For many, the first step onto Indian soil can feel like a sensory tidal wave, but Kochi (formerly Cochin) offers a beautifully different rhythm. If you’re looking for a ‘soft landing’ in India, this is it! While we have spent months traversing the subcontinent over half a dozen return trips, our very first touchdown was right here in the South—and we couldn’t have picked a better introduction. There are lots of unique and interesting things to do in Kochi and Kerala that make it exactly that.
Often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Kochi is a coastal gem of a city in Kerala that has served as a melting pot of cultures for over 600 years. From the iconic Chinese fishing nets that silhouette the sunset to the fragrant spice warehouses of Mattancherry, Kochi offers a gentler, more nostalgic introduction to India than the frenetic pace of Delhi or Mumbai.
Read on for our favourite 10 Things To Do In Kochi and Kerala and tips for visiting this cool part of Southern India.
Welcome to Kochi and Kerala, India
Nestled on the southwestern tip of India, Kerala is a lush, tropical state famously known as ‘God’s Own Country’. While the serene, administrative capital is Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) to the south, Kochistands as the state’s vibrant commercial heartbeat and its largest, most cosmopolitan city. It is definitely the most famous city in the south for travellers.
Historically, Kochi rose to prominence in 1341 after a massive flood carved out its natural harbour, transforming it from a quiet fishing village into a legendary spice-trading hub that lured explorers from China, Arabia, and Europe.
Today, it serves as the perfect gateway to India for travellers starting their journey in the subcontinent.
Planning for Kochi and Kerala
On our first trip to India, just a few years ago – though six visits back – we had just spent a month in Sri Lanka and hopped from Negombo to touch down in Kochi, Kerala.
It was a great starting point for India. That is a travel tip for India that I will always swear by!
The south is a beautiful and vastly different part to India and there are lots of unique things to do in Kochi and Kerala that introduce India just perfectly.
Getting to Kochi and Kerala
Kochi is one of the most accessible cities in South India, serving as the primary hub for international and domestic travellers entering Kerala.
By Air
The Cochin International Airport (COK) is a marvel of modern engineering—it is the world’s first airport fully powered by solar energy. Located about 30–40 kilometres from the historic district of Fort Kochi, it handles flights from major global hubs (especially the Middle East and Southeast Asia) and all primary Indian cities.
- Tip: Upon arrival, head to the prepaid taxi counter inside the arrivals hall. A taxi to Fort Kochi typically costs between ₹800 and ₹1,200 and takes about an hour, depending on traffic.
By Train
The city is served by two main railway stations: Ernakulam Junction (South) and Ernakulam Town (North). If you are coming from Mumbai, Bangalore, or Chennai, the train journey offers stunning views of the Western Ghats and the lush Kerala countryside.
By Road
Kochi is well-connected via National Highways. Long-distance ‘Super Fast’ buses operated by the KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) connect Kochi to neighbouring states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Getting Around in Kochi and Kerala
Kochi is a sprawling metropolis split between the modern commercial centre of Ernakulam and the historic islands of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.
We actually boked a Guide for the first few days as it was our first time in India and I really recommend this. It made it simpler finding our feet to get around. We took a ferry across in a rickshaw and a taxi to the markets.
These are the main ways of getting around in Kochi to plan for:
- The Ferry (The Local Way): This is the most scenic and cost-effective way to travel. For just a few rupees (usually less than ₹10), you can catch a public ferry from Ernakulam (Mainland) to Fort Kochi. It’s faster than a taxi and provides a cooling breeze.
- Auto-Rickshaws: For short distances within Fort Kochi or Mattancherry, Tuk Tuks are king. Always ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a price beforehand (usually ₹30–₹100 for local hops).
- The Kochi Metro: If you need to travel deep into the mainland (Ernakulam), the Metro is world-class—clean, air-conditioned, and efficient.
- Walking & Cycling: Fort Kochi is one of the few places in India that is truly walkable. Many guesthouses offer bicycle rentals for about ₹150–₹200 per day.
Read our Step-By-Step Guide To Apply For a Tourist e-Visa For India.
10 Essential Things to Do in Kochi and Kerala
Read on for our favourite and most recommended things to do in Kochi and Kerala, India.
1. Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheenavala)
No trip to Kochi is complete without visiting the shoreline of Fort Kochi to see these massive mechanical structures of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets.
Introduced by Chinese explorers in the 14th century, these nets are a testament to Kochi’s ancient trade links.
These days it is one of the most famous things to do in Kochi. You can watch the fishermen work in synchronized harmony to lower and raise the nets.
- Tip: Go at sunset for the most iconic photos. If you’re lucky, the fishermen might invite you to help pull the ropes for a small tip.
2. The Murals of Mattancherry Palace (The Dutch Palace)
Despite its name, the Dutch Palace was actually built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555. It was later renovated by the Dutch.
The palace houses some of the best-preserved Hindu temple art in India. The murals depicting the Ramayana and Mahabharata are intricately detailed and vibrant, covering walls from floor to ceiling.
3. Paradesi Synagogue & Jew Town
Nestled in the heart of Mattancherry is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth. The ‘Paradesi’ (meaning ‘foreigner’) Synagogue features hand-painted willow-pattern floor tiles from China and Belgian glass chandeliers.
- Tip: After visiting the synagogue, wander through Jew Town’s narrow lanes, filled with antique shops selling everything from colonial-era furniture to vintage brassware.
4. Attend a Kathakali Performance
Kathakali is Kerala’s traditional dance-drama, known for its heavy makeup, elaborate costumes, and subtle facial expressions.
- Tip: Head to the Kerala Kathakali Centre early (around 5:00 PM) to watch the makeup ceremony. Watching the actors transform into gods and demons using natural pigments is as fascinating as the performance itself!
5. Visit St. Francis Church: Things To Do in Kochi
As the oldest European church in India, St. Francis Church reflects the colonial history of the region.
Built in 1503, it famously housed the remains of the explorer Vasco da Gama for 14 years before they were moved to Lisbon. You can still see his original gravestone inside.
Located near St. Francis Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica Roman Catholic cathedral is another of the most impressive buildings in Kochi. The interior is a Gothic masterpiece with stunning ceiling paintings and large canvas paintings of the Way of the Cross.
6. Jain Temple: Things To Do in Kochi
As a quieter escape from the bustling streets of Mattancherry, a visit to the Dharmanath Jain Temple is a must – and certainly another of the truly unique things to do in Kochi.
Built in 1904, this remarkably well-maintained temple is dedicated to the 15th Tirthankara and serves as a spiritual hub for Kochi’s Jain community. The architecture is striking, featuring intricate marble work, white pillars, and a tranquil inner sanctum that feels worlds away from the humid exterior.
7. Experience the Dhoby Khana Public Laundry
A hidden gem often overlooked by tourists, the Dhoby Khana is a 300-year-old public laundry. We reckon this is one of the most unique things to do in Kochi and Kerala!
Built by the Dutch, it is still used by a community of washermen (the Vannars) who wash, dry, and iron clothes by hand using traditional methods. It is a hive of rhythmic activity (and a photographer’s dream!).
8. Kochi Spice Markets
Arriving in India for the first time, this was exactly the ‘India’ that we had imagined!
The air in Mattancherry is thick with the scent of ginger, cardamom, turmeric, and black pepper. You can pretty much follow your nose to the wholesale spice markets.
There you can watch workers drying ginger on the streets or packing massive sacks of ‘Black Gold’ (pepper) for export. It’s a direct link to the trade that once brought the world to Kochi’s shores.
9. Fort Kochi Beach and Promenade
While not a swimming beach in the traditional sense, the Fort Kochi beach promenade is where the city comes alive in the evening. Locals gather to eat street food—try the roasted peanuts or pazham pori (banana fritters)—and watch the massive cargo ships pass by the harbour.
10. Take a Backwater Day Trip
While Alleppey is the famous hub for houseboats, you can experience a quieter version of the Kerala backwaters just outside Kochi.
Many operators offer ‘country boat’ tours—small, hand-paddled canoes that can navigate the narrow, palm-fringed canals that the big houseboats can’t reach.
- Tip: Kochi aside, we did a fantastic day trip to the Backwaters of Alleppey which we highly recommend!
How Long Do You Need?
When planning a first trip to India, the golden question is always: How much time is enough? Because for Kochi and Kerala it is a diverse tapestry of misty hill stations, winding backwaters, and colonial history, the answer depends entirely on how deep you want to dive. Plus, especially, how long you want to allocate if it is your first trip in India.
For Kochi (The Gateway)
We recommend 2 to 3 Days for Kochi. Most travellers treat Kochi as a starting point, but it deserves more than a quick drive-by.
- 2 Days: Perfect for covering the Big Hits—the Chinese fishing nets, the historic streets of Fort Kochi, a Kathakali performance, and the vibrant spice markets of Mattancherry.
- 3 Days: Allows for a more relaxed pace. You can add a day trip to the nearby Cherai Beach or take a half-day country boat cruise through the local outskirts without rushing to catch a bus to the mountains.
For Kerala (The Full State)
For the state and region of Kerala and all the things to do in Kochi and beyond, we recommended more like 5 to 10 Days.
To see the ‘Classic Kerala Circuit’ without feeling like you’re on a marathon, aim for at least a week.
- A 5-7-Day Highlights Itinerary: Usually splits time between Kochi (2 days), the tea plantations of Munnar (2 days), the wildlife of Thekkady (1 day), and an iconic houseboat stay in Alleppey (1-2 days).
- A 10-14 Day Slow Travel Itinerary: This is the sweet spot. It gives you the flexibility to head further south to the dramatic cliffs of Varkala Beach or north to the hidden rainforests and waterfalls of Wayanad.
If it is just the above things to do in Kochi you are seeking, or if you are short on time, one week hits the essentials of Kerala perfectly. But if you want to truly soak in the Ayurvedic spas and hidden villages, 10 days will let you leave feeling rejuvenated rather than exhausted.
How many days were you originally thinking of dedicating to your Kerala adventure?
Accommodation: Where to Stay in India
Pigeons aside (Ajmer) there are some great places to stay in India.
Where We Stay in Delhi
- New Delhi Airport – Mid-Range: Taurus Sarovar Portico
Beautiful hotel only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport. A great first stop arriving in India with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite. - Delhi – Budget: Hotel Hari Piorko
Good location in the heart of the Main Bazaar, Delhi. Close to restaurants and train station. No view from rooms. - Delhi – Budget: Smyle Inn
Extremely basic hotel in small back alley. Very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar.
Where to Stay in Kochi and Kerala
Kochi offers everything from backpacker hostels to ultra-luxury heritage hotels. Generally, you want to stay in Fort Kochi for the atmosphere and history.
We actually stayed the first nights on the other side of town though wished (in hindsight) that we had booked half of our stay in the Fort Kochi district! Our hotel, Abad Plaza was great and literally right next door to a shopping mall. It turned out to be an ideal arrival in India spot to land.
However, with that in mind, we recommend:
Luxury Heritage
- Brunton Boatyard: A CGH Earth property built on the site of a former shipyard. It perfectly recreates the Victorian-era colonial style with massive four-poster beds and harbor views.
- Old Harbour Hotel: A 300-year-old restoration that feels like a boutique sanctuary. It features a beautiful garden and one of the best restaurants in town.
Mid-Range & Boutique
- Forte Kochi: Located on Princess Street, this hotel offers a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture with modern amenities and a lovely pool.
- The Malabar House: An art-focused boutique hotel that is widely considered one of the most stylish stays in South India.
Budget & Homestays
- Zostel Kochi: The go-to for backpackers. It’s social, clean, and located right in the heart of Fort Kochi.
- Ginger Kochi, MG Road: Known for affordable rates, clean rooms, and a central location.
Final Thoughts: Things To Do in Kochi and Kerala
Kochi is a city that requires you to slow down. It’s about the Chai breaks, the smell of the sea, and the layers of history tucked into every crumbling brick wall.
It’s the perfect introduction to India—captivating, historic, and undeniably beautiful. So whether you’re staying for 48 hours or five days, these top things to do in Kochi and Kerala will likely leave you planning your return before you’ve even left.
Enjoy India!
Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Tailored travel insurance (including for those who have already left home) – MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD TRAVEL INSURANCE BEFORE TRAVELING TO INDIA!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
