Choose from 12 Fun Things to Do in Kochi
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Kerala Backwaters
The Kerala backwaters refers to a large region spanning some 558 miles (900 kilometers) consisting of an interconnected network of brackish lagoons, lakes, and canals. The best way to truly experience this beautiful area is aboard a traditional houseboat; journeys last anywhere from a few hours up to a few nights.
The Basics
Most visitors to Kerala make a point of cruising its backwaters aboard a houseboat, which are traditionally made of locally harvested coir, or coconut fiber. This sprawling region consists of hundreds of miles of waterways flanked by jungles and rice paddies, with ample opportunities to take photographs of local wildlife, from water birds to otters. Many tours of the region include short jaunts on houseboats, and some even feature multi-night backwater journeys.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must-do for couples and those interested in local culture.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray.
- Cruises are generally calm, and most travelers prone to motion sickness shouldn’t have any issues.
How to Get There
Most people start their cruise from Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, a short drive from the Kochi/Ernakulam area. You can also take a prepaid taxi from one of two area airports: Cochin International Airport or Trivandrum Airport.
When to Get There
If you want to go on a backwater cruise, it’s best to avoid the rainy season (June through November) and instead opt to come during the cooler, dryer winter months of December, January, and February. March through May tend to be the hottest months in Kerala, but if you’re willing to brave the heat, you can often get good offseason discounts.
Kerala Cuisine
If you spend more than a couple of hours on a backwater cruise, chances are you’ll get to sample some of Kerala’s traditional cuisine, which is quite different from the North Indian cuisine usually associated with the country. Much of the food here is cooked with coconut milk and oil, giving it a sweeter taste, and instead of the wheat-based naans and chapatis served up north, rice and various rice-based pancake-style breads dominate.
Address: India
From $ 22
Mattancherry Palace
The Portuguese built the 16th-century structure as a gift to the then king of the Kochi dynasty, though it underwent significant remodels under Dutch rule, earning it its current moniker: the Dutch Palace. It's celebrated for its stunning murals, many of which depict scenes from Hindu epics, notably the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
The Basics
Though it doesn't look very palatial from the outside, this 2-story structure has gems of art inside, including beautiful coconut-shell floors, portraits of former rulers, and numerous intricate tempera murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The palace also hosts a number of old royal artifacts, ranging from ceremonial costumes to palanquins.
Many Kochi city tours stop at the palace. Visiting with a guide can be useful, if you want in-depth information about the palace's history. Half- and full-day tours that visit the palace may also include a Kerala backwater boat cruise, Kathakali dance show, village visit, Chinese fishing nets, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- History lovers and art fans won’t want to miss a visit to this palace.
- Parents may want to note that some of the murals depict explicit lovemaking scenes.
- Most of the palace is difficult to navigate by wheelchair, as there are plenty of stairs.
How to Get There
Mantacherry Palace is located right next to the Mantacherry Boat Jetty, from where travelers can take ferries to Ernakulam, the main city on the mainland where many of the city's larger chain and business hotels are located. It's right in the heart of historic Kochi, and the city’s famous Jew Town and its synagogue are a short walk way.
When to Get There
Mattancherry Palace is a year-round attraction, though if you're sensitive to heat or humidity, you may want to visit in the dryer season, from around December through the end of February. However, this is also the most popular season for tourists, so attractions can be crowded. The hottest months of the year are from March through May, while June through November can get rainy.
Kerala Murals
Kerala has a long tradition of mural painting that dates back to at least the eighth century. While the relatively newer murals at the Dutch Palace provide a great intro to the traditional local art, there are plenty more in the area, from the frescoes to the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple to the murals of the rock-cut Thirunandikkara Cave Temple, in present-day Tamil Nadu.
Address: Bazaar Road, Fort Cochin, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Mattancherry
Surrounded by the backwaters of the Arabian Sea, Mattancherry is an old port area of Kochi, not far from Ernakulam Town. The area was once the main trade port for spices such as pepper and turmeric, as well as tea. It was a time when many different nationalities and religious communities were welcomed to Mattancherry to trade and make it their home. Slowly the traders moved on to Ernakulam, but Mattancherry remains a bustling and cosmopolitan community that welcomes people from all walks of life.
Churches, mosques, and a synagogue happily coexist in Mattancherry, alongside buildings of the colonial era – another nod to the area’s fascinating past. Mattancherry Palace is one of the top attractions here. It was presented by the Portuguese as a gift to the Raja of Kochi in the mid-1500s as a gesture of goodwill (or more likely as a bribe to secure trading privileges). The Dutch then renovated it in the 1600s, hence its alternative name – the Dutch Palace.
Mattancherry is also well-known for having “Jew Town” at its heart – the place where ancient Jewish communities settled and began trading, and where antique shops, the Jewish Synagogue and the Jewish Palace are the main attractions today.
Practical Info
There are frequent bus and boat services to Mattancherry from Ernakulam Town. The easiest way to get there is to catch the boat from Main Boat Jetty near Subash Park.
Address: Mattancherry, Kerala, India, India
From $ 15
Santa Cruz Basilica
Santa Cruz Basilica is notable for its Gothic architecture, with a whitewashed façade and beautiful interiors, with intricate pastel frescoes and paintings, and large stained glass windows. While it’s a popular attraction, it’s also a working church and the Sunday mass services here provide a great insight into local Catholic culture.
The Basics
One of the prettiest churches in Fort Kochi, Santa Cruz Basilica stands on the site of an old Portuguese church by the same name, though its current incarnation only dates back to the turn of the 20th century. Its stunning architecture and beautiful interiors, coupled with its location right in the heart of the Fort Kochi area, means it’s a popular stop on most tours of the old city. Arrive on foot or via private tuk tuk.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must-visit for art and architecture lovers.
- Make sure to wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders out of respect for local tradition.
- Most of the church is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The basilica is located in the Fort Kochi area of Kochi, a charming and historic area filled with old Dutch buildings, many of which have been converted to boutique hotels. The area is easy to walk around and attractions are well signposted. Kochi is west of the mainland city of Ernakulam and it takes at least a half-hour to get there, depending on traffic. If not traveling independently, arrive via a tour that includes round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
Santa Cruz Basilica is a working church and thus is open throughout the year, with services on Sundays and special holidays. The high season for visiting Kochi is during the winter months (December through February) when there’s not much rainfall and temperatures are relatively cool. However, it’s also the busiest time, especially when compared to the rainy June through November season or the sweltering summer (March through May).
The Art of Antonio Moscheni
The church features a gorgeous altar decorated by Antonio Moscheni, an Italian-born painter who created frescoes in churches across Southern India as well as in Croatia and Albania. He joined the Jesuits in his mid-30s and moved to India to paint the Chapel of St. Aloysius College in Mangalore, his best-known work.
Address: Bastion Street, Fort Cochin, India
From $ 22
St. Francis Church
St. Francis Church is the oldest church in India, built in 1516 by Portuguese settlers to replace an older wooden church constructed in 1503 on the same site. It was once the burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi, and though his gravestone is still in place here, his remains have since been moved to Lisbon.
The Basics
This magnificent whitewashed structure was the only church the Dutch didn't destroyed when they took over colonial Kochi from the Portuguese; instead, they converted it into a government church. It was later dedicated to Saint Francis under British rule (it had previously been dedicated to St. Anthony). Today, the church is run by the protestant Church of South India, though it’s protected as a monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. The church is a stop on Kochi heritage walking and tuk tuk tours as well as half- and full-day excursions of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Remember to dress modestly; men and women alike should avoid wearing shorts and opt for clothing that covers the knees and shoulders.
- While the church is open daily, mass is usually only on Sundays and special holidays.
- Wheelchair users might find the church difficult to access without some assistance.
How to Get There
This church is located at the northwestern tip of Kochi, right in the Fort Kochi area known for its charming old Dutch-style houses and buildings. Depending on traffic, it takes anywhere from a half-hour to an hour to reach this part of town from the Ernakulam mainland, where many of the area's hotels are located.
When to Get There
Saint Francis Church is open throughout the year and can be particularly fun to visit at Christmastime or Easter. However, travelers who are sensitive to heat or humidity are best off visiting during the dryer months of December through February. The hottest months are from March through May, and this is when the crowds are fewest, while the wet season starts in June and can go on as late as November.
Saint Francis: Patron Saint of Animals
One of the most beloved Catholic saints, St. Francis was a medieval Italian friar best known as the patron saint of animals and the environment. His feast day is on October 4 and the order he founded (the Franciscans) is one of the largest and influential Catholic orders to this day.
Address: Bastion Street, Fort Cochin, India
From $ 22
Chinese Fishing Nets
Fort Cochin’s Chinese Fishing Nets have been a beach installation for centuries, well before the coming of the Portuguese colonizers.
It’s thought that the nets were introduced to this coastal area by the legendary Chinese explorer Zheng He, way back in the early 15th century.
The nets are permanent horizontal structures, lowered and raised by a network of cantilevered ropes, bamboo poles, and balancing weights and pulleys. Teams of up to six fishermen operate the nets, but the catch is usually quite modest.
For the best views, come at dusk with your camera to capture that quintessential shot of Kerala’s fishing nets and calm seas backlit by the setting sun. If you’re feeling hungry, you can buy freshly netted fish and crabs, and have them cooked up for your dinner at a roadside stall.
It’s thought that the nets were introduced to this coastal area by the legendary Chinese explorer Zheng He, way back in the early 15th century.
The nets are permanent horizontal structures, lowered and raised by a network of cantilevered ropes, bamboo poles, and balancing weights and pulleys. Teams of up to six fishermen operate the nets, but the catch is usually quite modest.
For the best views, come at dusk with your camera to capture that quintessential shot of Kerala’s fishing nets and calm seas backlit by the setting sun. If you’re feeling hungry, you can buy freshly netted fish and crabs, and have them cooked up for your dinner at a roadside stall.
Practical Info
The
Chinese Fishing Nets line the sands north of Fort Cochin Beach and the town’s
historic churches, off River Road.
Address: Vasco da Gama Square, Fort Cochin, India
From $ 30
Hill Palace Museum of Tripunithura
The Hill Palace Museum of Tripunithura, a 49-building complex where the Maharaja of Kochi once lived, is today the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. The palace was built in 1865 on 52 acres (21 hectares) of landscaped grounds. In 1980 the Kochi royal family handed over the estate to the Kerala government, and in 1986 it opened as a museum.
The museum’s ethno-archaeological collection includes murals, sculptures, oil paintings, coins, manuscripts, furniture and other items that once belonged to the local royal family. Particularly notable is the collection of some 200 pieces of pottery from Japan and China. The surrounding gardens, recognizable from many Malayalam films, include a deer park and horse riding facilities.
Practical Info
The easiest way to visit the Hill Palace Museum is by hiring an autorickshaw in Ernakalum.
Address: Kochi, Kerala, India
Hours: 9am to 12:30pm & 2pm to 4:30pm Tuesday to Sunday
Admission: 30 rupees
From $ 41
Fort Cochin
Fort Cochin, aka Fort Kochi, is an historic district and a main draw for tourists in Cochin (Kochi). It’s a charming neighborhood full of colonial-era homes (many of which have been converted into boutique hotels), lovely old houses of worship, charming shops and markets, and the city's famous Chinese fishing nets that flank the harbor.
The Basics
Fort Cochin is a charming historic area on the western end of Cochin notable for its blend of local Malayali and colonial (Portuguese, Dutch, and British) architecture. Here you'll find most of Cochin's most interesting attractions, including St. Francis Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica, the Paradesi Synagogue, and Mattancherry Palace. There’s also a small beach; visit around sunset for a chance to see some of the city’s famous Chinese fishing nets in action. Book a private or group tour, some of which include a Kathakali dance performance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fort Cochin is great for culture lovers, shopaholics, and anyone looking to take some gorgeous photos.
- Wear plenty of sunscreen and bring a hat, as the sun can get strong here.
- Fort Cochin is best explored on foot, so comfortable clothes and shoes are a must.
- While it’s expected that you bargain at craft stalls, it’s not appropriate at the area’s many high-end boutiques.
How to Get There
Fort Cochin sits on the northwestern part of Cochin, an historic area filled with attractions, including churches, old Dutch-style homes, and the city’s famous fishing nets. It’s west of the main city of Ernakulam on the mainland, and it takes around a half-hour by taxi to get to the fort, without traffic.
When to Get There
Fort Cochin is great throughout the year, though weather is a big consideration for many travelers. The monsoon season from around June through November can mean lots of flash rainfalls and high humidity, while March, April, and May can be unbearably hot. The driest, coolest time of year is during the winter (December through February), but this is also the most crowded season.
Cochin’s Jewish Community
Cochin has been home to a small Jewish community, possibly since as early as the time of King Solomon, though only a handful remain to this day. The old city is home to the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth, dating back to 1567, located in an historic area known as Jew Town, with numerous antique shops and even a restaurant serving traditional Cochin-Jewish cuisine.
Address: River Rd., India
Admission: Varies
From $ 45
Dutch Cemetery
The Dutch Cemetery in Kochi is believed to be the oldest in the country, dating back to the beginning of the 18th century. It houses the tombs of Dutch soldiers and traders who left their homeland in order to expand their colonial empires – and as a result changed the entire course of history in India.
The cemetery is distinctly Dutch in its architecture and is surrounded by concrete walls. The year 1724 is engraved on a pillar towering over the cemetery’s entrance. Many of the tombs are made of granite and the epitaphs on each show the authentic records of those of both Dutch and British origin etched out in old Dutch script. According to T W Venn, who published a book on the subject, the last person laid to rest in the Dutch Cemetery in Kochi was Captain Joseph Ethelbert Winckler in 1913.
Practical Info
The Dutch Cemetery is located on the road that runs parallel to Fort Kochi Beach. Its gates are usually kept locked but are opened on the request of polite visitors (Ask at nearby St Francis Church).
Address: Kochi, Kerala, India, India
From $ 35
Paradesi Synagogue & Jew Town
One of the world’s oldest active synagogues, and the oldest in the Commonwealth, can be found in the center of the port’s spice district, Jew Town. The district is a particularly historic reminder of Fort Cochin’s multicultural heritage.
The synagogue sits at the center of the district once inhabited by Fort Cochin’s prosperous spice trading community of Malabari Jews, who traveled here from Holland and Spain. Today, apart from the synagogue and faded street signs, reminders of the district’s once-thriving Jewish community are few.
There were once seven synagogues in this quarter of Old Cochin, but Paradesi Synagogue (also called Pardesi) is the sole survivor. It sometimes also known as the Mattancherry Synagogue, as it shares a temple wall with the neighboring Mattancherry Palace. The word ‘paradesi’ is an Indian term for foreigner.
The original synagogue built in 1568 was destroyed by the Portuguese, and the current building with its distinctive clock tower was erected under the rule of the Dutch.
Notable features include the synagogue’s floor of blue-and-white tiles, individually hand-painted in Canton in a willow pattern. Colored glass lamps and glittering Belgian-glass chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and the gold pulpit is richly decorated.
As is traditional, there is a separate upstairs balcony for female worshipers. There are also historic Torah scrolls and copper plates inscribed with the synagogue’s charter of privileges on display.
When you visit the synagogue, make sure to come modestly dressed (no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed).
The synagogue sits at the center of the district once inhabited by Fort Cochin’s prosperous spice trading community of Malabari Jews, who traveled here from Holland and Spain. Today, apart from the synagogue and faded street signs, reminders of the district’s once-thriving Jewish community are few.
There were once seven synagogues in this quarter of Old Cochin, but Paradesi Synagogue (also called Pardesi) is the sole survivor. It sometimes also known as the Mattancherry Synagogue, as it shares a temple wall with the neighboring Mattancherry Palace. The word ‘paradesi’ is an Indian term for foreigner.
The original synagogue built in 1568 was destroyed by the Portuguese, and the current building with its distinctive clock tower was erected under the rule of the Dutch.
Notable features include the synagogue’s floor of blue-and-white tiles, individually hand-painted in Canton in a willow pattern. Colored glass lamps and glittering Belgian-glass chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and the gold pulpit is richly decorated.
As is traditional, there is a separate upstairs balcony for female worshipers. There are also historic Torah scrolls and copper plates inscribed with the synagogue’s charter of privileges on display.
When you visit the synagogue, make sure to come modestly dressed (no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed).
Practical Info
The Paradesi Synagogue is off Jew Town Road, on the eastern edge of the peninsula in the district of Mattancherry.
Address: Jew Town Road, Fort Cochin, India
Hours: Open Sun - Thu, 10am - noon & 3 - 5pm
Admission: Rs 2
From $ 22
Kerala Folklore Museum
The Kerala Folklore Museum opened to the public in 2009 as a space to showcase the cultural and artistic heritage of the southern Indian state. The 4,000-item collection spans three floors, each exhibiting a different architectural style, Malabar, Kochi and Travancore. The various items on display throughout center on art and dance and include masks, costumes, musical instruments, jewelry, sculptures, Stone Age artifacts and ancient astrological manuscripts.
In the evenings, a theater on the top floor hosts various cultural performances ranging from traditional dance to Kerala-style martial arts.
Practical Info
As with many museums in India, expect to pay an extra fee if you intend to take photographs inside the museum, even if it’s just with a mobile phone.
Address: Folklore Jn., Kochi, Kerala, India
Hours: 9:30am to 6pm
Admission: 200 rupees
From $ 55
Indo-Portuguese Museum
The Indo-Portuguese Museum was set up by the late Bishop of Kochi to preserve and showcase the significant influence of the Portuguese Catholic community in Fort Kochi and its surrounding areas. It depicts the art, architecture, and culture of this community and is a popular attraction for visitors to Kochi.
The museum is divided into five main sections, each relating to the particular type of artefacts on display. These sections are: Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral. It’s home to some well-known collections of artistic and architectural merit, all of which bear the mark of Portuguese influence. Some of the most famous and interesting pieces include part of a teak-wood church altar from the 16th century, a 19th-century chasuble, a processional cross made from silver and wood, and the notable Coat of Arms of the Franciscans.
Practical Info
The Indo-Portuguese Museum is located inside the grounds of the Bishop's House in Fort Kochi. The nearest railway station is Ernakulam around 12 kilometers away but it’s easily reachable from almost anywhere in the Fort Kochi area. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm daily, although the museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays. There is a small entrance fee most days, with free entry on the first Thursday of every month.
Address: Bishop Kureethara Rd, Kochi, Kerala, India 682001, India
From $ 35