Kochi
( Kerala )
Introduction
Kochi — also known as Cochin — is the cultural gateway to Kerala, where the Arabian Sea meets ancient spice routes, Portuguese streets blend with Kerala temples, and Chinese fishing nets stand beside charming colonial buildings.
It is a timeless port city filled with beaches, backwaters, art cafes, synagogues, museums, seafood, and vibrant markets.
From the heritage charm of Fort Kochi, the fresco-filled Mattancherry Palace, the peaceful Cherai Beach, to the modern malls and waterfront views of Marine Drive — Kochi beautifully blends old-world elegance with modern outlook.
Kochi is art, culture, history, beaches, food, and backwater serenity — all woven into one unforgettable destination.
Quick Info Box
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kerala, South India |
| Best Time to Visit | October–March |
| Ideal Duration | 2–4 Days |
| Famous For | Fort Kochi, backwaters, seafood, culture |
| Major Airport | Cochin International Airport |
| Railway Stations | Ernakulam Town (North), Ernakulam Junction |
| Local Transport | Ferries, autos, buses, metro, cabs |
| Language | Malayalam, English |
| Currency | Indian Rupees |
City Overview
Kochi is divided into three major zones:
Fort Kochi & Mattancherry
European-style streets, churches, palaces, street art, cafés & beaches.
Ernakulam City
Commercial hub, malls, restaurants, metro & Marine Drive.
Vypin & Islands
Cherai Beach, lighthouses, small villages & coastal sceneries.
Kochi is peaceful, cultural, scenic, and historically rich.
Top 11 Attractions in Kochi
1. Fort Kochi Beach
Famous For: Chinese fishing nets
Timings: 24 hrs
Expanded Description:
Scenic beach with iconic fishing nets, sea breeze & street vendors.
Tips:
• Sunset is beautiful
2. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
Famous For: Murals & history
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed Fri)
Expanded Description:
Kerala-style palace by Portuguese with stunning murals & artifacts.
Tips:
• Photography not allowed inside fresco rooms
3. Jewish Synagogue (Paradesi Synagogue)
Famous For: Hand-painted tiles
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed Sat & Jewish holidays)
Expanded Description:
Oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth with beautiful interiors.
Tips:
• Dress modestly
4. St. Francis Church
Famous For: Vasco da Gama history
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Expanded Description:
India’s oldest European church — where Vasco da Gama was first buried.
Tips:
• Peaceful for photography
5. Kochi Marine Drive
Famous For: Waterfront views
Timings: 24 hrs
Expanded Description:
A beautiful promenade perfect for evening walks with ferry views.
Tips:
• Great for couples
6. Cherai Beach
Famous For: Swimming & clean waves
Timings: 24 hrs
Expanded Description:
One of Kochi’s best beaches — peaceful, clean & ideal for families.
Tips:
• Early morning for sunrise
7. Kerala Folklore Museum
Famous For: Arts & antiques
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Expanded Description:
A cultural museum of masks, ornaments, dance costumes & sculptures.
Tips:
• Don’t miss the architecture
8. Hill Palace Museum
Famous For: Royal collections
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM (Closed Mon)
Expanded Description:
Kerala’s largest archaeological museum with royal artifacts & gardens.
Tips:
• Spend 2 hours exploring
9. Santa Cruz Basilica
9. Santa Cruz Basilica
Famous For: Gothic design
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Expanded Description:
Beautiful basilica with tall towers & stunning stained-glass windows.
Tips:
• Morning light best for pictures
10. Vypin Island
Famous For: Lighthouses & peaceful beaches
Timings: 24 hrs
Expanded Description:
A scenic island connected by ferry — quiet, authentic & coastal.
Tips:
• Visit Munambam Beach nearby
11. Kathakali Cultural Centre
Famous For: Traditional dance shows
Timings: 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Expanded Description:
Daily Kathakali performances with makeup demonstrations.
Tips:
• Arrive early for makeup process
Best Cafés & Local Eateries
1. Fort Kochi Cafes
Kashi Art Café
Loafer’s Corner Café
Qissa Café
2. Seafood Spots
Fort House Restaurant
Oceanos
Seagull
3. Local Kerala Food
Thakkaram
Kettuvallam
Brindhavan
How to Reach
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Fort Kochi Heritage
Chinese Fishing Nets
St. Francis Church
Santa Cruz Basilica
Fort Kochi Beach (sunset)
Day 2 – Museums + Marine Drive
Hill Palace Museum
Folklore Museum
Marine Drive
Shopping at Broadway Market
Day 3 – Beaches & Islands
Cherai Beach
Vypin Island
Kathakali Cultural Centre (evening show)
Budget Breakdown (Approx.)
| Category | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 800–3000/night |
| Food | 200–600/day |
| Local Travel | 150–400/day |
| Entry Tickets | ₹10 – ₹200 |
| Ferry Rides | ₹10 – ₹40 |
Hidden Gems of Kochi
1. Koonan Kurishu Fort
Small hilltop fort with peaceful views.
2. Munambam Beach
Quiet and clean — perfect for sunrise.
3. Vasco da Gama Square
Street food + sea view.