5-Day Comprehensive Cultural and Coastal Exploration of Cochin, India

Day 1: Historic Fort Kochi

Cochin, India on July 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Enjoy a delightful breakfast in a vibrant café known for its art and freshly brewed coffee, offering various healthy options and freshly baked pastries.
INR350, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Chinese Fishing Nets

Witness the iconic and historic Chinese fishing nets along the Fort Kochi beach, a perfect spot for photography and observing the unique fishing method used here.
Free, 0h45m

10:30am

St. Francis Church

Explore India’s oldest European church, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried. It showcases beautiful colonial architecture and historic significance.
INR10, 0h30m

11:15am

Santa Cruz Basilica

Visit this majestic basilica featuring Gothic architecture and beautiful frescoes that narrate Christian history in Cochin.
Free, 0h45m

12:15pm

Lunch at Fort House Restaurant

Savour traditional Kerala seafood dishes with a scenic view of the sea at this highly-rated restaurant within the historic Fort Kochi area.
INR800, 1h15m

1:45pm

Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace)

Explore the Dutch Palace, famous for its Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art and portraits of the Rajas of Kochi.
INR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue

Wander through Jew Town’s narrow lanes filled with spice markets and antiques, and visit the historic Paradesi Synagogue dating back to 1568.
INR50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at the beach promenade

Enjoy an evening stroll beside the calm Arabian Sea, soaking in the sunset views and local atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Indulge in authentic Kerala cuisine on a floating restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and traditional flavours.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 2: Mattancherry and Culture

Cochin, India on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at K’ashi Art Café

Start your day with a healthy breakfast amidst artistic surroundings, offering coffee and fresh juices.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Mattancherry Spice Market

Explore the bustling spice market, a feast for the senses with exotic spices, herbs, and local products unique to Kerala.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Kerala Folklore Museum

Visit this museum dedicated to the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, exhibiting traditional costumes, masks, and performing arts artefacts.
INR100, 1h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Dal Roti

Enjoy delicious North Indian and Mughlai cuisine in a homely atmosphere, ideal for a midday meal in Mattancherry.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Indo-Portuguese Museum

Discover the Portuguese influence on the region through exhibits of furniture, costumes, and religious artefacts.
INR50, 1h0m

2:45pm

Walk to Fort Kochi Beach

Return towards Fort Kochi for a relaxed beach walk and explore local cafes and souvenir shops.
Free, 1h15m

4:00pm

Kerala Kathakali Centre (Kathakali Performance)

Watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing colourful costumes and elaborate facial makeup. Performances typically start around 4:30pm and run for about 1.5 hours.
INR300, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Oceanos Restaurant

Treat yourself to fresh seafood and Indian delights in a charming seafront setting, known for excellent service and ambiance.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 3: Modern Cochin

Ernakulam, India on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Asian Kitchen by Tokyo Bay, Marine Drive

Enjoy a fusion breakfast offering a mix of Asian and continental dishes overlooking the scenic Vembanad Lake.
INR400, 1h0m

9:15am

Marine Drive Walk

Take a leisurely walk along Marine Drive, with views of the backwaters, boats, and the iconic Rainbow Bridge.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Subhash Park

A peaceful park ideal for relaxation, great views of the Cochin harbour with a fountain and boat rides available.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Shopping at Lulu Mall

Explore one of India’s biggest shopping malls with a vast variety of shopping, entertainment, and dining options.
Free entry, shopping costs vary, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Barbeque Nation, Lulu Mall

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet experience specializing in grilled delicacies with a lively atmosphere.
INR900, 1h30m

3:15pm

Visit Hill Palace Museum

Explore Kerala’s largest archaeological museum showcasing royal collections including sculptures, paintings and antiques.
INR50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening coffee at KCR

Relax with a traditional Indian filter coffee and snacks in one of the oldest coffee shops in Ernakulam.
INR100, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dhe Puttu

Experience authentic Kerala cuisine specializing in puttu dishes, a local favourite known for flavour and quality.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 4: Willingdon Island & Backwaters

Cochin, India on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Trident

Luxury breakfast with views of the backwaters, offering a broad selection of continental and Indian dishes.
INR800, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Willingdon Island

Visit the maritime museum, naval base (subject to permission), and admire the modern shipping harbour views.
Free, 2h0m

11:45am

Kerala Backwaters Boat Ride

Enjoy a serene boat ride through the peaceful backwaters departing from Willingdon Island, witnessing rural life and lush scenery. Best booked in advance.
INR1200, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Fusion Bay

Taste fusion seafood and continental dishes in a cosy atmosphere near the water.
INR700, 1h0m

3:15pm

Visit Bolgatty Palace

Explore this Dutch-era palace surrounded by gardens on Bolgatty Island, now a heritage hotel.
INR100, 1h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Marine Drive

Head back for a beautiful sunset on Marine Drive, capturing the city skyline and bustling harbour.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Fusion Bay

Return for a delectable seafood dinner featuring local spices and fresh ingredients.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 5: Athirappilly Waterfalls Day Trip

Cochin, India on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast to prepare for a day trip outside the city.
INR600, 0h45m

7:45am

Depart for Athirappilly Waterfalls

Travel approximately 70 kms east from Cochin to the magnificent Athirappilly Waterfalls, nicknamed the 'Niagara of India.'
Transport approx. INR1500, 2h0m

10:00am

Visit Athirappilly Waterfalls

Enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of Kerala’s largest waterfall, amidst rich forest surroundings. Ideal for nature walks and photography.
INR50, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at a local restaurant near Athirappilly

Savour traditional Kerala meals featuring freshly caught fish and tropical flavours.
INR700, 1h0m

1:15pm

Visit nearby Vazhachal Waterfalls

A short distance from Athirappilly, this waterfall offers a quieter, scenic spot to continue exploring the area.
Free, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Cochin

Head back for an evening arrival in Cochin to relax after a full day of sightseeing.
Included in transport cost, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax and unwind at the hotel

Take time to relax or enjoy hotel amenities after the day trip.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Ginger House Restaurant

Celebrate your last night with a meal at this popular restaurant known for authentic Kerala cuisine and lovely ambience in Fort Kochi.
INR1000, 1h30m