Start your family-friendly tour of Kochi with a visit to the historic Fort Kochi, which is filled with charming colonial buildings. Take a stroll along the picturesque Chinese fishing nets and watch the fishermen at work. Don't miss the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Dutch Palace, which has a beautiful collection of murals depicting the Indian epic, Ramayana. End your day with a sunset at Marine Drive, which offers stunning views of the waterfront and the backwaters of Kochi.
Escape to Cherai Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand that's perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Take a camel ride along the beach or indulge in some water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. For a cultural experience, head to the Hill Palace Museum, which showcases artifacts and memorabilia of the former ruling family of Kochi. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and the traditional Kerala-style architecture of the palace. End your day with a traditional Kathakali dance performance, which is a colorful and elaborate dance form that tells stories through facial expressions and dramatic gestures.
If you have more time, consider a visit to the Jewish Synagogue, which is one of the oldest synagogues in the Commonwealth of Nations, or take a boat ride through the backwaters of Kochi. For food, try some seafood at the local restaurants near Fort Kochi and sample some traditional Kerala cuisine at the Hill Palace Museum. If you have less time, skip Cherai Beach and spend more time exploring Fort Kochi and the surrounding area.