Kochi Travel Guide

Our travel guide provides essential details about Kochi, including places to visit, food and drink scenes, hiking/biking routes, culture, and local customs.


Introduction to Kochi

Located in Central Kerala, Kochi is a popular tourist destination for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a vibrant and bustling city that is unlike any other in India. This historic port city has seen the passage of traders and merchants from across the world, which has left a significant influence on its food, culture, and people.

In this travel guide, we have covered everything you need to know about Kochi, including the list of places to visit, food, hiking/biking routes, local culture, customs, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Kochi

There is no shortage of unique things to see and do in Kochi. Here is a list of attractions you must visit during your stay:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is a neighborhood located in the southwest of Kochi. It is famous for its colonial buildings, narrow streets flanked by Chinese-style fishing nets, and European-style churches.

Jewish Synagogue

Located in the heart of Jew Town, the Jewish Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. It features intricate Belgian glass chandeliers and hand-painted Cantonese porcelain tiles.

Dutch Palace

The Dutch Palace, also known as Mattancherry Palace, is an impressive structure with an ornate entryway, large halls, and a courtyard garden. Inside, you will find beautiful 17th-century murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Kerala Folklore Museum

This museum houses artifacts and tools from various regions in Kerala, such as farming tools, musical instruments, costumes, and masks.

Natural Attractions of Kochi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kerala Backwaters

Kochi is the ideal gateway to exploring Kerala’s famous backwaters. Take a relaxing boat ride and enjoy the stunning views of lush green paddy fields, coconut groves, and peaceful villages.

Hill Palace Museum

The Hill Palace Museum is located in Tripunithura and is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. It has a vast collection of artifacts, including weapons, paintings, and sculptures from ancient Kerala.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Mangalavanam is a protected bird sanctuary located in the heart of Kochi. It is home to over 200 species of birds, including migratory birds.

Cherai Beach

Located just outside the city, Cherai Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. Its calm waters and long stretches of clean sand attract beach lovers from all over the world.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kochi

Kochi has several hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. Here are some worth checking out:

  • Bolgatty Island Loop
  • Vypeen Island Circuit
  • Fort Kochi-Cranganore Loop
  • Marine Drive Promenade

Best Things to Do in Kochi: Activities and Tours

There is no end to the activities and tours you can take in Kochi. Here are some that you must try:

  • Attend a Kathakali dance performance
  • Take an Ayurvedic massage
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise on the backwaters
  • Hop-on-hop-off tuk-tuk tours

Week-Long Itinerary for Kochi

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Kochi:

Day Activity
1 Explore Fort Kochi
2 Visit the Hill Palace Museum
3 Take a houseboat cruise on the backwaters
4 Explore the fishing village of Kumbalangi
5 Visit the Jewish Synagogue
6 Take a day trip to Athirapally Falls
7 Relax on Cherai Beach

Food and Drink Scene of Kochi

Kochi is a food lover’s paradise with an array of options to satisfy every taste bud. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Appam and stew
  • Puttu and kadala curry
  • Fish moilee
  • Meen pollichathu
  • Thalassery biryani

Local Beverages

  • Tender coconut water
  • Sulaimani tea
  • Toddy

Where to Stay in Kochi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kochi has several accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Here are some recommendations:

  • Brunton Boatyard
  • Old Harbour Hotel
  • Koder House
  • Zostel Kochi
  • Nomads Hostel

What to Buy in Kochi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kochi is known for its local handicrafts and products. Here are some popular items to bring back as souvenirs:

  • Spices and tea
  • Handicrafts made from coconut shells and wood
  • Kasavu sarees and mundus
  • Ayurvedic oils and medicines
  • Kathakali masks

Local Culture and Customs of Kochi

Kochi is a multicultural city with rich traditions, festivals, and customs. Here are some things to keep in mind when exploring the city:

  • Cover your head and remove your shoes while visiting religious places.
  • Dress modestly and respectfully.
  • Always ask for permission before taking photographs.
  • Do not touch or disturb the fishing nets in the harbour area.

Best Time to Visit Kochi

The best time to visit Kochi is from November to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. Monsoons last from June to September and can be heavy, making it difficult to get around.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kochi

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine
  • Bargain when shopping in local markets
  • Take off your shoes before entering someone’s home

Don’t:

  • Disrespect religious customs and traditions
  • Litter or pollute the environment
  • Drink tap water without boiling or filtering

Safety and Health

Safety in Kochi

Kochi is generally safe for tourists, but it’s essential to take a few precautions:

  • Avoid traveling alone at night.
  • Keep your valuables in a safe place.
  • Use licensed taxis and avoid hailing cabs off the street.

Health in Kochi

It’s essential to take necessary precautions while traveling to avoid falling sick:

  • Drink bottled water or boiled and filtered water.
  • Use mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria.
  • Carry your medication and prescriptions with you.

Getting to Kochi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kochi is well-connected to other parts of India through air, rail, and road. Here are the transportation options available:

Airports Near Kochi

  • Cochin International Airport
  • Calicut International Airport

Bus Stations Near Kochi

  • KSRTC Bus Terminal
  • Private Bus Stand

Other Options

  • Taxis and cabs
  • Trains

How to Get Around in Kochi

Kochi has several transportation options, including:

  • Tuk-tuks (autos)
  • Pre-paid taxis
  • Buses

Where to Go Next from Kochi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kochi is located in the heart of Kerala, making it an excellent base to explore nearby destinations. Here are some places you must visit:

  • Munnar Hill Station
  • Alleppey Backwaters
  • Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary

Conclusion

Kochi is a mesmerizing city with something for everyone. From culture and history to nature and adventure, it’s an ideal destination for solo travelers, families, and couples. With this comprehensive guide, you are all set to explore Kochi and make the most of your trip.

The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi are an icon of the city The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi are an icon of the city The colonial charms of Fort Kochi The colonial charms of Fort Kochi Map of the Kochi area Map of the Kochi area Cochin International Airport Cochin International Airport Kochi Ferry Route Map Kochi Ferry Route Map Chinese Fishing net on Fort Kochi Beach Chinese Fishing net on Fort Kochi Beach The Dutch Palace, which was the coronation palaces of Kochi Maharaja The Dutch Palace, which was the coronation palaces of Kochi Maharaja The Hill Palace at Tripunithura, the largest archaeological palace in South India The Hill Palace at Tripunithura, the largest archaeological palace in South India The interior of the famous Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town The interior of the famous Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town St. Francis Church, Kochi St. Francis Church, Kochi Museum of Kerala History and Art Gallery Museum of Kerala History and Art Gallery Jain Mandir, in Mattancherry Jain Mandir, in Mattancherry A beautiful Marine Drive walkway A beautiful Marine Drive walkway Jew town, famous for its antique shopping Jew town, famous for its antique shopping Fried fish is well prepared in Kochi Fried fish is well prepared in Kochi Aruvi Restaurant has a board that indicates the philosophy of natural food. Aruvi Restaurant has a board that indicates the philosophy of natural food.