Itineraries for Your Trip to Kochi
2 Days in Kochi for First Timers
Kochi is one of Kerala’s liveliest and most culturally rich cities, with centuries of history influenced by the international traders who passed through. Although it’s a big city (with a population of 3.5 million), the most interesting part is around Fort Kochi, which has a relaxed vibe and is easy to navigate on foot. If you only have time to visit one city in Kerala or choose an entry or exit destination from the state, pick Kochi over the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. In my opinion (and many other travelers), Kochi is more beautiful, with more to see and do. Here’s how to spend two fabulous days in Kochi.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a traditional performance at the Kerala Kathakali Center.
Kochi is hot and humid year-round but slightly less so between October and March.
Kochi’s most exciting neighborhoods—Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, and Jew Town—are close together, meaning you can explore them in one morning. Opt for a walking tour if you’re comfortable in the tropical climate or a tuk-tuk tour to take it easy. Look for the famous Chinese fishing nets, the 16th-century Portuguese Mattancherry Palace, the Paradesi Synagogue, the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, and one of the oldest churches in India, St. Francis Church.
In the afternoon, take a taxi to the Kerala Folklore Museum, a privately run museum that is one of the best museums in Kerala. Explore the exhibits over three floors covering Kerala’s culture, including dance costumes, jewelry, pottery, and musical instruments. Alternatively, tour the Munnar Tea Trail for a dose of culture.
After a day of sightseeing, head to the beach just before sunset to see the famous Chinese fishing nets, oft-photographed permanent structures that allow the raising and lowering of nets through a series of pulleys. Afterwards, top off your evening with a performance of Kathakali, a traditional dance that developed in the region, or opt for a package that also includes a dinner of Spice Coast cuisine.
If the beaches of Kovalam or Varkala aren’t in your Kerala plans, you can check out one of Kochi’s beautiful beaches. Take the short ferry from Fort Kochi to Vypeen Island and then a bus or taxi up to Cherai Beach, a long stretch of golden sand flanked by swaying palm trees. If you’d rather skip the beach, take a hands-on cooking class so you can recreate tasty Kerala cuisine yourself later.
If you didn’t head to the beach, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in Kottayam, about an hour’s drive south of Kochi. Evening is one of the best times to see the birds, so time your visit accordingly. The sanctuary is home to many birds, including some migrants from Siberia and the Himalaya. Alternatively, if you have any niche interests, there are some great opportunities in Kochi: take a Jewish heritage tour or get an Ayurvedic massage.
Enjoy a classical Kathakali dance performance at the Kerala Kathakali Center in the evening. The ancient art form is traditionally performed in villages and outside temples, but this Fort Kochi theater makes the dance more accessible. Kathakali is characterized by its elaborate costumes and makeup, and stories from the Ramayana and other Hindu mythology are told through dance.
