A Shoestring Budget Day in Fort Kochi

  1. 8:00AM: Kerala Kathakali Centre
    5 minutes (0.2 km) from Fort Kochi Beach

    Kerala Kathakali Centre offers an introduction to the traditional Indian dance form of Kathakali including elaborate costumes, facial makeup and storytelling. The centre also features a range of Indian martial art performances along with an exhibition gallery.

  2. 9:30AM: Fort Kochi Beach
    6 minutes (2.2 km) from Kerala Kathakali Centre

    Enjoy the stunning views of the harbor and Chinese fishing nets, this serene and pristine beach is a must-visit. You can spend some fun time here and take a walk on the seashore.

  3. 11:30AM: St. Francis CSI Church
    6 minutes (2.5 km) from Fort Kochi Beach

    The church is one of the oldest in India, established in the early 1500s. A landmark in the area, the church withstood Portuguese and Dutch invasions and served as the final resting place for Vasco da Gama, the first European explorer to reach the Indian shores.

  4. 1:00PM: Fort Kochi Fish Market
    7 minutes (2.3 km) from St. Francis CSI Church

    The air in Fort Kochi's busy commercial fishing port is thick with the smell of salt and fish. While exploring the city, it's worth stopping at this market to see the variety of fresh seafood available.

  5. 2:30PM: Mattancherry Palace
    8 minutes (3.8 km) from Fort Kochi Fish Market

    Also known as Dutch Palace, this is a Portuguese palace built in the 16th century. The complex now houses galleries filled with murals and artefacts relating to the history of Cochin and its neighbours.

  6. 4:30PM: Paradesi Synagogue
    6 minutes (2.3 km) from Mattancherry Palace

    One of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth, the Paradesi Synagogue was built in the early 1500s in a mix of Dutch, Portuguese and Jewish styling. The synagogue still holds prayer services daily and is open to visitors for most of the day.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kerala Kathakali Centre (1 hour, INR 200)
  • Fort Kochi Beach (2 hours, free)
  • St. Francis CSI Church (30 mins, free)
  • Fort Kochi Fish Market (1 hour, free)
  • Mattancherry Palace (2 hours, INR 100)
  • Paradesi Synagogue (1 hour, INR 50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 350

Useful tips

If you have additional time, consider visiting the Chinese Fishing Nets or exploring Fort Kochi's art galleries. If you have less time, consider skipping the fish market or synagogue. Don't forget to try traditional cuisines at local eateries near the beach.

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