Kochi
Photo: Kno-Biesdorf (CC BY-SA 4.0)Kerala's port city: colonial Fort Kochi and Mattancherry with Chinese fishing nets, churches and the Paradesi Synagogue, plus the modern Ernakulam mainland.
Spend at least two full days: one on foot or by bicycle in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, one for Ernakulam, Marine Drive and a ferry ride. October to March is best; November to February is peak.
November: Rains end; season opens
When to go
Things to do
- Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi beach
- St Francis Church
- Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace murals
- Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town
- Santa Cruz Basilica
- Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura
- Kathakali show
- Ferry ride across the harbour
- Cherai Beach
Top sights
Indian Naval Maritime Museum
Built by the Indian Navy, the museum has many life-size exhibits, a huge display of naval arms and ammunition, replicas of large naval ships and personalities. One section inside a military bunker unravels India's shipbuilding prowess, which took its culture to the shores of Java
Kerala Museum Art Gallery
Mattancherry Dutch Palace
Fort Kochi to Ernakulam
30 services per day.
Mattancherry to Ernakulam via Fort Kochi
Duration 20 min.
Vypeen to Ernakulam via Willingdon Island
Every 30 min.
David Hall
This 315 year-old Dutch bungalow was the official residence of Dutch Army commanders, the most famous being Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede tot Draakestein, who authored Horticus Malabaricus. The complex belongs to the Netherlands Govt. agency CNO which has been renovated to open a la
Dutch Palace
Constructed by the Portuguese in 1568 as a gift to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma, after he granted permission to construct Fort Immanuel. During the Dutch siege of Cochin, many parts of the original palace were destroyed. However, the Dutch Governor repaired the pala
Kashi Art Gallery
is both an art gallery and a cafe that serves light breakfasts and lunches. The gallery exhibits work by popular contemporary Indian artists.
Jew Street and Paradesi Synagogue
The synagogue was constructed in 1568 after allowing Jewish refugees from Jerusalem to settle here during the Crusades, making this the Commonwealth's oldest synagogue. This is one of the very few functioning synagogues in India, and the structure is unique due to the influence o
Holy Cross (Coonan Kurisu) Church
Historic church where native Christians had once received the Bishop of Persia and declared their affinities to the Orthodox Eastern Church. Here, Malayali Christians in the 17th century revolted against Portuguese Jesuit missionaries' attempts to convert them to the Latin church
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
The first European church built in Asia, by the Portuguese in 1502, also the first Cathedral of Asia and the seat of the second Catholic Diocese in India. The British modified the structure and added oil paintings. Today, it serves as the primary seat of the Latin church of Keral
Nature and outdoors
Subhash Bose Park
One of the largest parks in Kochi.
P.R Mathew park
Lakeshore Hospital
One of the most high tech hospital in South India famous for its innovative, modern medical treatment. Has various specialised departments including cancer care treatment and bone/neuro treatment. The cardiac division has the latest facilities and highly qualified dcotors. There
Veli Park
Nehru Childrens Park
Childrens Playground, Vypeen
TM Muhammed park
Thamarakullam Park, Amaravathy
T. D. High School ground
Tirumala Devaswom High School,Mattanchery
Priyadarshini Park
Pallathuraman Park, Fort Kochi Veli
Where to eat
Shopping
Nearby
Other destinations close to Kochi.