Kochi

Travel Guide
Cochin which includes tropical scenes and a river or creek
Cochin showing landscape views, a river or creek and boating
Cochin featuring general coastal views
Cochin featuring boating and a river or creek
Cochin showing general coastal views
Centuries of history and architecture, traditional dance performances, food and spice markets lure visitors to the principal destination in India’s Kerala state.

Spread across islands and peninsulas between the Arabian Sea and Kerala backwaters is the historic and picturesque city of Cochin (originally Kochi). This lively Indian city dates back to the 14th century when a flood formed a natural port and attracted spice traders from around the world. Cochin today presents a hearty mix of Asian, Arab and European cultures, all visible in the city’s diverse neighborhoods, architecture and markets.

Catch a ferry to Fort Cochin, a district of sleepy streets lined with grand colonial buildings, hotels and homestays. Visit the Portuguese-built St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church. Investigate the huge Santa Cruz Cathedral, which lights up spectacularly after dark. Learn about one of the first Catholic groups in India at the Indo-Portuguese Museum.

See tombs of traders and explorers at the Dutch Cemetery. Walk along the waterfront where fishermen bring in the day’s catch via cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Buy fresh fish from the small market and have it cooked on the spot at nearby food stands.

Walk or take a rickshaw to the Mattancherry district. Spot Hindu murals and portraits of maharajas at Mattancherry Palace, established by the Portuguese in the 1550s. Wander the streets of Jew Town and experience Spice Market’s colors and smells. See the pigeon-feeding ritual at Jain Temple or admire local art exhibitions at Kashi Art Gallery.

Cross to the mainland via bridge or ferry to Ernakulum, Cochin’s modern district. Stroll along Marine Drive, a waterfront promenade bustling with shopping malls and street vendors speaking the native Malayalam language.

Enjoy a colorful Kathakali dance performance at theaters such as the Kerala Kathakali Centre. Arrive early to watch performers meditate and meticulously apply their make-up. 

Another highlight of Cochin is a tour of the Kerala backwaters. Relax on a houseboat as you glide along palm tree-fringed canals and lagoons past villages and settlements that epitomize Kerala’s rural culture.

Cochin is 954 miles (1,536 kilometers) south of Mumbai. Prepare for its hot equatorial climate.

Where to stay in Kochi

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Fort Kochi

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Shopping, art galleries, and seafood restaurants highlight some of the noteworthy features of Fort Kochi. Make a stop by Fort Kochi Beach or St. Francis Church while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Fort Kochi
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Thamaraparambu

While there might not be top attractions in Thamaraparambu, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fort Kochi Beach and Vypeen Island.

Thamaraparambu
Cochin showing general coastal views

Valummel

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Valummel and surrounding area, you can visit Rameshwaram Temple and Spice Market.

Valummel
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Kazhuthumuttu

While Kazhuthumuttu isn't home to many top sights, Rameshwaram Temple and Wonderla Amusement Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Kazhuthumuttu
Mare blu Resort
Mare blu Resort
3 out of 5
cherai beach, Kochi, Kerala
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Kochi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Cherai Beach and Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva ...
6/10 (2 reviews)
"The AC stopped working in the room that was assigned to us and then the AC in the new room was pretty mediocre. WiFi was unavailable. Service was pretty good though"

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024

Mare blu Resort
Fragrant Nature Kochi
Fragrant Nature Kochi
5 out of 5
Near SBI,CalvathyBazar Road, Fort Cochin, Kochi, Kerala
The price is ₩195,107 per night from Jan 12 to Jan 13
₩195,107
₩230,227 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 12 - Jan 13, 2025
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kochi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)
"Friendly stuff, beautiful hotel, rooms spacious. For my taste breakfast could be better, Also shampoo bottles are very tiny and hard to get shampoo out. Shopping, sinagoga, Chinese fishing nets within waking distance."

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2024

Fragrant Nature Kochi
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin
5 out of 5
Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala
The price is ₩255,788 per night from Dec 25 to Dec 26
₩255,788
₩301,830 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 25 - Dec 26
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kochi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Draavidia Art And Performance Gallery and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (365 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2024

Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beach Gate Bungalows CGH Earth
Beach Gate Bungalows CGH Earth
3 out of 5
K.J. Herschel Rd, Kochi, KL
Stay at this 3-star villa in Kochi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Pierce Leslie Bungalow and SNC Maritime ...
Beach Gate Bungalows CGH Earth
Kent Baywatch Suites
Kent Baywatch Suites
4 out of 5
Kozhikudu Jn., Edakochi, Kochi, Kerala
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Kochi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Church of Saint Francis and Santhanagopala-Krishnaswamy ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"New clean property. Although room has small kitchen, ther are no utensils so you cannot cook. Like all Indian hotels we visit only one towel provided. You need to ask for more."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2022

Kent Baywatch Suites
Amã Stays & Trails Victory Dawn, Kochi
Amã Stays & Trails Victory Dawn, Kochi
3 out of 5
Plot No II / 65, Fort Cochin, Kochi, Kerala
Stay at this 3-star villa in Kochi. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and a picnic area. Popular attractions St. Francis Church and Fort Kochi Beach are located ...
Amã Stays & Trails Victory Dawn, Kochi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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