Kochi Day Trip Itinerary - June 2023

1. 9:00AM: St. Francis Church
   5 minutes (0.3 miles) from Fort Kochi Beach

   St. Francis Church is one of the oldest European churches in India. It was built in 1503 and was the original burial site of Vasco da Gama until his remains were taken to Portugal. The church boasts of an impressive architecture and serene ambience and is definitely worth a visit.

2. 10:00AM: Fort Kochi Beach
   8 minutes (0.5 miles) from St. Francis Church

   Fort Kochi Beach is a popular tourist spot and a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, sand and sea. There are plenty of shacks and restaurants serving delicious seafood. The beach is also a great spot to watch the Chinese fishing nets in action.

3. 11:30AM: Dutch Palace
   15 minutes (2.1 miles) from Fort Kochi Beach

   The Dutch Palace, also known as Mattancherry Palace, is a beautiful palace built by the Portuguese and presented to the then Cochin Raja in 1555. The palace is known for its stunning murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and other Hindu legends.

4. 1:00PM: Lunch at Oceanos Restaurant
   7 minutes (1 mile) from Dutch Palace

   Oceanos is a popular restaurant serving delicious seafood and Indian cuisine. The restaurant has a great ambience and is perfect for a leisurely lunch.

5. 2:00PM: Hill Palace Museum
   25 minutes (8.2 miles) from Oceanos Restaurant

   The Hill Palace Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and was once the residence of the Cochin Royal Family. The museum boasts of a vast collection of artefacts and antiques, including the famous Kerala murals.

6. 4:00PM: Paradesi Synagogue
   30 minutes (11 miles) from Hill Palace Museum

   The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Built-in 1567, the synagogue is known for its exquisite chandeliers and hand-painted Chinese tiles.

7. 5:00PM: Kerala Folklore Museum
   10 minutes (3.1 miles) from Paradesi Synagogue

   The Kerala Folklore Museum is a must-visit for those interested in the history and culture of Kerala. The museum showcases a vast collection of artefacts, including masks, sculptures, musical instruments, and weapons.

Recommendations

If you have time, consider taking a day trip to Athirapally Waterfalls, located about 70 kilometres from Kochi. The waterfalls are a popular tourist spot and have been featured in many Indian movies. You can also take a boat ride through the serene backwaters of Kochi and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

To make the most of your time in Kochi, it's recommended to book a local guide who can show you around and provide valuable insights into the history and culture of the city.

Time and Costs Estimates

• St. Francis Church (30 minutes, free)
• Fort Kochi Beach (1 hour, 500 INR for two people)
• Dutch Palace (1 hour, 50 INR per person)
• Lunch at Oceanos Restaurant (1 hour 30 minutes, 1000 INR for two people)
• Hill Palace Museum (1 hour 30 minutes, 30 INR per person)
• Paradesi Synagogue (1 hour, 5 INR per person)
• Kerala Folklore Museum (1 hour 30 minutes, 100 INR per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: 1685 INR (for two people)

For hotel and flight bookings, check out https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo