Places to Visit in Kochi That We Really Loved
Kochi was our first stop in India and it couldn’t have been a better way to start. From the laid-back vibe and colorful streets to the incredible food and sunsets by the sea, we were hooked right away and excited for everything Kerala had in store.
HOW MANY DAYS | 3 days
BEST TIME TO VISIT | Oct - Mar
WHERE TO STAY |
TOP THINGS TO SEE |
Old Town, Mattancherry Palace, Kathakali Show
HOW TO GET AROUND |
by foot or tuktuk
Set by the sea, Kochi is this cool mix of cultures, history, and peaceful vibes. You’ll see Portuguese churches, Chinese fishing nets, and cozy cafés all within walking distance. We spent a few days just wandering around, enjoying the slower pace, and easing into India. It’s also a great place to dip your toes into the spiritual side of the country — whether that’s a meditation or yoga session, or watching a traditional Kathakali performance. Kochi isn’t overwhelming, which makes it the perfect soft landing. In this post, we’re sharing our favorite spots and the experiences that made us fall in love with the city.
✈︎ Wondering how to make the most of your India trip? Our India Travel Essentials have you covered with detailed guides, packing tips, and more.
HOW MANY DAYS FOR KOCHI?
We recommend spending three days in Kochi, as this laid-back city is best explored at a relaxed pace. The heat can make it tough to be out and about around noon, so it’s worth slowing down and spreading out the highlights over a few days. This also gives you time to enjoy local experiences like a Kathakali performance, a cooking class, or even a meditation or yoga session to soak in the cultural vibe of the city.
WHERE TO STAY IN KOCHI?
Cochin, Fort Kochi, Ernakulam… the names can be a bit confusing. Fort Kochi is where you'll find most of the historic sights, colonial architecture, and laid-back vibe, while Ernakulam, across the river, is the modern part of the city and a major transport hub. We recommend staying in Fort Kochi itself to be close to the highlights and soak in the charm of the old town.
BUDGET | For a basic room with AC, we loved Joseys Guesthouse — the real highlight is the warm hospitality of Joseph and his family, who serve a delicious South Indian breakfast and make you feel right at home.
COMFORT | Rossitta Wood Castle offers charming, heritage-style rooms in the heart of Fort Kochi. The classic architecture, leafy courtyard, and helpful staff make it a great mid-range choice.
BOUTIQUE | If you’re after a more refined stay, Dutch Manor Boutique Hotel is a great option near Mattancherry Palace. The elegant rooms and thoughtful service create a seamless, relaxing experience.
HOW TO GET TO KOCHI?
Kochi has its own international airport (COK) with direct flights from major Indian cities as well as destinations across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. For affordable flights, we recommend checking Kiwi.com, which makes it easy to compare prices and find the best travel dates.
If Kochi is your first stop in India, we highly recommend getting a prepaid SIM card right outside the airport. It’s quick and straightforward there, while getting one later in local shops can be frustrating and time-consuming. Want to skip the hassle entirely? Grab a Saily eSIM here before your trip to stay connected from the moment you land — no roaming fees, no waiting.
To reach your hotel in Fort Kochi (about 1.5 hours away), you can either book an Uber or prearrange a private transfer here for a smoother arrival.
You can also arrive in Kochi by train or bus. Ernakulam Junction is the nearest major station and well connected to cities across India — whether you're heading south to Alleppey or north to Goa or Mumbai. To check train and bus schedules, prices, and book tickets easily, use 12Go here.
HOW TO GET AROUND KOCHI?
Getting around Kochi is simple and stress-free, especially if you're staying in Fort Kochi, where most of the main sights are within easy walking distance. The charming streets are perfect for exploring on foot at a slow pace.
For longer distances — like reaching Mattancherry or Jew Town on the eastern side — we recommend taking a tuk-tuk via Uber. We tried negotiating directly with local drivers, but found that Uber was usually cheaper and much easier to deal with. If you'd rather have someone guide you around and share a bit of local history, this tuk-tuk tour is a fun and informative way to explore while escaping the heat.
Another unique and scenic option is the local ferry, often referred to as a water taxi. It’s a peaceful and budget-friendly way to cross over to Ernakulam, Kochi’s modern side, where you’ll find shopping malls, supermarkets, and transport hubs.
WHEN TO VISIT KOCHI?
Like the rest of Kerala, the best time to visit Kochi is between October and March, when the weather is generally warm and more comfortable than during the monsoon or peak summer. We visited in February and still found it quite hot and humid at times, so lightweight clothes and staying hydrated are a must. December and January tend to be busier with local tourists, but overall this season is great for exploring Kochi’s streets, seaside spots, and cafés.
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CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Experiencing Kerala’s culture in Kochi is a journey through its rich traditions, from witnessing a captivating Kathakali dance performance to learning how to cook local dishes in a cooking class and exploring the historic fort.
Kathakali Performance
Kathakali is a classical Indian dance that brings key events from the Ramayana to life, such as Prince Rama's exile, the abduction of his wife Sita by the demon king Ravana, and Rama’s journey to rescue her. Through intricate hand gestures (mudras) and expressive facial movements, the dancers powerfully convey emotions and tell the story, creating a stunning visual experience. We were truly speechless the depth of emotion and the expressive facial movements were incredible. We’ve never seen anything like it, and it’s definitely something you MUST experience.
You can arrive 1–2 hours before the show to watch the performers apply their elaborate makeup — a fascinating part of the Kathakali tradition. During high season, the same Ramayana story is performed twice daily. The Kerala Kathakali Centre also hosts classical dance and martial arts shows, as well as yoga and meditation classes. One highlight for us was the Morning Ragas, a peaceful and immersive performance featuring traditional Indian instruments and mantras — a beautiful way to start the day.
WHERE | Google Maps
PRICE | ₹600 | €6 | US$7
TIP | Get your tickets at the center itself or online in advance to enjoy the best view in the front row.
Ayurvedic Treatment
Skipping an Ayurvedic treatment while in Kerala would be missing out on something truly special. This traditional therapy has deep roots here, and even trying just one session can be a unique and relaxing experience. At Ayushveda Spa, there’s even a doctor on-site to help you choose the right treatment based on your needs or any health concerns. And if you’re curious about longer therapies, check out our Varkala blog, where Ingrid shares her personal experience with a multi-day Ayurveda program.
WHERE | Ayushveda Spa
PRICE | ₹2000 | €20 | US$23
Kerala Cooking Class
What an amazing cooking class! We’ve taken many cooking classes during our travels, and this one is probably the best we’ve ever had. Maria will walk you through every detail of Indian and Keralan cuisine—everything you need to know. We wish we had recorded her explanations, as she taught us when, why, and how to use each spice. We did make some written notes. We learned so much about the story behind each ingredient and how it comes together to create a culinary masterpiece. Be sure to let Maria know in advance when you’ll be cooking and what you’d like to make. She’ll provide food and schedule options based on your preferences, whether you’re vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
To reserve a spot, you can message Maria on WhatsApp using the number listed in the Google Maps link below.
WHERE | Google Maps
PRICE | ₹1100 | €11 | US$13
HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Santa Cruz Basilica
The Basilica in Kochi, was built in 1505 by the Portuguese and later rebuilt by the Dutch in the 17th century and consecrated as a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984, combining Gothic and Kerala architectural styles. It has stunning stained glass windows and ceiling paintings.
TIP | We were surprised to see that it is a custom in India to remove your shoes before entering the church. Please be mindful and follow this custom.
WHERE | Google Maps
St. Francis Church
This is one of the oldest European churches in India, originally built by the Portuguese in 1503. It holds an important place in Kochi’s colonial history as the original burial site of Vasco da Gama, whose remains were later moved to Lisbon. The church’s architecture is simple yet graceful, featuring a wooden ceiling and beautiful stone floors that reflect its colonial past. And if you're wondering — like we did — CSI on churches across Kerala has nothing to do with crime shows; it stands for Church of South India (yeah… not quite what we expected either).
WHERE | Google Maps
Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town
Tucked at the end of a beautifully lined street filled with small souvenir shops, the Paradesi Synagogue holds a lot of historical significance — it’s the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, dating back to 1568. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the once-thriving Jewish community in Kochi. Try to visit early, as it can get quite crowded later in the day.
WHERE | Google Maps
Go Back in Time at Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and later renovated by the Dutch, it was given to the Raja of Kochi and served as a royal residence. The palace has a mix of Portuguese and Kerala-style architecture. Inside, you can find portraits, royal items, and antique furniture and beautiful murals depicting scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana. We love museums, with detailed and lengthy explanations like this one. It is better to have them and to choose not to read them than to have no clue what you are looking at.
WHERE | Google Maps
ENTRY FEE | ₹5 | €0.05 | US$0.06
Bazaar Road
We had high hopes for Bazaar Road, expecting a glimpse into daily life that has carried on for centuries — full of movement, noise, and color. Tucked beyond Mattancherry Palace, this crumbling yet vibrant street winds its way toward the Calvatty Canal and is lined with old warehouses and wholesale merchants dealing in spices, vegetables, rice, and tobacco.
We visited twice — the first time on a Sunday, when everything was closed, and again on a weekday, hoping for more action. While it still felt atmospheric and made for great photos, it didn’t quite live up to the lively scene we had imagined. Still, we believe it's worth a stroll if you’re nearby — you might just catch it on a busier day and see the buzz we were hoping for.
WHERE | Google Maps
Old Town
Take a slow stroll through the old town of Fort Kochi, starting from Princess Street and winding your way down Peter Celli Street to Napier Street. This charming area is full of colonial-era buildings, faded pastel facades, art cafés, and little shops that hint at the city’s Portuguese, Dutch, and British past. The streets are quiet and shady, and locals are just as laid-back as the pace of life here. Whether you’re browsing handmade souvenirs, stopping for a chai, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the old town invites you to slow down and enjoy Kochi.
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BEACHES & BACKWATERS
Chinese Fishing Nets
One of the most iconic sights in Fort Kochi are these large, unique fishing nets which are still being used by local fishermen. The Chinese fishing nets, or cheena vala, are large, unique contraptions used by local fishermen, believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th century. You can watch the traditional fishing technique right from the beach. If you want to get closer or help pull the nets, the fishermen will usually let you join for a small tip.
WHERE | Google Maps
Stroll Along the Beach
While the waves are too rough for swimming, Kochi’s beach is full of life and absolutely worth a walk. You’ll find families enjoying the sea breeze, street performers entertaining the crowds, and vendors selling everything from snacks to souvenirs. It’s a great place to soak in the local vibe and watch the city unwind by the water.
Cruise on the Backwaters
The backwaters are a peaceful network of canals, rivers, and lakes along the Keralan coast, where you can drift through lush greenery and take in the region’s natural beauty. We recommend this highly rated tour through viator ,which lets you glide silently on a non-motorized boat — a more eco-friendly way to explore and experience daily life along the water.
Curious about which backwater spot is right for you? In our detailed article, we compare our experiences in Alleppey and Munroe Island to help you decide which one suits your travel style best.
READ | Alleppey or Munroe Island? Kerala Backwaters Compared
WHERE TO EAT IN KOCHI?
We kept coming back to Kerala Cafe Fort Kochi, the staff is super friendly, the dosas are delicious, and the modern, stylish interior makes it a great breakfast spot.
For homestyle South Indian food at great value, Spice Root Restaurant was a favorite. It's family-run, full of flavor, and so good we ended up eating there twice.
Housed in a charming yellow building covered in ivy, Chez Teapot offers a cozy atmosphere and a changing South Indian breakfast menu that really impressed us. They also serve regular meals and some tempting cakes.
When we needed a break, we stopped by Kashi Art Café, set in a colonial building that doubles as an art space. The coffee was excellent, the cakes were even better! Just be ready to wait, as it’s a popular spot and often full.
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