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7-Day Itinerary in Cochin, India

Wednesday, November 15: Exploring Fort Kochi

Start your trip by immersing yourself in the rich history of Fort Kochi. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and witness the traditional fishing techniques. Afterward, explore the fascinating Indo-Portuguese Museum, which showcases the cultural influence of the Portuguese in the region. In the afternoon, wander through the quaint streets of Jew Town and visit the historic Mattancherry Palace. As the evening sets in, head to the popular Princess Street lined with charming cafes, boutique stores, and art galleries.

  • Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Indo-Portuguese Museum: INR 20 (~$0.27), 1-2 hours
  • Mattancherry Palace: INR 5 (~$0.07), 1-2 hours
  • Princess Street: Free, 2-3 hours
Thursday, November 16: Exploring Kerala Backwaters

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. In the morning, take a scenic drive to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat. Cruise along the picturesque canals, surrounded by lush greenery and serene waters. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared onboard and relax while admiring the stunning views. In the afternoon, explore the traditional villages and witness the local way of life. As the evening approaches, savor a delightful dinner on the houseboat, accompanied by the gentle sway of the backwaters.

  • Houseboat Experience: INR 6,000-10,000 (~$81-135) per night, 24 hours
  • Exploring Backwater Villages: Free, 2-3 hours
Friday, November 17: Discovering Hill Palace and Bolgatty Palace

Start your day by visiting the Hill Palace, the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Marvel at the impressive collection of artifacts, paintings, and royal belongings. In the afternoon, head to Bolgatty Palace, a beautiful heritage hotel surrounded by lush gardens. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the palace grounds and relish a sumptuous lunch at one of its restaurants. As the evening sets in, take a scenic boat ride from Bolgatty Island to admire the panoramic views of Cochin Harbor.

  • Hill Palace: INR 30 (~$0.40), 2-3 hours
  • Bolgatty Palace: Free (restaurant and accommodation charges apply), 2-3 hours
  • Boat Ride: INR 50 (~$0.67), 1 hour
Saturday, November 18: Exploring Cherai Beach and Marine Drive

Start your day by visiting Cherai Beach, a pristine stretch of golden sand. Spend the morning sunbathing, swimming, or taking a leisurely stroll along the shore. In the afternoon, head to Marine Drive, a popular waterfront promenade. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the numerous restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. Take a relaxing boat ride on the backwaters and witness the stunning sunset over the Arabian Sea. As the evening unfolds, explore the bustling markets and indulge in some shopping.

  • Cherai Beach: Free, 4-5 hours
  • Marine Drive Boat Ride: INR 100 (~$1.35), 1-2 hours
  • Shopping at Markets: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Sunday, November 19: Visiting Athirapally Waterfalls

Embark on a day trip to Athirapally Waterfalls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Kerala. Admire the cascading waters amidst the lush greenery. Spend the morning exploring the surrounding area and taking in the breathtaking views. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Vazhachal Waterfalls and soak in the natural beauty. Return to Cochin in the evening and indulge in a traditional Kerala dinner.

  • Athirapally Waterfalls: INR 15 (~$0.20), 4-5 hours
  • Vazhachal Waterfalls: INR 10 (~$0.14), 2-3 hours
Monday, November 20: Discovering Jew Synagogue and Santa Cruz Basilica

Start your day by visiting the historic Jew Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Marvel at its exquisite architecture and the unique hand-painted Chinese tiles. In the afternoon, explore the stunning Santa Cruz Basilica, a beautiful church known for its Gothic architecture. Take a leisurely walk through the nearby Jew Street, lined with antique shops and spice markets. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing the vibrant culture of Kerala.

  • Jew Synagogue: INR 5 (~$0.07), 1-2 hours
  • Santa Cruz Basilica: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Exploring Jew Street: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Kathakali Dance Performance: INR 300-500 (~$4-7), 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • Head to the quaint coffee shop, Kashi Art Cafe, for a delightful breakfast with a creative menu and a cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
  • For lunch, try the popular seafood restaurant, Oceanos Restaurant, located near the Fort Kochi beach. Enjoy delectable seafood dishes while overlooking the Arabian Sea. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
  • Indulge in a flavorful dinner experience at the Malabar Junction restaurant, offering a blend of Indian and European cuisine. Savor the rich flavors in a charming colonial-style setting. Average cost for a meal is about 1200 INR per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Exploring Ernakulam and Shopping

Spend your last day exploring the bustling city of Ernakulam. In the morning, visit the historic Paradesi Synagogue and admire its grandeur. Take a stroll through the vibrant Broadway street known for its shops and street food. In the afternoon, explore the famous Lulu Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in India. Indulge in some retail therapy and savor a variety of cuisines at its food court. As the evening unfolds, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Marine Drive promenade, taking in the beautiful views of the backwaters.

  • Paradesi Synagogue: INR 5 (~$0.07), 1-2 hours
  • Broadway Street: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Lulu Mall: Cost varies, 3-4 hours
  • Marine Drive: Free, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Cochin, don't miss the opportunity to visit the quiet and charming neighborhood of Kumbalangi. This village offers an authentic experience of rural Kerala, with traditional Chinese fishing nets, paddy fields, and homestays. Another hidden gem is the Dhobi Khana, a large open-air laundry where you can witness the fascinating process of clothes being washed and dried. Locals love the Kashi Art Cafe, a cozy art gallery and cafe in Fort Kochi, known for its delicious food and artistic ambiance.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.

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