Exploring Cochi in 2 Days

  1. Day 1: Discover Fort Cochin and Mattancherry
    20 minutes (4.3 km) from Cochin International Airport

    Start your first day by exploring the historic Fort Cochin and Mattancherry areas. Begin at the Fort Kochi Beach, which offers stunning views of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets. From there, visit the Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the oldest churches in India. Next, explore the Dutch Palace, which houses beautiful murals and artwork. Then, head to Jewish Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. End the day at Princess Street, a bustling market street with lots of local shops and restaurants.

  2. Day 2: Explore Culture and Nature
    25 minutes (5.2 km) from Fort Cochin

    Start your day by heading to Kerala Kathakali Center, which showcases Kerala's traditional art forms. After that, visit the beautiful Cherai Beach, which is less crowded than Fort Cochin Beach and offers an opportunity for water sports. Take a break and have lunch at the Bolgatty Palace, a heritage hotel that provides a glimpse of Indian royalty. Afterwards, head to the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, a peaceful nature reserve in the heart of the city. End your day by visiting the Hill Palace Museum, which showcases the history of the Maharajas of Kochi.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Fort Kochi Beach (1-2 hours, free)
  • Santa Cruz Basilica (30-45 minutes, free)
  • Dutch Palace (1 hour, INR 5 for Indian nationals and INR 100 for foreigners)
  • Jewish Synagogue (30-45 minutes, free)
  • Princess Street (2 hours, variable costs)
  • Kerala Kathakali Center (1-2 hours, INR 300-600 depending on seats)
  • Cherai Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Bolgatty Palace (1-2 hours, INR 250-500)
  • Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary (30-45 minutes, free)
  • Hill Palace Museum (1-2 hours, INR 30 for Indian nationals and INR 150 for foreigners)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 585-1255

Useful Tips

If you have an extra day, consider taking a day trip to the scenic Backwaters of Kerala, which offer a relaxing and peaceful respite from the city. Alternatively, spend more time in Fort Kochi and visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, or the Indo-Portuguese Museum. If time is limited, skip the Bolgatty Palace and Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. For foodies, try local delicacies like fish curry, beef fry, and appam accompanied with stew.

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