Kochi (Cochin) is Kerala’s historic port city, where monsoon winds once ferried Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British traders—and their flavors—into India’s spice bowl. In Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, centuries-old churches, synagogues, and palaces stand shoulder to shoulder with galleries and cafes. Here, fishing nets silhouette the sunset while ferries stitch islands to the mainland.

The city is a launchpad for Kerala’s greatest hits: Alleppey’s glassy backwaters threaded with coconut palms, and Athirappilly’s rainforest waterfalls—nicknamed “India’s Niagara.” Within Kochi, expect world-class seafood, Malayali staples like appam and stew, and street eats from toddy-shop fried fish to flaky Kerala parotta with peppery curries.

Practical notes: Best weather runs October–March (June–September brings heavy rain). Dress modestly in places of worship (shoulders/knees covered), carry small bills for tuk-tuks and ferries, and book popular activities early in peak season. Rideshares and tuk-tuks are easy; the Kochi Metro and public ferries are wallet-friendly and scenic.

Kochi (Cochin)

Once the epicenter of the Indian Ocean spice trade, Kochi blends layered history with a laid-back, coastal rhythm. Wander pastel lanes off Princess Street; pop into galleries like David Hall; and watch fishermen work the cantilevered Chinese nets at dusk.

• Top sights: Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church (Vasco da Gama’s first burial), Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Cemetery, Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace, Paradesi Synagogue (and Jew Town’s spice warehouses), Indo-Portuguese Museum, Kerala Folklore Museum, and Hill Palace.
• Food to try: Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish), prawn moilee, Malabar biryani, appam with stew, beef fry (where served), and banana chips fried in coconut oil.
• Great neighborhoods: Fort Kochi (heritage vibe, cafes, sea breeze), Mattancherry (antiques, spice lanes), Marine Drive/MG Road (shopping and city buzz), Bolgatty Island (resort stays and views).

How to get here: Fly into Cochin International Airport (COK). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Airport to Fort Kochi takes ~45–70 minutes by taxi (₹1,200–1,800 depending on time of day/vehicle).

Trains (within India): For regional rail (e.g., Ernakulam to Alappuzha ~1–1.5 hours, from ~₹60–150), check schedules on Trip.com Trains. Tuk-tuks around town are usually ₹60–250 per hop; ferries (Fort Kochi–Vypeen) are scenic and under ₹10.

Where to stay: For heritage ambience and walkability, base in Fort Kochi; for shopping and easy metro access, choose MG Road/Marine Drive; for resort-style views, consider Bolgatty Island.

• Browse Kochi vacation rentals on VRBO (think colonial bungalows, waterfront apartments).
• See Kochi hotels on Hotels.com (from boutique heritage stays in Fort Kochi to sleek city towers).

Day 1: Arrival, Fort Kochi Stroll, and Sunset Nets

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off travel with a gentle loop of Fort Kochi: Princess Street’s indie boutiques, Burgher Street’s galleries, and a quick pause at Kashi Art Café for an iced coffee and their famed chocolate cake. Step into St. Francis Church to touch a page of global history.

Evening: Walk the seaside promenade to the Chinese Fishing Nets. As the sun drops, watch teams lever these massive nets—a living tradition since the 14th century. For dinner: Seagull Restaurant & Bar (harborfront; tandoor shrimp, grilled karimeen, cold beer), Oceanos (excellent seafood—try crab roast and appam), or The History at Brunton Boatyard (regional tasting plates with historical notes). Nightcap at The Drawing Room (Fragrant Nature) with spice-forward cocktails.

Day 2: Kochi’s Heritage—Churches, Palaces, Synagogues & Spice Lanes

Morning: Breakfast at Qissa Café (Shakshuka, pancakes, strong espresso) or Loafers Corner Café (French toast, masala omelet). Visit Santa Cruz Basilica’s vivid interiors, then the Dutch Cemetery. Continue to Dhobi Khana to see traditional open-air laundry in action.

Afternoon: Head to Mattancherry. Tour the Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace to see epic Ramayana murals, then the 16th-century Paradesi Synagogue with Belgian chandeliers. Shop spice warehouses along Jew Town Road—look for Malabar pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. Lunch by the water at Ginger House Restaurant (signature ginger-laced seafood) or Mocha Art Café (simple plates, great lassis) beside the synagogue.

Evening: Consider a guided sweep of the highlights to add context and cover more ground:

Best of Kochi! A private tour in Kochi with a local guide — hotel pickup/drop-off, Fort Kochi + Mattancherry landmarks, insider stories.

Catch a Kathakali performance (arrive early to watch the intricate makeup ritual). Dinner at Malabar Junction (garden setting; appam with stew, meen pollichathu) or Fort House Restaurant (Romantic waterfront; coconut-rich curries). Gelato at Pepper House Café’s courtyard if you’re strolling late.

Day 3: Alleppey Backwaters by Houseboat (Day Cruise)

Morning: Depart ~8:00 a.m. by private car (1.5–2 hours each way; ~₹3,000–4,500 round-trip) or train (Ernakulam Jn → Alappuzha 1–1.5 hours; from ~₹60–150). Board a traditional kettuvallam (houseboat) to glide past paddy fields, toddy shops, and village life.

Backwaters Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey with Lunch (Private) — classic canals, serene lagoons, and a homestyle Kerala lunch on board.

Afternoon: Drift through narrow canals where cormorants fish and kids wave from the banks. Optional add-on: a short country-boat segment to explore snug waterways a houseboat can’t enter.

Evening: Return to Kochi. Choose a feast: Paragon (Lulu Mall; famed Malabar biryani, pepper prawns), The Rice Boat at Vivanta (Willingdon Island; refined seafood tasting menu), or Kettuvallam Restaurant (MG Road; classic Kerala thalis). For a casual drink, Seagull’s waterfront terrace is timeless.

Day 4: Athirappilly & Vazhachal Waterfalls—Rainforest Day Trip

Morning: Early start (~7:30 a.m.). Drive ~2–2.5 hours via Chalakudy into the Sholayar rainforest belt. First stop: Athirappilly Falls, a 24-meter-wide sheet of thunder where Baahubali and other films have rolled cameras.

Athirappilly & Vazhachal Waterfalls Private Day Tour from Kochi — guided transport, viewpoints, and time to explore trails safely.

Afternoon: Continue to Vazhachal for riverine cascades under towering trees. Lunch options nearby include the Rainforest Restaurant (panoramic falls view; call ahead or walk in off-peak), or simple Kerala meals in Chalakudy town (look for fish curry meals and porotta).

Evening: Drive back to Fort Kochi. If you have energy, eat your way through dusk on a guided tasting:

Enjoy the best Food tour in Kochi with a local — tuk-tuk between stalls sampling banana fritters, kappa (tapioca), fish fry, and sweet payasam.

Prefer a sit-down finale? Book Colony Clubhouse & Grill (Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty) for steaks, seafood, and sweeping harbor views.

Day 5: Museums, Markets, and a Goodbye Lunch

Morning: Coffee and croissants at Pandhal Café & Deli (MG Road), then dive into the Kerala Folklore Museum (Thevara) for an exquisite private collection of masks, temple art, costumes, and dance paraphernalia—perfect context after Kathakali. Alternatively, history buffs can head to Hill Palace Museum (Tripunithura) for royal artifacts and lush grounds.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping along Broadway/Marine Drive for spices, banana chips, and handlooms. Farewell lunch at Kayees Rahmathullah Hotel (aromatic mutton biryani—arrive early) or Fort Kochi’s Old Harbour Hotel garden (light, refined plates). Transfer to COK airport (allow 1.5–2 hours in traffic). Compare rides and flights on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Optional Swap-ins and Tips

• Evening arts: Kerala Kathakali Center for dance-drama, Kalaripayattu (martial arts) showcases on select nights.
• Beach time: Cherai Beach (Vypin Island) for a breezy morning; combine with Fort Kochi–Vypeen ferry ride.
• Coffee breaks: Kashi Art Café (artsy courtyard), Bench Restro Café (Fort Kochi; smoothies and light bites), Pepper House Café (design-forward, airy courtyard).
• Getting around: Tuk-tuks are fastest in Fort Kochi/Mattancherry; ferries and the metro help skip traffic for city errands.

Good to know (costs): Tuk-tuk hops ₹60–250; airport taxis ₹1,200–1,800; Fort Kochi–Alleppey day car hire ₹3,000–4,500; houseboat day cruises often include lunch; waterfall day trips run ~8–10 hours including drives.

Across five days, Kochi reveals itself in layers—Portuguese facades, Jewish prayer lamps, coconut-fringed canals, and rainforest spray. With thoughtful pacing, flavorful meals, and a few guided experiences, you’ll taste, see, and feel why Kerala is called “God’s Own Country.”