kerala tourism fort kochi

15 Amazing Things to Do in Fort Kochi (Cochin) & Mattancherry (2024)!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: February 27, 2024

Categories INDIA , KERALA

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

For such a small fishing village in Kerala, Fort Kochi really packs a punch with history, attractions, and local cuisine. 

It’s a melting pot of cultures due to its colourful colonial history and it’s as pretty as a postcard to boot. 

Now, the first question you’ll probably ask as soon as you arrive is “where is the fort, exactly?”. Well, not to disappoint you, but there isn’t one anymore! Except maybe for that one canon lol. 

But, don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do in Fort Kochi (or, Cochin to locals) to keep you occupied. 

I’d definitely recommend penciling in a few days to explore as there is just so much to see in and around the area.

So, make sure you bookmark this complete Cochin travel guide with all the amazing things to do in Fort Kochi for your trip!

I visited Fort Kochi as part of my trip with India Someday, click here to see my full itinerary and a review of their trip planning services.

Things to know before you visit Kerala

• In Kerala the locals speak Malayalam, they even have their own songs and films that have been recorded in the language. As one of the most literate states, they speak excellent Hindi and English.
• Kerala is a politically appointed Communist state, so you’ll see lots of communist flags and artwork around the area 
• It’s often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’ as it’s filled with backwaters, coconut trees and the paradise will take your breath away. 
• Kerala is a little more conservative than its neighbour Goa, but not as conservative as Delhi, so make sure that you dress appropriately. But, it’s not uncommon for tourists to wear strappy tops, dresses that show your legs and shorts either. 

Always make sure that you have travel insurance before your trip, I’m covered by World Nomad’s and I would highly recommend them. Click here to take out a travel insurance policy. 

Where is Fort Kochi in Kerala?

Fort Kochi is a region of Kochin located on the coast of Kerala in the South of India. 

It’s easily accessible from Cochin International Airport, so lots of travellers head here first when they land. 

But, it is around 36 kilometres away and so you will need a transfer from the airport to Fort Kochin. 

Alternatively, if you’re on a budget, buses leave Cochin Airport regularly throughout the day.

Thankfully, India Someday organised a private car for me on my visit. But, you can look at booking your own private transfer here .

15 Amazing things to do in Fort Kochi

1. chinese fishing nets .

This should be the number one attraction to add to your list; the Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi is what it is famous for!

According to legend, the Chinese Fishing Nets were introduced by a Chinese fisherman named Zang. He brought these nets to Kerala over 500 years ago and they’ve been here ever since as a way for fishermen to make a living. 

Today, the fishing nets are more of a tourist trap than a fishing trade. But, it is still fun to climb on them and have a go at reeling it in, in exchange for a small tip! 

Click here for my top tips on not getting scammed at the Kochi fishing nets

These guys can be a bit cutthroat and demand a tip for every fisherman who is on the fishing net, but give what you feel. I think I ended up giving them 500 rupees. 

Yes, yes, it’s a lot but it did make for a great photo opportunity, experience some of the local culture, and help the fisherman out!

I heard from my homestay owner that the fisherman here are very much the middleman and don’t make a lot of cash. So, any way to help is always appreciated.

The best time to come and visit the fishing nets is around sunset when the sky lights up in all different colours! If you didn’t want to pay to board one, there are many promenades that provide a free view.

The Chinese Fishing nets are FREE to visit (unless you go on one!) and are open 24 hours a day.

2.  Visit St. Francis’ Church

The next step that you should make in Fort Kochi to get acquainted with the history of Fort Kochi is to visit St. Francis’ Church.

Here, you can see the tomb of Vasco De Gama who started Fort Kochi as we know it today. 

The current history of Fort Kochi really began when a Portuguese merchant sailor by the name of Vasco de Gama rediscovered the old spice trade route from Europe.

He sailed from Portugal to India and landed on the shores of Kerala in 1501.

After a rather unsuccessful meeting on southern shores with the Zamorin (king) of Calicut, he ended up making an alliance with the Rajah (another king) of Kochi.

The deal was, in exchange for defeating the Zamorin, Vasco de Gama had permission from the Rajah to trade and build in the area. Thus, the first settlement in Fort Kochi was born! Many of the Portuguese churches and historic buildings are still here today.

St. Francis’ Church is the perfect example of a Portuguese colonial building. The inside of the church is pretty plain as it was reconstructed in the 17th century but the tomb of Vasco De Gama is still inside. 

His remains were moved to Portugal many years ago but, you can go in and see a little memorial in honour of his memory here.

The church is completely FREE to visit and is open from 10 am – 5 pm during the week. On Saturdays, it’s 12-5 pm and on Sundays, it’s closed for service.

3.  Santa Cruz Basilica 

St. Francis’ church wasn’t the only church that the Portuguese left behind. The Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the finest examples of Roman Catholic churches in Kerala and even, some say, the whole of India.

It was originally built in 1505 and in 1558 was elevated to a cathedral status by Pope Paul IV.

Each year thousands of tourists flock here to see the magnificent temple and admire the building from the inside and out. 

During the day it’s a gleaming white architectural masterpiece and by night it’s lit up in the most amazing bright blue lights! 

If you find yourself passing by, it’s definitely worth taking a peek inside the church too. The artwork and detail are magnificent. 

As an active church mass in English still occurs here daily and visitors are not allowed to visit or take pictures inside the church at this time. But, you can hear the mass on a speaker outside and watch from the outside too if you’re curious.

Santa Cruz Basilica is FREE to visit and is open 24 hours daily. Mass timings are Sundays – 5.30 a.m, 6.45 a.m, 8.00 a.m, 9.15 a.m, 4.30 p.m.( English). Weekdays – 6.00 a.m, 7.00 a.m, 6.00 p.m.

4.  Watch a Kathakali dance performance

You can watch a Kathakali dance performance all over Kerala, but Fort Kochi has the best performances and cultural centres in the state.

So, I would highly recommend organising to visit one in the evening here. I had wanted to see this for years so was happy to tick this off my list!

Kathakali is an ancient religious dance practice that is inspired by the Hindu epic the Ramayan.

The performers have to train for a minimum of six years to be able to take the stage, so you know that the dancers are really passionate about their craft.

What to expect in a Kathakali dance performance

The performance usually takes place in two parts, the first part is where you see them apply the makeup for around an hour. The second half is when you watch the performance. 

Unless you’re really interested (like I was) in the makeup being applied, then I wouldn’t say it’s necessary to watch. But, you do get to learn about the products used and the fact they put flower seeds in their eyes to make them go red!

Click here for my top tips for this incredible Kerala cultural show!

Admittedly, the most interesting part comes from the actual dancing part. What’s amazing about Kathakali as a theatrical style is that there is no dialogue with the performance. Well, not with speech anyway.

All the communicating is done by moving different parts of their body. That includes their mouth, eyebrows, hands, stomach, feet, fingers the lot! The training to learn all of the moves must take so much concentration!

Luckily, if you’re not familiar with the Ramayan, you’ll be given an explanation about the story you are watching and the dance. 

I personally found the whole thing fascinating and would encourage anyone visiting Kerala to see it. I watched it at the Kathakali Cultural Centre and tickets were 350INR.

5.  Visit The Dutch Palace / Mattancherry Palace 

Another cornerstone in Fort Kochi’s colonial history is when the Dutch took over the spice route from Europe.

There wasn’t any spectacular battle between the Dutch and the Portuguese or anything like that it was a simple trade deal. After that, the Dutch moved in and made their own stamp on the place.

Mattancherry Palace was originally a gift from the Portuguese to the King of Cochin in 1555.

But, once the Portuguese had left the area, the Dutch made significant improvements to the building in 1663. So, even today, the palace has the nickname of the Dutch Palace. 

The palace today has many exhibits from the colonial eras and of the Rajas of Cochin up until the present day. The Royal Family of Cochin is one of the oldest royal families in India and still lives nearby. 

As well as these exhibits they have lots of precious artwork and paintings based on the Ramayan from the 16th century.

Photography is pretty strict so always ask permission of what you can and cannot take photos of in here. The guards will shout at you if you overstep. 

The Mattancherry Palace is open 9.45 am-1 pm and then 2 pm-4.45 pm. It’s closed on Fridays and Saturdays’. The cost of entry is 5 rupees for locals and foreigners.

6. Pay a visit to Dhobi Khana public laundry

Another Dutch colonial site that has been transformed into something that supports the local community is Dhobi Khana.

When the Dutch were in power here, this is the spot where the Keralites would wash and prepare the uniforms for the Dutch army. However, today, it’s a community washing, drying, and ironing service. 

This area provides lots of jobs for people to wash, dry and iron clothes, bedsheets, towels, and all sorts of items for the community.

Many businesses use Dhobi Khana as their laundry service, so its arm reaches everyone in the area. So, the bedsheets or towels in your hotel/homestay may have been laundered by these guys!

It’s definitely a cool place to check out and visit so you can see some of the local people and the ‘real’ culture of Fort Kochi beyond the colonial sites. Plus any donations are welcome to support the business.

7.  Go shopping in Jew Town and visit the Paradesi Synagogue

Jew Town in Mattancherry is where a community of Cochin Jews used to live in the area. They are the oldest community of Jews in India and have been residing here since the times of King Solomon in 900BCE. 

Although the Jewish community here thrived in centuries past and in 1950 there were approximately 250 Cochin Jews residing Kochi. Today, there are only six Paradesi Jewish people that remain. You can read more about this here. 

This area is now commonly known as Jew Town in Mattancherry and the street has many antique dealerships, art galleries, and trendy cafés.

As you walk down the street you’ll find many brass ornaments, clothes, perfumes, and souvenirs. So, make sure you leave some time to explore.

If you are interested in exploring more of the Paradesi culture here, then you must head to the Paradesi Synagogue which is epicenter of their community.

This 400-year-old temple is still active and remains a place where Cochin Jews worship. It was constructed in 1568 adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace on land that was gifted by the Raja himself.

In 1968, on the 400th anniversary of refuge, the Paradesi Synagogue was given a mazeltov (congratulations) by the Prime Minister of India at the time, Indira Gandhi.

Today, you can visit the Synagogue for just 5 rupees to learn about the arrival of the Jewish people in South India and admire the stunning architecture here.

The Paradesi Synagogue opens to the public from 10 am – 12 pm and then again from 3 pm – 5 pm. It’s closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

8.  Sip a coconut on Fort Kochi Beach

Who doesn’t like to chill by the coast for a while? I have to admit, I’m not that much of a beach bunny but I loved taking a walk down the promenade next to Fort Kochi beach!

Not only did you have the Chinese Fishing nets, but you also had lots of stalls selling souvenirs, street food counters, street art and you got to witness life happening in the area!

If you wanted to see the last remnants of what used to be the Fort in Fort Kochi this is your chance at the Fort Immanuel which is along this route.

But, one of the best things I loved to do in the heat is to grab a coconut and sip it by the shore! There are so many coconut stalls around here and it’s super refreshing to indulge in one. 

9.  Vasco De Gama Square

Another spot along this route is the Vasco De Gama Square, which is aptly named after the guy who founded modern Cochin as we know it today!

This square is covered in the famous Kerala rain trees and is a meeting point in Fort Kochi.

It’s an ideal place to spend the evenings as you’ll find lots of local restaurants cooking up daily catches, people chatting, playing games, kids playing, and people strolling up and down the promenade to enjoy the fresh sea air.

This is also the perfect place to catch a glimpse at the famous Chinese Fishing Nets so don’t miss it while you’re here. 

10. Take a ferry to Vypin Island (Vypeen)

Although Fort Kochi sees thousands of tourists pass through it each year, it’s easy to find some nearby islands that don’t see many tourists at all.

The local car ferries are a great way to island hop in Kochi and in just ten minutes or less you can find yourself in a peaceful area away from the crowds.

Vypin Island (or Vypeen) is the touching distance from Fort Kochi over the water but tourists rarely visit. 

Here, you can walk around the island and explore its many beaches, head over to the Vypin lighthouse and also see the fishing nets in action. 

Unlike the tourist trap nets on Fort Kochi, the fishing nets on Vypin Island are still in use for fishing. They also let you climb on board and check them out without charging you!

The ferry from Fort Kochi to Vypin island costs 3 rupees a ticket! So, it’s no harm lost and you even have the chance to see dolphins on your way over too. 

11. Admire the street art in Fort Kochi

The one thing that I loved about Fort Kochi was the colourful street art. Around every corner here you would see a colourful mural.

But, if you would like to know specific areas then I would definitely check out Vasco De Gama Square, Calvathy Road, the area around the Santa Cruz Basilica, and Bazaar Road.

Every two years Fort Kochi is home to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale festival which is one of the largest in the country. 

This international event that started in 2012 sees contemporary artists from around the world invited to showcase their art on the streets, in the galleries, in installations, and on the stage. It also sees thousands of visitors each year with numbers recorded of up to 250,000!

The artworks can be films, portraits, street art, performances, workshop, and music. So, if you’re an artist or admire bohemian festivals this would definitely be the event for you. 

12. Take a walking tour with Gully Tours 

If you would like to learn more about the history of Fort Kochi and discover some local hidden gems then I would highly recommend taking a walking tour with Gully Tours. 

I took their spice trail route which was more of a historical walking tour that took you through the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial eras. 

During our tour, we passed many historic buildings and I got to learn all about how Fort Kochi developed over the years. 

We also visited more of the contemporary bohemian side of Fort Kochi and popped into some of the art cafés while we were here. One of my favourites was Pepper House which sells fair-trade coffee. The café is located in an old Pepper Exchange! 

We also explored the Indian side of Fort Kochi which was where the Keralites have lived for centuries, even throughout the colonial rule.

While we were here we had a look in the many fruit markets, shops and got to have a local dining experience.

Kayeez Rahmathulla Café is a favourite local dining place that is packed from morning until night. While you’re here you can try the local cuisine including Kerala Paratha and their tasty mutton curry. 

The great news is this place is cheap and cheerful so you can have a feast for around 150 rupees. 

To book your walking tour of Fort Kochi, see here for details. Prices are around 1400 rupees per head. 

13. Visit one of the many art cafés

Something that I love about Fort Kochi is the way they have reused their colonial buildings.

Instead of making all of them into stuffy museums or abandoning them altogether, most of them have been transformed into trendy art cafés and restaurants.

Whilst on my walking tour we popped into the David Hall Gallery & Café where you’ll find some great art in the gallery and also some of the local artists selling their works. 

Also, you can visit Kashi Art Café, the Pepper House, and Master’s Art Café which all provide amazing creative spaces to grab a coffee or have lunch. 

14. Pay respects at the Dutch Cemetery

If you carry on down the road from the St. Francis’ Church towards the beach you’ll pass the famous Dutch Cemetery. 

This cemetery which was constructed in 1724 is believed to be one of the oldest cemeteries in the whole of India. It’s actually one of the most popular attractions in Fort Kochi as it holds 104 tombs of settlers from the area. 

During the Dutch colonial era, only Dutch people were allowed to be buried here but later British citizens were also laid to rest there.

It’s closed off to visitors most of the year, but you can have a look at it from the outside. 

15. Spot dolphins on a sunset cruise

One of the many things that visitors love to do here is going on a sunset boat cruise of the local area! 

Although not a guarantee, when the sun goes down in Kerala you may have the chance to spot some wild dolphins as you sail by.

On your cruise, you’ll head out and sail by Balgatty Island, Marine Drive, and the Kochi Lagoon that looks out to the Arabian sea. 

There are many operators in the area but here are some tour ideas below;

• 2 hour Cochin sunset cruise
• Half day houseboat cruise with lunch
• Private day cruise of the backwaters with transfers

How to get around Fort Kochi

On Foot: Fort Koch is a small fishing area and you can easily get around on foot to explore. I think the furthest attractions are in Mattancherry and it’s a 30-minute walk from the Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi. 

Uber: If the heat is too much or you just don’t feel like walking, there is Uber in the area. I have a whole post about how to use Uber in India which you can check out here.  

Rickshaw : As it was pretty easy to head around Kerala I didn’t end up using the Auto Rickshaws here but I got plenty of offers when I was out and about! The Rickshaws are pretty reasonable but make sure you negotiate for a fair price. 

Public ferry: If you want to island-hop in Kochi, I would highly recommend the local car ferries. Each ferry allows foot passengers to board and the tickets are SO cheap. For 3 rupees you can cross to different islands like Vypeen and Balgatty. They also run pretty much all hours too. 

Where to eat in Fort Kochi

If you wanted to try some of the local Malayali fish dishes then I would recommend checking out some of the sea front restaurants like Sutra restaurant and Fusion Bay . Both come highly recommended and having tried some of their awesome specialities for myself, I can confirm that they are excellent. 

If you’re looking for a lunch spot, then definitely pop into some of the art cafés like Kashi , the David Hall or the Pepper House for a light bite.  

If you’re looking for a budget local experience I would recommend heading out of the Fort area and popping into Kayeez Rahmathulla Café which is a local favourite and serves up piping hot food all day. 

Where to stay in Fort Kochi | Kochi Hotels

I organised my Kerala trip through India Someday who booked me into the wonderful Delight Homestay while I was here.

What I loved more than most about this family-run homestay was that it was the oldest in Fort Kochi and located inside a Portuguese building. So, you really felt part of the history while you were here! 

Inside the homestay was a gorgeous garden where they grew their own herbs, fruits, and vegetables. So, you know when breakfast was served it was all organic! 

My room was clean, spacious, and had fantastic air conditioning which was perfect for the sweltering temperatures in October.

You can read my complete review of this amazing homestay here!

When is the best time to visit Kochi?

Unlike the north of India, Kerala sees nice tropical temperatures throughout the year that aren’t going to melt your skin off!

The peak tourist season in Kerala is October to March. But, even in October I still felt the humidity of the monsoon rains. December to January will be the coolest, busiest and most expensive time where hotel prices double. 

In April to June the temperatures soar but only to around 37 degrees as a maximum. It’s hot but, the north can see temperatures of up to 50 degrees! It will be really quiet around this time and you can get cheap rates on hotels. 

July – September is time for the monsoon rains to fall! Having visiting India in Monsoon, it’s not always raining constantly. But, you will see lot’s of showers throughout the day. Lot’s of people say that Cochin comes alive at this point as the water makes everything lush and green.

Where is your next destination in Kerala? 

If you’re looking for further ideas on where to head while you’re in Kerala, make sure you check out my 7 day Itinerary which includes the beautiful Munnar and Alleppey.  

Or, read some of my related articles here;

The Top tourist places to visit in Munnar

You complete road trip guide to Munnar  

Tips for visiting the tea gardens in Munnar 

The prettiest Munnar falls

Lakkam Falls: the best waterfall for swimming

Eravikulam National Park: essential tips before you visit!

Top Station: is it worth it?

Top places to visit in Alleppey

A complete guide for the Kerala backwaters

In this article I go through how to get around the state, places that you can’t miss and some top tips for your trip to God’s Own Country. 

But, for now, here are some day trips or tours you may like to take while you here; 

Alleppey overnight boat cruise from Cochin

Munnar private day trip from Cochin

With thanks to India Someday for sponsoring my trip to Kerala. Although I was a guest, all photos and opinions are my own. 

Save these things to do in Fort Kochi for later!

MIKHIL MOHAN

Monday 11th of January 2021

Hi, Love from kochi.............

Sophie Pearce

Thursday 15th of April 2021

Hi Mikhil form UK! :) Hope you're well there. Sophie x

Wednesday 8th of July 2020

Nice Blog!! Very beautiful places! Pictures are great and the blog is very easy to read.

Hi Bharat, I’m so glad you like the post! Thanks for reading, Sophie x

Chris Slack

Thursday 2nd of January 2020

One of the places I didn't get a chance to visit when I was in India, but is at the top of my list when I am able to return. Love the pictures and tips, especially the art cafes! I love me a good cafe!

Sunday 5th of January 2020

Hi Chris, Kerala is such a beautiful part of India and I'd highly recommend it. Thanks for the feedback, I think you would LOVE Kochi as its full of art cafés and street art. Sophie x

16 Things to Do in Fort Kochi (Cochin), Kerala

Fort Kochi (formerly known as Cochin), in the Indian state of Kerala, is one of the best places to include on a South India travel itinerary . Not only is this small fishing town steeped with history, but there are also plenty of great things to see and do in Fort Kochi.

With its beautiful colonial architecture , famous Chinese fishing nets and beautiful street art , Fort Kochi is a town I loved exploring.

This post features the best places to visit in Fort Kochi along with some useful information like the best time to visit, how to get around and how to get there. I hope this will help you plan your trip.

The best things to do in Fort Kochi

So, let’s dive right into it! Here are the best things to do in beautiful Fort Kochi in Kerala.

1. See the Chinese fishing nets

The Chinese fishing nets (locally known as “cheenavala”) are one of the most popular places to visit in Fort Kochi and you will find many pictures of them when googling this town.

No one knows their exact history but it’s believed that the fishing nets were introduced in Kochi by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th or 15th century. Kochi’s coastline was once adorned with 17 of them, but sadly, less than half of these remain today.

It’s good to know that, although you can admire the fishing nets from afar for free, you will have to pay the fishermen a tip if you want to see them up close.

Tip: Visit the Chinese fishing nets around sunrise or sunset for the best light (unless it rains in the evening like it did when I visited Cochin).

2. Visit St. Francis Church

Originally built in 1503, St. Francis Church is one of the oldest European churches in India . And on top of that, it’s also the first Portuguese church in the country.

This is the place where Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama was first buried after he passed away in 1524. His remains were moved back to Lisbon , Portugal 14 years later, though.

Interestingly, when the Dutch took over Kochi in the 17th century, this was the only church they didn’t demolish. The Portuguese were Roman Catholics, while the Dutch were Protestant, so they ended up converting St Francis Church into a Protestant church.

Finally, when the British came to Kochi, the church was transformed into an Anglican church.

3. Look for street art

If you like street art, you will be happy to hear that Kochi tops many lists featuring the best street art in India !

Most of Kochi’s street art and graffiti can be found in the Fort Kochi and Mattancherry areas and it’s done both by local as well as international artists. Embarking on a walk in search of this art is a fun way to explore the streets of this town and something I did more than once while I was there.

One of the most famous street artists in Kerala is GuessWho , who prefers to stay anonymous, hence the name. He has been active in the streets of Fort Kochi since 2012 and has been dubbed the “Indian Banksy” due to his provocative art.

4. Visit Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)

Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century as a gift to the Maharajah of Cochin. It’s often called the “Dutch Palace” because of the renovations the Dutch made to the palace after they took over the city.

If you’re a history buff, then you will love this place! The palace was transformed into a museum full of paintings, furniture, weapons, palanquins, Dutch maps and other interesting artefacts.

So if you want to learn more about the history of Kerala, then visiting Mattancherry Palace is one of the absolute best things to do in Fort Kochi!

It’s ideal to combine with the next two places on this list (Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue), as these are very close to one another.

>> Read: South India VS North India: 9 Differences

5. Shop in Jew Town

If you’re looking for some nice Indian souvenirs (or simply want to go window shopping as I do), then Jew Town is the place to be. You will find plenty of shops selling antiques, handicrafts, clothes, jewellery, spices and more here.

Speaking about spices – this area was once a hub of the spice trade !

As its name predicts, Jew Town is the place where the Jews settled when they came to Kochi in the 16th century. Its shops are set between Mattancherry Palace (#4 on this list) and the Paradesi Synagogue (#6 on this list), so these two are ideal to combine with some (window) shopping.

6. See the Paradesi Synagogue

Kochi’s Paradesi Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in India and the only functioning synagogue in Kochi. It was built in 1568, destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and reconstructed by the Dutch two years later.

You will find plenty of antiquities between the synagogue’s walls, including a 19th-century glass chandelier from Belgium (which is my home country).

Although this is a functioning synagogue, not many ceremonies happen here anymore. The reason for this is that in order for them to happen, you need a “minyan”, which is a group of ten men. As there are very few Jews left in Kochi, it’s rarely possible to form a minyan.

Unfortunately, the synagogue was closed when I was there, so I could only see it from the outside. It’s something I will have to go back to Fort Kochi for.

Tip: Be sure to check the opening hours of the synagogue before going (this is something I forgot to do). Last time I checked, the synagogue was open from Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 12 am and 3 pm to 5 pm.

7. Visit the Dutch Cemetery

The Dutch Cemetery is believed to be the oldest European cemetery in India . It was consecrated in 1724 and a little over a hundred tombs can be found here.

This peaceful place is a quiet reminder of the Europeans who came to India to expand their colonial empire. The last burial took place here in 1913.

If you want to enter this cemetery, you will have to ask the St. Francis Church (which is just 400 m / 1640 ft further) to open the gate, as it’s only opened on request .

>> Read: 17 Things NOT to Do in India

8. Pass by Fort Immanuel

I’m the first to admit that the remnants of Fort Immanuel may not be super impressive, but the fort’s history most definitely is. This fort is believed to be the oldest European fort in all of Asia , after all!

Fort Immanuel was built soon after the Portuguese arrived in Kochi in the early 1500s and it used to be massive. It stood symbol of the alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and the rulers of Portugal and was used for the Portuguese’s trading activities.

When the Dutch arrived in Kochi in the 17th century, they destroyed the fort and most of the other Portuguese monuments in Kochi, which is why there’s not so much left of Fort Immanuel today.

Fort Immanuel is located on the Beach Promenade (#15 on this list) and it’s worth stopping here for a moment while you’re there.

9. See the Santa Cruz Basilica

The Santa Cruz Basilica is another beautiful church that was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

Although it was spared by the Dutch, who destroyed many other Catholic buildings, this cathedral was destroyed by the British a couple of centuries after it was built. The cathedral that you can see today was built in the same spot as the previous one in 1887.

Don’t forget to enter the basilica while you’re there, it’s full of beautiful details, including colourful paintings on the ceiling.

10. Admire the trees at Vasco da Gama Square

This square, which was named after the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama, can be found near the coastline with Chinese fishing nets.

You will find some street food stalls and restaurants here. However, my favourite part of Vasco da Gama Square is the beautiful raintrees , so make sure to look up and admire them.

The Vasco Da Gama Square is a nice place to stroll around, stop for a drink or a snack and people-watch. It’s located close to the Chinese fishing nets, and you can see them from here.

11. Watch a Kathakali dance performance

Kathakali is a classical dance form that originated in Kerala over 300 years ago. The interesting thing about this type of dance is that it’s combined with drama and acting to tell the stories of the past.

With their painted faces and impressive costumes, the Kathakali dancers look quite impressive and they will use facial expressions and gestures to tell the stories.

One of the places where you can see these dance performances in Fort Kochi is the Kathakali Centre .

Unfortunately, I didn’t go to a Kathakali dance performance myself because I found out about them too late. I can’t wait to go back to Kerala to attend one of them, though.

12. Visit the art cafes

One of the best things to do in Fort Kochi is to discover the town’s cosy art cafes and restaurants. No matter if you’re an art lover or not, these cafes are the perfect place to take a break and relax a bit.

Some of Kochi’s most famous art cafes are Kashi Art Cafe (this one was close to my hotel and I loved coming here), Mocha Art Cafe , Oy’s Cafe and Ginger House Restaurant . The last one is located in Jew Town, and I went here after visiting the Dutch Palace.

13. Take a sunset cruise

Taking a sunset cruise is one of the best things to do in Fort Kochi according to many tourists. Unfortunately, it was not something you could do when I visited Kochi in April because it rained in the evenings (and when I say it rained, I mean it POURED).

On a clear day outside of the monsoon, however, you can take a 2-hour sunset cruise that will show you the fishing nets and coastline from another perspective. You might even spot dolphins if you’re lucky!

14. Look for colonial buildings

It comes as no surprise that due to its rich colonial history, Fort Kochi has an abundance of colonial buildings that were built by the Portuguese, Dutch and British.

Some of the most famous colonial buildings in Fort Kochi are Vasco House , which is believed to be where Vasco Da Gama stayed, David Hall , Koder House and Bastion Bungalow .

Fort Kochi is a truly charming town. Exploring its streets in search of colonial buildings is a great way to get to know it a little better.

15. Walk along the beach promenade

Fort Kochi’s beach promenade is the perfect place for a stroll. Here, you can watch the sunset, hang out with the locals or simply watch the Arabian Sea.

The Chinese Fishing nets and Fort Immanuel are located along the beach promenade on the side of Vasco Da Gama Square. On the other side, you will find Fort Kochi Beach .

16. Take the ferry to Ernakulam City or Vypin Island

If you’ve crossed off all of the best things to do in Fort Kochi and still have some time left in this town, taking the ferry to Ernakulam City or Vypin Island can be a fun adventure.

Which one to choose depends on your personal interests. In Ernakulam City, you will find the Ernakulam Shiva Temple , the Kerala Folklore Museum and the Edappally Church , for example. While Vypin Island is home to beaches and lighthouses .

Either way, taking the ferry is a cheap and efficient way to travel. It’s the perfect way to see more of Fort Kochi’s surroundings.

Map of the best things to do in Fort Kochi

Best time to visit cochin.

The best time to visit Fort Kochi is in the Winter, from December to January . It won’t be too hot at this time of the year, and there won’t be too much rain either.

Another nice time to visit this town is from late August to early October , which is between the two monsoons.

I visited Fort Kochi in April, in the Summer, which lasts from February to June . It was quite hot when I was there and there was pouring rain every evening. I returned to my hotel walking through flooded streets numerous times (I didn’t really mind, though). If you can stand the heat (something I underestimated), this is not a bad time to visit Kochi, though.

Kerala’s first monsoon is from June to August and the second one is around October and November . This is not a good time to visit this state, as there will be lots of rain.

How to get to Fort Kochi

To get to Fort Kochi, you will have to go to Ernakulam first. This is a part of Kochi and it’s easily accessible by train or bus .

From here, you can take an auto-rickshaw, a taxi or the boat jetty (which is the cheapest option) to Fort Kochi. The jetty is 1,5 km (0,9 mi) from both the train station as well as the bus stand. So, depending on how much luggage you have, you might want to take an auto-rickshaw first.

Another way to reach Fort Kochi is by flying . The Cochin International Airport is a 33 km (20. 5 mi) drive from Fort Kochi and takes about an hour. You can either take the bus or a taxi/Ola/Uber from the airport to Fort Kochi.

How to get around Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is pretty walkable, but Jew Town is a little further away from the main tourist attractions (3 km / 1.1 mi). If you don’t feel like walking, you can get around this town by:

• Auto-Rickshaw: The easiest way to get around Fort Kochi is by taking an auto-rickshaw. You will find these nearly everywhere. I recommend using the Ola app to book rickshaws (or bikes or taxis). This way, you will get a fair price without having to haggle.
• Scooter: Another option is to rent a scooter. This is a good option if you want to explore the surroundings of Kochi too.
• Private car: You can hire a private car to get around Cochin, but this will be more expensive.
• Ferry: If you want to visit Ernakulam, Vypin Island or other islands, then taking the ferry is a great way to travel. The ferry is not only a fast way to get around, as you won’t get stuck in traffic, but it’s also super cheap!

Where to stay in Kochi

I stayed in Roses Inn Hotel , which has nice and clean AC rooms for an affordable price. They have a restaurant too but it was closed when I was there because I visited Kochi off-season.

What I loved the most about this place was the location. It’s close to the Chinese fishing nets and most of Kochi’s main tourist attractions.

So whether you stay in this hotel or choose another one, I would recommend staying close to the fishing nets and the Vasco Da Gamma Square, as this is where you will find most of the restaurants.

Fort Kochi – FAQs

How many days are enough for kochi.

Although you could visit Fort Kochi in a day, I would recommend spending at least two days here. This will give you enough time to see all of Kochi’s main attractions without having to hurry.

Is Kochi worth visiting?

In my opinion, yes, Fort Kochi is worth visiting! This small fishing town is steeped in history and there are quite some interesting sights here. From the Chinese fishing nets to some of India’s oldest colonial buildings, Kochi has got a lot to offer.

Things to do in Fort Kochi – Final thoughts

I hope you found exactly what you were looking for in this post and that it helps you plan your trip to Fort Kochi.

This town holds a special place in my heart as it’s the first place I visited in India. I flew to Kochi from Sri Lanka , couldn’t have wished for a better introduction to India and fell in love with this country a little later.

Have you been to Cochin? What was your impression? Or can you think of other nice places to visit in Fort Kochi? Let me know in the comments!

Read more about South India:

• 14 Amazing Things to Do in Auroville
• 12 Best Things to Do in Madurai
• 8 Things to See in the French Quarter of Pondicherry
• Maratha Palace, Thanjavur: A Complete Guide

Pin it for later: Did you find this post featuring the best things to do in Fort Kochi helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

You may also like

Ultimate india packing list: what to pack as..., thirumalai nayakar palace, madurai: a complete guide (2024), 25 souvenirs from india that don’t suck, 1 day in mumbai: the perfect itinerary for..., what is delhi famous for 20 interesting facts..., jodhpur itinerary: 2 perfect days in the blue..., the ultimate india travel bucket list: 35 ideas, 15 monsoon festivals in india to visit in..., 14 amazing things to do in auroville, india..., 4 ways to get from manali to spiti..., leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

25 Best Things to do in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry in One Day

Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by admin

Planning a Kochi itinerary and wondering about the things to do in Fort Kochi in one day? This Fort Kochi guide will cover all the amazing places to visit in Fort Kochi through a Walking Tour. Be ready to tick off your Kochi Bucketlist with this detailed Kochi travel guide covering streets in Fort Kochi, the architecture of Fort Kochi, cafes in Fort Kochi, and a lot more.

‘Welcome to the Queen of Arabian Sea, a melting pot of all cultures’ said Satish, my guide who picked us up from our hotel while heading to the Fort Kochi area. He informed us how Kochi is surrounded by backwaters and has many bridges to cross small islands. After a brief background about Kochi city, he told us the history of Fort Kochi and how it has embraced many religions and cultures throughout the many centuries.

I was on my third trip to Kochi but never explored the Kochi city or the Fort Kochi area as I used it only as a transit point for my road trip in Kerala . But I was excited to explore it this time.

Table of Contents

ABOUT FORT KOCHI

Fort Kochi is India’s historic port town with roots in the 14th century and influenced by a flow of European, Egyptian, Arab and Chinese merchants. Kochi was part of the silk and spice route for these traders. 

Kochi is a mix of small islands and Fort Kochi and Mattancherry are the historic colonial areas within the city limits. Fort Kochi is primarily home to the Christians influenced by the European settlers. While Mattancherry is the vibrant trade centre and home to the Jews, Muslims and Hindus.

Due to the colonial influence, Fort Kochi has many heritage buildings that are over 500 years old. Not only buildings but many historical records, antiquities and even the mortal remains of important traders still find a place in Fort Kochi. Most of these are now part of the tourist circuit in Fort Kochi.

HISTORY OF FORT KOCHI

Fort Kochi was a fishing village in pre-colonial Kerala. The Portuguese arrived in 1498 during the Age of Discovery , and the Cochin king allowed the Portuguese to settle in the Fort Kochi area for 160 years. 

The ‘Fort’ in Fort Kochi comes from Fort Emmanuel which was constructed to protect their commercial interests. However, the Dutch later destroyed it. The Dutch ruled Fort Kochi for 112 years.

It was later captured by Britishers who ruled the place for 152 years.

With such a diverse history of colonization, Fort Kochi is now a treasure trove for tourists. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT FORT KOCHI

Kochi remains hot and humid all year round but winters (November to February) are by far the best time to visit Kochi as the weather is very pleasant. Summer in Cochin can get extremely hot and humid and temperatures begin to rise in March. I went in the first week of May and the outdoors were really uncomfortable.

If you want to see the Onam celebrations in Kochi, September is the time when the festival happens. The Snake boat race also takes place during the same time

HOW TO GET TO FORT KOCHI FROM KOCHI AIRPORT

Fort Kochi to Cochin International Airport is 30 km. It roughly takes 1.5 hours because of heavy traffic. Government bus service is available at a cheaper cost (INR 90) while app-based taxi and pre-paid taxi services are also available from the airport. Taxis charge anything between INR 1200 to INR 1800 one way from the airport.

Getting around Fort Kochi and Mattancherry

The best way to get around Fort Kochi and Mattancherry is by walking or by bike. Hire a local guide who can take you around Fort Kochi exploring the quaint neighbourhoods and heritage mansions.

FORT KOCHI WALKING TOURS | FORT KOCHI HERITAGE WALK

The best way to explore any area, especially its heritage through a heritage walk. Heritage walks are synonymous with many cities in India and they are the best way to know a place in depth. Read about: Ahmedabad Heritage Walk .

One of the best ways to explore Fort Kochi is by the Fort Kochi walking tour, or bike tour. These are guided tours held by local guides or organizations and take tourists through the important yet offbeat places of Fort Kochi. The duration of the walking tour is 2-3 hours.

Fort Kochi Heritage walks with a unique itinerary:

Heritage walk

• Learn about the European settlement in Kerala by walking through street names such as Burger street, loafers corner, princess street and Lilly Street.
• Walking through old avenue trees that are dated more than 500 years. One of them is assumed to be the world’s biggest Christmas tree.
• Photograph the colonial houses, each having a unique history. Most of these are converted into bungalows, heritage hotels, elite hotels, boutique hotels, and leftover English clubs.
• Explore the monuments of St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz basilica church.
• Finish the walk at Chinese fishing nets and the beach with some souvenir shopping.

Urban spice trail walk 

• Know about the rich heritage cultural colonies exploring the spices that are grown in each house.
• Pay a visit to the world’s biggest Christmas tree called the rain tree. 
• Visiting the Dhobi Khana, a community introduced by the Dutch and British who are involved in laundry services.
• Pay respects to the 34 multilinguistic Hindu orthodox religious communities who live in harmony. 
• Visiting a flour mill to see how it works. 
• Walk to the biggest Kerala Tirumala temple of Asia’s biggest working bell.

Other Fort Kochi walking tours are Christian Heritage Walk, Kochi Food Tours and many others.

Since we had about 4 hours in hand, we combined the best of these 2 itineraries and explored all that we could in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN FORT KOCHI

We parked somewhere near the Dutch cemetery and started our walk through the shaded pathways of the Dutch colony. The following sums up my experience and all the things to do in Fort Kochi in one day.

Walk along the Dutch Colony road

Get friendly with the peaceful and clean roads with cobbled pavements, antique-looking street lights and heritage mansions. Just soak in the architecture of how these colonial mansions have now turned into boutique shops, airbnbs and even government offices.

Pay homage to the Dutch Cemetary

The tombstones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Dutch people who left their homeland in a mission to expand their colonial empires and who changed the course of the history of the land they conquered. The cemetery was consecrated in 1724 and is now managed by the Church of South India.

The gate to the Cemetary is generally closed but visitors can peek in through the gate and notice the Portuguese inscriptions on the tombstones.

Visit the Vasco House Fort Kochi

Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, Vasco House is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi. It is now a private residence and offers a heritage home stay facility. 

Visit the St. Francis Church Cochin

Built in 1503 by the Portuguese, this is believed to be India’s oldest European church. The church was initially built of wood and was a rather humble-looking church following Roman Catholic preachings.

It was captured by the Dutch and then the Britishers. It was later reconstructed in stone. 

The church has always been important as the explorer Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524. His mortal remains were later moved to Lisbon, Portugal. But his tomb was taken inside the church during renovation. This makes the visit to St. Francis Church is one of the most historical things to do in Fort Kochi.

This humble church is one of the best tourist attractions in Kochi. It is still an active church wherein over 250 families take part in the Sunday mass. 

One of the most striking features of the church is the manual fan that is hung from rods on either side of the room. In the olden times without electricity, people stood on the side of the rod’s end and pulled ropes to make the fabric swing and generate a breeze. One of the specialities of these fabric swings was they used to be stuffed with herbal roots. The fabric was then sprinkled with water. On swinging this fabric laden with herbs and water, is used to provide cool relief during hot and humid months. 

The church has Victorian tiles in the centre of the church from the British era. The church still has instruments (mouth organ, piano, wooden pulpit, reading desk) from the bygone era and the same are being used and played during the Sunday mass. 

St. Francis Church Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Monday – Friday), 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturday, and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Sundays.

Visit Bastion Bungalow

Head to the 17th-century Indo-European architecture mansion called Bastian Bungalow. It was used as a residential building during the British period. At present, it is used as the residence of the Sub-Collector of Kochi. The Bungalow on top of the Bastion is in European style with large rooms and high roof ceilings.

It is a protected monument and a heritage museum with a large collection of artefacts.

Bastion Bungalow Timings: Open all days from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Lunch break 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm).

Explore Vasco Da Gama square

Head to the square which is always active with many things to do in Fort Kochi. The steam boilers exhibit is hard to miss as soon as one enters here. Steam Boilers from a dredger are installed near the walkway at Fort Kochi beach. 

The square is also popular for souvenir shopping in Fort Kochi with street vendors selling street food, souvenirs and ice creams. 

Dip feet at Fort Kochi beach

Overlooking the Vasco da Gama square in the Kochi Beach. A walkway leads to a promenade which is a good spot for photography.

Kochi overlooks the Chinese Fishing Nets and the ships that come and go. The beach also overlooks a factory which makes the beach not such a great place to hang out. The beach is also dirty which makes you think twice before dipping your feet in the water.

Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi

Locally known as ‘ Cheenavala ‘ and popularly known as Chinese Fishing Nets were introduced in the 14th Century by a Chinese explorer in Kochi. This method is said to be one of the oldest and most traditional fishing methods in the world. Visiting the Chinese Fishing nets is one of the Kochi Bucketlist places and most popular things to do in Fort Kochi.

Earlier the nets used to be smaller where one fisherman could manage the operation. However, now the entire Chinese fishing net assembly weighs over 250 kg and requires 4-5 men on deck for work. Fishing is usually done in the morning and early evening.

The structure is made of teak wood and bamboo poles, that are 10m high, fixed on the beach and has a cantilever with an attached net that is spread over an area of about 20 meters. Stones as counterweights are tied to ropes of different lengths that facilitate the working of the nets. 

The net is descended into the water for a short time and then raised delicately by pulling on the ropes. The fish catch is collected by a sailed net, segregated and stored.  The caught fish is sold in nearby markets by auction. Unwanted fishes that do not have any selling value are returned back to sea. 

Only 8 Chinese Fishing Nets remain here in Fort Kochi and are part of the city’s Heritage. 

Watching this procedure from distance is free but in case you want to walk on the planks and see the process up close, the fishermen charge money. Worth the Instagram shot? Absolutely!

Check the working of Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi in this Instagram reel.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ketki Gadre | Sustainable Travel (@ecokats)

Kerala Kathakali Centre

A trip to the Kerala Kathakali centre is highly recommended while in Fort Kochi. The centre showcases traditional dance – Kathakali and martial arts – Kalaripayattu every day. 

Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial art forms in the world that originated in Kerala in the 3rd century. Considered among the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world, the word ‘Kalari’ literally means ‘battlefield’ and ‘payattu’ means ‘training of martial arts. Kalaripayattu uses weapons such as swords and daggers, sticks, spears, maces, axes arrows, discuses, catapults, boomerangs and others.

Kathakali is a form of classical Indian dance. It is unique as it is distinguished by the elaborately colourful make-up, costumes and facemasks that the traditionally male actor-dancers wear. The dance form is associated with storytelling through dance.

Tickets can be bought on the Centre’s premises ahead of the performance. Ticket price: INR 300 per person and duration is one hour.

Visit Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort Kochi

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Fort Kochi. Built in 1558 by the Portuguese, it was later destroyed by the Britishers in the 19th century. On the same ground, a bishop rebuilt the cathedral and it was proclaimed a Basilica in the early 20th century.

The stained glass in the interior, the gothic architecture and the wall murals definitely give a European vibe. It surely reminded me of St. Mary’s Basilica in Krakow, Poland .

Santa Cruz Cathedral timings: (Monday to Saturday) 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm,  Sunday: 10:30 am – 1:00 pm. It is closed on the first Friday of every month.

Praise the Fort Kochi Street Art

With many art galleries to boast of in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, visitors can get a flavour of art on the streets too. Everywhere around Vasco da Gama square and Mattancherry, visitors cannot miss the wall art on walls. Burger Street is also a lane full of colourful corners and walls. The street art is done by local and international artists. Portraits, murals, and graffiti in different shapes, sizes and colours adorn the walls.

This street art is done every year during the Muziris Biennale – A contemporary art event where art sessions, art exhibitions, talks, workshops, educational performances, film screenings etc are held. Happening worldwide, Kochi is also a host of this festival.

Because of the pandemic, Muziris Biennale was not held for 2 years which has made the murals fade away in most areas. Kochi-Muziris Biennale is set to open on December 12, 2022, and will run for four months, till April 10, 2023.

Must visit art galleries in Fort Kochi are Durbar Hall Art Gallery, David Hall and OED Art Gallery.

Getting Ayurvedic Treatments in Fort Kochi

Kerala is home to the ancient tradition of Ayurveda. While Thekkady is a more popular place for getting these treatments, Fort Kochi also offers Ayurvedic massages for tourists who are not travelling elsewhere.

Ayurville is one of the most recommended places in Fort Kochi for getting Ayurvedic treatment. It offers long-duration retreats with stay and food for holistic healing. The treatment solutions are for people suffering from chronic ailments.

Cafe Hopping at Fort Kochi

There is a strong coffee and art culture in Fort Kochi and if you are visiting here, then cafe hopping in Fort Kochi is one of the best things to do in Fort Kochi. There are many coffee shops and cafes dotted around Fort Kochi and it can truly be challenging to choose one to visit during a Kochi day trip.

Kashi Art Café

Kashi Art Café is the most popular café in Fort Kochi and was recommended by at least 4 people to visit.

I visited it in the morning around 10:30 am and it was already full with locals and tourists grabbing some breakfast overlooking some unique installations. The cafe has a relaxing ambience and is full of green vibes. There are shrubs and creepers everywhere as well as some contemporary artwork displayed at the entrance.

I tried the ginger lemon soda as I was full not looking for food, and it was decent. The food looked appetizing and I promised myself to come back here during a more relaxed time.

Brunton Boatyard 

The colonial-style building right by the harbour is hard to miss. With splendid views of the waterways and this cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner.

Fort House Hotel 

Fort House Hotel serves authentic Keralan cuisine at its waterfront restaurant. This family-run hotel provides panoramic views from the table. Some of the must-try here is Ginger-garlic prawns with appams and fish with green mango curry.  

The Jetty Restaurant at the Forte Kochi Hotel 

Located in the Heritage property on Princess Street, Forte Kochi Hotell is a beautiful plan to stay, visit and dine. Jetty Restaurant is a poolside restaurant that serves delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties of Indian and International cuisines. 

Ginger House & Hotel 

A perfect lunch spot is Ginger House after all the walking and shopping for antique gift articles in Jew Town. this is a waterfront restaurant that is extremely green, vibrant and very different from what you may see.

Built in a typical colonial style with ornate woodwork and glass-paned windows it is a must-visit place in Kochi.

It is an open-air restaurant overlooking the Kochi waterways, has a huge garden and is decorated with antique art and crafts all across.

BEST THINGS TO DO NEAR FORT KOCHI – MATTANCHERRY AND JEW TOWN

While Fort Kochi always hogs the limelight, its neighbouring areas are nothing but a treasure trove and a must-visit in Kochi. A short ride away from Fort Kochi is Mattancherry and Jew Town, both tourist interest places offering unique places to see in Kochi.

Take a walk on the Palace Road

On the way to Mattancherry Palace, stop near the bustling streets to interact with the locals or simply observe them going about their lives. One can still find a number of traders selling spices as well as various religious places here: Temples, churches and mosques.

On the walk, we saw many fruit vendors and grocery stores selling unique items that are very particular to Kerala. Puja items and flower garlands for hair were also on display at many places.

We also visited a spice flour factory and a house making rice papads.

Pay respect at Cochin Thirumala Devaswom

Chochin Thirumala Devaswom is a temple with Sri Venkateswara as the main presiding deity.

The temple is a must-visit for its architecture. The double-storied northern tower or Gopuram is done in Pagoda style that is influenced by the Indo-Tibetian architecture. It has a copper-plated roof and wooden carvings depicting the scenes from holy relics.

Another important feature of the temple is its bronze bell. Every Hindu temple is known to have a bell or sometimes even multiple bells. However, Cochin Thirumala Devaswom has the largest bell in Asia in front of the main hall of the temple. The southern end before the main hall is richly decorated with chandeliers, domes and wooden sculptures. The exquisite carvings on inner ceilings depict scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharat and Bhagvat.

Note: Only Hindu worshippers are allowed inside the temple. Worshippers have to strictly adhere to the traditional dressing while entering the temple – women have to wear a saree and men in dhoti.

Visit the Mattancherry Palace Museum

If you think you are visiting a Palace like the ones in Udaipur or Jaipur then you will be disappointed.

Mattancherry Palace Museum is a humble-looking 2-storey plan building overlooking a pond lined by coconut trees. 

Mattancherry Palace Museum is one of the oldest buildings of the Portuguese architectural style. Built in the 16th century, it was gifted to Bira Kerala Varma as an apology for plundering a temple nearby. It was accepted by the king and served as a set of the Royal House and hence was called a palace.

The palace underwent a major renovation in the later part of the 16th century at the hands of the Dutch and hence is also known as the ‘Dutch Palace’.

The palace is a perfect blend of Indo-European architecture. It palace museum consists of a coronation hall, bed chambers, lades chamber, royal dining hall and other rooms. The highlight of the palace lies in its wooden ceilings, murals and paintings covering over 300 square meters of area. The murals depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharat, and legends connected to Indian gods like Vishnu, Krishna and Durga.

The museum also exhibits oil portraits of the Kings of Cochin their palanquins, dresses, weapons, coins and weapons.

Mattancherry Palace Museum timings: Open all days from  10:00 am – 5:00 pm except Fridays. 

Mattancherry Palace Museum fees: INR 5

Note: Photography is not allowed in the rooms having murals.

Shop for Vintage collectables

After coming out of the Mattancherry Palace Museum, our guide made us take a shortcut and we reached the backyard of scraps.

On going further these scraps took shape in the form of antiques. This is when we realised we were in the antique market in Jew Town.

Jew Town in Kochi is the biggest antique market in India. Each shop is divided into sections and sub-sections and honestly, it is like a maze where you keep going moving without finding an exit. It is very easy to get lost in the antique market of Jew Town so best to move around with a guide.

The antique shops here have a rich collection of antiques, crafts and spices in heritage buildings. Shops that look and feel as old as time are filled to the brim with antiques, that are beautifully cared for and displayed. Some of the most pristine and historically relevant artefacts can are found here. They are like fractions of history, waiting for the right person to come and finally claim them. 

Shops towering over 2 storeys high with a basement are nothing short of a treasure waiting to be explored.

Photography is prohibited here. But some may allow you if you are with a guide.

Visit the World’s longest canoe boat

Canoe boats are special for Kerala as they participate in Vallam kali, the traditional boat race in Kerala that is held every year during the season of the harvest festival Onam. This sporting event – Vallam Kali also known as Kerala Snake Boat Race is a huge attraction in Kerala and sporting enthusiasts visit the race from near and far. Each canoe boat is about 100 feet long and has a seating capacity of 150 men. Each boat is meticulously crafted by skilled craftsmen using local teak wood.

A 107-year-old wooden canoe boat is on display in one of the most humble-looking shops in the labyrinth lanes of Jew Town. It is no less than an art and one can praise the fine craftsmanship of making this snake boat which was once a pride of backwaters.

It is displayed at a shop 2 doors away from the entrance of Ginger House and Hotel.

Visit the world’s largest cooking vessel ‘Varpu’

Another gem often missed by tourists in Jew Town is the display of the world’s largest ‘Varpu’. Varpu or Uruli can be translated to a cooking vessel. This huge cooking vessel is made of bronze, has a 12 feet diameter and weighs 3184 kilograms. Made in 2004 by the lost wax method by the craftsman in Munnar, it took 13 months for 30 craftsmen and 160 artisans to make it.

The vessel was crafted in a 14 feet trench and the mould was fired for 30 hours continuously.

It is displayed at a store called ‘Crafters’.

Try Aromatherapy in Jew town

Incense sticks, perfumes and attars all made from endemic flowers are found in shops around Jew town.  Take a seat as the experts demonstrate various aromas and fragrances by placing a small drop of oil on your hand. Rub it and try to guess which flower is responsible for it. A small apparatus displayed at the shop gives the idea of how oils are removed from flowers

The oils removed from the flowers are used as base fragrances in many designer perfumes and body mists.

Walk the quaint streets of Jew Town

Jew town as the name suggests was a neighbourhood where Jews lived. Only 2 families live here now. But the colourful streets and vibrant shops are a must-visit place in Kochi.

Jew Town is actually a narrow shopping that leads up to the Jewish synagogue, Kochi. There are shops and art galleries on both sides of the street selling antiques, relics, Kerala souvenirs, handicrafts and clothes. It is a walking street with no motor activity allowed and is painted as though a street straight from the European markets.

Spice shopping on Bazaar Road in Mattancherry

Coming to Kerala and not shopping for spices is a crime! Kerala is known for its spices that are grown all over the state. Green cardamom, cloves, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg are some of the must-buy spices in Kerala. They are known for good quality and are adulteration free.

Explore the Paradesi Synagogue, Kochi

Walk to the end of the Jew street to reach Pardesi Synagogue. Pardesi means foreign and locals called the Jews “ paradesis ” or foreigners in the local language. That is how the Jewish Synagogue got its name Pardesi Synagogue. 

This 16th-century synagogue was constructed after the Cochin gave them land. Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest and the most active one in Kochi.

A blossomed pink Bougainville near the entrance is quite a spectacle and the guard at the entrance requests visitors to put their phone in switch-off mode or hide it away in the bag. Photography is not allowed in the synagogue.

Hand-painted porcelain tiles from China, Belgian chandeliers, and the brass-railed pulpit demonstrate the charm of the bygone era. Spend some time in the sitting area just soaking in the interiors. 

Pardesi synagogue timings: Sunday to Thursday – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Friday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Pardesi Synagogue is closed on Saturday.

Pardesi synagogue entry ticket: INR 10 per person.

BEST HOTELS IN FORT KOCHI

If you going to be spending some time visiting the tourist spots in Fort Kochi then it is ideal that you book a hotel in Fort Kochi. Since most properties here are colonial mansions that are now converted into heritage villas and homes, it is the best way to spend time in Fort Kochi.

Heritage properties in Fort Kochi

Forte kochi.

One of the best-known heritage properties in Fort Kochi is the Brunton Boatyard. It is a CGH Earth property (CGH is a big name in luxury stays in South India) and is housed in a former shipyard from the British times. All of their rooms and en-suite bathrooms overlook the sea and you can catch some stunning sunsets dotted with silhouettes of Chinese fishing nets right from the comfort of your room. Do not forget to dine at their History restaurant where every dish has an interesting story behind it.

Forte Kochi can be booked here

Ginger House Museum and Hotel

I have already mentioned the art and restaurant of Ginger House Museum. But it is also a heritage property that offers a luxurious experience. It is popular amongst international tourists who are known to book the room’s furniture for their own home back home. Now that is a lovely USP to have.

Ginger House Museum and Hotel can be booked here  

Dutch Bungalow, Fort Kochi

If you are looking for something less expensive, try the Dutch Bungalow. Built in 1668 by the Dutch, the mansion is more than 350 years old. The rooms have lofty ceilings, a separate living area, huge bathrooms, and a beautiful, rustic feel about them. I stayed here when visiting Fort Kochi and had an absolutely amazing time.

Dutch Bungalow can be booked here

Hostels in Fort Kochi

Mansions are the best way to stay in Fort Kochi, but if you are a backpacker then there are options for hostels as well. goStops and Zo stel are one of the good chains of hostels and offer great value for money.

DAY TRIPS FROM FORT KOCHI

While Fort Kochi has a lot to do and explore, there are many day trips from Fort Kochi that are worth exploring. My favourite 3 places to visit for day trips from Fort Kochi are:

Cherai and Chendamangalam

Cherai is nestled at the northern end of Vypin island and is blessed with calm and shallow waters making it a favourite spot for swimming and bathing. It has a unique ecosystem having backwaters from the Arabian Sea on one side and Periyar River water on the other.

Apart from the beach, there are many water sports and adventure activities to choose from. There are many cultural and heritage sites in Cherai which makes it an interesting place to visit.

Among the places to visit near Cherai Beach , Chendamangalam Handlooms is also a cluster worth exploring. The Chendamangalam Heritage focuses on rural development and sustainability of the handloom industry. A guided tour here takes the visitors through the history, the process, and the ecological, and economic impact of Handlooms.

One of the most popular activities in Kerala is the houseboat experience in the backwaters of Kerala. Houseboats are available in Alleppey, Kumarakom and Kovalam. But the one on Alleppey has a different charm altogether.

Alleppey is around 50kms from Fort Kochi and takes you roughly 2 hours to get there by road. It is the ideal place to experience the houseboats of the backwaters. 

Locally known as a Kettuvallam – the houseboat is primarily made of a wooden hull and thatched roof of coir. You can hire a houseboat for a day trip or spend a few days relaxing and sailing around the beautiful backwaters of Alleppey.

All houseboats are well-staffed including cooks who will prepare authentic Keralan cuisine. A standard menu includes fresh fish cooked in spices, steamed rice, curries with locally grown organic vegetables and fried banana fritters. Read about my Alappuzha experience: Kerala Backwaters of Alleppey

One day trip to Munnar is possible from Kochi and it is the perfect getaway to the hills. Munnar sightseeing includes visit to the tea garden, tea factory visit, boating and waterfalls.

If you have more time in hand, check out more posts on Munnar: 

Things to do in Munnar  

Eravikulam National Park

Glamping in Munnar

Trekking in Munnar

FORT KOCHI FAQ

Why is fort kochi called so.

Fort Kochi gets the name from Fort Emmanuel which the Portuguese first built when they landed in India.

Is Fort Kochi a fort?

Earlier there used to be a fort-like wall which gave it the name but only a stone remains around the Vasco da Gama store and can be easily missed unless local points it out. However, Fort Kochi has palaces, churches, mansions, beaches, areas of cultural importance, street art and food, that make it must visit.

Is Fort Kochi worth visiting?

Yes! Fort Kochi is a historical place have stunning mansions, beaches, areas of cultural importance, street art, food and other important landmarks. Fort Kochi appeals to tourists of all kinds and ages.

Is a guided tour required in Fort Kochi?

I would certainly recommend you to get one day guide for Fort Kochi who can take you to all the places of interest. I highly recommend C Satish who is a local Kochi guide who has immense knowledge of Kochi (architecture, heritage culture, flora, food and the list goes on). Since he is based in Kochi, he is a great resource for Fort Kochi Walking Tour. C Satish can be reached at +91 9495690929

Is Fort Kochi safe?

Yes, Fort Kochi is safe for all travellers, even solo women travellers. 

Is Fort Kochi and Kochi the same?

No, Fort Kochi and Kochi are not the same. Fort Kochi is a small area in Kochi city. Fort Kochi is the most popular area for tourism in Kochi because of its heritage angle to this place.

Is Fort Kochi and Mattancherry the same?

No, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry are not the same. They are two different heritage neighbourhoods in Kochi and offer different places to visit. In Fort Kochi, there are mansions, ancient churches, street art, a beach and artsy cafes whereas in Mattancherry there is street shopping, an antique market, Paradesi Synagogue and a spice bazaar.

How much time do you need in Fort Kochi?

Fort Kochi is a small neighbourhood but has a lot to offer. It can be explored in one day or sometimes even 3 days in Fort Kochi are not enough. The itinerary can be planned as per time availability.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR THINGS TO DO IN FORT KOCHI AND MATTNCHERRY

• Kochi is a unique city having cultural, heritage and environmental importance, so please respect it in all ways.
• Respect the ancient structures of palaces, synagogues and temples by not sitting on them or by carving or writing on it.
• Dress modestly in places of religious importance.
• Do not use phones or conduct photography where it is prohibited.
• Do not litter any of the tourist areas.

Overall experience of Things to do in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry in one day

Fort Kochi is special and I regretted not coming here on all my previous visits to Kerala. I also wished I had more time to explore other Fort Kochi walking tours and try the umpteen cafes here. I thoroughly had a lovely time overlooking the Fort Kochi streets lined with blue and yellow buildings, terracotta roofs and cobbled pavements reflecting the colonial era, and the modern art vibes. All these make Fort Kochi one of the most popular holiday destinations in India. 

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

Pin this post!

Ketki Gadre

Ketki is an environmental consultant and a sustainable travel blogger, who loves nature, wildlife and heritage. She enjoys bringing places to life through her informative blogs to inspire readers to travel sustainably and become responsible travellers.

35+ Unmissable things to do in Kerala

Must try street food in vadodara: by a local, you may also like, one day in utrecht: day trip from amsterdam, glamping in munnar, kerala with glamp footprints, krakow attractions: a winter afternoon in krakow, purana qila, delhi : guide, tips, photos, jungle safari in satpura tiger reserve, madhya pradesh, sustainable tourism in luang prabang, laos, enjoying the rhododendron blossoms on triund trek, chidambaram nataraja temple, tamil nadu: a guide, discover things to do in munnar other than..., drench in the history and architecture of modhera....

Kochi has been on my list for so long! This is a great itinerary for art, culture, and history lovers and offers a peek into the local food as well.

I have been to Kochi a couple of times but never got the chance to explore the beautiful city. I always thought that Kochi is only a day of exploration. But, after reading your post, I would love to spend 2-3 days in the city itself.

[…] It is the perfect place to soak up some history and get some good shopping done. There are so many awesome things to do in Fort Kochi. Though, that’s if you can actually pull yourself away from the gorgeous […]

Thank you for giving this more information about Kochi and its places, I really liked it, I want visit the places as soon as possible, Thank you.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Privacy Preference Center

Consent management.

• Cookie Settings

Advertising

30 best things to do in Fort Kochi – A complete 2023 travel guide

Most of us have heard of the Queen of the Arabian sea – Cochin, better known as Kochi in Kerala. Kochi is widely used as an entry point for most visitors to God’s Own country. However, many travelers tend to just use Kochi as a transit destination for other places in Kerala . They tend to miss out on the interesting part of this city called Fort Kochi. Exploring the numerous Fort Kochi attractions is a perfect way to discover the delightful amalgamation of cultures in this city . I first explored Fort Kochi as a part of the Golden Chariot tour and later, returned for more.

In this blog post, I will be sharing the best things to do in Fort Kochi , as well as my recommendations for what among these attractions in Kochi are unmissable if you just have one day here. I have also, included insider tips on the various tourist places in Fort Kochi. As always, at the end of this Fort Kochi guide, you will find my recommendations on the places to stay and the best time to visit. So, let’s get started with the quick history of Fort Kochi.

Quick resources to help you plan a perfect trip to Kochi

In case you are looking for some quick links to tours, places to stay and travel accessories for your Kochi trip, you can consider using these online options.

• Booking.com  has several good Fort Kochi stays listed on their site. You could use  this link  to browse and book the same.
• Jewish heritage walk of Cochin
• Adventure Tuk Tuk Tour in Kochi – a guided tour
• A Heritage walking tour in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry
• Skip the Line: Kathakali Cultural Show Ticket
• Half-Day Backwater Village Eco Boat Cruise W/ Lunch
• Fort Kochi and Mattancherry sightseeing tour
• Airport Transfer To/From Hotel
• For any of your travel needs or general shopping, consider using  Amazon  through  this link.
• 1 Fort Kochi History
• 2.1 1. Catch a lovely sunset over Cheenavala (Chinese Fishing Nets)
• 2.2 2. Walk along the Fort Kochi beach – one of the important beaches in Kochi
• 2.3 3. Try some water sports on Fort Kochi beach
• 2.4 4. Step into the St Francis Church – one of the key places to visit in Fort Kochi
• 2.5 5. Visit the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort Kochi
• 2.6 6. Spot the historical buildings in Fort Kochi
• 2.7 7. Hop over to the Dutch cemetery, Fort Kochi
• 2.8 8. Discover the Indo-Portuguese museum
• 2.9 9. Walk through the Jew Town in Fort Kochi
• 2.10 10. Discover the Paradesi Synagogue – one of the key Fort Kochi sightseeing places
• 2.11 11. Marvel at the Mattancherry Palace – one of the important Fort Kochi attractions
• 2.12 12. Don’t miss shopping in Fort Kochi
• 2.13 13. Catch a vibrant Kathakali performance at the Arts and Culture Center in Fort Kochi
• 2.14 14. Capture the Fort Kochi street art
• 2.15 15. Hop around and enjoy the best local food in Fort Kochi
• 2.16 16. Experience the quaint combination of art and food in the popular art cafes in Fort Kochi.
• 2.17 17. Enjoy one of the amazing festivals of Kochi
• 2.18 18. Lounge around the Vasco Da Gama square
• 2.19 19. Drop by the Strings Museum – one of the unique things to do in Fort Kochi
• 2.20 20. Take a trip to Vypin Island
• 2.21 21. Enroll yourself for a Yoga course
• 2.22 22. Opt for a soothing ayurvedic massage in Fort Kochi
• 2.23 23. Visit the Kerala Folklore Museum – one of the places around Fort Kochi
• 2.24 24. Join a cooking class in Fort Kochi
• 2.25 25. Kayaking in the backwaters of Kochi
• 2.26 26. Take a cycle tour by the backwaters of Kochi
• 3.1 27. Take a day trip to Alleppey
• 3.2 28. Enjoy a day by the Athirapilly Falls
• 3.3 29. Spend a day at Cherai beach
• 3.4 30. Take a day trip to Munnar from Fort Kochi
• 4 Kochi tourist attractions map
• 5.1 What is the difference between Kochi and Fort Kochi?
• 5.2 What is the best way to get to Fort Kochi?
• 5.3 What is the best time to visit Fort Kochi?
• 5.4 Where is the best place to stay in Fort Kochi?
• 5.5 How many days are enough for Fort Kochi?

Fort Kochi History

As you can guess, the name Fort Kochi was owing to a fort here. Originally this place was a fishing village until the Portuguese were granted some land here by the Maharaja of Kochi in the 1500s. It is then, that  Fort Emmanuel was built and a settlement was established with Catholic churches and Portuguese homes. The reason for this grant was the protection and alliance the Portuguese provided to the Maharaja to defend his kingdom against the King of Kozhikode. In return the Maharaja allowed the Portuguese to conduct trade by using this place as their port. This remained the case for over 160 years, after which the Dutch defeated the Portuguese in the 1680s .

The main fort was destroyed but newer structures came up like the Dutch Palace. This remained with the Dutch for over a century till again it was taken over by the British until Indian Independence.

This feels like the recent history of Fort Kochi until you come across the story of the Chinese traders who visited Fort Kochi even before the Portuguese in the 14th century. They left behind some bits of their legacy in the form of the Chinese Fishing nets – the only ones to be seen in India.

Fort Kochi always intrigued me with its unique fusion of cultures that you can see even today. A walk through this part of Cochin seems to be a link to the Portuguese settlements in Goa . With its unusual settlement of Jews in India and parts that are strictly Indian, you are in for a complete treat.

Top things to do in Fort Kochi

It isn’t just history that you will encounter when you visit Fort Kochi. There are many other interesting activities to do in Fort Kochi that will keep you hooked. From fun activities on its beach to witnessing the colorful Kathakali shows and sampling mouthwatering delicacies – as well as taking some home – there is just tons to keep your day filled with joy and discovery.

1. Catch a lovely sunset over Cheenavala (Chinese Fishing Nets)

Let’s begin with one of the most popular attractions in Fort Kochi. Remember I mentioned the legacy left behind by the Chinese in Fort Kochi. The Cheenavala or the Chinese fishing nets hang on the Fort Kochi beach with all their glory, still intact and usable. Over time, these nets have become iconic to Fort Kochi owing to its uniqueness and history dating back to the 14th century.

The Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi operate on a cantilever mechanism with the help of four fishermen. I had the fortune of witnessing it work and well, the fishermen even allowed me to take a turn ;- ) The Cheenavala are operated even now in the early mornings and evenings. The catch is sold right there by the fishermen – all of which is gone within minutes.

Get to the Fort Kochi beach at sunset to see the artistic beauty of these timeless nets against the bright orange sky.

2. Walk along the Fort Kochi beach – one of the important beaches in Kochi

It isn’t just the Fort Kochi Chinese fishing nets that make this beach popular. Nestled along the Arabian Sea in Kerala, the Fort Kochi beach is steeped in history and cultural heritage.  Stroll along the granite promenade and you will come across remains of Fort Immanuel  – the one that gave Fort Kochi its name. You will also, see the colonial buildings built during the Portuguese and Dutch eras along the beach.

Lining the pathway on the Fort Kochi beach are numerous food stalls that offer local cuisine using the fresh fish that is caught here. If that is not your cup of tea, just enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and the golden sands that are perfect for leisurely walks.  I would not say no to just lounging under the shade of coconut trees while sipping on fresh coconut water—pure tropical bliss!

3. Try some water sports on Fort Kochi beach

Feel the salty mist with the fun adventure activities on Fort Kochi Beach. You can choose from jet skiing to banana boat rides or even parasailing . There is also catamaran rides as well as speed boat ones that add to the watery things to do in Fort Kochi.

4. Step into the St Francis Church – one of the key places to visit in Fort Kochi

What was initially built as a wooden church is now all stone and brick. The St.Francis Church in Fort Kochi was initially a Catholic church built by the Portuguese. It was later destroyed by the Dutch and converted to Protestantism. This church was quite one of the important tourist places in Fort Kochi – also because it is one of the oldest European churches in India, built in 1503.

This was the original place where the famous explorer – Vasco Da Gama was buried. His body was later, taken back to Portugal but the gravestone was re-laid and marked within the church. The church is also home to old baptism and marriage registers for the Dutch as well as the British. I am told that many visitors from Netherlands and UK make a stop here – just to see if they can trace their roots.

I found the church simple and charming. There was nothing elaborate about it yet the simplicity of the stained glass interiors made the place charming and actually quite soothing.

The church is open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays. On Saturdays, it is open from 9 am to 1 pm while on Sundays, it is open from 1 pm to 5 pm

5. Visit the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort Kochi

Where the St. Francis Church was simple, the Santa Cruz church is quite elaborate. One look at its Gothic architecture and you know that you have a treat in store for you. Built by the Portuguese, it was elevated to the status of a cathedral in 1558 . The church was broken down and a new building – aka the current structure came up during the British rule. It finally became a basilica in 1984 a s per the proclamation by Pope John Paul II.

Among all the churches in Fort Kochi, this one is very important as it is also one of the eight basilicas in India . Not only is this Fort Kochi attraction impressive from the outside but it will leave you spellbound from the moment you step in. The ceilings have rich paintings depicting scenes from the story of Christ. The altar is a piece of art that was done by an Italian painter – Fr. Antonio Moscheni.

Look out for the reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” . There are a few more paintings, murals and frescoes that will keep you occupied for quite some time. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Kochi.

6. Spot the historical buildings in Fort Kochi

It is not just the churches in Fort Kochi that will take you back to the colonial era. You will find quite a few historical buildings too. One of these Fort Kochi attractions is the erstwhile home of Vasco Da Gama . Called the Vasco house , this home has the typical Portuguese balcoas that I had earlier seen in the homes of Fontainhas in Goa . The best part is that this place is now a homestay in Fort Kochi . So if you wish, you can book and stay here.

The Portuguese landed in Fort Kochi but they made Goa their home for a longer time than they managed here. Their homes are a part of the living heritage of Goa in an area called Fontainhas, Panaji. Check out what their homes are like.

Thakur house is a Dutch remnant with two storeys, large bay windows and wooden floors. It was originally built as a community center. It changed hands over time and now belongs to a tea estate company called Ram Bahadur Thakur and Company.

Besides these two, Koder House, Bastion House and David House are some prominent landmarks in Fort Kochi. And of course, if you embark on one of the walking trails , you are bound to find more.

7. Hop over to the Dutch cemetery, Fort Kochi

Considered the oldest European cemetery in India , the Dutch cemetery was built in 1724 – the year inscribed at its entrance. It was built by the Dutch and has over 100 tombs. It is close to the Fort Kochi beach and has several known personalities buried here. It is currently under the care of St Francis church. You should just hop by this place when you are walking along the Fort Kochi beach.

8. Discover the Indo-Portuguese museum

The Indo-Portuguese Museum takes you on an incredible journey showcasing the cultural exchange between India and Portugal over centuries. Each of the five galleries in this Fort Kochi museum is filled with precious treasures from the past. You’ll find stunning pieces of art ranging from religious sculptures to intricately carved wooden furniture adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays.

This Fort Kochi sightseeing attraction is located in the residence of the Bishop of Kochi . The collection here is largely from the various churches in Kerala and goes back to as early as the 16th century.

The Indo-Portuguese museum is closed on Mondays as well as public holidays. You can visit it between 9 am and 6 pm on the other days. It is, however, closed for lunch between 1 pm and 2 pm.

9. Walk through the Jew Town in Fort Kochi

This is my favorite among all the things to do in Fort Kochi. The Mattancherry Jew Town is possibly the oldest settlement of Jews in India . Our guide told us that the first settlement of Jews was as early as the 12th century . These Jews blended into the local community and made this place their home. They even, build synagogues out here.

Later in the 1500s, European Jews arrived and made Fort Kochi their home. These Jews were termed Paradesi Jews (Foreigner Jews) . They stayed on till the 1950s after which they moved on to the other part of the world. Most of the Synagogues here were re-used as buildings for different purposes but the one that still remained was the Paradesi Synagogue . (more on that later)

I walked around exploring the remnants of the ancient colony of Jews. It was fun spotting the heritage homes, of which right now only three are occupied by the 5 sole Jew inhabitants of Fort Kochi . You can identify these homes with their colorful doors, a Mezuzah placed on their doors and the 6 spoked stars of David in their homes in Jew Town Fort Kochi.  

During my first visit to Fort Kochi, I stepped inside the home of Sarah Cohen – a lady over 95 years who owns an Embroidery shop . Today she is barely aware of the surroundings but her legacy continues through the people who work for her and take care of her. I politely declined an opportunity to take a picture with her for it did not feel right to disturb her. However, I did indulge in capturing some of her legacy with due permission from the staff there.

~ Click here to book a walking tour of this Jewish Town in Mattancherry. It includes a guide that takes you to the various synagogues, the Jewish cemetery and the Jewish Ancestry Tower. ~

10. Discover the Paradesi Synagogue – one of the key Fort Kochi sightseeing places

The Paradesi Synagogue Fort Kochi was built in 1568 by Spanish-speaking Jews (Paradesi Jews) who settled in Kochi after fleeing persecution in Europe. It is located amidst charming narrow lanes of the Mattancherry Jew Town.

One step inside and you will be blown away by the stunning architecture and intricate designs that adorn every nook and cranny. The craftsmanship is just jaw-dropping! You’ll find beautiful Belgian chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, ornate hand-painted blue tiles decorating the floor, and antique copper plates with inscriptions from Jewish traders.

The Paradesi Synagogue also houses an impressive collection of rare artifacts and ancient treasures that give you a glimpse into its rich past. One of the highlights is a Torah scroll made of goat skin dating all the way back to 1400 AD!

The Paradesi synagogue has been declared as a protected monument and you have to pay an admission fee to enter here. Make sure you dress appropriately – shorts, sleeveless tops and mini skirts are not allowed. Paradesi Synagogue is one of those unmissable tourist places in Kochi for one day trip.

It is closed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Also, make sure you do not visit on a Jewish holiday. The Paradesi synagogue timings are from 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm.

11. Marvel at the Mattancherry Palace – one of the important Fort Kochi attractions

Right next to the Paradesi Synagogue is the gorgeous Mattancherry Palace. The eclectic palace was built by the Portuguese and gifted to the Maharaja of Kochi. Later, it was extended by the Dutch and was called the Dutch Palace.

The Mattancherry Palace is beautiful and a perfect mix of Indian and European styles of architecture . On one hand, you will see murals within the palace showcasing the Indian Gods – Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna while the iconic exteriors sport the typical European arches .

The palace also houses various artifacts showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. You’ll find everything from royal furniture adorned with exquisite carvings to ancient coins that will transport you back in time. Oh yeah! Don’t forget to explore the beautiful courtyard surrounded by lush greenery – perfect for some Insta-worthy shots or simply relaxing amidst nature’s beauty. No wonder it is one of the most popular tourist places in Fort Kochi.

The Mattancherry palace is closed on Fridays. You can visit it between 9.30 am and 5 pm on the other days. It is, however, closed for lunch between 1 pm and 2 pm.

12. Don’t miss shopping in Fort Kochi

Whether it is the main road from the St.Francis church or the Jew Town, there are just enough colors and textures to attract you. The shopaholic in you is bound to leap out and it would just not feel right if you don’t stop by these street shops.

From spices to perfumes to cute magnets and colorful clothes – there are just so many things to buy in Kochi. Spices in particular are highly renowned. In fact, Kochi is known to export these for centuries. I would recommend you buy these from Mattancherry Bazaar street.

Step into the authentic Jewish shop like that of Sarah Cohen and buy one of their hand made embroideries of Jewish cap – for a keepsake and also, to support the locals there.

13. Catch a vibrant Kathakali performance at the Arts and Culture Center in Fort Kochi

Witnessing the famous Kathakali dance with its colorful costumes, expressive moves, and gestures that tell you an engrossing tale is one of the best things to do in Fort Kochi. There are several arts and culture centers where you can book a show. Alternatively, you can book skip-the-line tickets through Viator . GetYourGuide also, offers an online booking for the show along with lunch or dinner.

Some of these shows also, have a backstage pass where you can even witness the artist before the show, as he puts on his elaborate make-up – right from painting his face to the accessories he wears and the jewelry he dons. Trust me, even that is quite an immersive experience.

14. Capture the Fort Kochi street art

Fort Kochi’s streets are like an open-air gallery, where every corner unveils a masterpiece waiting to be discovered. Artists from all around the globe have left their mark on these walls, giving them a new lease of life and adding a splash of color to the already colorful town.

One of the most iconic pieces you’ll come across is the giant mural of Kathakali dancers . This traditional Indian dance form is beautifully depicted on a massive wall, capturing the essence and grace of this centuries-old art form. It’s impossible to walk past without being captivated by its sheer beauty.

As you stroll through Fort Kochi’s narrow lanes, keep an eye out for various other striking artworks that adorn buildings and walls. From intricate portraits to abstract designs bursting with creativity – there’s something for every artistic taste here.

If you like street art, check this post on the city of Varanasi and its amazing murals.

What makes this street art scene even more fascinating is that it constantly evolves. New artists arrive regularly, leaving their unique imprints on these ancient streets. The ever-changing nature of this artwork keeps visitors coming back time and again, eager to witness fresh creations that breathe life into the walls. This is why these street arts are the evergreen attractions in Kochi.

15. Hop around and enjoy the best local food in Fort Kochi

From traditional Kerala cuisine to international delights, Fort Kochi has something for everyone. However, I highly recommend you skew your food cravings to the local fare.  Head over to the Oceanos Restaurant, for some seafood. Located along Fort Kochi Beach Road, this seaside eatery offers breathtaking vistas of the Arabian Sea while serving up an array of fresh catch-of-the-day dishes cooked to perfection.

There is the unique You Buy We cook concept where you buy off the fishermen of Fort Kochi and the restaurant cooks it for you. You will find a lot of them around Fort Kochi Beach.

Among the other recommended restaurants in Fort Kochi is the Fort House Restaurant . This offers a blend of traditional Kerala dishes and international cuisine. With its charming courtyard setting and warm hospitality, it makes a great place to spend some time.

The local food here is not just about seafood. For vegetarians, there is mouthwatering avial coupled with appams and idiyappams – my personal favorite and recommendation. I can eat these anytime though they are quite popular as a breakfast option. I also, loved the authentic Kerala plantain leaf meals. My hubby, on the other hand, gorged on the Kerala biryani  – wherever and whenever he got it

You can book a food tour in Kochi through this link .

16. Experience the quaint combination of art and food in the popular art cafes in Fort Kochi.

The topmost in this list is the Kashi Art Gallery which offers you an unusual artistic ambiance to enjoy some breakfast and coffee. If you have not visited this, it is as if your Fort Kochi tour is incomplete. They are one of the highly rated cafes in Fort Kochi for their consistently good food.

Loafer’s Corner café is yet another renowned art café that has become quite popular on Instagram for its gorgeous décor. The David Hall Café was a near miss for me – I was told that their thin-crust pizza is one of the best dishes served. A quaint – little-known art café that came to me as highly recommended is the Farmer’s café – especially for their salads.

17. Enjoy one of the amazing festivals of Kochi

Fort Kochi’s phenomenal blend of cultures is further enhanced by its amazing festivals. There are two of them that I highly recommend you look out for. The first is the annual Cochin Carnival that takes place around New Year’s. The festival is centered around Vasco Da Gama Square and includes numerous sports, musical performances and fun activities. The fortnight-long festival even has a procession of elephants decorated with designs that reflect the various cultures in India.

One of the highlights of the Cochin carnival is the burning of a giant statue called Pappa nji exactly at the stroke of the midnight hour on New Year. The statue is that of a bearded old man in a suit and this tradition is basically to say goodbye to the old and bring in the new.

The Fort Kochi carnival is well attended by people from across the world. The exact dates and events are usually detailed here . You should plan and book your hotels in Fort Kochi – well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The other festival is an Arts festival called Kochi-Muziris Biennale or simply Biennale Kochi . This is celebrated for four months and draws artists from across the world. It has been recognized as t he largest art exhibition in the country and the biggest Asian contemporary art festival . During this festival, you will see numerous exhibits on a wide range of mediums – from films to music and even paintings. In fact, some of the Fort Kochi street art has been created during this celebration.

Art cafes, heritage homes, Cochin Club and various other grounds are used as venues for the Kochi Biennale festival. You can check the dates and events through this website .

18. Lounge around the Vasco Da Gama square

Named after the legendary Portuguese explorer, this square marks the spot where Vasco Da Gama first set foot in India . It’s a tangible testament to Kochi’s multi-layered past, where colonial, indigenous, and maritime histories intersect. It presents an intriguing blend of experiences – from engaging with the friendly local fishermen, savoring spicy prawns straight out of the sea, visiting the nearby St. Francis Church, to simply sitting on the seawall, watching the playful waves hit the shore. There is even a small play area for the kids

This square is the start of Fort Kochi beach and from here, you can see the Chinese fishing nets which Kochi is famous for. It is also, the place where the flag for the Cochin Carnival is hoisted to signify the beginning of a two-week-long fiesta.

19. Drop by the Strings Museum – one of the unique things to do in Fort Kochi

Strings Museum is one of the unique places in Fort Kochi that is dedicated to the history and culture of stringed instruments from around the world. Housed in a beautiful traditional Kerala building, the exhibits include stringed instruments from over 250 different countries and territories.

There are guitars, violins, sitar, veena, mridangam, and many more. You can also learn about the history of stringed instruments, and how they have been used in different cultures.

You can also join a workshop where you can learn how to make your own stringed instrument.  Alternatively, you can just witness one of the live music and dance performances.

20. Take a trip to Vypin Island

Catch one of the many ferries at Fort Kochi Beach and visit Vypin Island. Located between the backwaters in Kochi and the Arabian Sea, this island was a part of the Portuguese settlement. You can see the remnants of the same in the various churches here – especially the Church of Our Lady of Hope and the Pallipuram Fort .

You can also drive across the island from Cochin as it is connected by a series of bridges. However, my personal recommendation is to take a boat ride in Kochi. It just adds a fun element to this Fort Kochi activity.

21. Enroll yourself for a Yoga course

Fort Kochi has tons of Yoga studios that you can choose from based on your level of expertise. From intense Ashtanga yoga to soothing Hatha Yoga, you can literally pick your pace and challenge yourself with the many classes they offer. Some of them are even attached to cafes – making your after-class experience even more enjoyable.

A few of the recommended Yoga studios in Fort Kochi that I found during my research include Praana Yoga Studio and Loving earth yoga studio . Check them out or book one of the others online through this link .

22. Opt for a soothing ayurvedic massage in Fort Kochi

Kerala is known for its ayurvedic treatments and massages. It, in fact, draws a lot of foreign visitors precisely for this. You can experience a slice of this therapeutic treatment by signing up for an ayurvedic spa treatment right in Fort Kochi. There are several ayurvedic spas that offer you a variety of options. You can opt for stress-relieving treatments or go specific for any possible ailments that you might have.

Use this link to book this highly-rated option online through Viator.com . You can book your ayurvedic massage in Kochi at your hotel too. They might have their own spas or might have a tie-up with one

23. Visit the Kerala Folklore Museum – one of the places around Fort Kochi

The Kerala Folklore Museum is one of the hidden attractions in Kochi – just a few kilometers away from Fort Kochi. The museum is housed in a beautiful traditional Kerala – styled building, and the exhibits are spread over three floors.

On the first floor, you’ll find a collection of stone, wood, and bronze sculptures, as well as ancient terracotta, stone age objects, jewelry, paintings, oil lamps, musical instruments, tribal and folk art, woodwork, utensils, masks, and traditional art forms. There’s also a large collection of face art, which is mind-boggling to see.

The second floor is dedicated to dance, with costumes and props from Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Ottanthullal. There are also exhibits on traditional Kerala festivals, such as Onam and Vishu. The third floor is home to a library and a research center. There are also a number of interactive exhibits, where you can learn about Kerala’s culture and history through games and activities.

Visiting the Kerala Folklore Museum is one of the best things to do in Fort Kochi – especially if you are interested in Kerala’s rich culture and history.

The museum is open from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 100 for adults and Rs. 50 for students. There’s also a cafe on the premises, where you can enjoy a traditional Kerala meal.

24. Join a cooking class in Fort Kochi

If you loved the flavors of Kerala food that you sample in the restaurants of Fort Kochi, then maybe, you would like to learn how to re-create them at home. Sign up for one of the many cooking classes in Fort Kochi. In fact, this one can be booked online through this link .

25. Kayaking in the backwaters of Kochi

If you are looking for fun things to do in Kochi and have more than a day here, head out to the backwaters and the surrounding mangrove forests  – just 15 km away. The best way to enjoy these serene backwaters in Kochi and explore the lush green landscape is to set off on a kayak.

There are several kayaking tours available in Fort Kochi. Some of them combine this experience with a visit to a prawn farm or include a local fishing tour. They even have drops and pick-ups from your hotel in Fort Kochi or Mattancherry.

26. Take a cycle tour by the backwaters of Kochi

A cycle tour by the backwaters of Kochi is a great way to experience the beauty and tranquility of this unique part of Kerala. You’ll pedal through lush green paddy fields, past traditional fishing villages, and along placid canals.

The backwaters in Kochi are a great place to see the local wildlife, including birds, fish, and crocodiles. You may also spot some of the traditional houseboats that are used for accommodation and sightseeing.

The best time to go on a cycle tour is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is soft and the temperatures are cooler. You can hire a bicycle from a number of places in Kochi, or you can book a guided tour.

Things to do around Fort Kochi | Day trips from Fort Kochi

27. take a day trip to alleppey.

While the backwaters of Kochi are a great place to visit, for a more authentic backwater experience, I would highly recommend visiting Alleppey. Book a ride on one of the many houseboats and discover how life on the backwaters really is.

You will sail past green paddy fields, quaint homes with duck farms and see local fishermen at work. Observe some more and you might even catch a waterbus taking kids to school. Birders will love the variety of winged beauties that fly around the massive Vembanad lake. Check out my own experience here.

28. Enjoy a day by the Athirapilly Falls

Pack a picnic basket and head out to one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala . Just 60 km from Fort Kochi are the captivating Athirapilly falls which are best visited between June to October . The monsoon showers made sure that the falls are in their full glory and picturesque best.

After visiting the falls, you can stop at the nearby Vazhachal Falls , which are a series of smaller waterfalls. You can also visit the Thumboormuzhi Dam , which is a beautiful dam located near Athirappilly Falls

29. Spend a day at Cherai beach

Located on Vypin Island in Fort Kochi, Cherai Beach is a perfect place for some water fun. The beach is comparatively cleaner and less crowded than Fort Kochi Beach . Also, you can get into the water and swim around at this beach. Here too, you can indulge in some water sports.

The coconut tree-lined beach has several beach shacks where you can relax with some good food and drinks.

30. Take a day trip to Munnar from Fort Kochi

If you’re looking for a day trip from Fort Kochi, Munnar is definitely a destination you should consider. Located in the beautiful hills of Kerala, Munnar offers breathtaking views, lush green tea plantations, and cascading waterfalls.

En route, you can stop by the Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls, both offering mesmerizing views and a chance to connect with nature. The rolling hills covered in vibrant green tea leaves create a picturesque setting that is sure to leave you in awe. From the stunning Mattupetty Dam to the enchanting Echo Point , there is plenty to see on your day trip to Munnar .

Well, that completes my list of the best things to do in Fort Kochi. I am sure that the list is only going to grow when I visit this amazing destination again. Or possibly when you write back and tell me something that I might have missed.

The rest of the sections will help you start planning your trip to Fort Kochi. Check them out.

Kochi tourist attractions map

Here is a quick map with the key tourist places in Fort Kochi. You can scroll around to zoom in or out of the map. It gives you a fair idea of the spread of these attractions in Kochi.

Common FAQs about Fort Kochi

What is the difference between kochi and fort kochi.

Kochi or Cochin is the larger city within which Fort Kochi is a chill neighborhood. Kochi as a city has a long and rich history, dating back to the 14th century, and Fort Kochi was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

What is the best way to get to Fort Kochi?

Here are your options for getting to Fort Kochi.

By Air: Cochin has an international airport that has a reasonably good frequency of flights from Asian countries. The same airport connects the city to the other destinations in India. If you’re arriving by plane, you can take a taxi or bus from Cochin International Airport to Fort Kochi. The distance from the airport to Fort Kochi can be covered in 30 minutes.

By Train: Get off at the Ernakulam Junction for Fort Kochi. From the train station you can either take a taxi or a bus to Fort Kochi. Alternately, you can get to the Ernakulam Jetty and take the ferry Fort Kochi Jetty. The journey takes about 15 minutes.

Fort Kochi is a relatively small place, so you can easily walk around.

What is the best time to visit Fort Kochi?

The best time to visit Fort Kochi is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant. The temperature during this time ranges from 20°C to 30°C. The peak season is usually between December to February – especially during the Cochin Carnival. If you are planning to visit Fort Kochi at this time, then ensure you book your accommodation in advance.

The monsoon season (June to September) can be wet and humid. Summers are quite hot with temperature soaring to over 40 degrees. It can get really uncomfortable to walk around during this time.

Where is the best place to stay in Fort Kochi?

There are tons of options available for your stay in Fort Kochi. These range from luxury properties to homestays in Fort Kochi. You can consider the Malabar House for a luxury or 5 star hotel in Fort Kochi. Frangipani home stay is a highly rated Fort Kochi Homestay. The Fort Manor is known for its travel sustainability and is a well-rated stay in Fort Kochi.

If you do not find hotels in Fort Kochi, you can increase your radius and book some in Cochin city. There are plenty of options within 3 km of Fort Kochi.

How many days are enough for Fort Kochi?

Ideally 2 days would be great to explore Fort Kochi at a leisurely pace. However, if you are short of time, you can cover the main attractions in Kochi in one day.

Before you go, pin this

Now that I have shared all the tips for your visit to Kochi in this travel guide, why don’t you just share this around. Also, pin one of these to your boards as a ready reckenor.

Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.

I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.

You might also like these posts –

• Human by Nature – The inherent warmth of the people of Kerala
• Forts in Kerala
• A weekend along the beaches & forts of Kannur, Kerala
• 10 reasons why Versatile Kerala is a perfect destination for any kind of traveler
• Life along the Backwaters of Kerala
• Experiencing the Houseboats in Kerala
• Back to the Neolithic Age with Edakkal Caves Wayanad
• Wayanad Nature Trails – Kuruva Island to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Experiencing Wayanad in Monsoons
• Exploring and Staying in Wayanad

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

KERALA SCAPES

Exploring the Cultural Heritage of Fort Kochi: History and Landmarks

Fort Kochi, located within the vibrant city of Kochi (Cochin) in the Indian state of Kerala, is a captivating destination renowned for its deep-rooted cultural heritage shaped by its historical past. This enchanting coastal town presents a fascinating fusion of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influences, as well as strong ties to trade and cultural interactions with diverse civilizations. In this article, we will embark on a journey through the history of Fort Kochi and venture into its iconic landmarks that beautifully showcase its diverse cultural tapestry. Join us as we uncover the charm of this unique destination, a must-visit for travelers seeking a glimpse into the captivating history of India.

The Historical Legacy of Fort Kochi

` The Early Settlements: Fort Kochi’s history is steeped in antiquity, stretching back to the early centuries, and its advantageous position along the Arabian Sea transformed it into a bustling hub for trade and commerce. The strategic location of the region enticed merchants and explorers from diverse corners of the world, including China, Arabia, Europe, and beyond. As a result, Fort Kochi evolved into a melting pot of cultures, giving rise to a vibrant and cosmopolitan society. The intermingling of various influences from different parts of the globe has left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of Fort Kochi, making it a captivating destination that reflects the dynamic history of trade, exploration, and multiculturalism.

Portuguese Rule: In the early 16th century, the renowned Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama made his historic arrival in Kerala, marking the onset of European colonization in the region. Subsequently, in 1503, the Portuguese established a fort at Kochi, which later became known as “Fort Kochi,” aimed at safeguarding their lucrative trade interests. Among their enduring legacies, the St. Francis Church holds a significant place. Constructed by the Portuguese in the same year, 1503, this remarkable church stands as a symbol of their presence and remains one of the oldest European churches in India. The historical significance of Fort Kochi and the St. Francis Church intertwines with the region’s captivating past and serves as a captivating window into the era of European exploration and colonization in India.

The Dutch Influence: In the year 1663, the Dutch East India Company triumphed over the Portuguese and took control of Fort Kochi, reigning over the region for more than a century. During their rule, the Dutch enhanced the fortifications of the town, making a lasting impression on its architectural landscape. Among their significant contributions is the construction of the Dutch Palace, also known as the Mattancherry Palace, in the mid-17th century. This architectural masterpiece showcases the distinct Dutch style and is adorned with exquisite murals that vividly depict captivating stories from Hindu mythology. The Dutch Palace stands as a remarkable testament to the Dutch influence on the region and serves as a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Fort Kochi.

British Colonial Era: In the late 18th century, the British East India Company emerged victorious over the Dutch, gaining control of Fort Kochi. Subsequently, under British rule, Kochi flourished as a significant hub for trade and commerce. Numerous structures built by the British, such as the iconic Chinese fishing nets, can still be seen along the coastline, proudly showcasing the town’s rich maritime heritage and historical ties to international trade. These remnants from the past stand as enduring testaments to Fort Kochi’s fascinating history and its role as a vibrant center of commerce and cultural exchange.

Iconic Landmarks of Fort Kochi

Chinese Fishing Nets: The Chinese fishing nets stand as an iconic symbol of Fort Kochi, reflecting its age-old trade links with China. These impressive cantilevered fishing nets along the shoreline create a mesmerizing spectacle, especially during sunrise and sunset, when their silhouettes grace the horizon. As you witness these nets in action, you are transported back in time, marveling at the historical connections that shaped Fort Kochi’s unique cultural heritage and maritime legacy.

St. Francis Church: St. Francis Church, one of India’s oldest European churches, holds a timeless tale of history within its walls. Its simple yet elegant architecture has witnessed centuries of events. Notably, the church is the final resting place of the renowned explorer Vasco da Gama, who passed away in Kochi in 1524. A visit to this historic church is a journey through time, exploring the fascinating chapters of India’s past and the legacy of Vasco da Gama’s incredible expeditions.

Santa Cruz Basilica: The Santa Cruz Basilica, an exquisite masterpiece of Indo-European architecture, has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when it was originally built by the Portuguese. In the 19th century, the British undertook its reconstruction, resulting in the magnificent place of worship that stands today. The basilica’s grandeur and historical significance make it a must-visit destination in Fort Kochi, Kerala.

Dutch Cemetery: The Dutch Cemetery in Fort Kochi stands as a poignant reminder of the significant Dutch influence in the region. The site features well-preserved tombstones and memorials that offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of early European settlers in Kochi. Exploring this historic cemetery provides a window into the past and a deeper understanding of the region’s colonial heritage.

Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue: Fort Kochi is enriched by a thriving Jewish community, and its heart lies in Jew Town. Stroll through its narrow streets, explore antique shops, and immerse yourself in the vibrant spice markets. Following this enchanting trail will lead you to the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth. Inside, prepare to be captivated by the synagogue’s stunning interiors, adorned with exquisite chandeliers and adorned with hand-painted tiles, creating an awe-inspiring sight.

Indo-Portuguese Museum: Situated inside the Bishop’s House, the Indo-Portuguese Museum showcases an extraordinary assortment of artifacts, offering insights into the cultural exchange that took place between the Portuguese and the local community.

Fort Kochi Beach: No trip to Fort Kochi is truly fulfilled without savoring the serene beauty of Fort Kochi Beach. Take a leisurely stroll along the shore, observe the skilled fishermen at work, and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds this picturesque destination.

Experiencing the Cultural Delights

Kathakali Performances: Dive into the world of vibrant artistry with Kathakali, a mesmerizing traditional dance-drama that weaves captivating tales through elaborate makeup and expressive movements. Experience the magic of live performances, where skillful actors bring mythical characters to life with their remarkable portrayals.

Spice Markets and Cuisine: Indulge your senses in the delightful spice markets of Fort Kochi, where a diverse range of aromatic spices awaits. Treat yourself to the delectable flavors of Kerala cuisine, renowned for its tantalizing use of coconut, spices, and fresh seafood.

Fort Kochi Biennale: If your visit coincides with the biennial event, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, don’t miss the opportunity to explore captivating contemporary art installations and exhibitions that adorn various venues in Fort Kochi.

Fort Kochi is a captivating destination with a rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks. It offers a glimpse into India’s past and its vibrant multicultural present. Immerse yourself in its enchanting charms and discover its diverse history.

Frequently Asked Questions on Alappuzha

What is the historical significance of fort kochi.

Fort Kochi has a rich historical legacy shaped by its early settlements, Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influences. Its strategic location along the Arabian Sea attracted merchants and explorers from different parts of the world, making it a melting pot of cultures. The region’s historical landmarks, such as St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace, reflect the town’s fascinating history of trade, exploration, and multiculturalism.

What are some iconic landmarks to visit in Fort Kochi?

Fort Kochi boasts several iconic landmarks, including the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Cemetery, Jew Town, Paradesi Synagogue, Indo-Portuguese Museum, and Fort Kochi Beach. Each of these places holds historical and cultural significance, offering visitors a glimpse into the town’s diverse heritage and architectural marvels.

What cultural experiences can one enjoy in Fort Kochi?

In Fort Kochi, travelers can experience the vibrant art form of Kathakali, a traditional dance-drama that brings mythical tales to life. Exploring the spice markets and indulging in Kerala cuisine allows visitors to savor the region’s delectable flavors. Additionally, if visiting during the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, one can immerse themselves in contemporary art installations and exhibitions.

How does Fort Kochi reflect its multicultural past?

Fort Kochi’s multicultural past is evident through its historical landmarks, architecture, and local customs. The region’s early settlements and colonial influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British have left a lasting impact on its cultural fabric. Fort Kochi’s diverse heritage is celebrated through its unique landmarks, such as the Dutch Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue, and the vibrant coexistence of various communities.

How can travelers explore the historical legacy of Fort Kochi?

To explore the historical legacy of Fort Kochi, travelers can visit the iconic landmarks like St. Francis Church, the Dutch Palace, and the Chinese Fishing Nets. Guided tours and cultural performances, such as Kathakali dance shows, provide valuable insights into the town’s fascinating history and heritage. Exploring Jew Town and its spice markets also offer a unique glimpse into the multicultural past of Fort Kochi.

Stay tuned to Kerala Scapes for more interesting articles on Kerala.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Travel - Experience - Share

• Philippines
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• South America
• New Zealand
• Adventure Travel
• Culture & Heritage
• Sustainable & Responsible Travel
• Travel Products & Services
• Travel Tips
• Food & Restaurants
• Hotel & Resorts
• Travel Resources
• Published Work And Features
• Work with Us / Contact Us
• Search for: Search

Things To Do in Fort Kochi – Ultimate Guide To Fort Kochi

This is a complete guide to places to see and things to do in Fort Kochi, one of the historic hotspots of Kochi in Kerala, a southern state of India.

Fort Kochi is an iconic and historic area of Kochi ( Cochin ), in the southern state of India, Kerala. The state is known for its natural beauty in the form of its romantic backwaters , gorgeous beaches , lush forests, waterfalls, and much more. We take a look at some of the amazing things to do in Fort Kochi in this ultimate guide to Fort Kochi where we look not only at the best things to do in Fort Kochi but also at some of the offbeat things to do in Fort Kochi.

Kerala’s beauty has earned it the sobriquet of, ‘ God’s own country “. Natural beauty is not the only asset that Kerala is endowed with, it has an equally rich heritage and culture which especially comes alive in the charming lanes and bylanes of Fort Kochi. Get ready to indulge your senses in Fort Kochi which offers a host of attractions and experiences.

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Fort Kochi – Fort Kochi Quick Guide

The sheer range and number of things to do in Fort Kochi can stump anyone. However, the good news is that most of the places to see in Fort Kochi Kerala are in a close cluster which is easily accessible. It is possible to see the major attraction on a one day itinerary of Fort Kochi, but if one is thinking of more places to visit in Fort Kochi and a slow as well as an immersive experience of Fort Kochi attractions, then it is best to plan for a 2 day Fort Kochi itinerary.

Whatever is the length of your itinerary for Fort Kochi, one thing is sure, you will never be haunted by the question, “what to do in Fort Kochi”. Here is a detailed list of things to do in Fort Kochi. Read on to know not only about what to see in Fort Kochi, but also about Fort Kochi shopping, Fort Kochi restaurants, and other offbeat Fort Kochi experiences too.

This is an ultimate Fort Kochi guide. This Fort Kochi guide covers some of the best places to visit in Fort Kochi, top things to do in Fort Kochi, some of the best Fort Kochi hotels and some of the finest Fort Kochi restaurants.

Step Back in History At The Dutch Palace ( Mattancherry Palace)

The Mattancherry Palace which is also referred to as the Dutch Palace is one of the most important historical places in Fort Kochi. It takes you back in time and gives glimpses of the royal era of the region. It is definitely one of the top things to see in Fort Kochi.

The original palace dates back to the year 1555. This was when it is believed to have been built by the Portuguese. One belief is that the Palace was built and gifted to the then King of Kochi by the Portuguese. This was thought to be an atonement for the destruction of a temple in the vicinity. With the passage of time, the Palace was in need of repairs and about a hundred years later the Dutch renovated the palace and hence the name, Dutch Palace.

The Mattancherry Palace itself comes across as quite spartan compared to the opulent palaces of Rajasthan or the Mysore Palace, but it has a vintage charm of its own. One of the highlights not to be missed are the murals that adorn the rooms of the Mattancherry Palace. The fading murals still retain some of their original charms and depict scenes from Indian mythologies like the Ramayana and the life of Krishna .

Address : Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002

Take a Walk In Jew Town

One of the most colourful of Fort Kochi places to visit is Jew Town. A walk down Jew Town is like entering a different era. The streets are lined on both sides by shops selling all sorts of antiques and curios. Some shops display colourful umbrellas and dolls of different shapes and sizes, while some have dozens of antique clocks ticking away from what seems to be time immemorial. Ancient and quirky looking windows and doors with designs of a bygone era look down upon visitors as they must have done for hundreds of years.

Jew Town is a splash of colours with the colourful wares of its shops presenting a pleasing visual sight. If the fragrance of spices assails your nostrils, the bright colours of heaps of Rangoli arrest your gaze. Jew Town is definitely one of the Fort Kochi tourist places most sought after. A leisurely walk around Jew Town is one of the most satisfying things to do in Fort Kochi.

Gaze At The Intriguing Chinese fishing nets

The iconic Chinese fishing nets are a sort of visual symbol of Fort Kochi and are an integral part of Fort Kochi sightseeing. The Chinese fishing nets that can be seen at Fort Kochi and also elsewhere in the backwaters of Kochi look like strange contraptions jutting out into the waters that assume a sprite-like quality at sunrise or sunset and present a riveting sight. But what are these Chinese Fishing Nets?  They are just that, fishing nets, but giant ones.

The nets can be as large as 20 meters and they are lowered into the sea by a cantilever mechanism that is operated from the shore. The Chinese nets are also referred to as Cheenavalas, in keeping with their Chinese origins. These types of nets are found only in Kochi in India. They are also found in the South China Sea. The Chinese nets can be watched from near the Vasco Da Gama Square in Fort Kochi or also from a boat. Watching the mystical looking Chinese Nets is one of the most fascinating Things To Do In Fort Kochi.

Visit The Paradesi Synagogue

A visit to the Paradesi Synagogue in Fort Kochi is one of the most interesting things to do in Fort Kochi. It is the most important of the monuments in Fort Kochi with a unique history. The Synagogue was built in the year 1867 and is active to this day, in fact, it is said to be the oldest active synagogue in the entire commonwealth. The Paradesi Synagogue houses many relics of great historical value and includes golden crowns as well as a pulpit with brass rails.

Address : Synagogue Ln, Jew Town, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002

Take a Walk On Princess Street

Princess Street in Fort Kochi is said to be the oldest street in Fort Kochi. It is believed that this was the first street constructed in Fort Kochi. What makes the street endearing is the fact that much of its heritage has been preserved. Old colonial buildings line both sides of the streets rendering it with unique vintage elegance. It is interesting to note that Princess Street is also referred to as Loafer’s Corner after a Cafe by the same name located here. Princess Street is great for a leisurely jaunt serenaded by the quirky cafes and shops that line both sides of the street.

Immerse in The Fragrances of The Spice Market

Spices are inextricably linked with the history and culture of Fort Kochi. It was the mesmerizing fragrance of spices that drew people from remote corners of the globe to Fort Kochi, which became a thriving centre of the spice trade. The Spice Market stands at one end of Jew Town and still retains its importance as a hub of the spice trade. The fragrance of cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and other exotic spices blend into an irresistible medley and draw you towards the Spice Market on a visit which is one of the best things to do in Fort Kochi.

Address : Jew Town Road, Kerala 682001

Relax on Fort Kochi Beach

The Fort Kochi beach is a great place to catch the sunset. It is a place to view the Chinese fishing nets bathed in a glow of pink by the rays of the setting sun. A granite walkway along the beach is a great way to stretch the legs and breath in the fresh sea breeze and listen to the symphony of the waves. One of the most relaxing things to do in Fort Kochi is spending time at the Fort Kochi beach.

Address : Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Pay Your Respects At The Dutch Cemetery

Fort Kochi has been historically a melting pot of cultures. Legacies of different cultures and people can still be seen if Fort Kochi and the history and heritage of the place comes alive paradoxically in its cemeteries too. One of these intriguing places in Fort Kochi is the Dutch Cemetery. This is one of the oldest cemeteries in India and was consecrated in the year 1724.

The Dutch Cemetery stands forlorn not far from the sea beach. Here lie the mortal remains of may a traveller spurred by curiosity who set out on a voyage of discovery. The sepulchral silence of the Dutch Cemetery tugs at the hearts of visitors and leaves them pondering over the ephemeral nature of life.

Visit The Jewish Cemetery

The Jewish Cemetery which is part of the Mattancherry Synagogue stands near the Jew Town. It is a very old cemetery, but well maintained with neatly manicured flower beds. The cemetery dates back to the 19th century. Though visitors are not allowed inside the Cemetery, one can take a look from the gate.

Address : Fort Kochi, Kochi, 682001

Visit The Police Museum

As you walk along with the Jew Town your attention is drawn by a unique Police Station housed in a heritage building. this is the International Tourism Police that has been established by the authorities for the assistance of foreign tourists. The police station handles queries regarding visas and passports, loss of passports, help in the booking of cabs, and much more.

What is of interest in this unique police station is a small museum that documents the history of the police force in Kochi. One can see old uniforms, weapons, and armoury of the police on display here. There is no entrance fee for the Police Museum. The place is one of the offbeat places to see in Fort Kochi.

Address : AB Selam Rd, Jews St, Jew Town, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002

Be Fascinated At The Indian Naval Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum is a tribute to the growth and development of India as a naval power to reckon with in the world. The maritime history of India is presented pleasingly right from the Indus valley civilization and how Kerala became a centre of India’s maritime trade with the world. The birth of the Indian Navy in Surat and its rapid growth and development is presented through compelling exhibits including 3-D paintings. A visit to the museum is indeed one of the offbeat things to do in Fort Kochi.

Address :  K.J. Herschel Rd, Veli, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Visit The Indo-Portuguese Museum

The legacy that the Portuguese left behind, stays alive in many walks of life in Fort Kochi and also elsewhere in India, like Goa. From cuisine to architecture, the presence of the Portuguese culture can be seen everywhere. This indelible impression of the Portuguese is captured and presented in the Indo-Portuguese Museum.

The museum is an ode to the heritage of Indo-Portuguese art. Some of the timeless relics housed in the museum include sculptures, vestments, and metal objects of art, that date back to the 16th century. A visit to the Indo-Portuguese Museum must figure on your offbeat Fort Kochi itinerary.

Address : Bishop Kureethara Rd, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Be Awed At The Kerala Folklore Theater and Museum

The three-storied beautifully designed Folklore Theatre and Museum is a place not to be missed in Fort Kochi. It is an exquisite ode to the enchanting folk arts of Kerala that include its exotic dances, sculpture, architecture and much more. The building of the museum itself showcases the architectural styles of ancient and traditional Kerala. The three flowers are built according to the Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore styles. The first floor is dedicated to the traditional dance forms of Kerala and has different costumes, masks, and other accessories used in different dance forms.

The second floor is dedicated to colourful murals and also attracts visitors with its finely chiselled wooden ceiling. The entrance of the museum has been constructed using the remains of a 16th-century temple and has a traditional locking system known as Manichitratazhu. One can spend hours lost in the incredible folk arts of Kerala. Various traditional dance shows and other stage performances are staged every day in the evenings at the theatre.

Address : Near, 2059C No 26 Pandit Karuppan Road, Thevara Ferry Road, Junction, Kochi, Kerala 682013

Enjoy a Performance At The Kerala Kathakali Centre

Visiting Kerala and not experiencing the iconic Kathakali performance is simply not done. One of the best places to witness this legendary dance in all its authentic dimensions is at the Kerala Kathakali Centre. Apart from Kathakali visitors can also see performances of other Indian classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam, etc., as well as classical music performances.

Address : KB Jacob Rd, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Visit The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

A magnificent edifice that stands as an enduring legacy of the Portuguese is the Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi. A visit to this Fort Kochi church is one of the top things to do in Fort Kochi. The Cathedral with its towering spires stands as a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. Its snow-white facade is pleasing to the eyes and invokes feelings of spirituality as one enters the Basilica.

The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is one of the most enchanting and grand churches of India. The original church goes back to the mid 16th century when the first Portuguese missionaries arrived in Fort Kochi. The present structure, however, was raised in 1905. The Church became a Basilica in the year 1984.

Inside the Basilica the altar and Gothic columns make for a heavenly sight. Large canvas paintings embellish the divinely interior, most notable of these being one that represents the Last Supper. The grand Basilica is a place that appeals to the connoisseur of art and the lay visitor both.

Address : Bastian St, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Visit The St. Francis Church

One of the top things to do in Fort Kochi is visiting the St. Francis Church. This is a church with much historical significance. It is believed to have been the first Portuguese church built in India. It was originally constructed in 1503 and was a wooden structure. The exterior that is seen today is a later construction. Inside the church the ceiling and flooring are old and there is an old Cross.

Another claim to fame of this historical church is the fact that Vasco Da Gama was buried here in 1525, however, his remains were taken to Lisbon, Portugal 14 years letter. Marking of the spot where Vasco Da Gama was buried can be seen inside the church. The St. Francis Church is a protected monument today. A visit to this church is one of the serene things to do in Fort Kochi.

Address : Head Post Office, Saint Francis Church Road Opp, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Catch an Art Exhibition at Uru Art Harbour

An old warehouse is a hub of art, music, literature, and philosophy. One of the offbeat things to do in Fort Kochi is to catch an exhibition on at the Uru Art Harbour.

Address : Kochangadi Rd, Kochangadi, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002

Travel Back In Time At The Grey Book Museum And Archives

A small museum housed in a palace that dates back to the 18th century is dedicated to taking visitors back in time into the incredible chapters of Cochin’s history. It is an independent museum and showcases the private collection of an individual and includes photographs, historical prints, photographic glass plates, etc., that present the evolution of modern-day Kochi from what it was 150 years ago. The museum is an offbeat attraction of Fort Kochi and a fascinating place, especially for history buffs.

Address : 1/334, Rose St, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Nehru Park For Children

A park for children not for from the Fort Kochi beach, the Nehru Park is another lung space of Fort Kochi where children can play freely. The Park is also used as a public venue for painting competitions and other events.

Address : River Rd, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Draavidia Art Gallery

An art gallery that showcases local art through exhibitions. Visitors can check for ongoing exhibitions which give an opportunity to understand local culture and contemporary art of Kochi.

Address : Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Hang Around Vasco Da Gama Square

The Vasco Da Gama Square is a narrow promenade alongside the beach in Fort Kochi. It is a popular evening haunt of locals as well as tourists. It is a nice place to watch the Chinese fishing nets against the backdrop of the setting sun. There are numerous food stalls in the vicinity that sell seafood and refreshing tender coconuts. It is a nice place to hang around in the evenings.

Address : No: XIV/1642, River Road, Kunnumpuram Rd, Karuvelippady, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Fort Kochi Heritage Walk

One can visit the various attractions and experience all the things to do in Fort Kochi through a personally crafted Fort Kochi itinerary or also join a guided heritage walk which covers the major attractions in Fort Kochi. These heritage walks typically take around 2 hours.

Enjoy A Traditional Kerala Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurveda is an ancient science that has natural remedies for many ailments that are physical and mental. Ayurveda is a holistic science that is a panacea for many ills. Ayurvedic massages and treatments are rejuvenating for the mind, body, and soul. Kerala is the home of this ancient science that uses exotic herbs and oils in treatments that have been handed down from generation to generation.

There are many spas that offer various ayurvedic massages and treatments, most of the hotels have in-house spas that offer these services. It is best to check out with your hotel for these services.

Where To Shop In Fort Kochi

Shopping is always an integral part of travelling, especially if you are in the habit of picking up a souvenir or two from the places you visit. Fort Kochi offers many interesting shopping options and shopping in Fort Kochi is in itself a fulfilling experience and ranks high on most peoples’ list of things to do in Fort Kochi. Some of the places to shop in Fort Kochi are:

• Spice Market
• Princess Street

What To Buy In Fort Kochi

• Colourful Umbrellas
• Kathakali Masks
• Hand Made Soaps
• Stone Sculptures
• Brass & Copper vessels and showpieces
• Souvenirs from keychains to seashells to wrist bands and jewellery
• Local Handicrafts

Where To Eat In Fort Kochi – Fort Kochi Restaurants

The influence and fusion of different cultures over the centuries can be seen in the varied cuisine that Fort Kochi has to offer. There are charming cafes and hotels that serve a mind-boggling array of epicurean delights from different parts of the globe. Fort Kochi cafes reflect the kaleidoscopic nature of the cultures that have influenced the region. Here are some of the best Fort Kochi Restaurants. Eating in any of the heritage cafes of Fort Kochi is an experience to cherish and one of the most interesting things to do in Fort Kochi.

Mocha Art Cafe

The Mocha Art Cafe is a delightful Fort Kochi Restaurants that is housed in a 16th-century building that was originally built as accommodation for the Rabbis of the Pardesi Synagogue. The Cafe is a quirky synthesis of art and food. It serves tantalizing fare that includes a range of salads, soups, desserts, pancakes, pasta, and much more. A leisurely meal at the Mocha Art Cafe ranks high on the must-do things to do in Fort Kochi.

Jetty Restaurant Forte Kochi

The Jetty Restaurant is the restaurant of the Forte Kochi hotel , one of the best heritage Fort Kochi hotels. The hotel is located in a heritage building which was once a Jewish mansion that was built in 1860 by the Portuguese. The Jetty Restaurant offers a vintage elegance and serves dishes from around the world and includes cuisine from Europe, across India, and of course local Kerala cuisine. Sitting in the elegant ambience of the Jetty restaurant and enjoying a delectable meal is one of the most relaxing things to do in Fort Kochi.

Jetty Restaurant is one of the best Fort Kochi Restaurants.

Fort Kochi is a haven for seafood lovers and one of the best places to enjoy it is Fusion Bay. This Fort Kochi restaurant serves a wide range of seafood delicacies as well as local Kerala cuisine. If you are a seafood connoisseur than a visit to Fusion Bay is one of the top things to do in Fort Kochi.

Fort Kochi Video

Things to do in Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, India Fort Kochi is the heart of Kochi, in Kerala, India. It is an exhilarating place where one meets heritage and history at every bend in the road. The area is f…

How To Get To Fort Kochi

• Fort Kochi is an area in the city of Kochi located in the southern Indian state of Kerala
• Fort Kochi to airport distance is about 44 kilometres
• Ernakulam to Fort Kochi distance is about 6 kilometres

Does Fort Kochi pique your interest and are you thinking of heading in the Fort Kochi direction? You can book a  flight right here through TripAdvisor  or  Agoda  or  CheapAir  or  Cleartrip  or  Makemytrip  or  Priceline . You can fly to Kochi and then from there you can travel to Fort Kochi by road. You can also do road trips to many interesting destinations in Kerala like Kumarakom ,  Allepey ,  Thekkady , and  Athirapally from Kochi. You can also get to Kochi from within India by self-drive car  or cab or  bus  or alternatively take a train.

Fort Kochi Map

Where To Stay In Fort Kochi – Fort Kochi Hotels

Where to stay in Kochi? If that is what you are thinking, then one of the best places would be Fort Kochi where one can get an immersive experience of the heritage and culture of Kochi. When it comes to Fort Kochi hotels, there are many options for staying in Fort Kochi that range from luxury and heritage resorts to budget hotels. We stayed in the heritage hotel Forte Kochi and it was an amazing experience.

There are plenty of other options to stay in Kochi. The list of Fort Kochi hotels offers a choice of budget accommodation as well as luxury hotels.

One can book Fort Kochi hotels through TripAdvisor  or  Cleartrip  or  Agoda  or  Makemytrip  or  Priceline  and save a lot by getting the best deals on booking your stay.

Best Time To Visit Kochi / Fort Kochi

The best time to visit Fort Kochi and Kochi is during the winter months as the weather is pleasant and one can comfortably walk around and explore the wonders of Fort Kochi. The ideal winter months are between October and February. Summers can be hot and humid, but for the true traveller driven by passion and fueled by curiosity, Fort Kochi can be visited any time of the year.

Visiting places around the time when local festivals and events are held is always very satisfying as one gets an immersive experience of the local culture and traditions. Two events around which one can plan their Fort Kochi trim and itinerary are the Cochin Carnival and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

The Cochin Carnival is an annual event that is held during the last week of December to coincide with Christmas and the beginning of the New Year. The Cochin Carnival is a legacy from the colonial days when the Portuguese New Year used to be celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. The Cochin Carnival presents a mosaic of Indian culture from across the states and of course the local arts, dances, and music.

The high point of the carnival is a grand procession on New Year’s Day which is led by beautifully decorated elephants and has dancers from across the different states of India. Fort Kochi is the heart of the celebrations of the Cochin Carnival.

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an event that is organized by the Kochi Biennale Foundation. The event promotes art and culture through an exhibition and the festival which usually happens from December to April. The event includes various workshops, residencies, and other programmes. The event takes place across many venues in and around Fort Kochi.

Fort Kochi Tourism / Kerala Tourism

Fort Kochi is a lovely place the showcases the best of heritage and culture of Kochi and Kerala. It is a unique mosaic of different cultural influences that come together in an exquisite synthesis. Though there are so many things to do in Fort Kochi to keep you occupied, Kerala has so much more on offer in terms of nature, adventure, heritage, and culture. There are many interesting places that can be visited on a day trip from Kochi.

Other Places To See And Things To Do In Kochi

Walk down marine drive.

A walk beside the backwaters, that is what visitors can do at the Marine Drive. This is a promenade built facing the backwaters and is a walkway where contrary to its name vehicles are not allowed. Malls and Cafes abound along the Marine Drive which also provides a view to spectacular sunsets and sunrises accompanied by the cool and soothing breeze blowing across the Vembanad Lake.

Pallipuram Fort

The Pallipuram Fort is a 16th-century fort that was built by the Portuguese. It is believed to be the oldest existent European fort in India. The fort is located on Vypin Island about 42 kilometres from Fort Kochi.

Address: Vypin, Kochi, Kerala 683515

Vypin Lighthouse

The Vypin Lighthouse is located at Puthuvype in Kochi. It is a modern and state of the art Lighthouse. However the original Kochi lighthouse used to be in Fort Kochi and had been shifted to Puthuvype, and that lighthouse dated back to 1839. At the bottom of the lighthouse, there is a small information centre which has an information kiosk where one can learn about different lighthouses in India and their history. The Vypin Lighthouse is about 23 kilometres from Fort Kochi.

Address : Puthuvype Beach Light House Rd, Vypin, Kochi, Kerala 682508

Bolgatty Palace

The Bolgatty Palace is an old Dutch Palace on the Bolgatty island in Kochi. It was built by the Dutch in 1744 and is believed to be the oldest Dutch palaces outside of Holland. The Palace later served as the home of British Governors during the British Raj. Today the Bolgatty Palace is a heritage hotel and resort that is run by KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation ). Bolgatty Palace is about 18 kilometres from Fort Kochi.

Address : NH966A, Mulavukad, Kochi, Kerala 682504

Sunset Cruise

A sunset cruise is a great way to enjoy the evening in Kochi and be treated to spectacular views. The sunset cruises last for about two hours and one can get great views of the Chinese fishing nets, Marine Drive, and also the Bolgatty Island. The cruise is around the waters of the Cochin Harbour and most of the cruise companies have hotel pickup and drop included in the cruise.

Day Trips From Kochi

There are many great destinations that can be covered as day trips from Kochi. They make for great road trips that showcase the natural beauty of the Kerala countryside. Here is a list of a few day trips from Kochi .

• Athirapally & Vazhachal Falls
• Ezhattumugam

 Things To Do In Kochi – Kochi Tourism/Kerala Tourism

Kochi is a sheer treat for the senses with amazing experiences of culture and heritage and nature. Fort Kochi is an exquisite mosaic of heritage, history, and culture.

If you are wondering how to cover all major attractions of Fort Kochi in one day then y ou can always opt for tour packages of Kochi and enjoy some of the most recommended Kochi tours . You can now  book tours in Kochi as well as activities in Kochi right here.

FAQ Fort Kochi

Is Fort Kochi worth visiting?

Fort Kochi is definitely worth visiting and spending time in. Fort Kochi things to do are amazing and it is a must be on your list when sightseeing in Kochi.

What is Fort Kochi famous for?

A walk to the street of Fort Kochi is an unforgettable experience. It is a walk that takes one down the lane of history. Fort Kochi a cultural and heritage landmark of Kochi and includes Fort Kochi museum, heritage cafes and hotels, Churches, and much more. There are many lovely things to do in Fort Kochi.

Why is it called Fort Kochi?

If you looking for a fort in the images for Fort Kochi, you will not find one. The name Fort Kochi is based on an old fort that existed but was destroyed by the Dutch.

Is Fort Kochi safe?

Fort Kochi is absolutely safe, however, one needs to take necessary safety precautions like anywhere else.

What is the best time to visit Kochi?

The best time to visit Kochi is during the winter months between October to February.

How many days do you need in Kochi?

There is much to see and experience in Kochi. It all depends on the time you have. You can plan an itinerary for things to see Fort Kochi in one day or things to see Fort Kochi in two days, and also accommodate the other attractions of Kochi. How can I spend my day in Kochi?

If you have just one day, then it is best to spend it at Fort Kochi which is the heart of Kochi. There are so many interesting things to do in Fort Kochi.

What is there to do in Kochi at night?

There are many things to do in Fort Kochi and Kochi in the night including a cruise, a walk on Marine Drive, hanging out at a heritage Cafe, and much more.

What can I buy in Kochi?

Handicrafts and souvenirs can be bought in Kochi. You may also want to buy some of the famous banana chips.

Where should I stay in Kochi?

There are many options for staying in Kochi depending on your preference and budget. Check out our Where To Stay section above.

Is Kochi a metro city?

Kochi has been classified as a Tier – II city.

How can I plan one day in Kochi?

We would suggest a one day Fort Kochi Itinerary.

Are Kochi and Ernakulam the same?

Kochi is part of the Ernakulam district, however sometimes Kochi is also referred to as Ernakulam.

Is there a bus from Fort Kochi to the airport?

The public transport of Kochi includes the Metro, bus services as well as ferry services. Getting around Fort Kochi and other parts of Kochi City is convenient through public transport. There is a direct bus from Fort Kochi to the Cochin International Airport.

Are there any Fort Kochi timings/opening time/entry timings/visiting hours?

Fort Kochi is an area, which consists of Cafes, Churches, Museums, and other attractions. Each of these would have their own timings.

We do hope you liked our Fort Kochi travel blog post, and it serves as a complete Fort Kochi travel guide. Do let us know if you have any questions or need any more information. Help us with your feedback to help us improve our Fort Kochi guide.

Do You Love Traveling?

Do you want to know how to travel the world? We have put together a very  useful travel resources  page with  best travel tips . Go check it out now.

Thanks for visiting our site Voyager – imvoyager.com  and taking the time to read this post!

If you wish to collaborate/work with us then reach us at [email protected]

We’d love if you’d comment by sharing your thoughts on this post and share this post on social media and with your friends.

Explore these posts:

35 thoughts on “things to do in fort kochi – ultimate guide to fort kochi”.

Wow, there seem like endless things to do in Fort Kochi! Your guide makes it seem like such an interesting place to explore!

This is such a cool guide! I wish I’d explored more of India, especially Kerala!! Jew Town sounds like my favourite place already, I LOVE shopping in India! Vasco Da Gama Square sounds beautiful, definitely pinning this to return to!!

This is indeed the Ultimate Guide for Kochi, as you seem to have answered all possible queries. I did visit Kerala back in May 2019, before our Nepal Trip, however we only had a half a day in Kochi. Though we weren’t able to visit most of the places you’ve listed here, we managed to see the Chinese fishing nets, and catch a picturesque sunset from the Marine Drive, followed by a sumptuous dinner nearby.

This must be an amazing trip, Sandy. We were scheduled to visit in April but unfortunately the trip got cancelled. We had even made an itinerary and extended the trip for an extra two days. I had most of these on my list. Looking forward to visiting whenever possible, now. Forts have such a fantastic ambiance about them. I always feel these historic places want to whisper their stories to us!

There really is so much to see here, I am sure that if you only allocated 2 days for Fort Kochi there is no way to visit all of these sites and really take it in. You would have to pick only a handful from the list that you have here. I love the fishing nets and would love to see them in action. I would also love to visit the beach and take a walk through the spice market. I can see my son would love the police museum, he has such a fascination with that sort of thing. When I took him to the navy museum in Simonstown (South Africa) last year I could not get him to leave!

So many diverse things to do ! It’s impressive that this place has retained the influence of so many cultures and celebrates it. Great post!

There was a lot of great information in this article, so thank you! I’ve never heard of this place, so it was an interesting read for me. I especially liked the hotel you recommended it looked really nice with the pool.

Such a wonderful travel blog…. You took me to my own home town & refresh my all the memories about kochi… Very well written & surely going to help the people who want to travel kochi

Yes Kochi is really a great place to visit. Your post is reminding me of our visit in 2016. How could I forget that cool breeze on the beach. I purchased a variety of spices from the market. Enjoyed the Kerala thali and discovered the similarity between that and our typical Bengali cuisine.

Fort Kochi looks amazing. I would love to visit one day. The food looks so delicious. Pinning so I have this guide when I go. Thanks for sharing.

What a neat city! The architecture is amazing. I didn’t realize there was such a strong Portuguese influence in parts of India. The Chinese fishing nests also look really cool!

What a beautiful area! Stunning photos! I seriously would visit just to sit and watch those fishing nets…how mesmerizing!

Your posts are always so exhaustive comprehensive guides on tourist places. I would really love to visit Kochi fort

Sir, your blog explain each and everything, infact every place in detail. We have never visited Kochi. Hopefully we will visit soon.

Fort kochi looks so perfect place to start Kerala’s famous destinations. Definitely include in my bucket list. Great thoughts.

Your travel guides are always filled with best recommendations and lot of options for tourists. I will definitely consider these while travelling to Fort Kochi

I love your detailed guidance on any place . You have touched every single thing to explain the places of Kochi…

My masi was in Kochi and she always invited us to visit kochi but we never got a chance. This fort is so beautiful and the view is so mesmerizing. I wish I could get a chance to visit.

Every place has unique story. Thanks for detailed information about fort Kochi. Love the virtual tour.

Your travel posts are always very interesting.. i was planning a trip to Kochi. I m surely gonna refer your guide, whenever i m planning trip there

Wow, Fort Kochi sounds like such an interesting place culturewise and really so different from what my image of India is actually! Having grown up in the Netherlands (with roots from Indian and Pakistani via Suriname), I though I knew a lot about the history of Dutch colonialism but I never knew they even had such a presence in India! Very interesting read and as someone who’s fascinated with culture and history, I really enjoyed all the information here, thanks for sharing!

We went to Fort Cochi in December 2018 over Christmas and my birthday. We stayed a little out the way in a big hotel, but enjoyed going to the main area. Even though we had a few days there we still missed some of the things you have listed – there is so much to do! 🙂

As a Jew, I was really intrigued by the Jewish history of this place – the synagogues and cemetery, and the fact that there’s a neighborhood called Jew town.

Oh how I would love to visit this spice market!! Looks like an amazing place to explore with many different things to do. I’d love to see the fishermen in action too!

What a complete guide you have prepared. It’s very informative. I would be interested in the police museum as I used to work for the police and think it would be interesting to learn about the similarities and differences. I would also love the capture those fishing nets at sunrise or sunset.

Oh my, it seems there is just too much to do. How many days do you suggest for the first time visitor?

I am so excited to see a synagogue and Jewish cemetery on your list! I have studied Jewish history extensively, and my wife’s family is Jewish. Everytime we travel we visit any synagogues or Jewish sites. Thank you for the history, and now I’m going to go research more about that synagogue! Jewish history + museums + delicious food and even a beach. My idea of a good time!

Wowza, there is sooooo much to do in Fort Kochi!

I love the look of the Chinese fishing nets, and the Kerala Folklore Theater And Museum looks really interesting. It’s great that you can immerse yourself into so much culture and history there!

I haven’t been to India yet, but when I go, I certainly will visit Kochi. The colors are so vibrant, I love them so much. Also, the museums seem to be really inspiring. A wonderful and very inviting post.

I have never been to Kerala before. I postponed my trip to “God’s own country” couple of times. I just can’t wait to visit Kerala next year. Looking forward to exploring Fort kochi when in Kerala.

We were in Fort Kochi around New Years Eve and let me say, the people there are a lively bunch! We loved exploring the whole area and the people there were so friendly and good to us. I would love to go back though when it is not so hectic to explore more of the area especially the water.

Wow, this really is the ultimate guide to Fort Kochi! I would love to watch the Chinese fishing nets and visit the Spice Market. Fort Kochi certainly sounds like a great destination to visit.

So many things to do in Fort Kochi. I don’t think 2 days would be enough time to really soak it in. I love the colorful umbrella you showed in Jew Town. If it’s all that colorful, that would be a fun place to explore. I’ve been to a few spice markets in other countries, so it would be fun to visit this one and compare. Great planner for a trip to Fort Kochi.

Wow! Who would’ve thought that Fort had such a multicultural history?

They’re are so many interesting things to do that I may just have to visit India again!

For me best expereinced at Fort Kochi are food, heritage walk, ayurvedic massage, and shopping.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

Explore Fort Kochi

Plan Your Trip to Fort Kochi: Best of Fort Kochi Tourism

Essential fort kochi.

Fort Kochi Is Great For

Historical tours.

Ports of Call Tours

Eat & drink

• Forte Kochi
• Amritara The Poovath Beachfront Heritage, Fort Kochi
• Dutch Bungalow - The Heritage Hotel
• Hotel Arches
• The Old Courtyard Hotel
• Fort Paragon Restaurant
• LILA art Cafe
• Brunton Boatyard Restaurant
• Hotel Sea Gull
• Canvas Restaurant & Pizzeria
• Induz Ayur Care
• Praana Yoga Studio
• Aspinwall House
• Imran Perfumes
• FLAVOUR Cooking Class
• Full Day Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise
• Kochi Private Tour: Overnight Alleppey Backwaters Houseboat Cruise
• Funny and helpful Tuk Tuk Tour in Kochin
• Local Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour
• LITTLE KOCHI TUK-TUK TOURS With Pickup from Cruise Ships

+91 98460 43403

[email protected].

Get a flavour of the ancient European culture mixed with the local and rustic Kerala culture only at Fort Kochi. Contact Kerala.com Travel Division, Kochi, Kerala, India to plan your trip to Fort Kochi as well to any other place in Kerala....... More

“If China is where you make your money, then Cochin is surely the place to spend it.”

When Nicolas Conti, the legendary Italian traveller said this, Cochin was flourishing in trade as one of the most desirable destinations approachable by sea. And Fort Cochin, once an obscure fishing hamlet, found itself at the hub of all this bustling activity. It was soon to be the first European township in trade and one of the most glorious cities in the world.

Fort Cochin probably has the best preserved history of colonial times and the ideal way to see it come alive is to take a stroll down its old roads, with their tree-lined avenues and along the seashore – where magnificent Chinese fishing nets sketch a spectacular skyline. It is believed that Chinese travellers during the reign of Kublai Khan had introduced these nets to Cochin.

In AD 1341, a cataclysmic flood threw open the estuary at Cochin. Thanks to the strange ways of nature, out of this land-locked area was born one of the finest natural harbours of the east. This in turn paved the way for a deluge of seafaring visitors, from the Arabs to the Chinese and later, the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The last three have left their imprint on the façade of Fort Cochin to a greater extent.

The Portuguese Fort Cochin will transport you to the last years of the 15th century, when the adventurous Vasco Da Gama and the valiant Cabral were lured by the fabulous riches of the Malabar Coast and established flourishing trade relations.

In 1553, with the permission of Maharaja of Cochin, Fort Immanuel , the first European Fort in India was constructed here. Within its vast confines, the Portuguese built houses, churches and other buildings while generously contributing to the indigenous cultural fabric, the essence of which still endures.

The Dutch influence too is profound; they laid out most of the town in its present form. In doing this, they cut down the Fort to about a third of its original extent, when they wrested it from the Portuguese in AD 1663. During the Dutch era, Fort Cochin climbed the heights of fame as a rich commercial centre, major military base, an illustrious cultural hub, a noted ship building yard and an age old centre of Christianity.

Places to Visit in Kochi | Cochin Tourism

Widely known as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, Kochi/Cochin is a paradise for travelers who come in search of wonders. Kochi is one among the top rated international travel destinations where tourists can closely experience the glimpses of pre-historic, historic and modern era. Kochi is in fact the heart of God's own country – Kerala. It is the financial capital of the city with booming IT industry and various other trading endeavors as it is one of the chief port cities in the country. This cosmopolitan city has everything that can attract tourists irrespective of the seasons such as the comforts of a metro city, amazing beauty of nature, incredible culture, and so on. Be it an adventurous trip or a laid back holiday experience, Kochi tourism would never disappoint any of its visitors.

Historical Importance of Kochi

The known history of Kochi dates back to the 14th century, when we were under the colonial rule. In fact Kochi was the first European colony occupied by the Portuguese. After the Portuguese, the city was occupied by Dutch and British respectively, and made it a Princely state. Since it was the major port city, Kochi was considered to be the main center for the spice trade during that period. Greeks, Romans, Jews, Syrians, Arabs and Chinese were the main traders of spices. According to historians, the Kingdom of Kochi came into existence during the 12th century after the Chera Kingdom.

The specialty of this place was that many traders who came to this land, Jews being the prominent ones, later got settled here for various reasons. From the Portuguese rule Kochi went into the hands of the Dutch and later British. The Anglo-Dutch treaty of 1814 forced the Dutch rule to handover Kochi to the British rule. Under the British rule, the modern city started to develop with the large modern port and the largest man-made island called the Willington Island.

During the post independence era, the Kochi Maharaja agreed to join the Indian union and then in the year 1948 the royal state of Travancore-Kochi merged into the newly formed Indian Union. On your Kochi Tour , take the time out and do explore its historical grandeur.

Geographical Importance of Kochi

Kochi is located in the southwest part of the Ernakulam district. The geographic peculiarity of Kochi is that most of the areas in the city are at sea level with 48 kilometers of coastline. Cochin is also beautified with the astounding splendor of backwaters which attracts travelers from around the world. The major parts of the city are surrounded by water bodies and thus there are so many beautiful islands in and around the city to visit.

Because of being a coastal area the weather here is usually humid similar to that of Goa. The presence of Western Ghats on one side helps in getting a good amount of monsoon as well. The usual temperature here varies between 30°C to 35°C through the daytime and 25°C to 28°C through the nights. However the city experiences the best weather from mid September to mid March.

Sightseeing in Kochi

There are a number of places to visit in Cochin to experience the historical, cultural and geographic wonders. For travelers who are in quest of nature’s beauty, places like Cherai Beach, Vypeen Island, Fort Kochi Beach, Kodanad elephant Training Centre, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, and Marine Drive are must visits. The Indo-European style of architecture reflected in the old churches and temples of Cochin is a major attraction among visitors who come for Cochin tour . Santa Cruz Basilica, Church of Saint Francis, Vallarpadam Church, Kadamottom Church, St. Antony’s Shrine, Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Ernakulathappan Temple, Ettumanoor Shiva Temple, and Poornathrayesa Temple are a few of the most visited sightseeing places for its architectural wonders.

Travelers, who are enthusiastic about the colonial period and wish to closely understand the European inhabited community lifestyle, shall visit places like the Mattancherry Jews Street, Fort Kochi, Willington Island, Bolgatty Palace, Dutch Palace, Bastion Bungalow, VOC Gate, and David Hall and so on.

Apart from these splendid attractions, other places to see in Cochin include Famous art galleries, museums, amusement parks, for its visitors to have a wonderful time in the city.

Things to do in Kochi

Festivals being the major attraction for tourists, plan your Cochin tour to attend events like the Cochin Carnival during the New Year’s time, Onam Festival in the month of August or September, Shivaratri Mahotsavam at the Aluva Shiva temple and so on. Travelers can also experience the spectacular backwaters of Cochin in a grand houseboat ride through the Vembanattu Kayal.

Cochin has many shopping markets and places to satisfy its shopaholic visitors throughout the city. Tourists often buy antiques, traditional jewelries, apparel and spices when they visit Kochi. There are many art galleries, shopping malls, supermarkets, and textile showrooms where you could find all these. The Mattancherry Jews Street is one of the famous places for street shopping in Kochi where one can find anything to everything.

How to reach Kochi

Kochi being one of the main cosmopolitan cities in the country, is well connected with the rest of the country via air, rail, road and water. The Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery which handles international and domestic flights is just 28 kilometers from the city.

The city is well connected with the rest of India through road transport. There are many major national and state highways which connect the Southern and Northern India.

The Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division under the Southern Railway Zone of Indian Railways connects Kochi to other parts of the country through rail. The Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town are the two major railway stations in the city.

Kochi is one of the safest harbors in the Indian Ocean, which makes it one of the major seaports. Passenger ships to Colombo and Lakshadweep are run from Kochi under the State Water Transport Department.

Travel within the city is also hassle free for tourists as there is comfortable and cost effective public transport facility available from major sightseeing points. Road and water transport facilities are available for visitors to travel in and around the city.

Excited About Kerala?

Request A Call Back!

Top Destinations

Show All Places to Visit in Kerala

Top Hotel Collections

Hotels In Fort Kochi

Hotels Near Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi Tourism

Fort Kochi is a seaside town in the south-western part of Main Kochi which is known for its old-world colonial charm. The place still holds on to every single cultural change it has gone through over the centuries. We can see the remnants of British rule all over the country. The tourists' flock hear all around the year to have a glimpse of how Portuguese or Dutch colonialism affected parts of our country.

This quaint city is dotted with European structures and has an overall ambience that keeps reminding you of the colonial powers that once ruled over the place. Till date, it has the vibe of an ancient colonial city with its toy-town like streets, colourful and charming buildings and a picturesque view out at the beach - much like the small towns of southern Europe.

Top Places To Visit In Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi Beach

Chinese Fishing Nets

St Francis Church Kochi

Kerala Kathakali Centre

Kashi Art Cafe

Mattancherry Palace

Kochi Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Kerala Delight - Kochi Tour Package

Shimmering munnar, kochi & kumarakom package - houseboat stay, kerala tour packages 7 days - family edition, kerala tour package - kochi and munnar, wonderful kerala 6 nights honeymoon package - photoshoot in munnar, romantic honeymoon getaway: best kerala package for couples, top hotels in kochi.

₹ 2,175 onwards

₹ 399 onwards

₹ 594 onwards

₹ 1,600 onwards

₹ 2,500 onwards

₹ 680 onwards

Things to do in Fort Kochi by Neighbourhood

Top attractions in kochi.

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

• WEB STORIES New
• ENTERTAINMENT
• CAREER & CAMPUS
• INFOGRAPHICS
• ISL 2023-24

• Manorama Online
• Manorama News TV
• ManoramaMAX
• Radio Mango
• Subscription

Water Metro starts service to Fort Kochi

Kochi: The Kochi Water Metro has launched its service to Fort Kochi in a move expected to benefit the public as well as the tourists.

The Water Metro conducted its first service to Fort Kochi from High Court Terminal on Sunday with Kochi Metro Rail Ltd managing director Loknath Behera and celebrity travel vlogger Santhosh George Jacob onboard.

There was no formal inaugural function as the model code of conduct for the April 26 Lok Sabha elections is in place.

Condé Nast Traveller rates Kochi one of the best places to go in Asia in 2024; Here's why

Kochi Metro extends working hours for New Year, offers late night services

The ticket from High Court Junction to Fort Kochi is priced at Rs 40. Service will be conducted every 20 minutes.

The Kochi Metro which operates the services expect a huge number of tourists visiting Kochi to make use of the facility to reach Fort Kochi without worrying about traffic snarls.

The terminal at Fort Kochi, one of the major tourist attractions in Kochi, is the ninth one. The other terminals are Vyttila, High Court, Vypeen, Kakkanad, Bolgatty, South Chittoor, Cheranalloor, and Eloor. Kochi is the first city in India to launch a water metro service.

• Kochi Metro

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Expat voters from the Gulf arrive in chartered flights to cast votes

Why is Spain's Canary Islands protesting against tourism? Details

India’s first electric double – decker bus to be used for city tours in TVM

India to get air taxi services from 2026 onwards

What went wrong at Thrissur Pooram this year? Spectators recount

Navakerala bus to operate in Kozhikode-Bengaluru route

Mangaluru – Kottayam special train flagged off today, 43% more train trips this summer

KSEB fails in electrifying Punalur – Shenkottai electric line; Kerala might lose Vande Bharat

Good passenger turnout on day one

Visual Stories

• EXPERIENCE KERALA
• WHERE TO GO
• WHERE TO STAY
• THINGS TO DO
• PLAN YOUR TRIP
• TRAVEL CARE
• E BROCHURES
• E NEWSLETTER
• MICRO SITES

• E Brochures Download Mobile App Subscribe YouTube Channel Kalaripayattu
• Yathri Nivas Booking

Popular Destinations

Kerala videos, kerala photos, enchanting kerala, kerala tourism newsletter.

Proximity to the sea and the backwater has contributed to the culture and lifestyle of the people of Fort Kochi. History reckons the presence of the Arabs, the Chinese, the Dutch, the Portuguese and the British in Fort Kochi. A mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British style houses from the colonial periods line the streets of Fort Kochi. Some of them exhibit an architectural blend comprising European and the traditional Kerala style.

Jew Street A short walk from Mattancherry bus stand or from the boat jetty brings you to the Synagogue, situated at one end of the Jew Street at Mattancherry in Fort Kochi. The white facade of the synagogue is noted for its clock tower and a bell. Built in 1568 by the Malabar Yehudan people or Cochin Jewish community, the interior of the synagogue is noted for its glass chandeliers from Belgium and blue willow-patterned Chinese floor tiles. You would also find on the Jew Street, the spice market and a section occupied by tourist curio shops.

Jewish Cemetery Among the remaining symbols of Jews in Mattancherry is their cemetery. It has tombstones in Malayalam and Hebrew and is located at one end of the Jew Street.

Mattancherry Palace Mattancherry Palace with its medieval charm is situated on the Palace Road in Mattancherry. It was built by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma, the Raja of Kochi in 1555 AD. The Dutch carried out some extensions and renovations in the palace in 1663, and thereafter it was popularly called the Dutch Palace.

The palace is one of the most visited structures by travellers coming to Kochi. It is a landmark of Mattancherry with an architecture that exudes oriental style. It is marked by halls that are long and spacious and is also noted for the large number of murals, executed in the best traditions of temple art.

Jain Temple One of the attractions in Mattancherry is the sprawling premises of the Jain Temple. Built in 1960, the main idol here is of Bhagawan Shri Dharmanath, the 15th Jain Tirthankar. The temple occupies a fairly large area with three main blocks meant for prayers and offerings. The architecture of the temple structures typically resembles that of those found in the State of Gujarat.

Indo-Portuguese Museum Resting atop a small hillock, inside the Bishop House compound is the Indo-Portuguese Museum, where precious artifacts collected from various churches are displayed. The museum has five main sections viz., Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral. Among the displayed items here, you would find a piece of the altar made in teak wood (16th century) from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen; a chasuble (19th century) from the Bishop's House, Fort Kochi; processional cross, which is a combination of silver and wood (17th century) from Santa Cruz Cathedral, Fort Kochi and also Indo-Portuguese Monstrance (18-19th century) from The Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen.

Dutch Cemetery An interesting landmark that awaits you in Fort Kochi is the 284-year-old Dutch cemetery. The tombstones at the Dutch cemetery in Fort Kochi are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans, who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires. The cemetery was consecrated in 1724 and is today managed by St. Francis CSI Church, Fort Kochi. From the lighthouse, it is just a short walk for you to the cemetery. Koder House This magnificent building constructed by Samuel S. Koder of The Cochin Electric Company in 1808 is a supreme example of the transition from colonial to Indo-European architecture. Upon reaching this building, it is a three-storied heritage boutique hotel that awaits you. It is close to the beach at Fort Kochi. Until recently, it belonged to the most illustrious Cochin Jewish family - the Koders. Presidents, Prime Ministers, Viceroys, Ambassadors and prominent dignitaries have stayed at Koder House, which is a prominent structure among the heritage buildings of Fort Kochi

St. Francis Church A popular landmark of Kochi, the St. Francis church was originally built in timber by the Portuguese in 1503. It later got reworked with stone masonry. It is the oldest European church in India and has great historical significance in the backdrop of European colonial struggle in the sub-continent. The Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon. His tomb stone, however, still exists here.

Vasco House Walking on the Rose Street, close to the St. Francis Church, you would come across Vasco House, one of the oldest Portuguese houses in India and believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who reached Kerala in 1498. Built in the early sixteenth century, Vasco House sports the typical European glass paned windows and balcony-cum-verandahs characteristic of the times. These days, it functions as a home stay for travellers visiting Fort Kochi.

Santa Cruz Basilica Only a walking distance from Vasco House and located on the Bastion Street is the Santa Cruz Basilica. Built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida the first Portuguese Viceroy, the basilica is noted for its two lofty spires and a remarkably bright, white-washed exterior and a pastel-colored interior. The interiors of this basilica are mostly Gothic, with the main altar decorated by the famous Italian painter Br. Moschini S.J. and his disciple De Gama of Bangalore. Artistic grandeur of this basilica is enhanced by the columns decorated with frescoes and murals, the seven large canvas paintings on the passion and death on the Cross, especially the painting of the Last Supper, modelled on the famous painting of Leonardo da Vinci and the beautiful stained glass windows. Old Harbour House Once you locate Tower Road, which is close to the Princess Street, you wouldn't miss one of the elegant bungalows in Fort Kochi - the Old Harbour House. Built in 1808, the architectural style of the building is a blend of Dutch and Portuguese. It was the first hotel of old Cochin and used to house sailors. Later it served as a residence to the personnel of English tea-broking firms until it was left unused for a period of time. The restored Old Harbour House, now known as Old Harbour Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel and has kept intact the original facade and architectural elements.

Fort Kochi Beach With the towering Chinese fishing nets overlooking the Arabian Sea, Fort Kochi Beach is a popular place to hang out for locals and visitors. Besides the Chinese fishing nets, the beach is lined by small eateries and shops selling fresh catch from the sea. The beach is generally clean. At one end of the beach is a pretty Lighthouse. It was a fishing village before it got developed and formed part of the City of Kochi. The colorful carnival on New Year's Day is a major draw at the Fort Kochi Beach.

Chinese Fishing Nets A hallmark of Fort Kochi is the Chinese fishing nets. Locally known as Cheena vala you would find these majestic fishing nets dotting the Fort Kochi beach and other places nearby. The huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles.

Visiting Fort Kochi is like reliving the many facets of its history. This island served as home to many world cultures, that found it as a safe haven for many years. And for the modern day travellers it is still like a home away from home.

  Topics: Kochi   Ernakulam   Heritage   Beach   Palace  

Kerala Travel Mart 2024 Buyer Registration | Register Now

Kerala Tourism invites applications from lifeguards at various beaches in Kollam and Kozhikode

Domestic Partnership Meets 2023-24 | Register Now

International Trade Fairs and B2B Meet, Vietnam - Sep 2023 | Register Now

International Trade Fairs and Roadshows | Sep 2023 - Mar 2024

Kerala Tourism bags PATA Gold Award for its marketing campaign

Kerala Institute of Hospitality Management Rank list for the Post of Library Assistant, Assistant Professor, Lower Division Clerk

Kerala tops the list as the ‘Most Welcoming Region’ in India

• Classification Schemes
• Governmental Affairs
• Tourism Events
• Kerala at a Glance
• Travel Care
• Where to Stay
• Travel Tips

Specialities

• Kerala Food

Videos/Photos

• 360° Videos
• Royalty Free Photos

Subscribe Our Newsletter Get notified to Kerala Tourism events and activities

For business/trade/classifications and tenders please visit www.keralatourism.gov.in.

Movies & Music

• Forgot password
• My bookmarks
• travel kerala

Kozhikode-based firm among companies interested in Kerala–Gulf passenger ship service

23 april 2024, 08:11 am ist.

representational image | photo: PTI

Kochi: Three companies, including Kozhikode-based Jamal Ventures Private Limited, have expressed interest in starting a low-cost passenger ship service from Kochi to the Gulf countries. The other two companies are based in Chennai and Mumbai.

The interested companies had time until April 22, 2024, to submit their applications. The initial discussion about the passenger ship service was held in Kochi last month.

N S Pillai, the Maritime Board Chairman, informed that a decision regarding travel time, fare, and port renovation would be taken after holding talks with company representatives in the coming days.

The project envisions an affordable travel experience for those visiting the Gulf countries and foreigners who come to Kerala for medical tourism.

Along with this, the modernization of ports, including Beypore and Azhikkal, is also under consideration. Currently, large ships cannot anchor in these ports.

Share this Article

Related topics, travel kerala, gulf countries, get daily updates from mathrubhumi.com, related stories.

Director Joshiy’s house robbed; Jewellery worth Rs 1 crore reportedly stolen

Crisis averted: PVR resumes screening of Malayalam movies

I-T Department takes statements from MM Varghese, inspects CPM bank accounts

Kerala HC judge’s driver fatally attacked by gang dies of injuries; 4 held

Woman held for travel agency fraud in Kochi; Husband at large

In case you missed it.

Video of Thrissur Police Commissioner shouting at Pooram organisers surfaces

Thrissur Pooram row: Special branch report holds cops responsible  

Thrissur Pooram row: Amid flak, CM orders transfer of District Police Chief, ACP

More from this section.

Court denies anticipatory bail to Sathyabhama in caste abuse case against ...

Train services suspended | Here's the list

Thiruvananthapuram: A few train services ...

Kozhikode-based firm among companies interested in Kerala–Gulf passenger ...

72-year-old man in Kollam sentenced to 20 yrs imprisonment for abusing ...

Thrissur Pooram row: Amid flak, CM orders transfer of District Police Chief, ...

• Mathrubhumi News
• Media School

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Subscription
• Classifieds

© Copyright Mathrubhumi 2024. All rights reserved.

• Kerala News
• Shashi Tharoor
• M G Radhakrishnan
• SR Suryanarayan
• Mini Krishnan
• Movie Review
• Sports News
• Scholarships
• Agriculture

Click on ‘Get News Alerts’ to get the latest news alerts from

Kerala: Kochi Water Metro to start new service from High Court Junction to Fort Kochi today

K ochi: The Kochi Water Metro's new service will start from High Court Junction to Fort Kochi on Sunday( April 21). The fare of the service is Rs 40. The fourteenth boat for the Cochin Shipyard service was handed over the other day.

A ferry will operate every 20 to 30 minutes. Apart from this, the service will considerably benefit visitors to the city and those on vacation. The Kochi Water Metro started its service on April 25, 2023. After 11 months, the water metro has expanded its routes to 5 routes with 13 boats. Around  18,36,390 people used the service of Kochi Water Metro in the last 11 months.

Apart from a shortage of ferries, KWML had cited a delay in obtaining statutory clearances for the Fort Kochi terminal as one of the reasons for not expanding ferry service to the popular tourist destination, which features a row of a dozen Chinese fishing nets, colonial architecture, and homestays. A ferry port is now being built in Mattancherry, a heritage town nearby.  Kochi Water Metro has been able to become a model for the world in the field of sustainable water transport.