Itineraries for Your Trip to Kochi
3 Days in Kochi for Families
I traveled extensively through India many times before I had my daughter. And while I love the country's big, bustling cities, its slower, less stressful destinations are high on my family travel bucket list. With its warm climate, laid-back atmosphere, backwater cruises, and proximity to beaches and other natural sites, Kochi is an ideal destination for families.
I can’t wait to take my daughter to Kochi and Kerala one day. Here’s how I recommend families spend three days in Kochi.
It's hot and humid year-round, but June–August has the highest risk of heavy rain and flooding.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a cruise on the backwaters.
Start your first day in Kochi with an auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) tour of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, two atmospheric old neighborhoods. Alternatively, if you have older, more active kids, try a cycle tour. Among the highlights to see are the Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, Santa Cruz Cathedral, Jew Town, and more.
In the evening, see a Kathakali performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre. This traditional dance form tells stories through movement, music, and elaborate costumes and make-up. You can see the actors having their make-up applied before the show.
Spend your second day relaxing and spending some quality time on a houseboat cruise on Kerala’s backwaters, easily accessible from Kochi. You don’t need to stay overnight on a houseboat to spend time on a converted rice barge. You’ll be served fresh local food for lunch and can admire the views of swaying palms and village life from the shady deck.
In the evening, watch the sunset from Fort Kochi Beach, where the large Chinese fishing nets are located. While the beach itself is mostly rocky, you can walk along the promenade.
Today you have a couple of options. Families with younger kids can enjoy a day at the beach. Take a water taxi the short distance to Vypin Island, just north of Fort Kochi, and head to Cherai Beach, at the northern end of the island. It’s a pretty stretch of golden sand with swaying palms and warm water.
If your kids are older and up for an adventure, take a day tour to Athirappilly Waterfalls, the largest waterfall in Kerala. Also of interest are the nearby butterfly park and hikes a short distance through jungle trails.
