BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KOCHI!
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is the largest city in Kerala which is made up of small islands and peninsulas along the south-west coastline of India which is part of the Arabian Sea.
Kochi has been a port since the mid-1300’s when a massive flood carved out its harbor and opened it up to merchants from Arabia, China and Europe.
I spent one day exploring the Fort Kochi region and have put together this one day guide of the 3 Best Places To Visit In Kochi to help you plan your trip!
Have you got travel insurance for India? I know that nobody likes to talk about this stuff but accidents can happen and having World Nomads Insurance can save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.
HOW TO GET TO KOCHI
By Plane:
Arriving by plane to Kochi International is the easiest and most convenient option to begin your adventures in Kochi.
I search and book all of my flights on Skyscanner.com which is the best online flight directory to find the cheapest and most convenient flights in India.
Search All ∼ Flights to Kerala on Skyscanner.com
By Train:
Alternatively, the most common route of getting to Cochin is from Goa. There are trains from Goa to Kochi on a daily basis. Be sure to book online in advance to secure your seat on the train. I would recommend travelling in 1st class as these carriages have air-conditioning.
Search All ∼ Trains to Kochi on 12Go Asia
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KOCHI
Kochi has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Kochi to fit the needs of budget backpackers and luxury travelers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Grand Hyatt Kochi
Mid Range: Dutch Bungalow
Budget: The Fort Bungalow
For all other accommodations in Cochin, Click Here to search on Booking.com
GETTING AROUND KOCHI
One of the best ways to get around in order to check out all of the best places to visit in Kochi is by tuk-tuk.
The minimum cost for a tuk-tuk ride is 30 rupees for up to 2km and for a 5km ride, the cost is around 100 rupees.
Another great way to get around to see all the best places in Kochi is by making use of the local ferries that frequent the waterways in the region. Local ferries cost no more than 5 rupees per ride.
Nomatic Travel Bag: Best travel bag in the world! The Nomatic 40L Travel Bag is a game changer and perfect for all adventures. With an incredible organization system that enables you to pack more in less space, this carry-on size bag will change the way you travel!
Tuk-tuk – Places to visit in Kochi
3 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KOCHI
#1 CHINESE FISHING NETS
A visit to the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets along the shoreline of Fort Kochi beach is one of the best places to visit in Kochi. These Chinese fishing nets are arguably the most popular tourist attractions in Kochi which are greatly photographed, especially at sunset.
The origin of the nets is still debated upon. Some say the Kochi Chinese fishing nets were introduced during the 14th century by the famous Chinese explorer, Zheng He.
Others say that the design of the nets was brought in by the Portuguese who colonized Kochi in the 16th century.
Irrespective of who brought them in first, the Chinese fishing nets are a significant symbol of the rich exchange of culture during that time.
These shore-operated Chinese fishing nets work on simple physics, much like a weighing balance going up and down according to the weights placed on it.
The elegant construction of the Chinese fishing nets are made up of bamboo, teak wood and ropes and it takes usually a team of five to six men to operate the nets on the platform.
Also, along the shoreline of Fort Kochi beach, you can find street vendors serving up the best catches of the day!
Search All ∼ Hotels, Hostels & Resorts in Kochi
Fort Kochi Beach – Places to visit in Kochi
#2 ST. FRANCIS CHURCH
The St. Francis Church is another one of the best places to visit in Kochi on your Kochi sightseeing route. Built in the early 1500s, the St. Francis Church is believed to be the oldest European-built church in India.
The St. Francis Church’s claim to fame is for being the burial place of the late Portuguese explorer, Vasco De Gama, when he died in 1524. Although his remains were relocated to Lisbon, his tombstone at the St. Francis Church Kochi attracts hundreds of visitors every year.
The St. Francis Church is well known for its Portuguese and Dutch influences and it is an architectural marvel in itself. There are also a few street-side vendors out the front of the church selling nic nacs, souvenirs, snacks and fresh coconuts.
Free ∼ $40 Airbnb discount!
St. Francis Church Kochi – Paces to visit in Kochi
#3 PARADESI SYNAGOGUE
The Paradesi Synagogue is most famous for being the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth and it is a must-see attraction on your list of places to visit in Kochi. This Jewish Synagogue is located in Jew Town, Mattancherry.
Built in 1568, the Paradesi Synagogue was most frequented by Jews from Europe and the Middle East. The synagogue features a gold-painted pulpit, rare antiques, a mesmerizing Belgian chandelier, patterned floor tiles and an impressive clock tower.
The way to the Paradesi Synagogue leads you down narrow laneways lined with souvenir stores and colorful overhead street decorations. Be sure to add the Pardesi Synagogue to your itinerary as it’s one of the best tourist spots in Kochi!
The Paradesi Synagogue is open every day except Fridays and Saturdays, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Search All ∼ Hotels, Hostels & Resorts in Kochi
Paradesi Synagogue – Best places to visit in Kochi
Colorful laneways – Fort Kochi places to visit
Paradesi Jewish Synagogue – Places to visit in Kochi
BEST TIME TO VISIT KOCHI
The best time to visit Kochi, weather-wise, is in the winter months between October and February. During this time, temperatures are on average between 17°C and 33°C.
Summer in Kochi, March to June, sees soaring temperatures of up to 37°C and it’s not the most ideal time to travel in Cochin.
Also, definitely try to avoid the monsoon season in Kochi which is between July and September.
KOCHI MAP
MORE KERALA TRAVEL GUIDES
- Jadayu Para: Jadayu Para – World’s Largest Bird Statue
- Kerala Backwaters: Kerala Backwaters Tour
- Kochi: Best Things To Do In Kochi
- Munnar: Trekking In Munnar
- Periyar: Periyar National Park Safari
- Athirappilly: Athirappilly Falls
AIRBNB KOCHI
Another option for accommodation in Kochi is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals!
WANT TO SAVE $$$ ON AIRBNB? GET MY AIRBNB MONEY SAVING GUIDE
LONELY PLANET – INDIA
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet India Travel Guide!
BUY NOW ON AMAZON → LONELY PLANET INDIA
JOIN MY FACEBOOK TRAVEL TRIBE
Do you have any questions about places to visit in Kochi?
Join my Facebook Travel Tribe and send a message at any time for a quick response!
WHAT TO PACK FOR KERALA
Everyday Backpack: One of the best backpacks on the market! The Nomatic 20L Backpack is perfect for on the go adventures. Featuring multiple storage spaces for valuables, drink bottles, chargers, notebooks and more. This sleek backpack was designed for you.
Universal Power Adapter: Don’t leave home without one! I highly recommend getting this Universal Power Adapter so that you are able to charge all of your electronics when you’re on the road. Compatible in Asia, UK, Europe, Africa, USA, SA and Australia.
Hidden Money Belt: I never go on a trip without one! The best thing is they are always out of sight, hidden beneath your clothing. With RFID blocking, they are perfectly designed to keep your credit cards, cash and other valuables safe when you’re out adventuring!
Waterproof Phone Case: A waterproof phone case is a must-have item! This universal case will keep your phone safe from water damage, sand and scratches during your adventures. Suitable for all smartphone models.
Portable Charger: One of the best portable chargers on the market! The Anker Power Bank keeps your phone and accessories charged on those longer adventures. Featuring 2 USB charging ports, rechargeable battery, works with iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Oppo and Android.
Microfibre Travel Towel: To pack a towel or not to pack a towel? A standard bathroom towel can take up a lot of space in your travel bag. Get your hands on a quick-dry Microfibre Travel Towel which is perfect for the beach, backpacking, camping and general traveling.
Rain Jacket: A light-weight rain jacket is an absolute must when traveling! North Face waterproof rain jackets come in both men and women sizes, featuring a breathable mesh lining and adjustable hood that can be tucked away inside the collar.
Kindle: The best alternative for books! Kindle e-readers are perfect for long haul flights, reading on the beach or a quiet evening away from the bars. Kindle’s are waterproof with rechargeable batteries and adjustable light settings to suit indoor/outdoor conditions.
Packing Cubes: My favorite item in my backpack! Perfect for organizing your shirts, pants, jackets, socks, underwear and more. This 5 Set Packing Cubes makes packing easier and more efficient, adding extra space in your bag for your next trip.
Activated Charcoal Tablets: Want to avoid food poisoning? Most of us have been a victim of travelers diarrhea from eating street food. Organic Activated Charcoal Tablets are fast-acting and will rid your system of the bad bacteria that causes stomach upset.
MY CAMERA GEAR
Everyday Camera: The most affordable mirrorless camera on the market! I personally use the Sony A7ii Mirrorless Camera on all of my adventures. It’s compact, lightweight and super easy to use for all levels of photography. A 28-70mm Sony lens is also included.
Drone Camera: Take your photography to new heights! The DJI Mavic Pro 2 Drone is at the top of the game when it comes to high-quality images and video, easy to control functions and traveler-friendly capabilities. I guarantee you won’t regret purchasing one.
GoPro Hero 8: One of the most popular cameras on the planet! I love using the GoPro Hero 8 for all of my underwater shots and fast-paced adventures. The GoPro Hero 8 captures the best moments with its wide range of functions that are very simple to use!
Camera Bag: My favorite camera bag I have ever owned! The Lowepro Protactic 450 AW II Camera Bag features a waterproof rain cover, drink bottle holder, padded compartments for cameras, drones, lenses, accessories and it also has a laptop pocket.
Selfie Stick: Everyone loves a good selfie, right!? The Sandmarc Metal Edition Selfie Stick is sleek, stylish and can extend to 1.2m. I find it much easier to take photos and videos with the GoPro when it is mounted to the Sandmarc Selfie Stick!
Camera Tripod: The Joby GorillaPod is suitable for all cameras. This tripod is easy to use and perfect for setting up a time-lapse video or even using it as a selfie stick. The legs are flexible so you can wrap it around a tree or a pole to get creative with your shot.
GoPro Dome: Have you ever wanted to capture those under/over water shots with the GoPro? This epic underwater GoPro dome housing is the best camera accessory to have to create the perfect 50/50 shot. I use mine every time I am in the ocean!
Memory Card: The best thing about SanDisk Extreme Pro is that it delivers maximum speed for images and videos. Having 64GB of storage means that you can store hundreds of files on this SD card for 2-3 days and not have to worry about running out of space.
External Hard Drive: As a photographer, my images and video files take up a lot of space on my MacBook so I use the WD Elements External Hard Drive to store everything. With 4TB worth of storage space, this is more than enough for 1 years worth of content.
ONLINE ENGLISH TEACHING
Do you want to travel full-time and get paid along the way?
Teaching English online is one of the easiest and most flexible jobs out there! Become a Digital Nomad, choose your own hours and work remotely from anywhere in the world by teaching English online. All you need is a laptop, good WiFi connection, a TEFL certificate and you’re good to go!
Click here to obtain your TEFL certificate with MyTefl
MY SHOP
Before you go, don’t forget to check out My Online Shop!
I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
SEE MORE → MY SHOP
FINAL THOUGHTS OF PLACES TO VISIT IN KOCHI
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about the best places to visit in Kochi, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can!
Happy Adventuring!
↓ PIN IT FOR LATER ↓
During my last visit, I could only spend 2 hours at Fort Kochi beach and sadly I end up visiting just Mattancherry Palace Museum.
Have you been to there? it was such an amazing place depicting the history of Kochi and the ancient Travankor state.
Author
Hi there, no I haven’t been there unfortunately, only the three spots in the article I had the chance to visit!