3-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Cochin

  1. Day 1: Fort Kochi Beach
    30 minutes (7.5 miles) from Cochin Airport

    Start the day at India's oldest European-built church, the St. Francis Church built in 1503, where Vasco Da Gama was buried before his remains were taken back to Portugal. Then walk along the picturesque Fort Kochi Beach which offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Chinese Fishing Nets. Next, visit The Kerala Kathakali Centre to experience the famous traditional Indian Kathakali dance performance. End the day at Taste of Fort Kochi, trying the local seafood delicacies.

  2. Day 2: Hill Palace Museum
    40 minutes (13.5 miles) from Fort Kochi Beach

    Begin the day with a visit to Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple and seek blessings from the reigning deity, Goddess Rajarajeshwari. Then head over to Hill Palace Museum, the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. The palace has 1,300 artifacts on display, including the crown and ornaments of the Maharaja of Cochin. Take a boat ride through the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary in the afternoon to see migratory birds and other wildlife. End the day with a cultural experience at the Kerala Folklore Museum, showcasing traditional artifacts and performances.

  3. Day 3: Wonderla Amusement Park
    30 minutes (10 miles) from Hill Palace Museum

    Spend the day at Wonderla Amusement Park, a thrilling entertainment destination with over 50 rides. The park also offers several facilities like a wave pool, rain disco, and virtual reality experiences. In the evening, watch a performance of Kerala Natanam at the Kerala Fine Arts Hall, showcasing an amalgamation of Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and Folk dances. End the day with a delicious dinner at the Cassava Restaurant, serving Indian and International cuisine.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • St. Francis Church (1 hour, free)
  • Fort Kochi Beach (2 hours, free)
  • The Kerala Kathakali Centre (1 hour, INR 400 per person)
  • Taste of Fort Kochi (1.5 hours, INR 800 for two people)
  • Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Hill Palace Museum (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
  • Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 20 per person)
  • Kerala Folklore Museum (1.5 hours, INR 100 per person)
  • Wonderla Amusement Park (6-8 hours, INR 1000 per person)
  • Kerala Fine Arts Hall (2 hours, INR 200 per person)
  • Cassava Restaurant (1.5 hours, INR 1200 for two people)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 3080

Useful Tips

For those with more time, consider taking a backwater cruise along the Alleppey canals. If visiting during monsoons, pack a raincoat and waterproof shoes. Families with young children may want to swap the amusement park for a visit to the Kerala Science and Technology Museum in the heart of Cochin. Those with less time can skip the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary and Kerala Folklore Museum, and instead explore the local markets or enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic spa session.

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