of cocktails.
• Champs Sports Lounge , Gokulam Park, Kaloor . Has a good sports gallery, cricket-themed interiors, 2 gigantic screens for regular broadcast of cricket or football matches, signature cocktails and snacks.
• Couchyn , The Grand Hotel, Woodlands Junction, MG Rd . A traditional English styled lounge bar with great music and a wide variety of cocktails.
• Glow&Corktales , ☏ +91 484 409 0000 . Atlantis Junction-MG Rd. Dance floor and large lounge bar. It has night parties from Thursday to Sunday with various themes and age groups.  
• Opium the Club , ☏ +91 93 8825 6882 . Palarivattom Jn, Palarivattom Jn., A posh upscale dance floor and large discotheque, it has various events from Tuesday to Sunday, each in various themes. (Closed on dry days)  
• Loungevity , Hotel Avenue Regent, MG Rd . House an in-house DJ and the latest in electronic dance music. One of the coolest places for families.
• Tandav Discos , ( Le Meridien ), Maradu . Famous for its weekend all night parties and grand balls.

Coffee shops [ edit ]

There are many coffee shops around the city.

• Amaara Maradu , Petta-Maradu Rd, Tripunithara ( near Gandhi Square ), ☏ +91 484 2706922 , [email protected] . 10AM-9PM . A unique heritage hangout set in a 200-year-old Mangayil house. Serves authentic Kerala coffee and popular varieties of dosas. Regular cultural performances, cooking class, ethnic handicrafts class are some of the popular activities there. The cafe also houses a large library for reading as well as venue of regular book exhibitions.  
• Barista ( Bay Pride Mall, Marine Drive ). 10AM-10:30PM . The place to cool down with coffee after a walk at Marine Drive. Not cheap though.  
• BTH Coffee Shop ( Nr North Railway Station; International Stadium-Kaloor ). 9AM-10:30PM . A moderate priced coffee shop, famous for its traditional Kerala snacks and savouries along with dosas and idilies.  
• Cafe Cochin Lavazza ( G-360, Panampally Nagar ), ☏ +91 484 3114816 . 9AM-10:30PM . The only direct Lavazza coffee outlet in South India.  
• Cafe Coffee Day ( Shenoys Jn, MG R; Oberon Mall; Pallimukku, MG Rd ). 10AM-9:30PM . A popular national chain, which is a standard coffee hangout with western style eateries and a wide range of coffee. ₹100 for coffee .  
• Cafe Persia ( TD Rd, near Banerjee Rd ). 9AM-10:30PM . A unique Arabic themed cafe, famous for Sheeshas/Hookah smoking and an excellent range of Arabic coffee and tea, along with snacks.  
• Kashi Art Café , Fort Cochin, Burgher St ( parallel to Princess St ), ☏ +91 484 2215769 , [email protected] . 8:30AM-10PM . Serves great iced coffee, fresh lunches, and a variety of sandwiches and tasty cakes.  
• Teapot ( Peter Celli St, Fort Cochin ). 10AM-10:30PM . A unique cafe which serves a variety of teas, particularly 6 unique Indian flavours. It also has good traditional English snacks.  

Ice cream parlours [ edit ]

There are numerous cool-bars and juice stalls that sell branded and custom made ice-cream dotted all over the city. There are also a few specialist ice cream parlours.

• Caravan Softies , Caravan Complex, Marine Drive and Opposite Shenoys Cineplex. One of the most traditional ice-cream parlours famous for many in-house varieties.
• Horter Place de Glance , Jawahar Nagar Colony and Opp. Durbar Hall grounds. A premium ice-cream outlet selling the Uncle John brand. It has 29 ice-cream flavours and 18 ice-cream varieties with many toppings including sauces, creams, fruits and nuts.
• Kwality Walls , Foodcourt-Abad Bay Pride Mall Marive Drive. A local favourite.
• Merriboys Ice-cream Cafe , Food Circle, Oberon Mall. Famous for its original milk ice-creams and innovative fruit sundaes.

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ]

• Viththaga Hotels , Banerji Road. Opp. Sani Rest. , ☏ +91 484 2363527 , +91 484 2364040 , +91 484 2364070 . ₹350 . ( updated Apr 2015 )
• Hotel City Tower , Near Reserve Bank . 1,200 . ( updated Apr 2015 )
• PRB Residency , PRB Residency, 32/25005a., PJ Antony Road, Palaarivattom Jn , ☏ +91 484 2337011 . 600 . ( updated Apr 2015 )
• Banana Hut Hotel , Main Ferry Rd ( On the left 150m to the Chinese Fishing nets from the main Ferry Station ). Basic rooms, but cheap and kind hosts. Leaving your bag there during the day is possible and was safe. from ₹300 (off season) .  
• Casa Linda Ballard , St.Paul's St ( Near St.Paul's School ), ☏ +91 484 2216888 . A well-maintained hotel in typical European style. Budget .  
• Hotel Fort Avenue , Bazaar St ( Near old Bazaar ), ☏ +91 484 2226103 . A well maintained hotel. Budget .  
• Hotel White Rose , Fort Nagar , ☏ +91 484 3236004 . A newer hotel, which is clean and good looking. Ideal for families  
• Vintage Inn , Rids Dale Branch Road, Njaliparambu Jn., ( near K.B. Jacob Rd, traffic circle ), ☏ +91 484 2215064 . Clean, comfortable ensuite rooms, fan or A/C, free WiFi in the lobby, 5 min walk from historic centre.  
• AJ Residency , Kaloor Rd ( near Kaloor Jn, behind Lenin Centre ), ☏ +91 484 2371711 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon . Near Kaloor bus stand at Kaloor Road and nearby Palarivattom Shopping district. It has the Rahamaniya tender Chicken Restaurant at ground floor. ₹350-800 .  
• Hotel Aiswarya , Warriam Rd ( Near Durbar Hall Ground ), ☏ +91 484 2364454 . A good well maintained hotel with nice interiors and good hospitality in heart of the city.  
• Hotel Bijus , Cannon Shed Rd, Near Boat Jetty ( Near General Hospital ), ☏ +91 484 2361661 , +91 484 2381881 . Ideal hotel for budget tourist. A well maintained, clean and nice hotel.  
• Abad Plaza , Kavitha Junction, MG Rd , ☏ +91 484 2384380 . One of the oldest hotels in town. There is also another hotel just behind which belongs to this chain. It has good restaurants, pools, gyms, spa, supermarket, bookshop and business facilities in centre of the city.  
• Avenue Centre Hotel , Panampally Nagar ( Opposite Rotary Club and near to Passport Office ), ☏ +91 484 2315301 . A good hotel in an upscale residential area with a multi-cuisine restaurant and swimming pools.  
• Ballard Bungalow ( Near Fort Kochi Junker Jetty ), ☏ +91 484 2215854 . A heritage colonial bungalow, which still maintains the colonial charms and recreates an atmosphere of the British Raj. Moderate .  
• BTH , BTH Round, Durbar Hall Rd ( Near to Shiva Temple ), ☏ +91 484 2353501 . The oldest business hotel of the town, BTH is a popular option, especially among Indian families. It has good lawns, a large swimming pool and vegetarian restaurants.  
• Gama Heritage Residency , Napier St , ☏ +91 484 2217475 . A typical Portuguese bungalow, which housed the Portuguese army until its defeat by Dutch forces. Today it is a stylish heritage hotel, famous for its hospitality.  
• Mermaid Hotel , Kaniyampuzha Road, Vyttila , ☏ +91 484 3988444 , +91 484 2307999 , fax : +91 484 2307804 , [email protected] . Spacious rooms with river views.  
• Old Courtyard , Princess St ( Near Vasco Da Gama Square ), ☏ +91 484 2215035 . An old Dutch bungalow, remodelled with modern interiors. Famous for lovely dinner parties. Moderate .  
• Sealord , Marine Dve , ☏ +91 484 2382472 , +91 484 2382473 . One of the first star rated hotels in Kochi and offers rooms at moderate rates. Has good restaurants and a pub.  
• Times Square , Layam Rd, Near Durbar Hall Ground ( Opposite Chief Justice's House ), ☏ +91 484 2374488 . Business hotel, near the shopping quarters of MG Rd with a very good multi-cuisine restaurant.  
• Beaumonde The Fern
• Dreams , S.A Rd, Kadavanthara ( opposite Naval Enclave ), ☏ +91 484 4129999 . A premium property which is a sister concern of Times Hotel-New York, with all 5 star facilities. ₹6,000-20,000 .  
• Gokulam Park Inn International , Kaloor ( opposite Techno-towers ), ☏ +91 484 2400707 . A 4-star property in the business corner of Kochi. Has a good convention centre and a host of facilities. ₹4,000-12,000 .  
• Le Méridien , Maradu Junction ( near Maradu Bridge ), ☏ +91 484 2705777 . One of the most exclusive addresses in the city. It has a host of facilities, including a large convention centre. Near to riverside, it offers good boating facilities and has an indoor shopping complex selling luxury items. ₹6,000-20,000 . ( updated Jan 2019 )
• Renai Cochin ( formerly Rennaissance ), Palarivattom Junction , ☏ +91 484 3919000 .  

Homestays [ edit ]

• Adams Wood House , Andy Achari Rd ( Behind Saga at Paravana junction ), ☏ +91 98 9535 3782 , [email protected] . Four clean rooms with comfortable beds. The owner,and his family are very friendly and helpful. Free Wi-Fi, help with arranging trips inside and outside of town. Breakfast available. ₹1,000-3,000 .  
• Daniels Homestay , Rids Dale Branch Rd ( 2 min walk from Santa Cruz Church ), ☏ +91 98 9557 5181 , [email protected] . In one of the silent by-lanes of Fort Kochi very close to the Santa Cruz Basilica. Friendly, clean and comfortable. ₹750-1,000 .  
• Dream Catcher Home Stay , Vasavan Lane Rd ( Near Thamaraparambu School ), ☏ +91 484 2217550 , +91 97 4601 7881 , [email protected] . Home-cooked food, clean rooms, but host quite unpleasant. Free pick-ups from bus and railway station. ₹600-1,200 .  
• 1/1375 A KB Jacob Rd, Njaliparambu Junction , ☏ +91 96 5643 0583 , [email protected] . Check-in: 1PM , check-out: 11AM . Clean with comfortable beds. The owner and his family are very friendly and helpful. Free internet, help with arranging trips inside and outside of town. ₹400-800 .  
• Green House Home Stay , Kunnumpuram Road, Njaliparambu , ☏ +91 98 9526 2296 , [email protected] . Friendly home stay in a good location close to Princess St. TV and a fridge are provided in the communal living room as well Internet. High season doubles are around ₹1,000 non A/C or ₹1,500 A/C, ₹300-600 during the low season, extra charge for A/C rooms .  
• Leelu Home , Cheerans Ebenezer, behind Fort Kochi Post Office, Quirose St ( 2-min walk from the famous Santa Cruz Basilica ), ☏ +91 48 4221 5377 . A renovated Victorian building in the heart of Fort Kochi. Cooking classes are conducted in the kitchen daily from 11AM-1PM and from 6PM-8PM.  
• Maison Casero Home Stay , Near Santa Cruz Basilica Church, Fosse Road, Kottavalappu, Fort Cochin ( 45 km from the Cochin International Airport, 18 km from the Ernakulam Junction railway station, 150 m from the fort cochin bus stand ), ☏ +91 484 2215955 , +91 9847125955 (mobile) . Check-in: 11:30AM , check-out: 11AM . The owner Jaison and his family are very friendly and helpful. ₹600-1500 .  
• Padikkal Residency , Njaliparambu Junction ( 50 m from Santa Cruz Basilicum ), ☏ +91 98 95423033 , [email protected] . Check-in: 1PM , check-out: 11AM . Free Wi-Fi, private rooms with ensuite bathroom. Common balcony. Traditional style homestay with helpful staff. Approved by the Department of Tourism Development. Close to the main Fort Kochi area, but in a quiet enough location to be away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist traps.  
• Prem's Homestay , Njaliparambu Junction ( Close to the Santa Cruz Basilica ), ☏ +91 484 2215269 , +91 98 4715 8166 , [email protected] . Clean, homey atmosphere, welcoming hosts. Home-cooked food on order. Close to major tourist attractions. Will organise trips inside and out of town if you wish. ₹600-1,000 .  
• Riverside Heritage Homestay , ☏ +91 93 8879 4279 .  
• Rak Villa ( near Edavanakad Juma Masjid ), ☏ +91 960 595 1111 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . Rak Villa is a four-bedroom villa mostly suitable for family. Alcohol is prohibited here. Most preferable for Arabians. ( updated Oct 2017 )
• San Mike Tours Homestay , No. 1/957, Directly opposite Santa Cruz Basilica , ☏ +91 484 2215385 , +91 48 4657 1203 . Friendly homestay run by two brothers Victor and Martin. They can organise anything from a ₹500 backwater cruise in Allepey to a day riding an old Enfield motorcycle down the Malabar coast. ₹500 per person or less if there is more than one of you .  
• Sherlys Casa Grande , 10A, Asset Casa Grande , ☏ +91 984 705 6756 , [email protected] . Features a lake view. ( updated Feb 2018 )
• Tag und Nacht ( Homestay ), Beach Rd, Mackenzie Garden ( opposite the Naval Maritime Museum ), ☏ +91 999 599 4550 , +98 467 51505 , [email protected] . Very clean and beautifully decorated rooms with comfortable beds. The owners, Antonio & Kristina, are friendly and helpful. Free WiFi, assistance with arranging trips inside and outside of town. Fabulous breakfasts. ₹500-1,200 .  

Learn [ edit ]

Art forms [ edit ].

There are many popular institutes for learning local art-forms such as Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattom, Kathakali and music, which can offer regular and crash courses.

• Kerala Kathakali Centre , ☏ +91 484 2215827 . Offers short term courses in Kathakali, Kalaripayattu and percussion instruments for visitors. Ideal for learning a bit about the essence of Kerala's, although it is not so authentic being aimed mostly at tourists.  
• RLV College of Dance and Music , ☏ +91 484 2779757 . Established in the 1920s by the Maharaja of Kochi in Tripunithara as a remembrance to his late wife and daughter, this is one of the most popular music and dance colleges in the state. There are many short-term courses, making it ideal for interested visitors.  
• Sree Sankara School of Dance and Music , ☏ +91 484 2462501 , +91 484 2464189 . Popular school for learning classical Indian artforms, offering certificates and diplomas.  

Kalaripayattu [ edit ]

Learn this martial art of Kerala at the following government-authorised centres:

• ENS Kalari , ☏ +91 484 2809810 . One of the most popular Kalari centres in the state. Part of Kerala Kalaripattyattu Association, this institute is guided by trainers who are versed in ayurveda, mathematics and physical education.  

Yoga and meditation [ edit ]

• Art of Living-Ernakulam Chapter , ☏ +91 484 2383738 . Part of the international yoga and spiritual centre of Sri Sri Ravishankarji.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Kochi is one of the safest cities in India with excellent police coverage. Common sense is of course required when being alone at night. Also beware of moral policing groups as many incidents are reported.

• Late night life is not common in Kochi. If you are planning on clubbing, make your own transport arrangements before hand, very few buses ply after 9:45PM, and none after 10:30PM. You can find autos and taxis, but only near railway stations or major bus stands. Be wary of eve-teasers, especially drunkards.
• Kochi is infamous for mosquitoes, due to presence of large water bodies across the city. Make sure any room you book, has mosquito repellents or at least a mosquito net. Its always better to have any anti-mosquito creams or spice oil extracts like lemongrass oil to ward off mosquito bites.
• Crossing roads - unlike in the other cities in India, vehicles do not tend to stop when you initiate crossing; so wait till there is a comparative lull in the traffic - the oncoming vehicles will slow down for you.
• Be wary of Private Line bus and KSRTC bus drivers on the roads. Pedestrians live a hard life especially during peak hours in Kochi. There are many cases of road accidents and hit-run cases involving private buses and pedestrians, thus earning them the nickname, Red Killers . Take extra care, while crossing the roads. If difficult to cross then do so only at major signal junctions or seek assistance of local traffic policeman.
• Kochi lacks good pedestrian walkways, though many are being rebuilt now, along with the roads. Beware of walking on these walkways, especially during night. Jaywalking may be safe in the nights in sub-urban roads, but with the coming of better roads and with an increasing traffic, avoid walking on the roads in the city, especially in the daytime.
• Kochi is only a few metres above the sea level, so a few roads in the arterial city tend to flood during rainfall. It's better to avoid such roads while raining. When these roads are flooded it may be difficult to distinguish whether you are walking on road or walkway, which sometimes can land you inside drainage holes. However, these floods do tend to drain off quickly after the rain. Flood prone roads are - Edapally Junction, roads leading to Ernakulam Junction (South) Railway Station, South junction (in front of Hotel Woodlands)
• Public smoking bans are strictly enforced in the city more so than in other regions. The High Court of Kerala has decreed a public smoking ban across the state. Smoking on the roadside, in shopping complexes, restaurants, and parks is illegal and police can charge ₹500-1,000 for breaches. No shop that sells loose cigars or tobacco is allowed to provide lighters. Provision of lighters to customers may lead to a ₹150 fine being imposed upon both the supplier and the purchaser.
• Prostitution is illegal in Kochi, as elsewhere in Kerala and India. However, there is a good chance of encountering street prostitutes and their agents who may try to lure you. Beware of such offers as HIV is common among prostitutes. As it is a criminal offence to commit adultery, regular police raids occur in local cheap hotels to catch prostitutes and their clients.

Emergency support & assistance [ edit ]

For any emergency support of Police, ☏ 100 (for Flying Squad) or ☏ 1090 (for Crime Stopper) . The city has around 16 Police Station zones.

• Kochi Central Police Station ( Central Circle ), Old Railway Station Rd ( Behind High Court of Kerala ), ☏ +91 484 2394500 . 24 hours . This is the main police station in Kochi.  
• Kochi Women Police Station ( Vanitha Station ) ( General Police Quarters, Near to High Court ), ☏ +91 484 2394250 . 24 hr . An female-staffed police station dedicated to assist female travellers.  
• Kochi Tourist Police Station ( Fort Kochi Station ) ( Parade grounds ), ☏ +91 484 2224055 . 24 hrs . This is the country's first and only tourist police station. Assistance for tourists including visa and immigration information can be provided. There is a small police museum here. Check for the difference of police uniform here. The Tourist Police wear a blue shirt and khaki pants.  
• Foreigners Registration Office-FRO ( City Police Commissioner's Office ) ( Commissariat, City Police HQ, Marine Drive ), ☏ +91 484 2394651 . 10AM-5:30PM . The city commissioner is the FRO, who has powers and authorization for any immigration issues. For any visa conversion, loss/theft of foreign passports, extension of visa, overstay of visa, immigration clearance, reporting a missing foreigners then report at this office.  
• Sailors & Seaport Users Registration Office ( DySP Office- Island ) ( SSRO Office, Near Port Trust Office, Willington Island ), ☏ +91 484 2666027 . 24 hr . For sailors or ship crew, their registration and embarkation/disembarkation order has to be issued for this office. The DySP has authorization to issue landing permits for yachts, private boats as well as foreign ships and allow its passengers to board down for 72 hours without visa. Travellers arriving on cruisers and yachts should report at this office for any transit visa or short term visa required.  

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Hospitals [ edit ].

Along with Thiruvananthapuram , Kochi is one of South Asia's best medical hubs. Many hospitals operate in the city, with 12 specialist hospitals. For accident cases, only hospitals marked with accident care are authorised to admit such cases. The toll free emergency number (from all telephones) is ☏ 102 and ☏ 1298

• Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) ( Amrita Hospital ), Edapally North ( Take left in NH 17 after Edapally Toll Gate ), ☏ +91 48 4280 1234 , +91 48 4280 4321 , +91 48 4400 1234 (hotline) . 24 hr . One of the top 10 leading specialist hospitals in South Asia. AIMS is reputed for its cost effective complex treatments and latest medical care facilities. Reputed for its cost-effective surgeries, the hospital offers several specialised over-all general check-ups  
• Ernakulam General Hospital .  
• Lakeshore Hospital , Near Maradu Bridge, NH Bypass, Maradu , ☏ +91 484 2701032 , +91 484 2701033 . 24/7 . One of the most high tech hospital in South India famous for its innovative, modern medical treatment. Has various specialised departments including cancer care treatment and bone/neuro treatment. The cardiac division has the latest facilities and highly qualified dcotors. There are 8 other specialist clinics. The hospital is well-equipped with all emergency services. Also offers comprehensive medical check-up services.  
• Medical Trust Hospital , Pallimukku, MG Rd , ☏ +91 484 2358001 , +91 484 2358032 , +91 484 2358033 , +91 484 2358034 . 24 hr . One of the oldest Super Specialty hospital in heart of the city, this hospital is one of the most important referral hospital in Kerala. Famous for its organ transplant operations. Has the largest number of intensive care facilities in the state. Its a very crowded hospital but is well organised. This hospital is part of Rapid Medical Action Force and they have an accident care.  

Other important hospitals are -

• City Hospital , Padma Junction, MG Rd , ☏ +91 484 2361809 . 24 hr . A good hospital, with accident care facilities. It is famous for its orthopedics and paediatrics department.  
• Cochin Port Hospital , Willingdon Island , ☏ +91 484 2666403 . 24/7 . General medicine and has a large in-patient ward. Near to Kochi Port area, its regularly used by sailors. All certifications required for mariners and sailors are available from this hospital.  
• Gautham hospital , at Panayapilly, near Fort Kochi and Mattanchery , ☏ +91 484 2210510 , +91 484 2210510 , +91 484 4043457 . 24/7 . A major multi-speciality hospital in West Kochi. 24-hr casualty, accident and trauma unit, ambulance services and an ICU and other state of the art medical care.  
• Fyndmed Dental Care , Kochi , ☏ +91 9495865589 , [email protected] . Affordable, Accessible and Approachable dental clinics in Kochi ( updated Jul 2023 )

Ambulances [ edit ]

• Air Ambulance , ☏ +91 98 4544 6634 , +91 99 8609 0451 . Need to have prior booking  
• Amrita Jeevanraksha , ☏ +91 484 2801234 , +91 484 2802100 .  
• Emergency Medical Assistance , ☏ 1298 .  
• Kochi Police Medical Assistance , ☏ +91 484 2366100 , 100 .  
• Lions Club Free Ambulance , ☏ +91 484 2354139 .  
• NSS Community Free Ambulance , ☏ +91 484 2369920 .  
• On-Road Accident Emergency Care Force , ☏ +91 98 4609 9900 , +91 98 4600 7740 .  
• Rapid Medical Action Force , ☏ 102 .  
• Rotary Emergency Medical Force , ☏ +91 98 4706 0077 .  

24-hour pharmacies [ edit ]

• Gautham Pharmacy , Panayapally , ☏ +91 484 2210514 , +91 484 3096020 .  
• Amritha Pharmacy , AIMS, Edappally , ☏ +91 484 4001055 .  

There are many 24-hour pharmacies near Medical Trust Hospital in Pallimukku.

Connect [ edit ]

Telecom [ edit ].

The Area code for Cochin is 0484. If calling from outside India the format is +91 484 xxxxxxx. Almost all national telecommunication operators, operate in Kochi.

Mobile Services . If you require an Indian phone number it is strongly recommended that you get a pre-paid mobile connection. To do this you need a photocopy of your passport (including the visa and the ID pages), a colour photo, and (officially) proof of local address (in Kochi). Most star hotels allow you to use their address for this. In the event of not having address you can still get a pre-paid connection using your visa number, finger prints and in some cases providing passport size photographs.

Most of the mobile operators in India operate in Kochi, GSM as well as CDMA. Popular GSM service providers are BSNL Mobile, Vodafone, Idea Mobile, Aircel, MTS, Airtel, Tata DOCOMO, Uninor, Virgin Mobile GSM and Reliance GSM. Popular CDMA service providers are Tata Indicom, Reliance India Mobile and Virgin Mobile.

Public Telephony  :- PCOs (Public Call Offices) are a good option. You will find them almost every 100 m. These are public pay-phones (post-pay) and there will be a person on the shop to take the payments. Check your bill generated (from the billing machine) and make the payment accordingly. Payments are always in Indian rupees (₹). Coin boxes are available everywhere where you can make local calls (within a radius of 10 km from the phone).

BSNL Calling cards are available in all stores, which is a prepaid calling card, that could be used in any phone, without charging the phone user. Vodafone World Cards and Airtel Globe cards are also another good option.

General &amp business telephone directory can be accessed by calling ☏ +91 484 4444444 .

Toll free directory enquiry from BSNL landphones & BSNL Mobile is ☏ 197 .

Internet [ edit ]

Kochi was one of the first places in India to be connected to the Internet. Being the landing site of 3 major international submarine network cables (FLAG, SEA-ME, SAFE) as well as focal point for most of the fiber-optic networks in South India. The city has good bandwidth at low rates.

There are plenty of internet centres which charge around ₹10 per hour. Some cafes in Convent Road as well as near Cochin University offer high speed net connectivity at ₹5 per hour. If you have laptop with wifi connection, you can roam anywhere with BSNL WiMax USB connection (speed around 40 Mbit/s to 512 Mbit/s), as Kochi has 4th generation Wimax. In addition to this, Kochi is also a network city with services provided by the 3rd Gen-EVDO BSNL network as well as 3G services of BSNL, Docomo and Reliance Mobile.

Most of the 3 Star hotels provide wifi connectivity. You require pre-paid connection cards of Tata Indicom or Reliance. The majority of hotels have Tata. Some hotels provide complementary wi-fi for the use of their guests.

Mail [ edit ]

India Post has offices throughout the city, generally open 8:30AM-5PM weekdays, 8:30AM-1PM Saturdays, closed Sundays. The Kochi Airport post office (in Departure side of International Area) is open 6AM-8:30PM on all weekdays and Saturdays. The General Post Office (GPO) is in MG Road (Opp. Avenue Regent) and in Edappally near High School. The Head Post Office (HPO) is at the Postal Complex, Hospital Road. The express (EMS Service) is available at the HPO and Edappally GPO, which is open 24 hrs on all days except the 5 state holidays. Service through EMS Postal service is very fast and reliable. Post boxes are available all over the city and daily clearance is at 10AM and 4:30PM. A postcard to anywhere in the world costs ₹20 (March 2018).

There are numerous of private courier companies operating in Kerala. FedEx, DHL, First Flight, UPS, DTDC and Aramex are some of leading private services.

Newspapers [ edit ]

Almost all the national newspapers have editions for Kochi. The major English language dailies are The Hindu (has a detailed city tabloid called Metroplus), The New Indian Express (the local City express along with this paper provides good insights of city happenings), The Times of India , The Pioneer , Hindustan Times and many popular Malayalam and Tamil newspapers. Being the seat of Cochin Stock Exchange and the financial hub of Kerala, lots of financial dailies in English are available in Kochi, like The Economic Times , The Business Standard , Businessline , and The Financial Express .

Lots of popular English magazines are available. Many American and British magazines like Forbes, Mirror etc. is available in many supermarkets and bookstalls. Popular Indian English magazines are India Today , The Week and The Frontline .

Cope [ edit ]

Electricity [ edit ].

Kochi uses the British three-pin and two-pin circular socket that follows British standard 546 (230 V/50 Hz). Plug adapters are available at any hardware store.

Holidays [ edit ]

Kochi has 15-20 public listed state holidays as else where in Kerala, when almost all government and a few private offices are closed. However, few holidays involve total closure of all commercial establishments. Please be aware that on these days most of the public transport options like bus, taxis and autos take a break. Beware of days declared as hartals , which are mass political strikes often involving a shutdown of the city. Attempting to travel in public routes could be dangerous without local information on the severity of the hartal. For the few holidays listed below, restaurants and food corners other than those operating inside hotels also close. Its always better to avoid these days, while planning holidays. The major holidays that Kochinites love to spend indoors are

• Christmas (25 Dec)
• Good Friday and Easter (April)
• Thiruvonam - the main day for Onam celebrations (between August-Sept)
• Vishu - the Malayalam New Year (14 or 15 April)

A few religious holidays listed below marks closure of all commercial establishments owned by members of that communities. However public transport works as usual.

• Cheriya Perunal ( Eid al-Fitr ), Valiya Perunal ( Eid al-Adha ) and Muharram marks full closure of all Muslim owned establishments. All these firms take break for 3 hours from noon for Friday Juma Prayers.
• Diwali, Holi and Navarathri marks private holiday season for almost all North Indian establishments, particularly in Mattancherry.
• Saturdays, Hanukkah and Rosh Hashanah marks total closure of all Jewish establishments, particularly in Fort Kochi

Apart from these holidays, the Sunday laziness can make most of the establishments do not to function in the morning time, though many open by afternoon. The city bus services on Sundays are also limited, though other public transport like autos and taxis function normally.

Public libraries [ edit ]

• Eloor Lending Library , Convent Junction ( Near St. Theresa’s College ), ☏ +91 484 2363539 . Daily 10AM-8PM . Eloor Lending Library has mainly two membership options. Unlike other libraries, this library has a different way of lending books: when you take membership by paying ₹1,200 you can access books worth ₹1,800. When you pay ₹600 you can access books worth ₹900. Here you have to pay (an additional) 10% of the price of the books you take, as the reading charge.  
• EMS Co-operative Library , Mavelipuram, Kakkanad ( Near Ernakulam District Co-Operative Bank ), ☏ +91 484 2421988 . M-Sa 1PM-7PM, Su 10AM-5PM . A well maintained library where subscribers can register by presenting proof of identity(non-residents of Ernakulam will have to pay 50% extra on admission and annual fees). There are many subscription plans (₹50 as admission fees, plus annual membership fees starting from ₹100). This library also has a park near it, though it is not very well maintained.  
• Ernakulam Public Library , Convent Rd ( Opp. Shenoys Theater ), ☏ +91 484 2351894 . M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 10AM-5PM . The Ernakulam Public Library is one of the oldest public library in India started in 1839. Books could be rented for 2 weeks for various rental options ranging from ₹60 for four books to ₹15 for single book. A refundable caution deposit is required ranging between ₹1,000-250 depending upon membership class. There is a free reading room with good collection of all national and international newspapers and magazines. Try here if you like read some of the treasured archives or original historical manuscripts.  
• Just Books , Panampilly Nagar . a good library  

Hairdressers [ edit ]

Kochinites are particular about their hair styles and adopt almost all latest fashion. Thus there is no shortage of various hair salons charging from ₹50 up for the latest trends. Most of the budget saloons are found almost every part of the city, normally calling as Barber shops or Saloons. The middle range hair salons are mainly in MG Road, Palarivattom, Marine Drive and Edappally areas, offer haircuts with hair wash as well as other frills. For splurge, most of the premium beauty parlours and skin clinics are in Panampally Nagar, GCDA Nagar, Girinagar, SA Road and MG Road that offers various skin and hair treatment, all costing above ₹1,000.

Go next [ edit ]

• Alappuzha (70 km) — (also called Alleppy) is famous for house boats, the heart of backwaters of Kerala with amazing maze of lagoons, backwaters, rivers, canals created by nature. ₹81 bus from the interstate bus stop.
• Athirappilly Falls — milky waterfall in Chalakuddy 18 km from Cochin International Airport. This 80-foot-high waterfall at the threshold of the Sholayar ranges on the Western Ghats is a popular picnic spot. Two amusement parks, DreamWorld and SilverStorm, are nearby. The falls are referred to as the Niagara of India - you can spot two large falls reminiscent of the Bridal veil and Horseshoe falls at Niagara, and a smaller falls nearby. The falls are most famous for being shooting locations for popular Indian movies such as Ravan, Punnagai Mannan and Guru. From the entrance, a 5-minute walk leads to the head of the falls. From there, a walking path criss-crosses downward to the foot of the falls. The water falls into a deep well, making the location unseemingly dangerous, so the water area is off-limits to tourists. ₹15.
• Bhoothathankettu (35 km) — scenic dam site with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest. It is a popular picnic sport with Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary near by.
• Guruvayur (102 km) - A Hindu religious town that attracts 6-10 million pilgrims every year.
• Idukki (90 km) — a hilly region with lots of hill resorts, in Northern Travancore .
• Kumarakom (40 km) — popular internationally known bird sanctuary on edge of a backwater island.
• Kottayam (55 km) — The biggest spice trading hub famous for large churches, wild trekking and cultural monuments.
• Muvattupuzha (30 km) — a small town famous for pineapple cultivation, historical orthodox churches, spice trading and rubber plantations.
• Paniyeli Poru (55 km) — an unexplored beautiful scenic river bank
• Thattekkad (45 km) — bird sanctuary near Kothamangalam , famous for a good boating and a wild picnic.
• Thenmala (225 km) — famous for ecotourism, waterfalls, boating, adventure activities and a deer park.
• Thiruvananthapuram — the capital city of Kerala, 5 hours away by train with many attractions such as Kovalam beach, Neyyar dam, Ananthapadmanabhan temple and East fort.
• Thrissur (60 km) — cultural heart of Kerala famous for various cultural monuments, temples and grandest festival- Thrissur Pooram.
• Wagamon (50 km) — famous for pristine forests, small rapids, vast green meadows, its also known as Scotland of Asia.

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Explore Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin - Traditional Fishing Experience

The Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin, also known as Cheena Vala, stand as iconic symbols of Kerala's maritime heritage. Dating back to the 14th century, these massive fishing nets are a testament to the ancient trade connections between Kochi and China. Today, they not only serve as a unique fishing technique but also draw visitors with their picturesque charm and cultural significance.

About Chinese Fishing Nets

Location: Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, India Construction Period: 14th century Style: Traditional Chinese design Materials Used: Wood and bamboo Significance: Cultural and historical landmark

Key Features:

• Traditional Design: Fishermen construct the Chinese Fishing Nets using a unique cantilevered design, enabling them to effortlessly lower and raise the nets.
• Wooden and Bamboo Construction: Crafted from teak wood and bamboo poles, the Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin achieve a harmonious balance between strength and flexibility.
• Operational Technique: The nets are lowered into the sea by a system of weights and levers. Fishermen then wait for a sufficient catch before raising the nets.
• Cultural Heritage: While experts believe that the technique originated in China, the Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin have integrated themselves into Kerala's cultural landscape.
• Scenic Views: The sight of these nets against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea and Fort Kochi's historic skyline is a visual delight, especially during sunset.

Your Visit to Chinese Fishing Nets

Here's a suggested itinerary for your visit to the Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin:

Tips for a Memorable Visit

• Evening Visit: The nets are most active in the evening. Plan your visit to coincide with the sunset for a magical experience.
• Local Cuisine: Try the fresh seafood available at the eateries near the nets.
• Photography: Capture the mesmerizing sight of the nets against the changing hues of the sky.

FAQ on Chinese Fishing Nets, Cochin

What are chinese fishing nets.

Chinese Fishing Nets are large stationary fishing nets that are operated using a unique system of balance and counterweights. These nets are commonly found in Cochin, Kerala, and are a traditional method of fishing.

How do Chinese Fishing Nets work?

Chinese Fishing Nets are set up on bamboo or teak poles along the shoreline. They consist of a net suspended horizontally over the water. The nets are lowered into the water by a team of fishermen using ropes and pulleys. After a certain time, the nets are slowly lifted out of the water to catch the fish trapped inside.

Why are they called Chinese Fishing Nets?

The name "Chinese Fishing Nets" is derived from the design and technique, which is believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders to the Kochi area hundreds of years ago. These nets have since become an iconic symbol of Cochin.

Where can I see Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin?

Chinese Fishing Nets can be seen along the coast of Fort Kochi, particularly near the Vasco da Gama Square. This is a popular tourist spot where the nets are still in use today.

Can tourists try operating the Chinese Fishing Nets?

Yes, tourists can try their hand at operating the Chinese Fishing Nets. Local fishermen often allow visitors to participate in the process for a small fee. It's a unique experience that gives you a glimpse into the traditional fishing culture of Cochin

Are there any specific timings to see the Chinese Fishing Nets in action?

The Chinese Fishing Nets can be observed throughout the day, but the best time to witness them in action is during sunrise or sunset when the fishermen are most active. The soft golden light adds to the picturesque setting.

Can we buy fish directly from the fishermen at the Chinese Fishing Nets?

Yes, you can buy the fish directly from the fishermen operating the Chinese Fishing Nets. They usually sell their catch to the local vendors or individuals who visit the area. You can negotiate and purchase the fish of your choice.

Are there any nearby attractions to explore along with the Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin?

Yes, there are several nearby attractions to explore along with the Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin. Some popular attractions include Fort Kochi, which is known for its colonial architecture and historic sites, such as the St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace. You can also visit the nearby Jew Town, famous for its antique shops and the Jewish Synagogue. Additionally, the Mattancherry Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, and the Kerala Folklore Museum are worth visiting.

Can we taste the seafood caught using the Chinese Fishing Nets?

Absolutely! Many small eateries and seafood stalls near the Chinese Fishing Nets offer freshly cooked seafood dishes made from the fish caught using the nets. You can indulge in delicious local delicacies like grilled fish, fish curry, and fried fish.

Are there any precautions to be taken while visiting the Chinese Fishing Nets?

When visiting the Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin, it's advisable to be cautious and avoid getting too close to the nets or interfering with the fishermen's work. Also, be mindful of your surroundings and follow any instructions given by the fishermen or local authorities.

Can we take photographs of the Chinese Fishing Nets?

Yes, you are allowed to take photographs of the Chinese Fishing Nets. In fact, the picturesque sight of the nets against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea makes for great photo opportunities. However, it's always polite to seek permission from the fishermen before clicking their pictures.

Plan Your Chinese Fishing Nets Experience

Ready to immerse yourself in the charm of Cochin's maritime culture? Our Kerala tour packages can help you plan a delightful visit to the Chinese Fishing Nets and explore the cultural richness of Fort Kochi. Contact us to arrange your itinerary and experience the age-old tradition of fishing along the Malabar Coast.

Let the Chinese Fishing Nets be your portal to the maritime history of Kerala. Book your coastal adventure now! 🌊🎣🌅 #ChineseFishingNets #CochinHeritage #KeralaMaritime

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16 Things to Do in Fort Kochi (Cochin), Kerala

Fort Kochi (formerly known as Cochin), in the Indian state of Kerala, is one of the best places to include on a South India travel itinerary . Not only is this small fishing town steeped with history, but there are also plenty of great things to see and do in Fort Kochi.

With its beautiful colonial architecture , famous Chinese fishing nets and beautiful street art , Fort Kochi is a town I loved exploring.

This post features the best places to visit in Fort Kochi along with some useful information like the best time to visit, how to get around and how to get there. I hope this will help you plan your trip.

The best things to do in Fort Kochi

So, let’s dive right into it! Here are the best things to do in beautiful Fort Kochi in Kerala.

1. See the Chinese fishing nets

The Chinese fishing nets (locally known as “cheenavala”) are one of the most popular places to visit in Fort Kochi and you will find many pictures of them when googling this town.

No one knows their exact history but it’s believed that the fishing nets were introduced in Kochi by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th or 15th century. Kochi’s coastline was once adorned with 17 of them, but sadly, less than half of these remain today.

It’s good to know that, although you can admire the fishing nets from afar for free, you will have to pay the fishermen a tip if you want to see them up close.

Tip: Visit the Chinese fishing nets around sunrise or sunset for the best light (unless it rains in the evening like it did when I visited Cochin).

2. Visit St. Francis Church

Originally built in 1503, St. Francis Church is one of the oldest European churches in India . And on top of that, it’s also the first Portuguese church in the country.

This is the place where Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama was first buried after he passed away in 1524. His remains were moved back to Lisbon , Portugal 14 years later, though.

Interestingly, when the Dutch took over Kochi in the 17th century, this was the only church they didn’t demolish. The Portuguese were Roman Catholics, while the Dutch were Protestant, so they ended up converting St Francis Church into a Protestant church.

Finally, when the British came to Kochi, the church was transformed into an Anglican church.

3. Look for street art

If you like street art, you will be happy to hear that Kochi tops many lists featuring the best street art in India !

Most of Kochi’s street art and graffiti can be found in the Fort Kochi and Mattancherry areas and it’s done both by local as well as international artists. Embarking on a walk in search of this art is a fun way to explore the streets of this town and something I did more than once while I was there.

One of the most famous street artists in Kerala is GuessWho , who prefers to stay anonymous, hence the name. He has been active in the streets of Fort Kochi since 2012 and has been dubbed the “Indian Banksy” due to his provocative art.

4. Visit Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)

Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century as a gift to the Maharajah of Cochin. It’s often called the “Dutch Palace” because of the renovations the Dutch made to the palace after they took over the city.

If you’re a history buff, then you will love this place! The palace was transformed into a museum full of paintings, furniture, weapons, palanquins, Dutch maps and other interesting artefacts.

So if you want to learn more about the history of Kerala, then visiting Mattancherry Palace is one of the absolute best things to do in Fort Kochi!

It’s ideal to combine with the next two places on this list (Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue), as these are very close to one another.

>> Read: South India VS North India: 9 Differences

5. Shop in Jew Town

If you’re looking for some nice Indian souvenirs (or simply want to go window shopping as I do), then Jew Town is the place to be. You will find plenty of shops selling antiques, handicrafts, clothes, jewellery, spices and more here.

Speaking about spices – this area was once a hub of the spice trade !

As its name predicts, Jew Town is the place where the Jews settled when they came to Kochi in the 16th century. Its shops are set between Mattancherry Palace (#4 on this list) and the Paradesi Synagogue (#6 on this list), so these two are ideal to combine with some (window) shopping.

6. See the Paradesi Synagogue

Kochi’s Paradesi Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in India and the only functioning synagogue in Kochi. It was built in 1568, destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and reconstructed by the Dutch two years later.

You will find plenty of antiquities between the synagogue’s walls, including a 19th-century glass chandelier from Belgium (which is my home country).

Although this is a functioning synagogue, not many ceremonies happen here anymore. The reason for this is that in order for them to happen, you need a “minyan”, which is a group of ten men. As there are very few Jews left in Kochi, it’s rarely possible to form a minyan.

Unfortunately, the synagogue was closed when I was there, so I could only see it from the outside. It’s something I will have to go back to Fort Kochi for.

Tip: Be sure to check the opening hours of the synagogue before going (this is something I forgot to do). Last time I checked, the synagogue was open from Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 12 am and 3 pm to 5 pm.

7. Visit the Dutch Cemetery

The Dutch Cemetery is believed to be the oldest European cemetery in India . It was consecrated in 1724 and a little over a hundred tombs can be found here.

This peaceful place is a quiet reminder of the Europeans who came to India to expand their colonial empire. The last burial took place here in 1913.

If you want to enter this cemetery, you will have to ask the St. Francis Church (which is just 400 m / 1640 ft further) to open the gate, as it’s only opened on request .

>> Read: 17 Things NOT to Do in India

8. Pass by Fort Immanuel

I’m the first to admit that the remnants of Fort Immanuel may not be super impressive, but the fort’s history most definitely is. This fort is believed to be the oldest European fort in all of Asia , after all!

Fort Immanuel was built soon after the Portuguese arrived in Kochi in the early 1500s and it used to be massive. It stood symbol of the alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and the rulers of Portugal and was used for the Portuguese’s trading activities.

When the Dutch arrived in Kochi in the 17th century, they destroyed the fort and most of the other Portuguese monuments in Kochi, which is why there’s not so much left of Fort Immanuel today.

Fort Immanuel is located on the Beach Promenade (#15 on this list) and it’s worth stopping here for a moment while you’re there.

9. See the Santa Cruz Basilica

The Santa Cruz Basilica is another beautiful church that was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

Although it was spared by the Dutch, who destroyed many other Catholic buildings, this cathedral was destroyed by the British a couple of centuries after it was built. The cathedral that you can see today was built in the same spot as the previous one in 1887.

Don’t forget to enter the basilica while you’re there, it’s full of beautiful details, including colourful paintings on the ceiling.

10. Admire the trees at Vasco da Gama Square

This square, which was named after the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama, can be found near the coastline with Chinese fishing nets.

You will find some street food stalls and restaurants here. However, my favourite part of Vasco da Gama Square is the beautiful raintrees , so make sure to look up and admire them.

The Vasco Da Gama Square is a nice place to stroll around, stop for a drink or a snack and people-watch. It’s located close to the Chinese fishing nets, and you can see them from here.

11. Watch a Kathakali dance performance

Kathakali is a classical dance form that originated in Kerala over 300 years ago. The interesting thing about this type of dance is that it’s combined with drama and acting to tell the stories of the past.

With their painted faces and impressive costumes, the Kathakali dancers look quite impressive and they will use facial expressions and gestures to tell the stories.

One of the places where you can see these dance performances in Fort Kochi is the Kathakali Centre .

Unfortunately, I didn’t go to a Kathakali dance performance myself because I found out about them too late. I can’t wait to go back to Kerala to attend one of them, though.

12. Visit the art cafes

One of the best things to do in Fort Kochi is to discover the town’s cosy art cafes and restaurants. No matter if you’re an art lover or not, these cafes are the perfect place to take a break and relax a bit.

Some of Kochi’s most famous art cafes are Kashi Art Cafe (this one was close to my hotel and I loved coming here), Mocha Art Cafe , Oy’s Cafe and Ginger House Restaurant . The last one is located in Jew Town, and I went here after visiting the Dutch Palace.

13. Take a sunset cruise

Taking a sunset cruise is one of the best things to do in Fort Kochi according to many tourists. Unfortunately, it was not something you could do when I visited Kochi in April because it rained in the evenings (and when I say it rained, I mean it POURED).

On a clear day outside of the monsoon, however, you can take a 2-hour sunset cruise that will show you the fishing nets and coastline from another perspective. You might even spot dolphins if you’re lucky!

14. Look for colonial buildings

It comes as no surprise that due to its rich colonial history, Fort Kochi has an abundance of colonial buildings that were built by the Portuguese, Dutch and British.

Some of the most famous colonial buildings in Fort Kochi are Vasco House , which is believed to be where Vasco Da Gama stayed, David Hall , Koder House and Bastion Bungalow .

Fort Kochi is a truly charming town. Exploring its streets in search of colonial buildings is a great way to get to know it a little better.

15. Walk along the beach promenade

Fort Kochi’s beach promenade is the perfect place for a stroll. Here, you can watch the sunset, hang out with the locals or simply watch the Arabian Sea.

The Chinese Fishing nets and Fort Immanuel are located along the beach promenade on the side of Vasco Da Gama Square. On the other side, you will find Fort Kochi Beach .

16. Take the ferry to Ernakulam City or Vypin Island

If you’ve crossed off all of the best things to do in Fort Kochi and still have some time left in this town, taking the ferry to Ernakulam City or Vypin Island can be a fun adventure.

Which one to choose depends on your personal interests. In Ernakulam City, you will find the Ernakulam Shiva Temple , the Kerala Folklore Museum and the Edappally Church , for example. While Vypin Island is home to beaches and lighthouses .

Either way, taking the ferry is a cheap and efficient way to travel. It’s the perfect way to see more of Fort Kochi’s surroundings.

Map of the best things to do in Fort Kochi

Best time to visit cochin.

The best time to visit Fort Kochi is in the Winter, from December to January . It won’t be too hot at this time of the year, and there won’t be too much rain either.

Another nice time to visit this town is from late August to early October , which is between the two monsoons.

I visited Fort Kochi in April, in the Summer, which lasts from February to June . It was quite hot when I was there and there was pouring rain every evening. I returned to my hotel walking through flooded streets numerous times (I didn’t really mind, though). If you can stand the heat (something I underestimated), this is not a bad time to visit Kochi, though.

Kerala’s first monsoon is from June to August and the second one is around October and November . This is not a good time to visit this state, as there will be lots of rain.

How to get to Fort Kochi

To get to Fort Kochi, you will have to go to Ernakulam first. This is a part of Kochi and it’s easily accessible by train or bus .

From here, you can take an auto-rickshaw, a taxi or the boat jetty (which is the cheapest option) to Fort Kochi. The jetty is 1,5 km (0,9 mi) from both the train station as well as the bus stand. So, depending on how much luggage you have, you might want to take an auto-rickshaw first.

Another way to reach Fort Kochi is by flying . The Cochin International Airport is a 33 km (20. 5 mi) drive from Fort Kochi and takes about an hour. You can either take the bus or a taxi/Ola/Uber from the airport to Fort Kochi.

How to get around Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is pretty walkable, but Jew Town is a little further away from the main tourist attractions (3 km / 1.1 mi). If you don’t feel like walking, you can get around this town by:

• Auto-Rickshaw: The easiest way to get around Fort Kochi is by taking an auto-rickshaw. You will find these nearly everywhere. I recommend using the Ola app to book rickshaws (or bikes or taxis). This way, you will get a fair price without having to haggle.
• Scooter: Another option is to rent a scooter. This is a good option if you want to explore the surroundings of Kochi too.
• Private car: You can hire a private car to get around Cochin, but this will be more expensive.
• Ferry: If you want to visit Ernakulam, Vypin Island or other islands, then taking the ferry is a great way to travel. The ferry is not only a fast way to get around, as you won’t get stuck in traffic, but it’s also super cheap!

Where to stay in Kochi

I stayed in Roses Inn Hotel , which has nice and clean AC rooms for an affordable price. They have a restaurant too but it was closed when I was there because I visited Kochi off-season.

What I loved the most about this place was the location. It’s close to the Chinese fishing nets and most of Kochi’s main tourist attractions.

So whether you stay in this hotel or choose another one, I would recommend staying close to the fishing nets and the Vasco Da Gamma Square, as this is where you will find most of the restaurants.

Fort Kochi – FAQs

How many days are enough for kochi.

Although you could visit Fort Kochi in a day, I would recommend spending at least two days here. This will give you enough time to see all of Kochi’s main attractions without having to hurry.

Is Kochi worth visiting?

In my opinion, yes, Fort Kochi is worth visiting! This small fishing town is steeped in history and there are quite some interesting sights here. From the Chinese fishing nets to some of India’s oldest colonial buildings, Kochi has got a lot to offer.

Things to do in Fort Kochi – Final thoughts

I hope you found exactly what you were looking for in this post and that it helps you plan your trip to Fort Kochi.

This town holds a special place in my heart as it’s the first place I visited in India. I flew to Kochi from Sri Lanka , couldn’t have wished for a better introduction to India and fell in love with this country a little later.

Have you been to Cochin? What was your impression? Or can you think of other nice places to visit in Fort Kochi? Let me know in the comments!

Read more about South India:

• 14 Amazing Things to Do in Auroville
• 12 Best Things to Do in Madurai
• 8 Things to See in the French Quarter of Pondicherry
• Maratha Palace, Thanjavur: A Complete Guide

Pin it for later: Did you find this post featuring the best things to do in Fort Kochi helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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48 hrs in Kochi, Kerala. Is the Queen of the Arabian Sea Worth Visiting?

Are you planning a trip to Kerala and wondering whether Kochi (Cochin) is worth visiting or not? Read my complete travel guide answering all your questions, including the best places to visit in Kochi and Fort Kochi, where to stay, eat, and when to go.

After spending a week in two different destinations – Bangalore and Coorg – I thought I had experienced two very unique holidays. Nothing could match them in my two-week-long South India Trip. Still, both Fort Kochi and Kumarakom exceeded my expectations. In this post, I’ll tell you why I fell in love with Kochi and what are the best things to do in Kochi in 2 days. 

Table of Contents

Is Fort Kochi worth visiting?

This was a question that grappled my mind when planning my trip to Kerala . I wanted to know what’s special about Kochi that makes it a must-visit destination in Kerala. I must admit Kochi, also known as Cochin, is one of the most picturesque destinations on the southwest coastline of Kerala. Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea , the city also flaunts one of the world’s finest natural harbours. And, why wouldn’t it? After all, it has been the centre of the world spice trade for many centuries. Old Kochi (presently called West Kochi) loosely refers to a group of islands which comprise Fort Kochi , Mattancherry , and Willingdon Island , among others. Fort Kochi is a small fishing village that became the first European township in India , where you can still see the vestiges of several cultures and ethnicities. 

The city is also referred to as the gateway of Kerala because whether you plan to go to Alleppey, Thekkady or Munnar , your starting point will most likely be Kochi. And, if you want to go to Lakshadweep , your journey will also begin at Kochi. Therefore it makes sense to start at least a day or two here. There are many things to do in Fort Kochi, so here is a travel guide curated by me to help you plan your time in this historic city.

Fort Kochi is a cultural vessel shaped by many historical influences dating back to 2000 years. Its streets exude that old-world charm. The  Jewish, Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch , and  Portuguese  all impacted the history and development of Cochin. At Kochi, you see a hodgepodge of cultures and traditions co-existing with ease – whether the Catholics of Kerala, Kashmiris, Jews, Konkanis, Gujaratis or Marwaris. The English claimed Cochin as  “Mini England” , The Dutch called it  “Homely Holland’Holland’  and the Portuguese referred to the port as  “Little Lisbon” .

When is the best time to visit Kochi ?

The best time to visit Kochi depends on your interests and what you are looking for in your travels. Most people prefer to visit  between October and March  as the weather is quite pleasant, ranging  from 17 to 33 degrees Celsius . I was there at the beginning of March, and it was quite pleasant to explore the town on foot. But suppose you are someone who doesn’t mind the heat and humidity. In that case, you can visit between  April to June  when the average temperature ranges from  20 to 37 degrees Celsius . The best part, it is a lean season, which means you can get better hotel deals. Lastly, plan your trip between  July and September  if you love the monsoon. The average temperature is between  24 to 27 degrees Celsius , and the city turns green. Also, a great time to get good hotel deals.

How many days are enough for Kochi?

If you are interested in exploring just the city’s historical side, then I would say two days are enough for Kochi. But if you have time and want to explore the city and around at a slow pace, then 5-7 days should be good. I had two days in hand, and I could explore quite a bit in those two days. But the credit goes to  Forte Kochi  staff, who put an excellent itinerary for me that was neither too rushed nor too relaxed to miss out on any of the best places to visit in Kochi in 2 days.

What are the best things to do in Kochi in 2 days ?

Kochi is like a treasure trove filled with a historical and cultural richness reflected in its architectural marvels from different eras. I had a fantastic guide called Vijesh from  Day in Cochin Tours who made me experience the heart and soul of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry . Here are some of the places worth checking out if you are looking for ideas on how to spend 48 Hours in Kochi.

Learn the old fishing technique at the Chinese Fishing Nets.

The Chinese Fishing Nets are the most popular tourist sights in Kochi, so if you are only making a one day trip to Kochi, this should be number one on your list of things to do in Fort Kochi. Vijesh, my travel guide, said, “Many believe the name Co-chin means like China. The Chinese explorers who landed here in the Portuguese era installed these fishing nets that have since become the symbol of the place.” It is believed the first Chinese Fishing Nets were installed in Fort Kochi in the 15th century , and they are still in use. Refurbished several times since then, but their technique is still the same that the first traders used. If you want to see that old technique of catching fish, just head to the Vasco da Gama Square , a narrow walkway that runs along the Fort Kochi beach . The best time to visit the Chinese Fishing Nets and Kochi Beach is during the sunset time when the entire area glows in the golden light. Usually, the fisherman would expect a tip of 100-200 rupees for letting you take pictures of their nets. As you step outside of the Chinese Fishing nets boats, you are greeted with stalls for food, local drinks, souvenirs etc. There are a few benches as well for sitting.

Marvel a glorious sunset at Fort Kochi Beach

One of the most prominent Fort Kochi tourist places is Fort Kochi Beach, next to the Chinese Fishing Nets. Equally popular among tourists and locals for evening walks, this beach might be small but has many unique factors that differentiate it from other beaches in Kerala or Goa. The presence of the Chinese fishing nets is definitely a highlight. The presence of giant old trees and the greenery on the promenade adds to the serenity of the beach. The seafood, the Vasco da Gama Square adjacent to the beach, a lighthouse and a granite walkway are other attractions that make this place a must-visit place in Kochi. The remains of Fort Immanuel can also be seen here. 

If you happen to travel to Kerala during the new year, don’t forget to attend the famous Cochin Carnival on New Year’s Eve . 

Turn the history pages at Fort Emmanuel ruins. 

The origin of Fort Kochi’s name lies buried under the ruins of this Portuguese fort which was also one of the first in Asia. It was the first place where Europeans set their first foot, and it became the battleground for Europeans. Fort Emmanuel was built twice by the Portuguese and then by the Dutch.

Explore the St. Francis Church .

Initially built in 1503, St. Francis Church is popularly known as the first church Europeans built in India and has enormous historical relevance. Interestingly, it has served as a Roman Catholic church, a Dutch Reformist church and an Anglican church during different eras depending on the European nation in power at each given time! St. Francis Church became a mecca for travel buffs worldwide because the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama was first buried here after his death in Kochi in 1524 .

Visit the residence of Vasco De Gama .

Behind the St. Francis Church on Rose Street is Vasco House, which is believed to have been the residence of the great Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama. Vasco House is one of the oldest Portuguese buildings in Fort Kochi, built in the early sixteenth century.  Vasco House  sports the typical European architecture – white paint, high wooden ceilings, old stone-staircase, large glass windows and balcony cum verandahs characteristic of those times. Today, Vasco House is converted into a homestay with all modern amenities and is owned by Santosh Tom. The story around the building has made it one of the top Instagramable spots in Fort Kochi.

Santa Cruz Basilica – Pray at one of the oldest Catholic Churches in India. 

Located on Bastian Street, Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the oldest Catholic Churches in India and one of the eight basilicas in Kerala. It is one of the few buildings built by the Portuguese here that the Dutch spared. Later, demolished and rebuilt by the British in the 19th century, it was proclaimed a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984. Built originally in the gothic style by the Portuguese, it is an interesting piece of architecture and artistic grandeur – one of the must-see places for every visitor to the city!

Go antique shopping in Jew Town. 

Sandwiched between Mattancherry Palace and the 14th-century Paradesi Synagogue, Jew Town is a living testimony of Kochi’s rich Jewish legacy. Once a spice market, Jew Town today is an eye-catching touristy place in Kochi for those of you always on the lookout for antiques, quirky art pieces, handicrafts, jewellery, clothes, souvenirs, and fusion food for curious tourists. It’s a great shopping place in Kochi. The small market is full of stunning art pieces with a rich history and exciting stories. 

Paradesi Synagogue – attend a mass at one of the oldest synagogues in India. 

One of the most remarkable landmarks of Kochi is the 14th-century synagogue that is open to visitors every day except Fridays, Saturdays and any Jewish holiday. The Jewish synagogue was built in 1568 , almost 1500 years after the beginning of the Jewish connection with Kerala. Like other buildings in Kochi, the synagogue was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and then reconstructed two years later by the Dutch. Vijesh told me that Paradesi is one of the oldest synagogues in India that still holds mass . Kochi once had a large Jewish population that has been dwindling for decades, and in 2015 there were only 6 Jewish members left in the city. You can read more about it in  this BBC article . 

Mattancherry Palace – Get a peek into the lavish lives of the Kings of Kochi .

Also known as Mattancherry Palace, the Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Later, it was presented to the King of Kochi and renovated by the Dutch in the 17th century. Now converted into a museum, it houses a great collection of portraits of Maharajas, mythological murals, old Dutch maps, royal palanquins and period furniture.

Get culturally mesmerised at Kerala Kathakali Centre. 

My trip to Kerala would have been incomplete without watching a performance of Kathakali, a traditional dance form from the 17th century. And the most popular and famous place to watch Kathakali in Kochi is Kerala Kathakali Centre , situated on KB Jacob road near Fort Kochi. Built as a traditional arts centre, this place has daily performances of Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, and other classical dance and music forms. And, don’t forget to reach half an hour before the performance to see the elaborate make-up process that takes roughly three hours.

Appreciate art at the Kochi Muziris Biennale

Kochi has a great art culture, and every two years, the city celebrates the  Kochi-Muziris Biennale . It is the largest contemporary art exhibition in India and the first of its kind held in the country. Indian and international artists exhibit artworks across various mediums, including film, installation, painting, sculpture, new media, and performance art. Alongside the exhibition, one can attend talks, seminars, screenings, music, workshops and educational activities for school children and students.

Where to stay in Kochi?

Kochi is one of Kerala’s biggest and most densely populated cities; therefore, plenty of stay options. You can choose from Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, the mainland Ernakulam, the suburbs of Edapally, Kalamassery and Kakkanad to the suburb of Tripunithura. Too many options often lead to confusion. Therefore it becomes a tricky task to choose the best place to stay in Kochi . I was more inclined to explore the historical side of Kochi, so I decided to stay in Forte Kochi . Here is my experience of staying at this boutique heritage hotel.

The city of Kochi was once the hot spot of the historic spice route attracting traders and travellers from more than 30 countries across Europe, the Far East and Asia. Even today, you can see the hodgepodge of cultures and traditions co-existing with ease. You can see the architectural and cultural influences peppered throughout the city – be it the Jewish, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, British or Chinese influences on architecture or culture. 

And the best way to experience this potpourri of cultures is by staying in the city’s heart. So, I booked myself at Forte Kochi, a 150-year-old boutique heritage hotel in the heart of Fort Kochi, from where most attractions are within walking distance. The Forte Kochi stands in the quaint environs of Fort Kochi, the most historic area of Kochi. Forte Kochi hotel is located on Princess Street , which happens to be one of the oldest streets of Fort Kochi, lined with colonial structures. Most of the places to see and things to do in Fort Kochi described above are within 5-10 minutes of walking distance from the hotel.

The History Of Forte Kochi

As I walked toward the bright yellow and white building, I knew I was in for a big surprise. The history of Forte Kochi is as fascinating as the building itself. The hotel Manager, Sajeesh Nadakath , gave us a quick crash course about the historical relevance of the building in which I was staying. I learned that the heritage building in which the hotel is located was originally  built by the Portuguese in 1860 . This historic building was once a  stately mansion  owned by an  eminent Jewish family . Although the owners had migrated to Israel a long time back, the building was taken on lease by the Paul Group of Hotels and carefully restored to its original structure. Even though the building acts like a time machine letting you enjoy the art and architecture of the bygone colonial era, it is well equipped with all contemporary luxuries and turned into a boutique hotel. No wonder Forte Kochi is one of the best 5-star hotels in Kochi. 

Colonial Era Rooms

Being a boutique property Forte Kochi has well-appointed 27 colonial-style rooms. You can book yourself in any of the three kinds of rooms – Classic rooms that accommodate two people, Imperial King rooms that accommodate four people, and the Sovereign Suite that can accommodate four people. While my room had an antique and traditional look, it also offered all modern amenities like an LED TV, Refrigerator, Coffee/Tea Maker, Air Conditioning, Mini Bar, wi-fi etc. As I entered the room, I was greeted into a room reminiscence of British elegance and luxury . The room was elegantly designed with colourful tiled floors, large arched tinted windows, colonial-era lamps, and cushioned wicker sofas. The bathroom was well-equipped with a nice bathtub, hand shower, hairdryer, and required toiletries, dressing gowns, and slippers. All the colonial-styled rooms face the central courtyard and swimming pool.

Apart from the in-room amenities, the hotel has an inviting swimming pool where one can take a dip or relax by the poolside. You can borrow a book from the in-house library or lounge by the poolside with a drink. I really loved sitting in the courtyard, where I could hear the birds singing. Kochi gets really hot and humid in summers, so returning to the sea green-blue pool was like returning to an oasis of calm after a hectic day of sightseeing. There is an in-house bar where you can order your favourite drink. 

What surprised me the most was the presence of the holy spring of the Jews right in the courtyard where a beautiful tortoise lives. You had to walk down a few flights of stairs to get to the spring that dates back to over 200 years.

Dinning at Forte Kochi

Food served at Forte Kochi is a sensory pleasure for your taste buds. I’ve to admit this was the place that gave me food comma. Everything right from simple buttermilk is made with so much precision and care that flavours have a field day in your mouth. My first meal in Kochi was at  Jetty restaurant,  and man, it was mindblowing .  The restaurant serves a varied fare to its guests – from local Malabar delicacies to Continental cuisine, from Pan Indian dishes to a tempting seafood spread. The appams I had here were the softest and most flavourful I ever had. The food is exceptional, and there’s so much variety available. Credit goes to  Chef Jejo Joseph  for being so consistent with taste. I stayed at the hotel for two days and had all my meals here because I loved it so much! Everything from prawn curry to pasta was delicious. And the desserts are to die for. 

Breakfast is a combination of buffet and à la carte. One can order from a selection of Indian or European breakfast options and beverages, juices, and shakes.

Another interesting feature that I loved about this boutique property was the High Tea. Served in the evening by the poolside at a small recreated local Kerala style tea shop known as Thattukada. Along with tea, filter coffee, and local snacks.

How much does a trip to Kochi cost from Delhi

The cost of a vacation in Kochi depends on your budget, and you can go as high or as low as you want. But if you’re going to have a holiday similar to mine, then this is what it will cost:

Accommodation in an imperial room – Rs 10030/- per night (including Bed & Breakfast) 

Guided Heritage Tour – Rs. 3540 for two people

Kathakali Show – Rs. 1180 for two people

Kalaripayattu Show 1180 for two people

Airport Pick Up & Drop by Innova Crysta – Rs.9000/-

Food – Rs. 2500 for two people

Total cost for two people (minus the flights) – 37460 (inclusive of taxes) / USD 490 

Besides Forte Kochi, the other hotels worth checking out in Kochi are Brunton Boatyard, Fragrant Nature Kochi, Ramada by Wyndham Kochi Resort, Kochi Marriott Hotel, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, and many more.

Where to eat in Kochi

While most of my meals were at Forte Kochi’s Jetty restaurant , you can try any of the following places considered the best to eat in Kochi. Here are some of the best places to eat in Kochi. Sri Muruga Café for pazhampori and beef fry, Grand Pavillion at the Grand Hotel for their karimeen (pearl spot) poll ichathu (beef fry) with Malabar parotta, Kayees Rahmathulla Café for Biryani, Ojeen for thirty different variety of traditional Malabari Mappila snacks, Armoury Café at The Brunton Boatyard Hotel for first-class railway curry, Daal Roti for North Indian fare, Ginger House , Café Crafters, Kashi Art Café , and a small outlet at Neroth John Chandy & Co (Mattachery) for coffees, shakes, juices and western snacks etc. They serve really good ginger soda and carrot cake.

How to get to Fort Kochi

There are four ways to get from New Delhi to Kochi – by plane, train, bus or car. Like most tourists, I arrived in Kochi on a flight that takes around 3 hrs 10 mins and costs between 5000 to 12000 INR. The nearest airport to Kochi is Cochin International Airport, located about a 1-hour drive from Fort Kochi. In peak hours, it can take more than 2 hours to reach the hotel or vice versa. The train is the cheapest mode to reach Kochi but takes around 43-hours and costs anywhere between one thousand rupees to five thousand rupees. The bus will take 2 days 12 hours, and would cost anywhere between 5000 rupees to 8000 rupees. If driving nonstop, it would take you approximately four hours and cost anywhere between 19000 to 30,000 rupees.

Getting in and around Fort Kochi 

If you are planning to explore only Fort Kochi, you don’t need transportation as it is quite a small area that you can easily explore on foot. To explore other parts of the city, you can get an Uber or an autorickshaw or even a ferry. Also, check Kochi’sKochi’s new metro line. Kerala’s first metro rail runs from Aluva to Petta (22 stations) and only has one line. As of now, the Kochi metro doesn’t reach Fort Kochi, but there are plans to expand it over the years. The nearest metro stations to Fort Kochi are Maharaja College Metro Station and M G Road Metro Station. Both are approximately 3 km away from Fort Kochi.

Planning to explore further afield?

If you want to explore Kerala further, I would highly recommend experiencing the backwaters from Kumarakom. They are less touristy as compared to Alleppey. 

I hope you find this post helpful and it inspires you to experience the  best things to do in Kochi in 2 days !

Have you been to Fort Kochi, or if you have any more suggestions for me to add? Let me know in the comments section below.

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19 comments.

It is so beautiful there! I love all the photos you shared and the wealth of information on how to make our visit the best it can be.

The photos make it look so inviting. Thanks for the tip on the best time to visit. Inclement weather can make a trip not so pleasant, especially if you’ll be outside quite a bit.

Really amazing vlog.

WOW!! What an incredible place to visit! Your photos capture the beauty so nicely. Thank you for sharing your trip with us.

Another hidden gem, it sounds like! I know about the popular destinations in India like many people do, but I have never heard of Fort Kochi.

It looks like such a lovely place. I’m a big fan of going anywhere by the water, so this looks so perfect to me!

This is a really amazing place with all the colours and right next to the water! Looks like a perfect getaway place to escape the city life.

This is why I love reading travel blogs. I have never heard of Kochi, but now I want to go there. Looks like such a beautiful place!

Hhhhmmmm…Kochi is so worth the visit and stay, I have to say! Just look at Fort Kochi, for example, huh?!

Beautiful sunsets and historic churches! Kochi has earned its place on my travel bucket list. Hope to be able to visit soon!

stunning captures and such a detailed informative post for planning a trip to Kochi. Kerala is on our list of must-visit states and hopefully soon

What a beautiful place! I would love to see a glorious sunset at Fort Kochi Beach.

What an interesting place to visit. That is neat that they still use the old style of fishing nets. These places are fascinating and have a lot of interesting history. I would love to see them in person.

This is interesting, I like the idea to check out the cultural part of this place. Also, the food looks nice as well.

Happy here to visit your blog. I love the amazing photos of places, foods, and culture you shared here.

I went there 2021, Kerala is beautiful, you can also visit: Backwater

I really loved the place Will plan soon to visit Kerala. Thanks for sharing and exploring Kochi. will love to spend a few days there

Your best travel blogger I have found in India. I followed a few other bloggers before but never delivered what they promised. You provide the best travel tips for us I am a frequent traveller but don’t know which places are the best food and best-staying facility and what are the places to visit around that place. I got all that information after looking through your blog. That is fantastic I have seen

Great article, thank you very much for sharing this awesome post with us.

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Places To Visit In Kochi

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1. Fort Kochi

4 km from city center 1 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Fort Kochi is a seaside town in the south-western part of Main Kochi, which is known for its historical fortifications and ruins of old palatial buildings from the Portuguese or Dutch colonial era. Fort Kochi is dotted with European structures, churches and other architectural buildings which take you right back to a different era back in time.

2. Mattancherry Palace

3 km from city center 2 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

The Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace. It is now a museum displaying paraphernalia belonging to the rajas of Kochi. The four separate wings of the Mattancherry Palace surround a central courtyard which has a temple as well.

3. Santa Cruz Basilica

4 km from city center 3 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is located at Fort Kochi and is one of the eight Basilicas in India. Famous for its gothic style architecture and portuguese interiors, the church is the second cathedral built by the Portuguese. Located on K.B. Jacob Road in Fort Kochi, this beautiful roman catholic church serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Kochi.

4. Hill Palace Museum

9 km from city center 4 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Located at Tripunithura, The Hill Palace is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. It was built in the year 1865 and was once the Imperial Administrative offices and official residence of the Maharaja of Cochin. Just as the name suggests, the massive palace is located on a hill and has a beautiful garden.

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5. Kerala Kathakali Centre

4 km from city center 5 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Kerala Kathakali Centre at Fort Cochin has seen many dance performances! The amount of effort put in by the dancers is commendable. It is usually rife with locals and foreign tourists who come to enjoy the dance show. The centre’s interiors follow the Malabar style of architecture and are mostly made up of beautiful wood carvings which gives the place a very traditional, yet appealing look.

6. St Francis Church Kochi

5 km from city center 6 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

St. Francis Church in Kochi, which finely exhibits Portuguese architecture, is believed to be one of a kind amongst all the European churches which were constructed in India. It was constructed in the 15th century by the Portuguese traders. Vasco-da-Gama, the famous explorer, was buried in this church when he died in 1524, on his third visit to India. His remains were moved to Lisbon after fourteen years but his gravestone is still present in the church.

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7. Bolgatty Palace

2 km from city center 7 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Bolgatty Palace is located in Bolgatty Island of Kochi and is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces that is situated outside Holland. It is an exquisite example of the Kochi style of architecture. Built-in 1744 by Dutch traders, it was later extended, and gardens were landscaped around it. Green gardens, azure skies and the virgin charms of Kerela are aplenty at the Bolgatty Palace.

8. Marine Drive, Kochi

1 km from city center 8 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

The Marine drive in Kochi is one of the best places to spend time in the city and provides an amazing view of the sea. It is a picturesque promenade and is built facing the backwaters. It is a popular hangout place for the local people.

9. Kashi Art Cafe

4 km from city center 9 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Kashi Art Cafe is one of the most beautiful cafe in Kochi catering to foodies and art lovers alike. Popular for its very delicious breakfast, the place also runs a side art gallery exhibiting works of a single artist for a single month. Very famous among the foreign tourists, the place boasts of perfect non-vegetarian food and perfect vibes. Visiting here is one of the topmost things to do in Kochi.

10. Museum of Kerala History

8 km from city center 10 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

The Museum of Kerala History is located in the city of Kochi, Kerala, India. Founded in 1987, this museum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts, artworks, and exhibits that chronicle the rich history and culture of Kerala. One of the oldest art and history museums in Kerala, the Museum of Kerala History is managed by the Madhavan Nayar Foundation.

11. Lulu Mall

7 km from city center 11 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Lulu Mall is the largest mall in India regarding total retail space of 1.7 million square feet. Situated in Edapally, Kochi, the mall sprawls over an extensive area of 17 acres with 215 outlets of restaurants, multiplex, food courts, entertainment zones, bowling alley, money exchange centres, arcade games and 5D cinema.

12. Jewish Synagogue

30 km from city center 12 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Also known as Paradesi Synagogue or Mattancherry Synagogue, Cochin Jewish Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue, not just in Kochi but in the Commonwealth of Nations. Located in the Jew Town area of Kochi, the synagogue was constructed in 1567 and is one of the seven synagogues of the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila.

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13. Kerala Folklore Museum

5 km from city center 13 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

The Kerala Folklore Museum near Thevara in Cochin, portrays a variety of gallery art, sales, live dance forms which vary from ritualistic to martial arts, and souvenirs. Some of the pieces at this gallery are priceless. One can also sell his/her fine arts and antiques here which might be put up on display later. It is a family-run private museum curated by Annie George and started in 2009. It houses around 5000 artefacts.

14. Vypin Beach

12 km from city center 14 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Vypin beach is a popular beach located in Kochi, a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is located on Vypin Island, which is bridged across to the mainland. The beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand and blue waters that offer a unique blend of natural beauty, local culture, and historical significance. The beach is often referred to as Vepeen Beach as well.

15. Kodanad Elephant Training Centre

34 km from city center 15 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, also known as Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary, is a popular tourist destination located in the Ernakulam district, Kerala. Situated near the southern banks of the Periyar River, the sanctuary is surrounded by towering mountains and is known for its 'Elephant Kraal,' elephant rescue center, mini zoo, and elephant rides.

16. Kochi-Muziris Biennale

16 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

An international exhibition of contemporary art, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale started in 2012 as the lead occasion of the KMB Foundation with the support of the government of Kerala. A mix of Indian as well as international artists, all with very different experiences in art, come together to present their artworks in the form of films, paintings, photographs sculptures, sketches, fashion exhibits, music, dance, drama and many more.

17. Bishop's House

4 km from city center 17 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Bishop's House was a residence to the Portuguese governor built in the year 1506. It houses an Indo-Portuguese museum that has a collection of valuable artefacts from various churches under the Cochin diocese. Now it is famous for its house-facade made up of large Gothic arches with a circular path that ends at the main entrance.

18. Willingdon Island

2 km from city center 18 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

The Willingdon Island is one of the largest human-made islands in India which is named after Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy of India. This beautiful island provides various links between Kochi port and other national and international ports

19. Ayurvedic Massage in Kochi

19 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

There are innumerable Ayurvedic centres that provide massages in Kochi, which do much more than merely relax you; they allow you to have a sense of wholeness and rejuvenation and give you some much-needed inner peace. We've curated a list of top places offering Ayurvedic massages in Kochi, along with details about the timings and location.

20. Chinese Fishing Nets

4 km from city center 20 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Bearing witness to the entry of Chinese into Kerala long ago, legends tell that these nets were a gift of the famous Chinese King, Kublai Khan. Fishermen even today use these elaborate conventional fishing nets, making it the only other destination other than China to have and use these fishing nets. Popularly known as Cheenavala, the Chinese Fishing Nets are the most iconic and popular attractions of Kerala peculiar to Kochi located next to Fort Kochi.

21. Indo Portuguese Museum

21 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Situated in Fort Kochi in Kerala, the Indo-Portuguese museum has a fascinating collection of artefacts that belong to different churches. The museum highlights the fascinating Indo-Portuguese culture that is reckoned for its rich heritage. Having a captivating display of art and architecture of Kerala, the museum is a significant attraction for tourists.

22. Jew Town

3 km from city center 22 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Jew Town is one of the oldest parts of the region. It was here that the Jews first settled in India in around 700 BC and were here till they moved to Israel;. This part is famous for its architecturally solid synagogue that continues to stand till today. It is a series of narrow alleys between Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue.

23. Indian Naval Museum

5 km from city center 23 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Located on the INS Dronacharya premises in the Ernakulam district of Kochi, Kerala, the Indian Naval Maritime Museum is an ode to the Indian Navy’s maritime past. The museum sheds light on the country’s maritime heritage, depicts international trade links, pays tribute to major maritime figures and also focuses on the settlement of the Europeans in India.

24. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

2 km from city center 24 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Located in Kochi city-centre, this bird sanctuary is home to a shallow lake surrounded by thick mangrove vegetation that draws a variety of migratory and resident birds every year.

25. Cherai Beach

22 km from city center 25 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Cherai Beach, which is one of the best-voted beaches of the state, is situated at a distance of 30 km from Kochi city. Its strategic location on the northern end of the Vypin Island in Kochi makes it a perfect merging point of the sea and backwaters. The surrounding greenery and the seashells present in different shapes and Chinese fishing nets add to the beauty of the sea.

26. Rainbow Hanging Bridge

1 km from city center 26 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

One of the most popular attractions in Kochi, Kerala, the Rainbow Hanging Bridge in Ernakulam is connected to the Marine Drive. This arched bridge overlooks the expansive sea and is known for being an excellent place for taking a morning or evening walk since it has a pedestrian promenade.

27. Fort Kochi Beach

5 km from city center 27 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Situated along Fort Kochi in Kochi, Kerala, Fort Kochi Beach is a tranquil beach adjoining the Arabian Sea. Lined with a beautiful sidewalk, the beach also has a fort to boast of which is also a major tourist attraction of the spot. People usually visit it for routinely morning and evening walks or just to spend some quality time in solitude.

28. Chottanikkara Temple

28 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Located in Kakkanad, Chottanikkara is the most revered of the 393 Hindu shrines spread across 3 districts in the state of Kerala. Popular for its spectacular architecture, the shrine stands out to be the ultimate testimonial for the primordial vishwakarma sthapathis (wooden sculpture) in carving out this temple.

29. Subhash Park

0 km from city center 29 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Popularly known as Subhash Park, the Subhash Chandra Bose Park is situated along Marine Drive in Kochi, Kerala. The park, which overlooks the serene backwaters of Vembanad Lake and Kochi Harbour on one side and a bunch of trees on the other, is an excellent place for people to come and relax.

30. Greenix Village

3 km from city center 30 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Situated 8 km off Ernakulam is the Greenix village where various art forms of Kerala are practiced and developed. Every evening witnesses a mixed performance of Kathakali- the dance drama form of Kerala, Kalaripayattu- an aesthetic martial art form, audio-visual history at the in-house museum and Indian classical music in this cultural centre.

31. Antique Museum

3 km from city center 31 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

A branch of the Fine Art Emporium of Kochi, the Antique Museum Kochi is situated in Mattancherry’s Jew Town. It is maintained by the government and is ideal for people who are interested in antiques as the museum is home to over 1,000 valuable items that date back centuries.

32. Veeranpuzha Lake and Backwaters

12 km from city center 32 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Veeranpuzha Lake, located in the serene backwaters of Kochi, is a captivating destination renowned for its tranquility and scenic beauty. Embraced by lush greenery and coconut groves, the lake is part of the expansive Vembanad Backwaters network, offering a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

33. M G Road Kochi

1 km from city center 33 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Mahatma Gandhi Road, popularly known as MG Road among the people is considered to be the commercial hub of Kochi. Everything you want and need can be found here. It’s a shopaholic’s paradise with many colourful shops and markets lined up in one road. The people of Kochi and some even from far away places come here for shopping as one can easily find clothes, accessories and household items.

34. Veeranpuzha Beach

12 km from city center 34 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Veeranpuzha Beach is one of the popular beaches in Kochi. With beautiful blue waters and golden sandy shores, the beach is lined with green vegetation. The proximity of fishing villages from the beach ensures the activity of fisherfolks at work all day long at the shores. You can visit Veeranpuzha to watch the fishermen at work, or to have a glimpse of the laid back rural vibe.

35. Sunset Cruise

53 km from city center 35 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

The Sunset Cruise on the Arabian waters is an amazing 2 hour journey beginning from Marine Drive in Kochi during the time of sunset. The cruise covers Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry, Bolgatty Island, Willingdon Island and the Cochin shipyard.

36. Princess Street Kochi

4 km from city center 36 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Princess Street is famous for its quaint old world charm and bizarreness of European homes built in the Dutch, British, French, and Portuguese style. Most of these homes allow visitors to see the interiors as well.

28 km from city center 37 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Kalady is a census town located east of the Periyar river, in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. It is the birthplace of Sri Adi Shankara, and a popular destination for pilgrims. There are two major shrines located in Kalady, dedicated to the memory of Adi Sankaracharya.

38. Parikshith Thampuran Museum

0 km from city center 38 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Architecturally a Kerala style mansion, the Parikshith Thampuran Museum is located inside the Durbar Hall. The museum features old coins, sculptures, oil paintings, Mughal paintings and Royal artifacts belonging to the 19th century.

39. Wonderla Amusement Park

14 km from city center 39 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

An amusement park filled with breathtaking charm, Wonderla has everything one can need to celebrate with vivacity. With over 50 exhilarating rides, the theme park has all the facilities to provide for an exciting experience for every visitor irrespective of their age and gender. It offers the thrill of both land-based and water-based rides.

40. Vasco da Gama Square

4 km from city center 40 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Many stalls serving various edibles such as coconuts, nuts, sea-food, ice-creams and local fares scatter the narrow esplanade along the Kochi beach which is the Vasco da Gama Square. One can even watch local fisherman fishing along the shoreline.

41. Pierce Leslie Bungalow

4 km from city center 41 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Pierce Leslie Bungalow is a colonial mansion established as offices of Pierce Leslie and Co. Established in the year 1862; the coffee merchants drew inspiration from Portuguese and Dutch architecture.

42. Pallipuram Fort

25 km from city center 42 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Pallipuram, located in Vypeen Island near Kochi, allows the visitor to behold and feel the earliest of all the European memories of India. The Pallipuram Fort, built in 1503 by the Portuguese, is considered as the oldest surviving European monument in India. Standing amidst the huge trees that romance the skies, untouched by the hubbubs of the town and enduring the snags of time, the fort is also known by the name Ayikotta or Alikotta.

43. Thrikkakkara Vamana Moorthy Temple

9 km from city center 43 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Containing lithic records of historical significance, Thirikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple hosts the spectacular secular Onam feast every year in the Malayalee month of Chingam which falls typically between August and September.

44. Santhana Gopala Krishna Temple

65 km from city center 44 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Santhanagopala-Krishnaswamy Temple is an ancient temple with the inscriptions found here that dates the founding of the temple to 947 AD. Thus this beautiful temple is regarded as one of the oldest temples found in all India.

45. Ernakulam Mahadev Temple

5 km from city center 45 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

The Ernakulam Shiva temple is one of the major temples in Kerala. It is also called as Ernankulathapan temple, located in the heart of the city of Kochi. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered a rare one as the deity faces the sea towards west.

46. Andhakaranazhi Beach

25 km from city center 46 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Located at a distance of 30 kms from Kochi, Andhakaranazhi Beach is an extension of the tiny village of Andhakaranazhi. The virgin beach is still noncommercialized and unexploited from tourism and a well-kept secret of the city. Also its distance from the city makes it a perfect serene spot from the pell-mell of the city.

47. Puthenthode Beach

11 km from city center 47 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Located at a distance of 12 kms from Kochi in Chellanam, Puthenthode Beach is a relatively newly made beach. Slightly smaller in area than the other beaches with only half a km in length, it is popular for its peaceful vibe and calm environs.

48. Puthuvype Beach

8 km from city center 48 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Puthuvype is a 3 kms long beach situated in Puthuvype near the lighthouse in Kochi, Kerala. One among the least explored beaches of Kochi, the highlight of the beach is also a lighthouse. Still unexploited by tourists, the beach is crowded by the fisherfolks at work. You can visit on a weekend for a perfect break from the city in peace and solitude.

49. Kuzhupilly Beach

19 km from city center 49 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

At a distance of 3.5 kms from Cherai Beach in Kochi, this one is remotely located and really well hidden even from the localites. Lined with huge rocks all along the shore, the place makes for a perfect romantic spot or even if you want to spend some time away from the hustle-bustle of the city. The drive to the beach is equally beautiful with two lakes flanked on the side of the narrow road.

50. Munambam Beach

26 km from city center 50 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Also known as Muziris Beach, Munambam Beach is situated 4 kms north of Cherai Beach. Covered in Chinese fishing nets of the village fisherfolks, the beach boasts of calm sands merging into the indigo waters of the Arabian Sea. The beach also has an adjacent playground for the kids.

51. Areekkal Waterfalls

29 km from city center 51 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Areekkal Waterfalls is situated in Kochi and is one of the very few falls situated in the region. Boasting of immaculate surroundings, verdant green woods and a picturesque setting, the silvery cascading water atop rocky cliffs is a visual delight and a popular tourist spot of the city.

52. Vallarpadam

4 km from city center 52 out of 56 Places To Visit in Kochi

Quietly nestled in the middle of the Vembanad Lake in Kochi, Vallarpadam is one part of the group of islands in the state of Kerala- the one one being Willington Island. Vallarpadam is hustled near the Port of Kochi, the island only has a meagre population of around 10000 people. Considered to be one of the most picturesque and scenic places in the region, the town is mostly famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, known as the Vallarpadam Church.

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Kochi – kerala travel guide.

Adorned by the enchanting charm of the Arabian Sea, Kochi or Cochin boasts of being one of the best tourist destinations in Kerala that is perfectly blended with an old world charm and the electrifying beauty of modern day world! Located within the Ernakulam district of God’s Own Country, this gorgeous city is also called the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ and has been a centre of attraction since time immemorial!

An important port city; in fact the most popular, in Kerala, Kochi showcases a mixed bag of culture. Once ruled by Portuguese, Dutch, and British, the city still echoes the essence and aura of these eras in livelier ways. Also, owing to its location along the shorelines of the Arabian Sea, it has been an important spice trade centre for countries like Syria, Arab, China, and several other Asian countries.

Rated as one of the ’50 Greatest Places to Visit in a Lifetime’ by National Geographic Traveller Magazine, Kochi is truly is a melting point of history and culture. Though the city boasts of its cosmopolitan outlooks, it is still connected to its indigenous roots with its high cultural and traditional values. If you are planning for a Kerala trip, a visit to this promising port city is a must!

How to Reach Kochi:

KSRTC buses to Kochi are available at regular intervals. These buses connect Cochin with most of the major tourist destinations in Kerala. Visitors from Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and other popular cities can also reach Kochi easily through the roadways.

2 By Train:

Ernakulam Town Station and Ernakulam Junction Station are the two nearest railway stations to Kochi. Both the train stations have a good connectivity to other Indian cities and serves as the most convenient railway destinations to reach Kochi.

Cochin International Airport is the largest airport in Kerala. For the travellers who wish to reach Kochi by air, they can board a flight to this airport from almost all the major cities in India. The airport also has a good-connectivity with some of the major international tourist destinations as well.

Best Time to Visit Kochi:

1 Winter (October to February):

Kochi showcases an alluring ambience during the winters. With the mercury level going down, the city becomes livelier and offers great options to its visitors. Winters in Kochi proves to be an ideal time for the honeymooners, adventure junkies, leisure seekers, and other classes of travellers.

2 Summer (March to June):

Temperature in Kochi starts rising with the onset of the summers! However, owing to its location along the shorelines of the Arabian Sea, the city does not experience harsh summers. Though not a perfect time to visit this port city; summers can still be a good choice as tourism slows down a bit within and around the city during the summers.

3 Monsoon (July to September):

Visiting Kochi during the monsoons has its own charm and appeal! It is during this period of the year that the entire port city gets blanketed by Mother Nature’s green colour and showcases an entirely different facet of Kochi!

Places to Visit in Kochi:

1 Fort Kochi:

The once a hub of the spice traders from various corners of the globe, Fort Kochi is among the most spectacular place to visit in Cochin. Steeped with history or the livelier reminiscent of the past, a walk around this vicinity along with the prismatic views of the Chinese fishing nets is a must experience for the visitors.

2 Vasco House:

Kochi is the melting point of history and culture; the Vasco House on the Rose Street of this port city is one such livelier example! Believed to be the residence of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, it is among the oldest heritage houses in India.

3 Santa Cruz Basilica:

This pious site dates back to 1505, and was originally built by the Portuguese. Though it was later destroyed by the British colonists, it was later rebuilt in 1905.

4 Dutch Palace:

The Raja of Kochi received this historic palace as a gift from the Portuguese! Built in typical Portuguese and Malabar architecture, the palace showcases ancient murals and wall paintings, and is a true treasure trove for the visitors to Kochi.

5 Bolghatty Palace:

Situated in the Bolghatty Island, this historic palace was once a royal retreat. At present, it has been converted into a heritage hotel that can be accessed only by boats.

6 Hill Palace:

A 19th century palace, Hill Palace was once the royal seat of Raja of Kochi. It now serves as a museum that houses numerous belongings of the past; a visit to Hill Palace will get the visitors acquainted with the glorious history of Kochi.

7 Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary:

An indigenous home to a large number of avifauna, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a major attraction among the nature lovers to Kochi. Located at the heart of the city, it is a wonderful day-out destination and a paradise for the bird watchers.

Things to do in Kochi:

1 Sightseeing:

Kochi is one of the most beautiful cities in Kerala. Decked with historical landmarks, alluring shorelines, religious spots, and much more, it definitely makes it for an ideal sightseeing destination in God’s Own Country.

2 Cultural Tours:

This charming port city is also a wonderful destination to witness and enjoy the colourful cultures and traditions in Kerala. Visitors to Kochi can revel in regular Kathakali dance performances along with several other shows while manoeuvring around the city.

3 Enjoy Backwater Homestay:

For those visitors who want to delve deep into the history and hospitality of Kochi, they must go for backwater homestays! Located on the outer fringes of the city limits; mostly in and around Alappuzha, these homestays are the doorways to Kerala’s rustic cultures and traditions.

4 Visit Chinese Fishing Nets:

Mostly located towards the northern side of Fort Kochi, the Chinese Fishing Nets have become synonymous to the enchanting beauty of Kochi’s shorelines. On a visit to this promising port-city, visitors must visit these traditional fishing nets to have a glimpse of Kerala’s golden past.

Hotels in Kochi:

Be it about the stay options or eateries, Kochi is jotted with numerous options. Starting from budget-friendly hotels to ultra-luxurious options, visitors can find all the options while on a Kerala trip to Kochi.

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About kochi.

Attractions Chinese Fishing Nets

Best Season September - March

Ideal Duration 3 days

Languages Malayalam, English

Cochin, often known as Kochi, is located in the Ernakulam District of Kerala. The town enjoys a fusion of South Indian food, Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, European colonial culture, and charming, diverse people.

The Laccadive Sea shoreline metropolis of 2.1 million people has long been referred to as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." This is due to the city's prominence as a key center for the trade of spices beginning in the 14th century. The first European colony in India was in Kochi, which still has several fascinating structures from that era. Buildings from the Dutch and British empires are also present.

Cochin has a diverse culture, vibrant festivals, and unique traditions to offer because of its long history as a trading port city. It is a flourishing economic and financial center as well as a bohemian port city with large modern buildings and adorable fishing boats dotting its skyline.

ALSO SEE - Kochi Tour Packages

During your travel to Kerala, Ernakulam is a must-see location. There are many attractions in this attractive city with a distinguished background. Ernakulam is a region that has experienced a variety of rulers, making its culture diverse. Walking through the streets will allow you to take in this city's splendor. A unique fusion of man-made architecture and scenic natural beauty can be seen in Ernakulam. The true delights here are the breathtakingly stunning locations, colonial structures, and historical landmarks of the area. Apart from all the beautiful architecture, the heart of the city is Marine Drive Ernakulam, one of the best tourist attractions in Kochi and an integral part of Kochi Tourism.

Kochi Tourist Places

Spread over a series of islands and crisscrossed by the sea and backwaters, Kochi tourism has forever been on every traveler’s wishlist and brought people from faraway lands to its shores.

Cochin tourist places offer a lovely blend of colonialism and local flavor to their visitors.

It has beautiful churches, 500-plus-year-old fishing nets, impressive museums, fascinating synagogues, and more. It is difficult to choose just a few from the many attractions in Kochi.

Fort Kochi: A historic town in the port city that has retained many remains of the bygone era tops the list of Kochi places to visit. The first European township in India, Fort Kochi in the heart of Cochin city is known for its Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture and bamboo fishing nets.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary: Known as the ‘Green Lung of Kochi’, this ecologically sensitive area located in mangrove forests is one of the best places to visit in Cochin. Sprawling over 2.74 hectares of area, this sanctuary in the core of Kochi India is home to a large variety of migratory birds and densely populated species of trees and plants.

Cherai Beach: A combination of both backwaters and the sea, Cherai Beach is one of the most visited Kochi tourist places that is a swimmer’s paradise. Rightly called the “Princess of the Arabian Sea”, this 18 km long Cherai Beach in Kerala Kochi is every beach lover's heaven.  

Mattancherry Dutch Palace:  This is one of the finest attractions in Kochi exhibiting some amazing Kerala style of architecture interspersed with colonial influences. Popularly known as the Dutch Palace, this Portuguese palace in Kochi Kerala is a must-visit destination to learn about the history of Kerala through its medium of irreplaceable artifacts and embellishments.

St. Francis Church: Known for its beautiful architecture and ambiance, St. Francis Church is believed to be one of the oldest churches built by Europeans in India which makes it a must-visit element of Kerala tourism and an unmissable part of your Kerala holiday. Built in the 15th century by Portuguese traders, this church in Kochi city is where the famous explorer Vasco-da-Gama was buried when he died in 1524.

Chinese Fishing Nets: A common sight in the backwaters of Kerala especially around Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets are one of the must-visit attractions in Kerala. Referred to as Cheena vala at Fort Kochi, the sight of Chinese nets suspended in mid-air when outlined against the sunset is astounding. This is undoubtedly the most photographed sight in Kerala Cochin.

There are many places to visit in Cochin to admire and experience the ambiance of Kerala. 

Things To Do In Kochi Kerala

The Gateway of Kerala, Kochi, offers several activities for visitors so that they enjoy a beautiful vacation. Here are some of the most exciting and soothing experiences that only the port city of Kerala Kochi will provide to make your holiday an alluring affair.

Enjoy a ferry ride in Kochi:  Taking a ferry ride is the best way to visit several small islands in Kochi including Vallarpadam, Willington, and Vypeen Islands. Escape from the stressful city life as you enjoy a ferry ride that seems as if you are floating between blue sky and water.

Hang out at Marine Drive :  Built facing the backwaters, Marine Drive is a picturesque promenade in Kochi Kerala which is the main hangout place for locals and tourists. Adorned with the city’s glittery backwaters, this is one of the best places for sightseeing in Cochin. 

Watch traditional Kathakali performances:  Located in Kochi city, Kerala Kathakali Centre is the best place to enjoy this classical dance form of Kerala. Known for its fascinating and colorful costumes and makeup, it is a must to watch Kathakali performances in Kochi that are truly magical and can take you to a different world.

Shop for spices at Muziris, Kochi:  Spices of Kerala are famous across the globe for their aromatic smell and flavor. One of the most popular things to do in Kerala Kochi is to take a tour of the spice hub of Kerala, Muziris. Muziris is an ancient seaport where everything from precious stones to spices was traded. To this day, it remains a lively shopping arena in Kochi where you can buy exotic and authentic Kerala spices at nominal rates. 

Attend Kochi-Muziris Biennale:  Kochi Muziris Biennale is an international exhibition for modern art held in Kochi India. Kochi Muziris Biennale is a platform for Indian and international artists to exhibit their artwork. 

Try snorkeling in Kochi:  Explore a hidden water kingdom with snorkeling at Cochin City. Snorkeling in Cochin is a must-do if you are an adventure lover.

Kochi Travel Tips

Rightly called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea", the port city of Kochi is an eclectic mix of a magnificent past and a promising new future. Here is a checklist of a few tips that travelers should keep in mind when traveling to Kerala Cochin.

Be aware of the best season to visit Cochin India: The best time to visit Kochi city on the Southwest coastline of Kerala is the winter season if one wishes to see the variety of flora and fauna spread across Kerala Cochin amid pleasant weather.

Learn about the culture of Kochi, Kerala: Being an important port in the trade network and the financial capital of Kerala, Cochin possesses a concoction of cultural depictions - Mattancherry Palace, Portuguese temple, Bolgatty Palace of Dutch, Chinese fishing nets, and the crumbling remains of the British rule. The culture of Kochi India is undoubtedly worth experiencing and every traveler must explore the multi-cultural city of Kochi at least once in their lives.

Choose the right place to stay in Cochin India: The gateway of God’s Own Country in Kerala, Kochi, has a wide range of accommodations for all budget groups from luxury to low-cost homestays. Choose the most suitable type of stay according to your preferences so you don’t have to face any inconvenience. This is one of the most crucial Cochin travel tips.

Get well-versed with Cochin city routes: There is a network of public and private transportation like buses, cars, railways, and airways to commute within Kochi Kerala India. Kochi Metro is the best way to commute in Kochi, Kerala, as it has minimum fare compared to other forms of transportation and runs all over the city. It is advisable to get familiar with the routes in Cochin India.

Enjoy Cochin Kerala food: Sprinkled with the spices of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, the food landscape of Kochi is quite evolved. From traditional delicacies to seafood and global cuisine, a culinary journey through Kochi India will surely delight your senses!

Book your trip to the port city of Kochi with Iris Holidays and we assure you an unforgettable vacation in the Queen of the Arabian Sea!

Popular Questions About Kochi

What is kochi famous for.

The Chinese fishing nets are, without a doubt, Kochi's most popular sight. According to legend, the nets were brought from the court of Chinese emperor Kublai Khan and introduced to fishermen in Kochi.

Why is Kochi called the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'?

Kochi port is known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' as it was an important trade center for spices on the western coast of India 14th century onwards. Occupied by the Portuguese Empire in 1503, Kochi was the first of the European colonies in colonial India.

What are the top attractions to visit in Kochi (Cochin)?

Fort Kochi, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Cherai Beach, Mattancherry Bird Sanctuary, St. Francis Church, and Chinese Fishing Nets are a few captivating attractions to visit in Kochi that will take your breath away!

What is the best time to visit Kochi?

Kochi has a different charm in different seasons. Though it can be visited all around the year, the monsoon season is a great time to visit Kochi and admire the city in its rain-drenched splendor.

What are some of the best places to visit in Cochin for families with kids?

Wonderla Amusement Park, Kerala Kathakali Centre, Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Kashi Art Gallery, and Kerala Folklore Museum are some of the best places to visit in Cochin for families with kids.

What are the top activities in Kochi?

Exploring the beautiful Marine Drive, enjoying the magnificent views of Chinese Fishing Nets being tossed into the sea, taking a ferry ride, being a part of Kathakali performances, and taking a walking tour of Fort Kochi are some of the top activities in Kochi.

Best time to visit Kochi

The best time to visit Cochin is just after monsoons from October to March when everything in the city is refreshingly green. Covered in a carpet of green, Cochin comes alive during the rains making it the best time for Kochi tourism. However Kochi is an all-season destination and you can see tourists from all over the world in Fort Kochi, which is the most popular tourist place in Kochi.

ALSO SEE - Is Kochi and Cochin the same ?

The temperature in Cochin varies from 19°C to 31°C (63°F to 91°F) making the temperature suitable for a holiday in Kochi. When you visit Kochi, expect occasional rain and carry comfortable casual clothes.

Kochi tourism during the monsoon is a must for those who want to witness the perfect blend of old-world charm and electrifying beauty of the modern-day world.

Kochi Location

Located in the Eravikulam district of Kerala, the gorgeous Kochi city is one of the most important seaports in India. An important spice trading center of India from the 14th century, Kochi is a major port city on the southwest coast of India. Tucked in the beauty of coconut palms and endless blue waters, Kochi Kerala India is rightly called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”.

How to Reach Kochi

Kochi is well connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata through road, train, and flights. Kochi also has an international airport and is well connected to the Middle East, the USA, the UK, and all major countries in the world. Kochi is the gateway to major tourist places in Kerala like Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Thekkady.

Cochin International Airport (IATA: COK, ICAO: VOCI) is the largest airport in Kerala and one of the major gateways to India from other countries. It is also India's 4th busiest International Airport where domestic and international flights ply. Cochin has regular flights to almost all the cities in the Middle East and a few destinations in Southeast Asia.

Kochi is well connected by train from all parts of India. Most Kerala-bound trains have a major stop here. There are two major rail terminals inside the city limits, including Ernakulam Town Station (North Station - IR Code: ERN) and Ernakulam Junction Station (South Station - IR Code: ERS). Both these railway stations in Kochi are connected to major cities across India.

Kochi is accessible from all southern parts of the country as well as other parts of the state through the extensive state-run Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services and the services of neighboring state transport corporations.

Ask a Question

Questions on kochi, e asked by ere santos from, canada , march 20, 2024 16:54: pm, which treehouse will be a part of this package .

This is the best honeymoon package that I came across among all the Kerala Travel Websites. Can you let me know which Treehouse will be a part of this package.

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), March 20, 2024

Thanks for letting us know that this is among the best Kerala Honeymoon Packages that you came across. We have multiple treehouse partnerships and would suggest the best option available as per the availability on your travel dates and the arrangements you are looking for.

R Asked by Richa from, Amsterdam, Holland , February 28, 2024 12:06: PM

Can i get alchohol in houseboat.

We are planning to book a houseboat tour with your company in February and wanted to know whether alcohol will be available in houseboat

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), February 28, 2024

Hello Richa, Alcohol is not served in houseboat. However you can get it from the givernment approved shops for your personal consumption on the way and consume in the houseboat

J Asked by Johnny from, US , February 28, 2024 12:06: PM

Kerala's switzerland.

Which place is known as Kerala’s Switzerland?

Perched at an astounding height of 1,100 m above sea level, Vagamon is known as Kerala’s Switzerland. The temperature lies between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius and the hill station has a cool climate throughout the year that attracts tourists.

F Asked by Faiza Rizvi from, Surat, India , February 25, 2024 15:21: PM

Price for cgh earth hotel package.

What would be the price for 2 adults and 2 kids (11 and 6 years old)..we are looking for 1 room with 1 extra bed.

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), February 25, 2024

The Price will vary based on your travel timings, season and kind of rooms you select. Please contact us with travel details to get a FREE Holiday Itinerary and an all inclusive price

L Asked by Ling from, Taiwan , December 9, 2023 19:14: PM

Group tour in houseboat.

I am interested in houseboat trips, but I travel alone. Do you provide group tours?

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor), December 9, 2023

Hello Ling, We do provide Shikara Tours for solo travellers but not group tour on Boatels. Kindly let us know your travel date by clicking on Get a FREE Holiday Plan on the top of the page

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THE 10 BEST Kochi (Cochin) Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in kochi (cochin).

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Carnival Tours & Travels
• Kerala Backwaters
• Chinese Fishing Nets
• Alleppey Backwaters
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full Day Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise

2. Kochi Private Tour: Overnight Alleppey Backwaters Houseboat Cruise

3. Fortkochi or Backwater Shore Excursions Tour from Cruise Terminal

4. Alleppey Village and Canal Cruise in Houseboat from Kochi.

5. Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Houseboat Day Cruise in Aleppey

6. Backwaters Houseboat Cruise in Aleppey with Lunch from Cochin - Private Tour

7. 5 Nights & 6 Days Kerala Tour Covering Munnar, Aleppey Houseboat, Kovalam Beach

8. Half Day Village Houseboat Punting Tour

9. 7 Days Kerala Tour- Munnar, Periyar, Houseboat & Varkala Beach

10. From Cochin Port: Backwaters by Houseboat & Chinese Nets

11. Private 7-Day Kerala Tour with Houseboat Cruise from Mumbai with 2-Way Flights

12. Kochi Shore Excursion: Private Kerala Backwater Houseboat Day Cruise

13. Cochin (Kochi) Shore Excursions from Cruise Terminal Ships Pier

14. Day Cruise with South Indian Lunch on the Kerala Backwaters & Private Transfer

15. Private Kerala Backwater Houseboat Day Cruise with Lunch from Cochin

16. Cochin City or Backwater Shore Excursions from Cruise Terminal

17. Cochin shore excursions

18. Highlights of Cochin Group Tour by Local Ferry ,Tuc-Tuc ,Local Bus and Foot .

19. Kochi Shore Excursion- Private Day Tour of Heritage and Backwaters

20. Private Overnight Backwaters Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey

21. Kochi Private Tour : Backwater Cruise in Aleppey

22. Daily Conducted Group Tours from Fort Kochi

23. Cochin Shore Excursion: Backwater Houseboat Tour and Chinese Nets

24. Private Blackwaters Cruise Full Day tour with Lunch

25. Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise

26. Celebrity Constellation Houseboat Day cruise at Backwaters

27. Houseboat Tour In Alleppey Backwaters From Cochin

28. From Cochin Port: Backwaters by Shikara (Covered Canoe Boat) & Chinese Nets

29. Eco Country Boat Backwater Village Cruise and Cochin Sightseeing

30. Cochin Shore Excursions from Cruise Terminal

What travellers are saying.

• Backwaters Houseboat Cruise in Aleppey with Lunch from Cochin - Private Tour
• Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Houseboat Day Cruise in Aleppey
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• Alleppey Village and Canal Cruise in Houseboat from Kochi.
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Queen of The Arabian Sea: 11 Magnificent Best Places to Visit in Kochi

It’s not unknown that Kerala is popular as the ‘ God’s Own Country ’. Besides the iconic beaches and picturesque landscapes, the cities of Kerala are quite popular among tourists. In this case, Kochi takes a significant place on this list. If you are ready to explore the best places to visit in Kochi, we are here to help you out. 

If it’s your first time visiting Kochi, you have to be careful with everything. In this case, a proper plan can save your day. That’s why we will share some crucial information alongside the best Kochi tourist destinations. Keep reading this article to know more.

About Kochi

Best places to visit in kochi, 1. fort kochi, 2. mattancherry palace, 3. folklore museum, 4. hill palace, 5. santa cruz basilica, 6. gowreeswara temple cherai, 7. jew town, 8. st francis church, 9. chottanikkara bhagavathy temple, 10. indo – portuguese museum, 11. andhakaranazhi beach, best tips to visit kochi, how to reach kochi, best time to visit kochi.

Perched on the southwest coastline of Kerala, Kochi is a popular destination among tourists. Because of its scenic beauty and outstanding beaches, Kochi is also popular as the ‘ Queen of The Arabian Sea ’.

Yes, you can get different flavors while doing the Kochi city tour. Some people love exploring this city because of its deep root in history while some people love the modernity of Kochi. Being the commercial capital of the state, this place has so many things to offer.

From bustling streets to century-old palaces, there are so many things available for tourists. If you have a plan for visiting this city, you need to know about the best places to visit in Kochi. In the following list, let’s find out about these top destinations:

The actual flavor of Kerala can be found at Fort Kochi. This breathtaking old town has a perfect blend of heritage and colonial beauty. This small town still tells many tales of the British era, despite the influence of modernity.

The entire place is graced with European architecture and Dutch artworks . That’s the key reason why Fort Kochi receives thousands of tourists every year. Besides the phenomenal marvels , Fort Kochi beach is another remarkable attraction here.

Stroll around the tranquil beach in the evening and witness the stunning sunset with your loved ones. Explore the top attractions of this town such as the Chinese Fishing net and Kerala Kathakali Center.

Built by the Portuguese, Mattancherry Palace is one of the top places to visit in Kochi. The Dutch Palace’s distinctive design is very reminiscent of Keralan traditional homes. Without a doubt, it’s a must-visit spot for the Kochi city tour.

Even though the palace is constructed by the Portuguese, the Dutch did several renovations later. Hence, Mattancherry Palace is also popular as the Dutch Palace . Stroll around the inside complex of the palace and discover numerous paintings, collections of frescos, and more.

The key attraction of Mattancherry Palace is the exquisite courtyard and the beautiful Bhagavati temple. Plus, you can visit the two temples of Shiva and Krishna inside the palace. 

Mattancherry Palace is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM . However, the tourist spot is closed every Friday. The entry fee is only INR 2. 

Do you love exploring the culture of a tourist place? In this case, the Folklore Museum can be the best destination for you. Inaugurated in 2009, this spectacular museum represents the rich legacy of Kerala.

Folklore Museum displays traditional musical instruments, sculptures, Kathakali masks, and more. Explore the collection of folk-tribal ornaments in this museum. Folklore Museum is open from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM . The entry fee for this museum is INR 100.

When we are talking about visiting the best places to visit in Kochi, we can’t miss out on Hill Palace. Constructed in 1865, Hill Palace has an outstanding outer view alongside the stunning museum.

Besides 49 buildings, this ravishing palace is graced with Thoppikkallu, Kudakkallu, Stone Age rock-cut armaments, and significant objects of Mohenjodaro and Harappa. If you are visiting this place with your kids, you can also explore the Children’s park.

Hill Palace is open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM . And the Children’s Park is open until 6:00 PM. The area is closed every Monday. You need to pay INR 30 for the entry fee.

Santa Cruz Basilica is one of a kind as it reflects the historical glory and tradition of Kerala. Without any doubt, this Cathedral church is one of the best places to visit in Kochi. The Gothic pattern of this church is the key attraction for tourists.

Wander around the church complex and discover some magnificent paintings. The church is open from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Monday to Saturday) and from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Sunday) . There’s no entry fee.

Located in the heart of Cherai village, Gowreeswara temple is one of the top places to visit in Kochi. The worshipped God is Lord Subrahmanyan . Well, Gowreeswara is the only temple that reflects Chaturmukha Kovil, a unique Dravidian architectural style . 

If you are visiting Kochi in January-February, you have a chance to witness the Cherai Gowreeswara Temple Festival which includes the elephant march. The best part is you can get a marvelous view of Vypeen island from this temple.

Gowreeswara temple is open from 3:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM . There is no entry fee to visit this temple.

A Kochi city tour will be incomplete without visiting the iconic Jew Town. If you are exploring Fort Kochi, this is a must-visit destination. According to legends, this is one of the oldest parts of Kochi as the Jew community settled in India in 700 BC .

They used to live here until moving to Israel. The key attraction of this small town is the picture-perfect Paradesi Synagogue and an antique market. Wander around the narrow alleys and explore Jew culture.

Constructed by Europeons, St Francis Church is one of the oldest churches in India. The scenic surroundings and spectacular design made it one of the top-rated Kochi tourist destinations. The unique design reflects the charisma of the old world.

St Francis Church is open from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM on Sundays . You don’t need an entry fee to visit here.

Because of the outstanding architectural beauty and divine significance, Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple became one of the best places to visit in Kochi. The worshiped Goddesses of this temple are Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Amman and Keezhu Kavu Bhadrakali Amman .

According to legends, these two Goddesses are considered healing Godesseses. Stroll around the picture-perfect temple complex and discover the stunning design of this 1500-year-old temple. Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple is open from 4:00 AM to 8:45 PM every day.

When we are talking about the Kochi city tour, the Indo-Portuguese museum is a must-visit place. Besides the astonishing designs and scenic surroundings, the place reflects the richness of Indian and Portuguese culture. 

Joseph Urethra, the former Bishop of the city, built this exquisite museum. Divided into 5 wings, this museum represents the art and culture of Kerala. Wander around the museum complex and unearth stunning altarpieces, antiques, and other collections.

The Indo-Portuguese museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM . The museum is closed on Mondays. You have to pay INR 10 entry fee to visit this place. Plus, the entry fee is INR 5 for kids and INR 25 for foreigners .

Even though Kochi is a tourist-favorite destination, there are some places that can give your a relaxing vibe. In this case, Andhakaranazhi Beach is the perfect one. Located 30 km away from Kochi, this place gives the perfect view of neighboring village life alongside picturesque surroundings.

After having a hectic day exploring the best places to visit Kochi, stroll around the peaceful beach while watching the splendid sunset. Besides enjoying the serenity, you can do some fun activities like playing volleyball or badminton.

Now, you know about the top places to visit in Kochi. Well, that’s not the only thing. If you are visiting for the first time, you need to know some crucial facts. In the following list, we will share some useful tips to visit Kochi:

• Instead of booking a cab, you can enjoy the real flavor of Kochi with public transport. You can enjoy picture-perfect landscapes with a bus ride.
• Whether you are traveling during the peak season or off-season, always pack light clothes. Being a coastal town, Kochi’s weather is unchanged throughout the year.
• A Kochi city tour is incomplete without the signature dishes. In this case, you have to taste the yummy freshwater fish. 
• Besides discovering iconic landmarks and tasting food, you can do some shopping in this city. 

Being the commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi is accessible from major cities. Hence, you can reach this place by air, train, and road.

By Air: Cochin International Airport has located around 20 km from the city center. You can board direct flights from major cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, and more. After reaching the airport, take a cab.

By Train: If you want to reach this city by train, Ernakulam Junction Railway Station is the best option. This place is well connected with nearby cities including Mumbai, Bangalore, and Mangalore. 

By Road: As we noted before, public transport is a good option if you want to explore Kochi tourist destinations. You can board a state government bus from Bangalore, Mysore, Rameshwaram, and Mangalore.

The best time to visit Kochi is during the winter months; from October to February. The temperature comes down during these months. If you want to avoid peak season, monsoon is the right time to explore this place. Plus, you can experience the magnificent view of mother nature during monsoon time.

When it’s your first time in Kerala, Kochi can be the right place to start your journey. Well, we have shared all the details on the best places to visit in Kochi. Still, you can plan a trip as per your preference. If you are confused about choosing the right Kochi tourist destinations, you can even contact a guide.

Ruchira is the founder of India Travelpedia, a writer by passion and profession. Besides writing, she’s a travel buff, foodie, and culture enthusiast.

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