4-Day Itinerary for Kochi

  1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
    30 minutes (9.4 km) from Kochi Airport

    Begin your Kochi journey by taking a stroll in the charming streets of Fort Kochi, which is famous for its colonial architecture and Dutch-inspired buildings. Visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India where the explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried. Then move to Chinese fishing nets, a famous tourist spot that depicts the Chinese influence on Kochi’s culture and economy. End your day with a beautiful sunset at the Fort Kochi Beach.

  2. Day 2: Mattancherry
    10 minutes (3.6 km) from Fort Kochi

    Head to Mattancherry palace, a museum showcasing the history and arts of Kerala. Then take a walk in Jewish street, which has a range of antique shops, spice markets and cafes serving local cuisine. Visit the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, Paradesi Synagogue, built-in 1568 and is magnificently decorated. Finish the day by taking a ferry ride to the nearby island of Willingdon.

  3. Day 3: Hill Palace Museum, Ernakulam
    40 minutes (14.1 km) from Fort Kochi

    Start your day with a visit to the Hill Palace Museum, which showcases a huge collection of artifacts from the royal families of Kochi. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of this place. Then head over to the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, a serene environment that houses various bird and animal species. End your day at the Lulu Mall, the largest shopping mall in India.

  4. Day 4: Cherai Beach
    1 hour 20 minutes (27.9 km) from Hill Palace Museum

    Spend your final day at the Cherai Beach, a pristine beach that is known for its golden sands and clear waters. Relax and soak up the sun or indulge in water adventure activities such as snorkeling, surfing, and fishing. In the evening, visit the Mattupetty Dam, a serene location with stunning views of mountain ranges and greenery. You can also take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Fort Kochi (0.00, Free)
  • St. Francis Church (1.00, Free)
  • Chinese fishing nets (1.00, Free)
  • Fort Kochi Beach (1.00, Free)
  • Mattancherry Palace (1.30, INR 25)
  • Jewish street (1.00, Free except for shopping and dining)
  • Paradesi Synagogue (0.50, INR 5)
  • Willingdon island ferry ride (0.30, INR 4)
  • Hill Palace Museum, Ernakulam (2.00, INR 30)
  • Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary (1.00, Free)
  • Lulu Mall (2.00, Free except for shopping and dining)
  • Cherai Beach (4.00, Free except for water adventure activities)
  • Mattupetty Dam (2.00, Free except for boat ride)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 64

Useful tips:

If you have more time, visit the famous Kerala Folklore Museum and the Bolgatty Palace. For foodies, try out the local cuisine at Hotel Rahmaniya or Fort House Restaurant. If you have less time, try to do a Kochi day tour by hiring a cab or autorickshaw at reasonable rates. Avoid rainy seasons as many tourist spots close down at this time.

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