Best Things to Do in Kochi on Your Kerala Tour

In 2024, Kochi became the only Indian city featured in the esteemed travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller’s “Best Places to Visit in Asia”. Kochi is one of the largest and busiest cities in Kerala and is home to beautiful attractions and sights. Despite being an urban metropolis, Kochi or Cochin is one of the most breathtaking coastal cities in Kerala with beautiful sights drawing in tourists every year. A beautiful moniker associated with Kochi is that it is called the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

Those on a short trip can easily cover Kochi in 2-3 days. But, if you want to have an immersive travel experience in Kochi and explore its sounds and sights at a slower pace, it’s advisable to stay for about a week. 

Thanks to the developed infrastructure and excellent connectivity, Kochi is well-connected to other Indian cities via flights, trains, and roadways. Cochin International Airport, Ernakulam Station, Ernakulam Town, and state and national highways provide road connectivity. 

Best Things to Do in Kochi 

Start your Kerala tour adventures with Kochi as the first stop on your itinerary. This coastal city has beautiful beaches, ancient temples and churches, buildings, and architecture of the colonial era, cultural centres, and popular eating points. Read this travel guide to learn more about this city’s top attractions and what are the best things to do in Kochi: 

Start by Exploring Fort Kochi 

Fort Kochi, erstwhile known as Fort Cochin is a delightful and lively neighbourhood promising to give visitors a fulfilling travel experience. There are tons of activities and attractions to experience in this enclave alone. Mostly admired for its architecture, history, and culture, Fort Kochi is located 10 kilometres away from Ernakulam town. Walk around here to click photos, admire the colonial architecture, and reward your taste buds with going cafe hopping in this area. You can also reach Fort Kochi via ferry from other parts of Kochi. As you stroll on the cobbled stoned pathway of this neighborhood, you will see more beautiful attractions, more on that below. 

Chinese Fishing Nets 

An iconic landmark presenting the old and maritime history of Kerala with foreign lands, visiting the Chinese fishing nets is one of the best things to do in Kochi. Known as Cheenavala in the native Malayalam language, these fishing nets are believed to have been brought to Kochi by the Chinese explorer Zheng He. The huge fishing nets are located near the waters of Kochi Beach and are a sight of wonder and awe. Take your camera, along with you to capture a tranquil sunset whose rays are scattered through the entire net, creating a perfect Instagram-worthy backdrop. To enjoy the best view of the net, go to Vasco da Gama Square and follow the narrow walkway to reach Fort Kochi beach.

Explore and Shop from New Ernakulam Market 

Among the many things to do in Kochi, shopping is something you cannot miss. So, how about a shopping spree at Kochi’s latest shopping destination, the New Ernakulam Market? From fresh fruits and vegetables, and the freshest catch of the day, there is no dearth of fresh produce. Dotted with colourful stalls selling clothes, accessories, footwear, spices, and more. Don’t miss your chance to buy some souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones. 

Visit the St. Francis Church 

While strolling around Fort Kochi, you will come across the St. Francis Church, one of the oldest churches in not just Kerala but all of India. This was the church in India built by the Portuguese and was founded by Pedro Alvarez De Cabral in 1503. The exterior of the church is lofty and grand with two pinnacles on either side and the Holy Cross at the centre pinnacle. The interiors of the church are equally fascinating and exude the old-world charm. The St. Francis Church witnessed numerous invasions in Kochi, first by the Dutch in  1663 followed by the British invasion in 1795. Standing the test of time, this church was finally reconstructed in 1886 and currently, the Church is under the management of the Church of South India (CSI). 

• Address: St Francis Church Road, opp. Head Post Office, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001
• Timings of St Francis Church: Opens Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5 PM and remains closed on Sundays. 

Walk the Streets of Jew Town 

Jew Town is another scenic neighbourhood in Kerala and got its name after the Jewish community that once arrived at the Malabar coast and resided here a long time ago. This enclave is famous for its shops selling vintage collectibles, antiques, handicrafts, authentic spices, etc. Walk around this town and witness the colonial charm and the remnants of an era gone by visible on its buildings and architecture. Spend a relaxing time sipping a hot cup of coffee with local desserts at quaint cafes scattered throughout the town. Many nooks and crannies of this town offer a perfect backdrop for clicking amazing photos, so, do not forget to bring your camera. The two important attractions that you must visit and explore here are Paradesi Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace, more information on that is below. 

Visit the Paradesi Synagogue

Paradesi Synagogue, also known as Mattancherry Synagogue was built in 1568 A.D. by Samuel Castiel, David Belila, and Joseph Levi for the Jewish community. When Kerala fell into the hands of the Portuguese empire, this synagogue was destroyed in 1662. However, it was later reconstructed by the Dutch. The term ‘Paradesi’, which means foreigner or an outsider, remained associated with this synagogue and was used to refer to Jews who came to the coast of Kerala and decided to live here. 

The synagogue itself is a true masterpiece with beautiful interiors. It boasts a massive main hall, floors featuring ceramic tiles, and a gorgeous chandelier dangling from its ceiling. The large glass window panes of the synagogue reflect light creating a kaleidoscope of colours. Please note that visitors are required to enter the synagogue barefoot. 

• Address: Synagogue Lane, Jew Town, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala
• Timings: The synagogue opens every day except Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays. Morning: 10 am to 12 PM and Afternoon from 3 PM to 5 PM.

Learn about Royalty at Mattancherry Palace

We often associate words like opulence, grandeur, and magnificence with the word “palace”. However, Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is rather simple on its exterior, built more like a mansion-style architecture with a slight infusion of European architecture. The palace has a fascinating interior and history. The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese but later was gifted to the King of Cochin in the 16th century. The palace features a courtyard and three temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, and female deities. The interiors of the palace depict illustrations and murals from the Indian epic Ramayana and portraits of Hindu gods and goddesses. Considering the history and significance of Mattancherry Palace, it has found its place in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Address: Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala
• Timing: Opens every day from 10 AM to 5 PM except Fridays. 

Spend time at Kashi Art Cafe

If you feel tired and want to catch a break from sightseeing at Fort Kochi, head straight to the laid-back Kashi art cafe. Established in 1997, this quaint colonial-style cafe features local and international arts for visitors. The cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating to its guests where they can relish their meals. You can also start your day here by having a warm and fulfilling breakfast. On average, a meal here for two people will cost around INR 700/-. Do try their veggie burger, watermelon feta salad, and sandwiches. 

Address: Kashi Art Cafe Burger Street, near Police Station, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 

Timings: Open every day from 8:30 AM to 10 PM 

Watch Enthralling Performances at Cochin Cultural Centre

A confluence of art, culture, and heritage, Cochin Cultural Centre is where you can watch some spellbinding performances of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kalaripayattu (India’s oldest martial art form), and more. Performed with great passion and reverence, these art forms are the cultural hallmarks of Kerala. Learn about the bright and eye-catching makeup and costumes donned specifically for these performances. Visit the Cochin Cultural Centre in the evening to catch the captivating acts. The timings of the Kathakali performance are 6 pm to 7 pm and Kalaripayattu, Mohiniyattam, and Bharathanatyam performances start around 7 pm and end at 8 pm. 

Address: Cochin Cultural Centre, KB Jacob Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Rejuvenate Yourself with an Ayurvedic Spa  

Save the famous Kerala Ayurvedic spa for the last days of your vacation in Kochi. Give yourself a pampering session and indulge in Ayurvedic spa and therapy. The use of essential oils, centuries-old massage techniques, and the soothing atmosphere of a spa will revitalize your senses. An Ayurvedic massage in Kochi can cost anywhere between INR 1000 and INR 2500. Only visit the government-approved and reputed Ayurvedic centers in Kochi. 

How to Get Around Kochi? 

Commuting within Kochi is extremely easy and convenient. Taxi, autos, metro, ferry and water metro, all facilitate smooth travel in Kochi. 

1. Auto Rickshaw: They are readily available everywhere in the city and ideal for taking short trips. 

2. Buses - KSRTC is the government run bus service which provides cheap commuting options for visitors. 

3. Taxi - Both app-based (Ola and Uber) and regular taxis are available in Kochi, right outside of railway stations, airports and around tourist attractions. Kochi also has “She Taxi” which are driven by female drivers and are ideal for women and children.  

4. Metro - Perfect ride for a hot and humid day, metro in Kochi is affordable and provides ease of travel and convenience. 

5. Kochi Water Metro (KWM) - Kochi water metro ply on the intricate network of waterways in and around Kochi. The water metro in Kochi runs from 7 AM to 8 PM and charges a nominal fare between INR 20 to INR 40. 

Whenever you plan your next Kerala tour, make sure to add the above top things to do in Kochi for a memorable vacation.