A 2-Day City Experience in Fort Kochi

Wednesday, September 20: Exploring the Rich Heritage

Start your trip by immersing yourself in the rich heritage of Fort Kochi. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, a symbol of Kochi's maritime history. Watch as the fishermen skillfully operate these massive nets. Next, head to the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, where the legendary explorer Vasco da Gama was initially buried. Take a stroll through the colorful streets of Jew Town and explore the Jewish Synagogue, adorned with beautiful chandeliers and hand-painted tiles. For lunch, indulge in some mouthwatering seafood at one of the local restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum, housing a fascinating collection of artifacts from the colonial era. As the evening sets in, make your way to the Fort Kochi Beach, known for its stunning sunsets and serene ambiance.

• Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1 hour
• St. Francis Church: Free, 1 hour
• Jewish Synagogue: Entrance fee: INR 5, 1 hour
• Indo-Portuguese Museum: Entrance fee: INR 25, 1-2 hours
• Fort Kochi Beach: Free, 1-2 hours

Thursday, September 21: Art, Culture, and Spice

Embark on a cultural journey through Fort Kochi on your second day. Start your morning by visiting the famous Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. Admire its stunning architecture and explore the exquisite mural paintings that depict scenes from the Hindu epics. Next, head to the Kerala Folklore Museum, where you can learn about the traditional art forms and cultural heritage of Kerala. Treat yourself to a traditional Kerala lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Paradesi Synagogue, known for its ornate interiors and ancient artifacts. Don't miss the nearby Jew Town Spice Market, where you can immerse yourself in the fragrant world of spices. In the evening, catch a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional dance-drama of Kerala, at one of the local theaters.

• Mattancherry Palace: Entrance fee: INR 5, 1 hour
• Kerala Folklore Museum: Entrance fee: INR 100, 1-2 hours
• Paradesi Synagogue: Entrance fee: INR 5, 1 hour
• Jew Town Spice Market: Free, 1 hour
• Kathakali Dance Performance: Tickets start from INR 300, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Fort Kochi is Kashi Art Cafe, known for its artistic ambiance and delicious options like scrambled eggs and homemade bread. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to the highly recommended Dal Roti, a cozy restaurant serving flavorful North Indian cuisine. Enjoy dishes like Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• In the evening, experience the local seafood at Seagull Restaurant. This waterfront eatery offers a variety of fresh catches, including tiger prawns and grilled fish, with average cost for a meal being about 600 INR per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Fort Kochi, don't miss out on the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the Kashi Art Gallery, a vibrant space showcasing contemporary art from Indian artists. For a unique experience, take a walk along the tranquil Kochi-Muziris Biennale, an art exhibition that takes place every two years, featuring installations, sculptures, and performances. Make sure to try the traditional Kerala breakfast dish, 'Puttu' with 'Kadala Curry,' at a local eatery. Lastly, indulge in the famous 'Sulaimani' tea, a refreshing black tea flavored with lemon and cardamom, at one of the local tea shops.