Experience Ernakulam in 3 days: A city tour itinerary

  1. Day 1: Exploring Fort Kochi
    20 minutes (5.8 km) from Ernakulam Junction

    Begin your journey by exploring the historic district of Fort Kochi. Visit the 16th-century Santa Cruz Basilica and learn more about the rich history of Christianity in India. Take a stroll along the Fort Kochi Beach and catch a stunning sunset view at the Chinese Fishing Nets. Then head over to the Jew Town area, famous for its antique shops, spice markets, and the Paradesi Synagogue - the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth Nations. End the day with a Kathakali dance performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.

  2. Day 2: Cultural Experience
    30 minutes (10.5 km) from Fort Kochi

    Start your day by visiting the Hill Palace Museum which showcases the artifacts and lifestyle of the Maharajas of Kochi. Next, head over to one of the biggest shopping centres in South India - Lulu Mall - where you can indulge in some retail therapy and enjoy some delicious local cuisine at their food court. In the evening, catch a performance of traditional Kerala art forms such as Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, and Kalaripayattu at the Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum.

  3. Day 3: Waterfront and Religious Tour
    15 minutes (3.7 km) from Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum

    Start your day by visiting the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary - a green oasis in the heart of the city with over 194 species of birds. Next, head over to the St. Francis Church - India's oldest European-built church and the final resting place of Vasco da Gama. Then, check out the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, which houses some of the best-preserved wall paintings and murals of the region's history. End your trip on a peaceful note by visiting the Chottanikkara Temple - one of the most popular pilgrimage centres in Kerala and experience the spiritual essence of the city.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Santa Cruz Basilica (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Chinese Fishing Nets (1-2 hours, INR 50 for a boat ride)
  • Paradesi Synagogue (1 hour, INR 5 entry fee)
  • Kathakali Dance Performance (2 hours, INR 500 per person)
  • Hill Palace Museum (2-3 hours, INR 30 entry fee)
  • Lulu Mall (3-4 hours, As per your shopping budget)
  • Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum (2 hours, INR 400 per person)
  • Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary (1-2 hours, Free entry)
  • St. Francis Church (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, INR 5 entry fee)
  • Chottanikkara Temple (2-3 hours, Free entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 990 per person

Useful tips:

For those with extra time, you can add a day trip to explore the serene backwaters of Kerala by visiting the Alleppey or Kumarakom areas. Another option could be a day trip to the picturesque Vagamon Hills which is a 2-hour drive from the city. Those with limited time can consider skipping the Lulu Mall shopping centre and instead head over to the Marine Drive to catch stunning views of the sunset and enjoy some delicious street food.

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