4-Day Itinerary for Cochin

  1. Day 1: Explore Historic Cochin
    10 minutes (4.3 km) from Cochin International Airport

    Start your day with a visit to the Fort Kochi Beach, where you can watch the fishermen at work and try some fresh seafood. Next, walk over to the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Afterward, take a stroll through the bustling Jew Town Market and admire the eclectic mix of shops and merchandise. End your day with a sunset view of the Chinese Fishing Nets and a delicious seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.

  2. Day 2: Explore Cochin's Colonial Past
    30 minutes (11.8 km) from Fort Kochi Beach

    Start your day with a visit to the Dutch Palace, also known as Mattancherry Palace, to see its stunning murals and artifacts. Next, pay a visit to the Bolghatty Palace, a former Dutch mansion turned heritage hotel. Then, head over to the Hill Palace Museum to learn about the history of Cochin's royal families. End your day with a traditional Kathakali performance, a classical dance-drama that tells ancient stories using facial expressions and hand gestures.

  3. Day 3: Explore Cochin's Outskirts
    40 minutes (18.3 km) from Hill Palace Museum

    Start your day with a visit to the Chottanikkara Temple, a popular Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagawati. Next, head to the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary for a peaceful walk among the trees and birds. Then, stop by the Vyloppilli Samskruti Bhavan, a cultural center and museum that showcases Kerala's art and literature. End your day with a relaxing sunset boat ride through the Backwaters, a network of lagoons and canals surrounded by lush greenery.

  4. Day 4: Shop and Relax
    20 minutes (9.5 km) from Backwaters

    Start your day with some retail therapy at the Lulu Mall, the largest mall in Kerala, with a wide range of stores and restaurants. Next, head to the Marine Drive, a picturesque walkway along the seafront, to enjoy the sea breeze and city views. Finally, end your day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage at one of the local spas.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Fort Kochi Beach (2 hours, free)
  • St. Francis Church (1 hour, free)
  • Jew Town Market (2 hours, cost depends on shopping)
  • Chinese Fishing Nets (1 hour, free)
  • Dutch Palace (1 hour, ₹5 per person)
  • Bolghatty Palace (1 hour, ₹20 per person)
  • Hill Palace Museum (2 hours, ₹30 per person)
  • Kathakali performance (2 hours, ₹500-₹1000 per person)
  • Chottanikkara Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary (1 hour, free)
  • Vyloppilli Samskruti Bhavan (1 hour, ₹10 per person)
  • Backwaters boat ride (2 hours, ₹500-₹1000 per person)
  • Lulu Mall (3 hours, cost depends on shopping)
  • Marine Drive (1 hour, free)
  • Ayurvedic massage (1 hour, ₹500-₹2000 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹1100-₹3050 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the Athirapally Waterfalls, one of the largest waterfalls in India. If you have less time, skip the shopping in Jew Town Market or the Lulu Mall. Instead, spend more time exploring Cochin's historic sites or the Backwaters. Don't forget to try some traditional Kerala cuisine, such as dosas, appam, and fish curry, at the local restaurants. Lastly, be sure to check opening and closing times for each location as they may vary depending on the season.

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