- Best time
- Oct–Mar
- How long
- 2–3 days
- Stay a night
- ₹1,000–10,000
- Food a day
- ₹350–1,800
- Nearest railhead
- 12 km away
- Nearest airport
- 40 km away
Plan Kochi in a minute. Day-by-day plan, stays, budget and trains — free on JrnyLoop.
Plan this tripAbout Kochi
Fort Kochi’s Portuguese, Dutch and British layers — Chinese fishing nets, Jew Town’s spice warehouses, Kathakali and the Biennale.
Things to do in Kochi
Chinese Fishing Nets
Chinese Fishing Nets are cantilevered shore operated lift nets fixed along the beach. Introduced by Chinese explorers in the fourteenth century, these huge mechanical contrivances are operated by a team of fishermen using large stones as counterweights.
Tip: Chat with the local operators to understand how the counterweight system works
Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, was built by the Portuguese and features exquisite Kerala murals depicting portraits alongside exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. It is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tip: Keep in mind that the palace remains closed on Fridays
Jew Town & Paradesi Synagogue
The Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry Jew Town was built in 1568 and is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. It was established by the Paradesi Jewish community and shares a wall with the Mattancherry Palace temple. The surrounding area is famous for its busy spice shops.
Tip: Dress modestly as it is a place of worship.
St Francis Church
Originally built in 1503, this is one of the oldest European churches in India and bears witness to European colonial ambitions. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524, and his body was originally buried here before being moved to Lisbon fourteen years later.
Kathakali Show
Kathakali is a traditional classical dance-drama of Kerala known for its vibrant face paint, elaborate costumes, and expressive eye and hand gestures. Travellers can watch artists enact dramatic stories from Indian epics accompanied by live percussion music.
Tip: Reach the venue early to observe the artists backstage as they finish their detailed makeup and costume preparations
Kochi Water Metro
Kochi Water Metro is India's first water metro system, using hybrid electric boats to connect the city's islands with the mainland. It operates across backwaters and canals as an integrated transport service for residents and travellers.
Tip: Use this as a feeder service to explore suburbs where road access is limited
Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach is situated on the northern side of Vypin Island near Kochi in Kerala. It is a popular beach known for having scenic backwaters right behind the shoreline.
Tip: You can take a walk along the shore to explore the local coastline
Where to stay in Kochi
Fort Kochi
Homestays and heritage hotels in walkable lanes.
Mattancherry
Budget stays near Jew Town.
Marine Drive & Willingdon Island
Bigger hotels on the water.
What to eat
Kashi Art Cafe
Art gallery cafe in Fort Kochi.
Kayees Rahmathulla
Mattancherry’s biryani institution.
Karimeen pollichathu
Pearl spot fish baked in banana leaf.
Appam & stew
Lacy rice pancakes with coconut stew.
Good to know
- The synagogue closes on Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
- The Kochi-Muziris Biennale runs Dec–Mar in Biennale years.
Going to Kochi? Build the plan, split costs with your group and keep tickets in one place.
Plan this trip