Kochi Tour Packages

Kochi at a Glance

Kochi is a port city on the Arabian Sea coast, in Ernakulam district of Kerala. It is the state's commercial hub and has one of India's busiest ports. The old parts of the city, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, are known for their history and heritage buildings. The main language is Malayalam, but English and Hindi are widely understood in tourist areas.

Quick facts

• Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport (COK)

• Nearest railway station: Ernakulam Junction

• Language: Malayalam (English and Hindi also understood)

• Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days (4 to 6 days with Alleppey and Munnar)

Kochi Famous For

• Fort Kochi

• Chinese fishing nets

• Colonial heritage

• St. Francis Church

• Mattancherry Palace

• Jew Town

• Spice trade

• Seafood

• Kathakali shows

• Street art

• Kochi-Muziris Biennale

• Marine Drive

• Water Metro

• Heritage cafés

Kochi Weather

Tropical and humid all year, 23-35°C.

• Winter (Nov–Feb): 23-32°C, pleasant, best time

• Summer (Mar–May): 26-35°C, hot and sticky

• Monsoon (Jun–Sep): 23-30°C, heavy rain

• Post-monsoon (Oct): 24-32°C, mixed weather

• Pack: Light cotton clothes, hat, sunscreen, raincoat

Best Time to Visit Kochi

• October to March: The best season, with comfortable weather for walking and sightseeing.

• December to March: Also the time of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (held every two years), a large contemporary art festival.

• April to May: Hot and humid.

• June to September: Monsoon. Expect heavy rain, but the city looks green and hotel prices are lower.

Top Attractions in Kochi

Fort Kochi: The heart of the city's heritage. Old colonial buildings, art cafés, street art and calm seaside lanes make it perfect for slow walks.

Chinese Fishing Nets: One of Kochi's best-known sights. Go in the evening to see the nets at work and enjoy the sunset.

St. Francis Church: Built in the early 1500s, it is regarded as one of the oldest European-built churches in India.

Santa Cruz Basilica: A beautiful church with colourful interiors, close to Fort Kochi.

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Known for its old murals and royal exhibits.

Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue: A lively lane with antique shops, spice sellers and one of the oldest synagogues in the Commonwealth.

Marine Drive: A relaxed waterfront walk in Ernakulam, best in the evening.

Bolgatty Island: A quiet green island with a palace and a resort, reachable by boat.

Cherai Beach: A clean, calm beach on Vypin Island, good for a half-day trip.

Hill Palace Museum (Tripunithura): Kerala's largest archaeological museum, set inside a former royal palace.

Also worth a visit: Kerala Folklore Museum, a Kathakali show, a harbour cruise and a Water Metro ride.

Kochi Food You Should Try

Kochi food mixes Kerala, Portuguese, Arab and Jewish influences. Look for:

• Appam with stew

• Seafood like karimeen (pearl spot) and prawn roast

• Malabar-style biryani

• Beef fry with parotta (a local favourite)

• Puttu and kadala curry

• Fresh coconut water and tea at small local shops

Things to Do in Kochi

• Watch a Kathakali show with make-up demonstration

• Take a heritage walk through Fort Kochi and Mattancherry

• Go on a sunset harbour cruise

• Ride the Kochi Water Metro or the city metro

• Visit local art galleries and cafés

• Shop for spices, tea, coffee and handicrafts

• Take a day trip to Alleppey for a houseboat ride

How to Reach Kochi

• By air: Cochin International Airport (COK) at Nedumbassery has direct flights from many Indian cities and several international ones.

• By train: Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town are the main stations, with good links across India.

• By road: National highways connect Kochi with Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore and other Kerala cities.

Nearby Places You Can Add

• Alleppey: around 1.5 hours away, for houseboats and backwaters

• Kumarakom: around 1.5 hours away, for quiet backwater stays

• Munnar: around 4 to 5 hours away, for tea gardens and hills

• Thekkady: around 4 to 5 hours away, for wildlife and spice farms

• Athirappilly Falls: around 2.5 to 3 hours away, for waterfalls

(Travel times can change with traffic and weather.)

Popular Kochi Itineraries

• 2 Nights / 3 Days: Kochi city and Fort Kochi

• 3 Nights / 4 Days: Kochi + Alleppey

• 4 Nights / 5 Days: Kochi + Munnar + Alleppey

• 5 Nights / 6 Days: Kochi + Munnar + Thekkady + Alleppey

• Honeymoon Special: Kochi + Munnar + Alleppey houseboat

Travel Tips

• Carry light cotton clothes, a hat and sunscreen.

• Keep an umbrella handy, as rain can come suddenly.

• Visit Fort Kochi in the early morning or evening to avoid the heat.

• Dress modestly at churches, temples and the synagogue.

• Carry some cash for small shops and local transport.