Fort Kochi, situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea, is the perfect start to your Kochi trip. Begin by exploring the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, where the legendary explorer Vasco da Gama was buried before his remains were moved to Lisbon. Next, visit the Dutch Palace to see the stunning murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Finally, take a stroll down the Chinese Fishing Nets that line the coast of Fort Kochi and try your hand at fishing with the locals.
Mattancherry, a neighbouring area to Fort Kochi, is a must-see for history lovers. Start at the Jewish Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Next, explore the Mattancherry Palace to see the royal family’s erstwhile official residence, which contains some of the finest murals in India. Finally, wander through Jew Town and visit its many shops selling antiques, spices and local handicrafts.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Hill Palace Museum and the Kerala Folklore Museum. If you have less time, you can skip the Dutch Palace and Jew Town. Kochi can get very hot and humid, so make sure to carry water and wear light, comfortable clothing.