Although Kochi has two days for you, this is a full itinerary that strikes a balance between history and culture overnight stay in room above resort; culture, nature, food as well as shopping.
DAY 1: Fort Kochi & Mattancherry — History & Culture
Kochi's cultural soul is Fort Kochi, with its colonial edifices, colourful street-art and relaxed vibe
Morning Walk: Fort Kochi Beach & Chinese Fishing Nets
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Morning (6:00–7:00 AM) for Peaceful Sunrise Experience
How to go Survive:Take a stroll on Fort Kochi Beach, where the chinese fishing nets (cheena valla) are still used by a few local fishermen.
And you may even help the fisherman if you want to watch while they pull their catch.
Click (photos) of fishing nets, by ship passing in Arabian sea with the backdrop of Ships.
Read the Historical & Cultural Landmarks (Mid Morning)
Post breakfast wander around a few of the oldest European sites in India :
St. Francis Church (9.00 AM – 5.00 PM closed every sunday)
India's oldest European church: Built 1503
The remains of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama were initially buried here to be reburied in Portugal
Basic but important architecture.
Santa Cruz Basilica (9.00 AM -5.00 PM, Sunday Close )
One of the prettier churches in India, constructed by the Portuguese
India's iconic St. Francis Xavier College with its immensely beautiful ceiling paintings & stained glass windows
Lunch Break: Fort Kochi Eatery Locations
IT IS SOOO KERALAN! THIS is a must when you are here – Dhe Puttu – Puttu with coconut & curry!
Fusion Bay : For those who love real seafood prawns , squid & the signature Karimeen Pollichathu (glorified grilled pearl spot fish)
Kashi Art Café – The kickass new café downy to sandwiches, smoothie and great coffees
Afternoon: Mattancherry (Jew Town & Dutch Palace)
Mattancherry is historic spice trading city having influences from the Jewish and Portuguese traditions.
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) (10.00 AM- 5.00 PM (not working on Friday))
Between the Portuguese who built it and the coconut cream paste Kerala <i>mocha</i>
A fantastic place to know about the history of Kerala royal.
Jew Town & Paradesi Synagogue (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed On Fridays, Saturdays)
The Very ancient Jewish synagogue built in 1500 AD currently in India
Built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in year 1555.
Its interior features beautiful murals that represent stories of Hindu legends like Ramayana.
Common place to know the history of Kerala royal.
Jew Town & Paradesi Synagogue (10.00 AM – 5.00 PM, Closed on Fridays & Saturdays)
One of the oldest synagogues in India, as well the one, standing even since yeara 1568
The street goes by the name of Jew Town, full of antiques shops, spice markets and Cafes. walk through the narrow lanes with scent of cardamom, cinnamom, and pepper
Evening : Stare in awe with the performing arts of Kerala.
(Show starts at 6:00 PM) Kerala Kathakali Centre
Kathakali is a dance-drama of the classic style in Kerala, having extremely bright turbans and mannered motions.
Arrive no later than 5:30 PM for the step by step of makeup procedure, which arguably is one of the art.
Kalaripayattu (Kerala martial arts) is also staged on-site.
Fort Kochi Dinner
Dal Roti = For North Indian style parathas with curries
Oceanos – Best authentic Kerala & Syrian Christian food
Pepper House Café : Relaxed place of continental food cooked with best care & A superb book store in town
2nd day: Marine Drive, Shopping & nature
Poughkeepsie: Morning Walk at Marine Drive ✈ Boating
No better place to enjoy your morning walk, than the waterfront promenade in you city.
You can take a boat cruise around Kochi Harbour and Bolgatty Palace as well as Willingdon Island.
Surest hours: 7am–9am provide you with a more leisurely atmosphere
9 am to 11 am: Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary (Optional Visit)
For nature lover, heading out to this calm garden like space in the city.
Home of migratory birds, butterflies and mangrove forests
Best time: 10 AM – 12 PM
Afternoon: Shopping & Food
The biggest mall in India – Lulu Mall
For finding branded clothes, souvenirs or electronic devices :…
Mall with huge food court and indoor play center
Head to the following recommended stores : Fabindia (for ethnic apparel), Kairali (Spices) and Lulu Hypermarket.
Broadway Market & MG Road
For street shopping get to Broadway Market, for spices and handicrafts souvenirs.
Gorgeous silk sarees on MG road
5/5 (Day: Evening -> Cherai beach or vypin island
For some actual beach, drive the 45 minutes out of Kochi to Cherai Beach.
So Do:Sun yourself on the golden stretch of golden sandy beach at…
Get some local shacks for fresh seafood
You will be fond of dolphins in Arabian sea if you are lucky.
OR Vypin Island – The Vypin Island, a vision of beautiful backwaters & fishing villages
Night: Departure & Dinner
Have a final Kerala meal for the evening if you need to drop at:-Kayees Biryani (Kerala style malabar bio)
–––––At Ginger House Restaurant – spectacular sight seeing sea-view meal where they cook Kerala style prawns
Kochi Travel Hacks….
How to move around: Opt for Uber, auto-rickshaws or rent a cycle for local routings.
Best time to visit: Spring and monsoon (September–March) for cooler weather.
Cotton Light Clothes, sunglasses, Sun cream & Foot wear.
Local Experiences: If time permits, go for a backwater cruise.
Souvenirs: Spices, Banana Chips and Kerala Handicraft
Take a sunset ferry ride from Fort Kochi to Ernakulam.