Monday, December 11: Kerala Folklore Museum
In the morning, visit the Kerala Folklore Museum showcasing art and artifacts representing the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Learn about traditional art forms, costumes, and architecture. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, featuring stunning frescoes and murals. In the evening, take a relaxing boat ride through the scenic backwaters of Kochi.
- Kerala Folklore Museum: ₹200, 2-3 hours
- Mattancherry Palace: ₹5, 1-2 hours
- Backwater Boat Ride: ₹500-1000, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
- For breakfast, Kashi Art Cafe is a popular choice offering delicious baked goods and a variety of coffee options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
- For lunch, head to Dal Roti, a cozy restaurant serving authentic North Indian cuisine. Try their flavorful curries and freshly baked bread. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
- For dinner, Fusion Bay is a great option with its diverse menu of fusion dishes combining Indian and international flavors. Enjoy their seafood specials and vibrant ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 12: Hill Palace Museum
Spend the morning at the Hill Palace Museum, a former royal residence that now houses a vast collection of artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, weapons, and royal belongings. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth of Nations. End the day with a visit to the nearby Jew Town, known for its antique shops.
- Hill Palace Museum: ₹30, 2-3 hours
- Traditional Kerala Lunch: ₹300-500
- Paradesi Synagogue: ₹5, 1-2 hours
- Jew Town: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
- For breakfast, head to Coffee Beanz, a cozy café known for its delicious coffee and freshly baked pastries. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
- For lunch, try Fusion Bay, a popular restaurant specializing in Kerala cuisine with a modern twist. Don't miss their mouthwatering seafood dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
- For dinner, visit Dal Roti, a charming restaurant serving authentic North Indian dishes. From butter chicken to biryani, their menu offers a wide range of flavorful options. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, December 13: Kerala Kathakali Centre
Start the day by attending a morning Kathakali workshop at the Kerala Kathakali Centre. Learn about the intricate dance movements, expressive facial makeup, and colorful costumes. Afterward, visit the Santa Cruz Basilica, a beautiful church with stunning Gothic architecture. In the evening, explore the vibrant Broadway Market, known for its local street food and shopping.
- Kathakali Workshop: ₹500, 2-3 hours
- Santa Cruz Basilica: Free, 1-2 hours
- Broadway Market: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
- The Fisherman's Wharf: A waterfront restaurant serving delicious seafood breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
- Dhe Puttu: A traditional restaurant offering a variety of puttu (steamed rice cake) for lunch. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
Thursday, December 14: Maritime Museum and Willingdon Island
Experience the maritime heritage of Kochi at the Maritime Museum, featuring exhibits on shipbuilding, navigation, and the history of Indian Navy. Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Willingdon Island, a man-made island known for its beautiful views. Explore the Bolgatty Palace and end the day with a relaxing sunset cruise on the backwaters.
- Maritime Museum: ₹20, 1-2 hours
- Seafood Lunch: Cost varies
- Willingdon Island: Ferry cost ₹5-10
- Bolgatty Palace: ₹500-1000, 1-2 hours
- Sunset Cruise: ₹500-1000, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
- Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Pai Brothers. Known for their crispy dosas and fluffy idlis, the average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
- For lunch, head to Seagull Restaurant located on Willingdon Island. Enjoy a variety of fresh seafood dishes while enjoying the panoramic views of the backwaters. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
- For dinner, dine at Fort Kochi Restaurant, offering a range of traditional Kerala cuisine with a modern twist. Don't miss their signature fish curry served with aromatic rice. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, December 15: Museum of Kerala History
Visit the Museum of Kerala History in Edappally, which showcases the history and culture of Kerala through various exhibits and artifacts. Have a traditional Kerala breakfast at a local eatery. In the afternoon, explore the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, a green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for bird-watching. Spend the evening at Lulu Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in India.
- Museum of Kerala History: ₹30, 1-2 hours
- Traditional Kerala Breakfast: Cost varies
- Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary: Free, 1-2 hours
- Lulu Mall: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
- For breakfast, head to Arya Vaidya Sala Canteen, known for its authentic Kerala breakfast dishes like appam and idiyappam. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
- For lunch, try Kayees Rahmatulla Café, a popular local eatery famous for its delicious biryani and traditional Kerala seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
- For dinner, visit the Malabar Junction Restaurant, known for its fusion of traditional Kerala and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Saturday, December 16: Kerala Museum and Kochi Biennale
Start the day by visiting the Kerala Museum, which highlights the cultural and historical aspects of Kerala through various exhibits. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the ongoing Kochi-Muziris Biennale, an international exhibition of contemporary art. End the day by watching a traditional Theyyam performance, a sacred ritual dance form of North Kerala.
- Kerala Museum: ₹100, 1-2 hours
- Traditional Kerala Lunch: ₹300-500
- Kochi-Muziris Biennale: Free, 2-3 hours
- Theyyam Performance: ₹200-500, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
- A perfect place to start your day with a delicious local breakfast is Café Coffee Day, located just a short distance from the Kerala Museum. Choose from a range of breakfast options like South Indian dosas and filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
- For a traditional Kerala lunch experience, head over to the Kayees Rahmathullah Hotel. Known for their authentic Malabar cuisine, this restaurant offers a variety of dishes including biryanis, appams, and seafood specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
- Indulge in a memorable dinner at Fort House Restaurant, overlooking the scenic Fort Kochi beach. This restaurant serves a fusion of Kerala and international cuisines, with a focus on fresh seafood. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions in Kochi, make sure to explore the charming Jew Street, lined with antique shops and art galleries. Visit the Kashi Art Gallery, known for its contemporary art exhibitions and cozy cafe. Don't forget to taste the local delicacies like appam, puttu, and karimeen fry at small local eateries for an authentic culinary experience.
For hotel and flight prices in Kochi, you can check here.