For a traveling family, Kochi (Cochin) and the South Indian state of Kerala is the perfect first base. There is history, yes. But it’s the India that is manageable as a first stop. The food is incredible, and the list of things to do in Kochi with kids is more the kind of India activities that won’t result in a mid-afternoon meltdown. (You know what I mean!).
While the northern cities offer that iconic high-octane energy and ancient forts, Kerala has a (slightly) slower, tropical rhythm that is much easier for children to navigate.
In this guide, we’re breaking down how to plan Kerala and the famous backwaters with the kids in tow.
Read on for some tried and tested things to do in Kochi with kids.
Ready? 🙂
- Kochi With Kids
- Things To Do in Kochi With Kids
Alleppey Backwaters - Getting There
- Getting Around in Kochi
Tour Guide or Not? - Practical Tips
- Accommodation
- More About India
Part 1: Why Kochi First with Kids?
Choosing Kochi as your family’s entry point into India is one of the smartest tactical moves a travelling parent can make.
While the northern ‘Golden Triangle’ offers undeniable icons – New Delhi, Jaipur and the Taj Mahal – Kochi and South India provide a much gentler, more rhythmic introduction to the intensity of travel in India.
The pace here is noticeably slower, and the cultural shock is gentler, for parents and kids.
Our Start in Kochi with Kids
Having explored India more than six times now as a travelling family, we still look back and realise that South India and all the (gentler introduction of) things to do in Kochi with kids was a great choice for starting travel with children in India.
There are the iconic rickshaw rides, the bustle that is so excitingly India and the friendly local smiles—but without being overwhelmed by the sheer scale and frantic energy of the northern hubs.
I can wholeheartedly recommend South India, Kerala and Kochi with kids as a great place to start.
Part 2: Getting Around in Kochi with Kids
Kochi was our very first stop in India, and honestly, we weren’t quite sure what to expect upon arrival. To find our feet, we decided to book a day tour through TripAdvisor to see the highlights—and it turned out to be one of the best moves we could have made.
That was how we met Aaru, an incredibly friendly and helpful rickshaw driver who quickly became a highlight of our stay.
Kochi Tour Guide, Aaru
Aaru met us at the airport with a taxi on our first day to get us settled into our hotel. The following morning, we set out on a full-day tour of things to do in Kochi with kids.
He was fantastic with our boys, navigating the city’s sights with ease and making sure everyone was having a great time without being pushy.
We enjoyed his company and professionalism so much that we booked him for several more days to explore Kochi further and even to drive us down to the Kerala Backwaters in Alleppey.
The Details:
- Rate: 1000 INR for a full-day tour of Kochi.
- Booking: You can check out his glowing reviews and book him via TripAdvisor here.
If you’re heading to Kochi, we highly recommend sending him a message. Having a reliable, friendly face to navigate the streets makes the transition into Indian travel so much smoother for the whole family!
Part 3: Things to Do in Kochi with Kids
Read on for all the things to do in Kochi with kids that make it such a great start to India.
1. Watch the Iconic Chinese Fishing Nets
The giant cantilevered Chinese Fishing Nets are the silhouette of Kochi.
They’ve been in use here for centuries and watching the local fishermen operate them using a complex system of weights and pulleys is mesmerising for children. (And adults!).
- Tip: Most fishermen are happy to let the kids help pull the ropes for a small tip. It’s a great hands-on history lesson, and the photo ops are unbeatable.
2. Sunset at the Promenade: Peanuts & Popcorn
Kochi’s waterfront promenade comes alive as the sun begins to dip. This is where local families gather, and it’s the best place for your kids to stretch their legs.
Find a street stall selling hot, roasted peanuts in paper cones or fresh popcorn.
Walking along the sea wall, snacking on local treats, and watching the giant ships roll into the harbour is the cool and relaxing way to end a day in Fort Kochi.
3. Pigeons, History, and Cold Coconuts
A short rickshaw ride from the fishing nets is the Old Jewish Quarter of Mattancherry.
It is famous for its antique shops and the Paradesi Synagogue. Which albeit, are not really up there with exciting things to do in Kochi with kids.
However, there are a few kid-friendly stops to make.
The Jewish Quarter (Mattancherry)
The narrow streets are wonderfully photogenic, but they can get hot.
- Tip: Keep the kids hydrated by stopping at a street vendor for a cold coconut. The vendor will chop the top off with a machete and give you a straw—it’s nature’s best energy drink!
Feeding the Pigeons
Near the old temples in Mattancherry, you’ll often find large flocks of pigeons. For whatever reason, kids never seem to tire of feeding birds.
You can buy a small bag of grain from a local seller. Or you can time your visit to one of the temples to see them feeding the enormous flocks of pigeons that return each day.
4. The Spice Markets of Mattancherry
Mattancherry is the historic heart of Kochi’s spice trade.
Walking into a warehouse filled with mountains of dried ginger or sacks of turmeric is a “wow” moment for children (and parents, again!).
You can often watch workers sorting spices by hand and many vendors are happy to let you smell the different varieties.
- Tip: Head to Jew Town Road. It’s colourful, vibrant, and has plenty of small shops where you can buy high-quality spices to take home. It’s also home to the Paradesi Synagogue, which is worth a quick peek for its stunning floor tiles.
5. The Dhobi Khana Public Laundry
This is one of the most unique and educational stops in Kochi. The Dhobi Khana is a massive public laundry where the Dhobis (traditional washermen and women) have been cleaning the city’s linens for centuries.
Watching the Dhobis rhythmically “thwack” heavy sheets against stone slabs is seriously impressive.
Plus see the traditional charcoal-heated irons in use—they are massive, heavy, and a far cry from the steam irons we have at home!
- Note: The community here is very welcoming, but remember this is a place of work.
6. British Playgrounds and Children’s Parks
Sometimes, kids just need to be kids and get some energy out on a slide. Kochi has a surprisingly nostalgic playground scene.
Our boys might not have noticed the retro feel of these (that was us) but loved the chance for a playground!
- The Fort Kochi Playground: Located at the corner of Princess and Tower Streets, you’ll find some great old-school British-style playground equipment. We’re talking sturdy metal slides, teeter-totters, and those dizzying merry-go-round spinners that you don’t see much in the West anymore.
- The Ernakulam Children’s Park: If you cross over to the mainland (Ernakulam), take a short walk from the jetty to the Children’s Park. There is a small admission fee, and while some of the equipment is in various stages of well-loved disrepair, the variety is great. They even have little ride-on cars that are a massive hit.
7. Escape to the Mall: Things To Do in Kochi with Kids
Let’s be honest: sometimes the heat and the intensity of the local markets are too much for little ones. Even in Kochi’s relatively (comparatively) quieter levels of India-intensity.
I know this isn’t top of the list of things to do in Kochi with kids. But when the humidity peaks, it is a practical option to head to one of Kochi’s modern, air-conditioned shopping malls (like Lulu Mall).
It’s a great place to grab a familiar lunch, but more importantly, it’s the best place to buy a kids’ Kurta.
You can browse high-quality local clothing brands in a cool, quiet environment without the high-pressure sales tactics often found in the tourist souks.
Your kids get a beautiful new outfit, and you get a break from the haggling!
8. A Rickshaw Ferry Adventure
In Kochi, the journey is often more fun than the destination. Taxis are fine, but for a kid, nothing beats a Rickshaw (Tuk-Tuk) ride.
- Tip: Tell your driver you want to go to Vypin or over to the mainland using the vehicle ferry. Sitting in a rickshaw while the entire vehicle is loaded onto a boat is a massive novelty – for children and parents! It’s cheap, breezy, and offers a unique perspective of the city from the water.
9. Day Tripping Kochi to the Backwaters
No trip to Kerala is complete without experiencing the Alleppey (Alappuzha) Backwaters, located about 1.5 to 2 hours south of Kochi.
The Backwater Day Trip
While many people opt for an overnight houseboat, a day trip is more flexible for families with energetic kids.
You can hire a private ‘Shikara’ (a smaller, traditional covered boat) for 3–4 hours.
10. Make a Beach Stop: Kochi with Kids
On your way back to Kochi from the backwaters, ask your driver to stop at one of the coastal beaches, like Marari or Cherai.
After a few hours of sitting still on a boat, the kids will have energy to burn. Let them run on the sand and dip their toes in the Arabian Sea. The sunsets here are world-class, and it’s a great way to break up the drive back to the city.
Part 4: Getting There and Getting Around
Kochi and Kerala are well connected internationally and domestically in India.
Arriving in Kochi
If your journey in Kerala begins at Cochin International Airport (COK), you are landing at the world’s first fully solar-powered airport. It is well-connected to major Indian cities and international hubs.
- From the Airport: Fort Kochi is about 40 km from the airport. A prepaid taxi (fixed rate around ₹1,200–₹1,500) is the most convenient option and takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
- By Train: Ernakulam Junction (South) and Ernakulam Town (North) are the two main railway stations serving the city, connecting Kochi to the rest of India’s vast rail network.
Booking a Driver for Kochi
We had a great experience with the rickshaw driver and Tour Guide, Aaru. He has fantastic reviews on TripAdvisor and met us at the airport on arrival.
- Booking: You can check out his glowing reviews and book him via TripAdvisor here.
Part 5: Practical Tips for Kerala with Kids
There are a few other practical tips for navigating the things to do in Kochi with kids.
Food to Try
Keralan food is famous for its use of coconut and mild spices, making it very kid-friendly.
- Appams: Soft, fluffy rice pancakes that are perfect for little hands.
- Banana Chips: You’ll see these being fried fresh on street corners—they are the ultimate healthy-ish travel snack.
- Ney Choru (Ghee Rice): A classic and simple rice dish from Kerala
- Kerala Sadya: This traditional vegetarian feast is served on a banana leaf and can feature over 20 different dishes, including Sambar, Avial (a coconut-vegetable medley), and various Thorans (stir-fries).
- Fresh Coconuts: There is a coconut man on almost every corner! It’s the safest (and most fun) way to stay hydrated.
Health and Safety
As always, do plan ahead with packing for travel in India.
- Mosquitoes: Being a land of water, Kerala has its fair share of mozzies. Use a good repellent and try to dress the kids in lightweight, long-sleeved clothes in the evenings.
- Hydration: Always stick to bottled water. Even for the kids’ fruit juices, ensure they are made with mineral water.
Part 6: Where to Stay in Kochi with Kids
When you’re traveling in India with children, your choice of accommodation is your sanctuary. After a day of exploring, you need a place where everyone can reset.
But also, we always recommend to choose a hotel that includes a solid breakfast.
Starting the day with a full belly—whether it’s traditional Idli and Sambar or just some familiar eggs and toast—saves you the stress of hunting for food while everyone is hangry in the morning…
Where We Stayed in Kochi with Kids
We stayed half our time in Fort Kochi and half our time in the city. The city accommodation was next door to a mall which was handy for getting Kurta’s and some air-conditioned time for the kids. (Sorry, not sorry confessing that!).
Though I would recommend staying in Fort Kochi area for a first time.
Recommended Areas:
- Fort Kochi: This is the historic heart. It’s walkable, quiet, and filled with boutique heritage hotels.
- Willingdon Island: A bit more secluded with larger, resort-style hotels that often have expansive grounds for kids to play in.
Where To Stay in Kochi (Fort Kochi)
- Luxury: Brunton Boatyard or Old Harbour Hotel – Stately heritage properties that feel like a step back in time.
- Boutique: Forte Kochi or The Malabar House – Art-focused stays with exceptional service.
- Budget/Homestay: Zostel Kochi or Ginger Kochi, MG Road – Known for affordable rates, clean rooms, and a central location.
Munnar
- Luxury: The Panoramic Getaway or Viceroy Luxury Mountain Resort – Stunning views of the tea valleys.
- Boutique/Nature: Kurinji Wanderlust Resort – Immersive nature experiences away from the town’s hustle.
- Budget: Munnar Tea Estate Cottage – Simple, clean, and surrounded by greenery.
Alleppey
- Houseboats: Look for ‘Gold Star’ or ‘Green Palm’ certified operators like Spice Coast Cruises (CGH Earth) or Xandari Riverscapes for high standards of safety and sustainability.
- On Land: If you prefer to stay on terra firma, Marari Beach Resort (a short drive away) offers luxury eco-villas by the sea.
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.
Part 7: Final Thoughts
Kerala is a gentle introduction to India. By mixing the historic charm of Kochi with the tranquil beauty of the backwaters—and throwing in a few more modern breaks at a playground or the mall—you can create a trip that is as relaxing for you as it is exciting for your children.
Embrace the rickshaw rides, eat the hot peanuts at sunset, and enjoy the tropical greenery of Kerala. There are lots of cool things to do in Kochi with kids that make it an awesome part of your India itinerary.
Read More India Inspiration
- Ultimate India Food Tour: 10 Must-Try Treats.
- India Tourist e-Visa: Our Step-By-Step Guide.
- 10 Things To Do In Kochi & Kerala.
- Best Tourist SIM Card For India.
- What To Wear In India.
- 10 Tips To Avoid Delhi Belly In India.
- 4-Day Kochi & Kerala Itinerary.
- Travelling India By Bus: Intercity, Tourist & Sleeper Buses.
- 10 Iconic Things To Do In Kolkata.
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 and Kochi with kids!
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.
