A Shoestring Budget 5-Day Itinerary to explore Cochin

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi Beach
   45 mins (13 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Famous for its giant Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi beach is an ideal spot for a relaxed evening by the sea. Explore the nearby stalls, street food and witness the sunset at the beach.

2. Day 2: Mattancherry Palace
   15 mins (4 km) from Fort Kochi Beach

   Visit the Portuguese Palace- Mattancherry Palace. With murals, weaponry, and portraits, it reflects a blend of traditional, colonial and modern architectural styles.

3. Day 3: Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum
   15 mins (4 km) from Mattancherry Palace

   Spend some time in the living museum that showcases the cultural diversity of Kerala through puppetry, art, costumes and other exhibits.

4. Day 4: Hill Palace Museum
   30 mins (12 km) from Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum

   One of the largest archaeological museums and the residence of the Kochi Royal Family, Hill Palace Museum now has a museum showcasing artefacts, manuscripts and royal portraits.

5. Day 5: Cherai Beach
   1 hr (28 km) from Hill Palace Museum

   Soak up in the sun, indulge in water sports or just relish local delicacies & fresh seafood sold by stalls at Cherai beach.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Chinese Fishing Nets (2 hours, free)
• Mattancherry Palace (2 hours, INR 5 for Indians and INR 100 for Foreigners)
• Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum (2 hours, INR 100 for Indians and INR 300 for Foreigners)
• Hill Palace Museum (2 hours, INR 30 for Indians and INR 150 for Foreigners)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 240 for Indians and INR 650 for Foreigners

Useful tips

If you have an extra day you can add the Indo-Portuguese Museum and the Paradesi Synagogue to your itinerary. If you can afford to splurge a little, then an Ayurvedic spa treatment or a traditional Kathakali dance performance should not be missed.

If you have less time, skip Cherai Beach and if you have more time, you can explore other beaches like Vypeen or Munambam beach.