Old harbour city with Chinese fishing nets, colonial churches, a synagogue and ferry rides.
FamousHeritageCityBackwatersBeach
Kochi is a natural harbour where Portuguese, Dutch and British rule each left buildings behind, most of them within walking distance in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. It suits people who like history, art, seafood and slow walks, and it is the usual starting point for Munnar, Alleppey and Thekkady. It is also the only Indian city with a water metro.
Trip planner
Plan from your city
Photos
St. Francis Church, Fort KochiClock tower of the Paradesi SynagogueSt. Francis CSI ChurchRemains of Fort Emmanuel, Fort Kochi
Photos from Wikimedia Commons. Select a photo for its author and licence.
Best time to go
When
What to expect
October to March
The best weather of the year, with November to February the peak season. The Cochin Carnival runs for about ten days in December.
April to May
Very hot and humid, with daytime temperatures reaching about 35 C.
June to September
Monsoon. Heavy rain can upset plans and ferry outings, but prices are lower and Onam falls in August or September.
Sights and activities
1
Chinese Fishing Nets
Large cantilevered nets of teak and bamboo at Vasco da Gama Square, each about 10 m high and worked by four or more fishermen with counterweights. They are worked mainly in the morning and early evening.
Distance
In Fort Kochi, on the waterfront walkway
Entry
Free. Men at the nets may ask for money to show how they work; you can walk away.
Described as the first European church built in India. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains went to Lisbon, and his gravestone can still be seen.
Distance
In Fort Kochi, on Parade Road, under 1 km from the beach
A church first founded by the Portuguese in 1505, rebuilt in 1887 and made a basilica in 1984. It has two tall spires, painted ceilings and a copy of the Last Supper.
Built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663, now a museum on the Cochin royal family. It is known for murals of the Ramayana and Krishna stories.
Distance
About 2 km from Fort Kochi; about 8 to 10 km from Ernakulam
Entry
About Rs 5 to 10 for Indians (sources differ); one source gives Rs 100 for foreigners. Children under 15 free.
Timings
About 10 am to 5 pm (one source says from 9 am); closed Fridays
A waterfront promenade about 3 km long on the Ernakulam side, with the Rainbow Bridge, shops and places to eat. Government and private boats run backwater cruises from here.
Distance
In Ernakulam, about 3 km from Ernakulam Junction station
The former home of the Kochi royal family, set up in 1865 and made a museum in 1980. The large grounds hold many Kerala-style buildings, royal jewellery, coins and weapons, plus a deer park. Photography is not allowed inside.
Distance
About 10 to 12 km from Ernakulam
Entry
Rs 20 adults, Rs 7 children aged 5 to 12
Timings
9 am to 12.30 pm and 2 pm to 4.30 pm; closed Mondays
Long-distance buses arrive at the KSRTC Central Bus Station near Ernakulam Junction and at the Vyttila Mobility Hub. Kochi is about 516 km from Bengaluru, 204 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 190 km from Coimbatore.
By train
Ernakulam Junction (South) is the main station, with Ernakulam Town about 3.5 km from it. Fort Kochi is about 13 km from Ernakulam Junction.
By air
Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery is about 28 km north-east of the city centre and about 41 km by road from Fort Kochi. The metro does not reach it; the nearest metro station, Aluva, is about 4 km away.
Where to base yourself
Stay in Fort Kochi for the heritage sights on foot, or in Ernakulam on the mainland for the railway stations, metro and shopping.
Getting around
Kochi Metro runs from Aluva to Tripunithura with 25 stations, from about 6 am to 10 pm, for Rs 10 to Rs 60 a ride.
Kochi Water Metro boats link High Court, Vypin, Fort Kochi and other jetties from about 7 am to 8 pm for Rs 20 to Rs 40 a ride; a weekly pass is Rs 180 for 12 trips.
City buses, private and KSRTC, cover most roads with a minimum fare of Rs 10.
Auto-rickshaws charge Rs 30 for the first 1.5 km and about Rs 15 a km after that; they use meters in Ernakulam but fares are usually negotiated in Fort Kochi.
The ferry between Fort Kochi and Vypin and the state ferries from Ernakulam cost only a few rupees for foot passengers.
Fort Kochi is compact and best seen on foot; app cabs are available and are often cheaper than autos.
Often combined with
Places people usually visit on the same trip, and how long it takes to get between them.
Hostel dorm bed or simple private room, mostly in Fort Kochi
₹300 to ₹1,700
Mid-range
Three-star hotel or homestay
₹2,300 to ₹4,700
Luxury
Heritage or five-star hotel on the waterfront
₹6,000 to ₹12,500
Food
Seafood is the main draw and is found everywhere. Fort Kochi has cafes in old houses and art galleries, and seafood restaurants near the waterfront; Ernakulam has cheaper everyday restaurants. A simple restaurant meal costs about Rs 150 and a mid-range meal for two about Rs 800.
Try these
Appam and stew (soft rice pancakes with a mild curry)
Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish cooked in a leaf wrap)
Prawn curry
Fish molee (fish in a mild coconut gravy)
Malabar parotta with beef fry
Puttu (steamed rice and coconut)
Pazhampori (banana fritters)
Banana chips
Vegetarian Kerala dishes such as thoran, kaalan, pachadi, appam and puttu are common.
Daily costs
Budget level
Stay per room
Food per person
Local transport
Budget
₹800
₹450
₹120 per person
Mid-range
₹3,500
₹900
₹800 per vehicle
Luxury
₹9,000
₹2,500
₹2,500 per vehicle
Per day. Travel to and from your city is added in the planner above.
Permits and documents
No permits were found to be needed for visiting Kochi. Carry a photo ID for hotel check-in.
Safety
By day
The heritage areas are busy with visitors through the day. At the fishing nets, be firm with people who demand money after offering to show you how the nets work.
At night
The Water Metro stops at about 8 pm and the metro at about 10 pm, so plan a cab or auto for later returns.
Solo women
Modest clothing is advised at religious sites.
Roads
City roads are flat. Crossing between Ernakulam and Fort Kochi is often easier by boat than by road.
Emergency numbers
112 (all emergencies)
Practical
Mobile network
All the main networks (Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL) work in town. Mobile internet is reported as very good across the city.
ATMs and cash
ATMs are easy to find in town. Kochi is a large city.
Fuel
There are several petrol pumps in and around town. Kochi is a large city on national highways.
Medical
Hospitals are easy to find across the city. In an emergency dial 112, or 108 for an ambulance in most states. No special vaccinations are needed. Carry mosquito repellent.
Easy. The main sights in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry are flat and close together, and autos are easy to find. Avoid the midday heat.
Children
Suitable. The fishing nets, boat rides, Cherai Beach and the deer park and children's park at Hill Palace work well for children.
Wheelchair users
Old buildings such as the palace and synagogue may have steps.
Unless a sight is described as accessible, assume it is not step-free.
Culture and responsible travel
Shoes come off before entering the Paradesi Synagogue, and men and women have separate sections.
Dress modestly in churches, the synagogue and temples.
Photography is not allowed inside Hill Palace Museum.
The churches are in active use; visit quietly and avoid service times.
Kathakali and kalaripayattu shows are staged in Fort Kochi in the evening; arrive about 30 minutes early to watch the make-up being applied. One traveller paid Rs 1,180 for two tickets.
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, a large contemporary art show, is held every two years.
What to pack
Photo ID (Aadhaar, passport or driving licence); hotels and permits ask for it
Sunscreen, a hat, swimwear and sandals
Some cash in small notes for autos, stalls and tips
Your regular medicines, plus basics for stomach upsets, headaches and cuts
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