Kochi Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Cochin featuring boating, a river or creek and landscape views
Centuries of history and architecture, traditional dance performances, food and spice markets lure visitors to the principal destination in India’s Kerala state.

Spread across islands and peninsulas between the Arabian Sea and Kerala backwaters is the historic and picturesque city of Cochin (originally Kochi). This lively Indian city dates back to the 14th century when a flood formed a natural port and attracted spice traders from around the world. Cochin today presents a hearty mix of Asian, Arab and European cultures, all visible in the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, architecture and markets.

Catch a ferry to Fort Cochin, a district of sleepy streets lined with grand colonial buildings, hotels and homestays. Visit the Portuguese-built St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church. Investigate the huge Santa Cruz Cathedral, which lights up spectacularly after dark. Learn about one of the first Catholic groups in India at the Indo-Portuguese Museum.

See tombs of traders and explorers at the Dutch Cemetery. Walk along the waterfront where fishermen bring in the day’s catch via cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Buy fresh fish from the small market and have it cooked on the spot at nearby food stands.

Walk or take a rickshaw to the Mattancherry district. Spot Hindu murals and portraits of maharajas at Mattancherry Palace, established by the Portuguese in the 1550s. Wander the streets of Jew Town and experience Spice Market’s colours and smells. See the pigeon-feeding ritual at Jain Temple or admire local art exhibitions at Kashi Art Gallery.

Cross to the mainland via bridge or ferry to Ernakulum, Cochin’s modern district. Stroll along Marine Drive, a waterfront promenade bustling with shopping malls and street vendors speaking the native Malayalam language.

Enjoy a colourful Kathakali dance performance at theatres such as the Kerala Kathakali Centre. Arrive early to watch performers meditate and meticulously apply their make-up. 

Another highlight of Cochin is a tour of the Kerala backwaters. Relax on a houseboat as you glide along palm tree-fringed canals and lagoons past villages and settlements that epitomize Kerala’s rural culture.

Cochin is 954 miles (1,536 kilometres) south of Mumbai. Prepare for its hot equatorial climate.

Where to stay in Kochi

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Fort Kochi

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

Shopping, art galleries and seafood restaurants highlight some of the noteworthy features of Fort Kochi. Make a stop by Fort Kochi Beach or Chinese Fishing Nets while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Fort Kochi
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Thamaraparambu

5/5(1 area review)

While Thamaraparambu may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Fort Kochi Beach and Vypeen Island.

Thamaraparambu
Cochin featuring general coastal views

Valummel

When in Valummel, you can plan a visit to Rameshwaram Temple and Wonderla Amusement Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Valummel
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Kazhuthumuttu

Kazhuthumuttu might not have many top sights, but Wonderla Amusement Park and Rameshwaram Temple are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Kazhuthumuttu
Mare blu Resort
Mare blu Resort
3 out of 5
cherai beach, Kochi, Kerala
The price is ₹1,899 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
₹1,899
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Kochi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a private beach. Popular attractions Cherai Beach and Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple ...
Mare blu Resort
Trident, Cochin
Trident, Cochin
4.5 out of 5
Bristow Road Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala
The price is ₹4,750 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
₹4,750
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kochi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Lulu Mall and Spice Market are located nearby. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (203 reviews)
"Comfortable, spacious rooms. The bed however was a bit small and the mattress needed changing. Good, safe location. The restaurant is the best part - I had 3 excellent meals for dinner. The chef made everything in an authentic style. Staff are also brilliantly trained. Ayush and Eldrin are very good ..."

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2024

Trident, Cochin
Fragrant Nature Kochi
Fragrant Nature Kochi
5 out of 5
Near SBI,CalvathyBazar Road, Fort Cochin, Kochi, Kerala
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹8,000 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
₹8,000
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kochi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Lulu Mall and Draavidia Art & Performance Gallery ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (113 reviews)
"Beautiful heritage hotel situated in the heart of Fort Kochi."

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2024

Fragrant Nature Kochi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kent Baywatch Suites
Kent Baywatch Suites
4 out of 5
Kozhikudu Jn., Edakochi, Kochi, Kerala
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Kochi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Church of Saint Francis and Santhanagopala-Krishnaswamy ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"New clean property. Although room has small kitchen, ther are no utensils so you cannot cook. Like all Indian hotels we visit only one towel provided. You need to ask for more."

Reviewed on 26 Sep 2022

Kent Baywatch Suites
Amã Stays & Trails Victory Dawn, Kochi
Amã Stays & Trails Victory Dawn, Kochi
5 out of 5
Plot No II / 65, Fort Cochin, Kochi, Kerala
Stay at this 5-star luxury villa in Kochi. Enjoy free parking, a garden and a picnic area. Popular attractions St. Francis Church and Fort Kochi Beach are located ...
Amã Stays & Trails Victory Dawn, Kochi
Beach Gate Bungalows CGH Earth
Beach Gate Bungalows CGH Earth
3 out of 5
K.J. Herschel Rd, Kochi, KL
Stay at this 3-star villa in Kochi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Pierce Leslie Bungalow and SNC Maritime ...
Beach Gate Bungalows CGH Earth
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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