Kochi, India: Kerala’s Coastal Gem

When we think of Kerala, the most vivid shade of green comes to mind. This state in India is renowned for its jungles, plantations, and verdant backwaters. Kerala's coastal capital Kochi, also known as Cochin, was the next destination on our India itinerary after Mumbai. We spent 5 days discovering Kochi attractions that earned it a place on Conde Nast Traveler’s list of the Best Places to Go in Asia in 2024. The following stop on our itinerary - Sri Lanka, is on it too, by the way! So, whether you are into nature, culture, or history, Kochi has it all and more. Read on to find out all of the adventurous things to do in Kochi, appealing to every type of traveler.

Best Kochi Attractions

Fort Kochi

Known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, the port of Kochi was once a bustling place of trade. Today, the seafront area is still buzzing, but with visitors flocking to experience Fort Kochi and everything it has to offer – it is where all the main attractions are located, and if you want to have them at your fingertips, then staying in this area is key. Along the promenade, you will spot the landmark Fort Kochi was named after - Fort Immanuel, or what’s left of it that is. This former 15th-century Portuguese construction was destroyed with the arrival of the Dutch, and, although not visually striking, it is historically significant and worth the visit.

Kochi’s Artsy Side

Fort Kochi is very picturesque, colorful, and cheerful. It’s nearly impossible to have a bad day there. Make sure you are armed with your camera to capture the charming colonial Dutch, Portuguese, and British architecture and colorful murals. Speaking of art, if you are an art connoisseur, we suggest you align your visit with the Kochi-Muziris Biennale exhibition. It takes place every two years, during which renowned artists showcase their works in various mediums, transforming the city into a hub of creativity as the beautiful heritage buildings are turned into art galleries. Alternatively, combine your caffeine intake with admiring artwork at Kochi's gallery-style coffee shops. Our top favorite spots were Kashi Art Café, Pandhal Café & Deli, set in a 17th-century colonial building, and Pepper House, situated in a former spice warehouse. 

Keralan Cuisine

When you are not having your familiar favorites, you should be leaning into Keralan cuisine. The number one dish you must try during your stay in Kochi is onamsadhya. This traditional festive meal is a colorful spread of about twenty dishes laid out in neat piles on a banana leaf and is meant to be eaten with your hands. Usually vegetarian but sometimes featuring Kerala’s seafood, this generous array is like a rustic multi-course tasting menu, a celebration of flavors that allows you to experience the best of Kerala. There are plenty of restaurants serving sadhya in Kochi, but we went with HotelSaravana Bhavan, declaring to have the best one in town and with raving reviews to back the claim. It did not disappoint!

Chinese Fishing Nets

Take a stroll along the Fort Kochi Beach promenade and arrive at the most popular Kochi attraction – the Chinese fishing nets. These massive nets hanging off wooden piers over the water are a unique part of Kochi. Originally an ancient Chinese fishing method, it was brought to India in the 13th to 14th century and is still being used here to this day. We were lucky to visit during peak fishing season, which runs from January to February, and got to watch the nets being operated in full swing. The fishermen are excited to show off their skills to tourists and might even let you participate for a small tip! Stay until sunset to admire the best views in Kochi.

Jew Town

Kochi’s Jew Town, where a Jewish community once lived, is another popular place to visit in Kochi. Until the community left in the 1950s, they were considered the oldest Jewish settlement in India. Today, only a handful of Jewish people are based in Kochi, and the Jewish Quarters now serve as a tourist hub, full of markets, souvenir shops, and historic architecture. But some traces of a bygone era remain, so make sure to visit the intricate 400-year-old Paradesi Synagogue before strolling the laneways and shopping for keepsakes, souvenirs, and gifts; anything from jewelry, sunglasses, baggy pants to stunning antiques.

Vasco de Gama Square

Named after the Portuguese explorer who built Fort Kochi and established the spice route, Vasco de Gama Square is the heart of Kochi's historic district, home to some of the city’s most iconic structures that survived until today, unlike the fort. These include the glowing white Santa Cruz Basilica, which is just as stunning on the inside as it is outside, and an absolute must-visit – Church of St Francis, the first European church in India built in 1503 and the original burial place of Vasco de Gama.

Mattancherry Palace

Alternatively known as the Dutch Palace, this historic building was actually built by the Portuguese in 1545 and dedicated to the then King of Kochi. The nickname came later when the Dutch took over Kochi and the spice trade route and proceeded to make changes to the palace in 1663. The palace, which is in part a museum, is a stunning example of Kochi’s cultural heritage and colonial architecture and shouldn’t be missed on your Kochi itinerary.

Kathakali Performance

Out of all the unusual things to do in Kochi, watching a Kathakali performance has to be the most special. This ancient form of dance-drama dates back 300 years and is essentially a play that depicts religious and folk stories made even more impressive by characteristic costumes and makeup. The performance consists of mostly hand gestures, facial expressions, and bulging eyes, which is fascinating to follow and decipher the story without any dialogue. In Kochi, performances take place at the Kerala Kathakali Center Theater. We recommend arriving early to watch the dancers get ready for the performance, which happens publicly on stage and involves an explanation of the elaborate and naturally derived makeup routine that takes an entire hour. 

Ayurveda Experience

In India, you hear about Ayurveda often, but especially in Kerala, where this ancient form of medicine dominates the mainstream. Ayurveda originated in India thousands of years ago, and although its popularity declined in other states, Kerala’s abundant access to natural ingredients and favorable climate create a thriving environment for the practice. It is one of the best places in the world for you to experience Ayurveda in its purest form, and Kochi is brimming with Ayurvedic clinics and spas. Essentially, this ancient healing system focuses on balance and can be practiced through special cooking methods, hygiene rituals, and spa treatments. We went for the latter and wished it would never end. This oil-heavy massage and treatment is luxury and rejuvenation in every way, not to mention all of the amazing health benefits it brings. We were on cloud nine!

Day Trips from Kochi

Visit a Tea and Spice Plantation

One of the reasons to visit Kochi is not only to indulge in local tea and spices but also to learn about their production. Think, “fragrant cardamom and nose tingling peppercorns.” And the place to do that is Munnar, a town located about 4 hours inland from Kochi. Situated at 1,532 meters above sea level, the hills of Munnar are verdant and picturesque and, with a cool climate, have always been a popular summer retreat. Home to breathtaking landscapes, national parks, and tea and spice plantations, Munnar's nature is mesmerizing to explore and photograph. If we had more time to spare, we would have spent a few nights admiring the views, taking in fresh air, and learning more about the laborious process that goes into producing spice. But even as a day trip from Kochi, a visit to Munnar is a must. We recommend taking this tour, which includes plantation visits, nature immersion, and convenient pick up and drop off in Kochi.

Take a Backwater Boat Cruise

When it comes to visiting India, Kerala backwaters are a nonnegotiable on most travelers’ bucket lists, and for good reason. A day trip on a backwater boat cruise or an overnight trip in a houseboat is probably the most iconic thing to do during your stay in Kochi. There are also multi-day cruises you can book if you’d like to spend a few romantic days out on the water. Traversing a series of jungle-fringed canals that snake through Kerala, connecting lakes and lagoons, on a wooden boat is the most tranquil experience, and we were lucky enough to end our India itinerary on this note. Reach out to the concierge at your property to assist you with booking a day trip from Kochi, or opt into this pre-arranged backwater experience, where you get to witness daily life along the waterways and visit coconut palm weavers and coir makers.

With its blend of history and creative allure, Kochi offers a unique travel experience that leaves a lasting impression. We hope these Kochi attractions give you enough reason to add this incredible place to your India itinerary. You won’t regret it! Just make sure to read up on Essential Things to Know about Visiting India. And we are continuing our journey to the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ – Sri Lanka.