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Quick Summary
There is a certain versatility to Kochi that makes it one of the finest destinations in Kerala. You will find heritage and backwaters, island beaches and a modern art scene all here. The only complication is that these are not concentrated in one spot; they are to be found across the mainland, the islands and Fort Kochi. This is where a scooter from ONNBikes (Rs.300/day) proves its worth over a day of getting around, far more so than an auto-rickshaw.
This list of tourist places Kochi offers covers everything from the historic core to the backwaters, so you can pick based on how much time you have.
Kochi has attractions spread across different parts of the city, so having flexible transportation can make sightseeing much easier. If you want to explore multiple places in a day, check bike rental options in Kochi and choose a two-wheeler that suits your travel plans.
How we put this list together
We let historic merit, how unique an experience is and whether it is easily accessible in Kochi be our guide. We also took note of what recent visitors have been saying to make sure a place is still running well. If something had slipped in quality or become too crowded, even if it was on an older list, we left it out.
The 20 best places in Kochi
Heritage and Fort Kochi
📍 1
. Fort Kochi Beach and the Chinese Fishing Nets
The Cheena Vala is the symbol of Fort Kochi. These cantilevered shore nets of teak and bamboo are believed to come from traders at Kublai Khan’s court in the 14th century. They are at their finest at sunrise and sunset. Go between 6am and 8am or 5pm and 7pm. Entry is free.
📍 2. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
Put in an hour or so to see the bedchamber murals of the Ramayana; they are the highlight of the most important collection of Kerala mural paintings you will find. The Portuguese built it in 1555 and the Dutch put their mark on it in 1663. Open 10am to 5pm (closed Fridays), Rs.5.
📍 3. Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town
At the end of Synagogue Lane in Mattancherry is the Commonwealth’s oldest active synagogue, dating to 1568. Every hand-painted Chinese floor tile is different. There is an hour’s worth of browsing among the spice merchants and antique dealers in the lane. Rs.5. Open 10am to 12pm and 3pm to 5pm, Saturdays off.
📍 4. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
The current edifice is from 1902 (the original 1505) but has Italian interiors and pastel blue and white Portuguese architecture. The paintings inside are a reason to stop by. Free entry. 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 5pm.
📍 5. St. Francis Church
Vasco da Gama’s first resting place, this is among the oldest European churches in India (1503). The adjoining Dutch cemetery is worth a few minutes. Free. 8am to 6pm.
📍 6. David Hall Art Gallery
In a 300-year-old Dutch colonial building, this is a top venue for contemporary art in Kerala. Exhibitions are put on regularly and there are studios next door for visitors. Admission is free or nominal.
Islands and backwaters
📍 7. Willingdon Island
The harbour views alone make a trip to India’s biggest artificial island worthwhile. Dredged in the British era, it is home to the port, a naval base and some heritage hotels.
📍 8. Vypin Island
A five-minute ferry from Fort Kochi takes you to this island north of the fort. The interior is a slower proposition than the mainland with good backwater vantage points. It is the way to get to Cherai.
📍 9. Cherai Beach
Some would call it the most beautiful in Kerala. On Vypin Island, you have the Arabian Sea on one side and the backwaters on the other. It is a long, uncluttered stretch and the 30km ride from Fort Kochi is one of the better ones in the vicinity. October to March is best.
📍 10. Kumbalangi Model Village
India’s first model tourism village is set up around the life of the backwater fishing community. Expect boat rides, coir making and crab farming. Some 14km from Fort Kochi. Activities run Rs.200 to 500.
📍 11. Bolgatty Palace and Island
A 1744 Dutch palace on Bolgatty Island, now operating as a heritage hotel. The grounds are open to non-guests at no charge. A short 5-minute ferry from Ernakulam will do.
Nature and museums
📍 12. Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura
Former residence of the Kochi royals and the state’s largest archaeological museum. There are 49 acres of gardens and a prehistory gallery to explore. 15km from central Kochi. Rs.20. 9am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 4:30pm (Mondays closed).
📍 13. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Right in the heart of Ernakulam is this 2.74-hectare urban sanctuary with 180 species or so. An early morning is recommended. Free. 7am to 5pm.
📍 14. Kerala Folklore Museum
The building itself is made from temple architecture elements and the four floors are full of traditional artifacts, from wooden work to folk instruments and tribal pieces. Rs.75. 9:30am to 6pm.
City and culture
📍 15. Marine Drive, Ernakulam
For an evening walk with a view of Vembanad Lake and Fort Kochi. Free.
📍 16. Kashi Art Cafe
An institution in Fort Kochi and one of the oldest. There is a gallery upstairs and garden seating. 8am to 7:30pm.
📍 17. Subhash Bose Park
Locals frequent this well-kept park in Ernakulam for their morning constitutionals. Free.
Family and entertainment
📍 18. Wonderla Kochi
Near NH-544 and 28km from the centre of town is one of the country’s better amusement parks. Live shows and water and dry rides. Adults pay Rs.800 to 1,200. Weekdays 11am to 6pm, earlier on weekends.
📍 19. Lulu Mall
If the group is of mixed mind, head to Edapally (10km from Fort Kochi) for one of India’s largest malls. There is an ice rink and multiplex here. No charge to enter.
For an authentic taste of Kerala’s performing arts, there is no better spot in Fort Kochi. Here one can observe the artists as they don their elaborate costumes and apply the makeup that will define a live Kathakali show, all to the sound of traditional percussion. The evening program is what draws most people in and will run for some two hours or so. But do make an early arrival; the act of watching the makeup being put on is well worth the time.
Best time to visit Kochi
The period from October through March is ideal. You will find the weather cool and dry, with every site open for business. For post-monsoon greenery without the crowds, October and November are fine. By contrast, the monsoon of June to September means heavy rain and restricted access to the backwaters and islands. April and May can be done in the morning but are tiring by noon.
Getting around Kochi
Fort Kochi and Mattancherry sit on a peninsula, while Ernakulam has road and ferry links. The islands – Vypeen, Bolgatty and Willingdon – require a ferry.
Suggested itineraries
One day in the Fort Kochi cluster
Start at the Chinese Fishing Nets at sunrise. Be at St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral before 9am, then make your way to Mattancherry Palace and Jew Town in mid-morning. Before noon there is time for David Hall and the gallery neighbourhood, followed by a seafood lunch by the waterfront and sunset at Fort Kochi Beach. Everything is within walking distance or a brief ride on a scooter.
Two days, with the islands and backwaters
Do the above on Day 1. On Day 2, take a morning ferry to Bolgatty Island and head to Kumbalangi Village in the afternoon. In the evening you can get to Cherai Beach via Vypeen Island. That is a 60km round trip from Fort Kochi; a scooter makes it much more efficient.
Three days, including mainland Ernakulam
Reserve Day 3 for the Hill Palace and Kerala Folklore Museums and an evening on Marine Drive. If there are children in the group, factor in Wonderla.
Making sense of transport costs
An ONNBikes scooter at Rs.300 a day, with the Rs.20 to 30 vehicle ferry fee, will see you through Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Vypin and Ernakulam. An auto will set you back Rs.150 to 300 per trip and confine you to one area. A full-day cab is city-wide but at Rs.1,500 to 2,500 you are at the mercy of the driver’s timetable. The ferry alone (Rs.50 to 100) gets you to the islands and Fort Kochi but lacks any flexibility on the mainland.
What to eat in the vicinity
A few practical tips
Ferry service from Ernakulam to Fort Kochi is frequent (every 20 to 30 minutes) from about 6am until 9pm, but check the last run if you are heading back late. The lanes in Fort Kochi are narrow so keep a slow pace and mind the pedestrians; there is no parking on the main heritage street. And during the monsoon months of June to September, expect the rain to affect island access and ferry timetables.
Common questions
Q1: What should I see in Kochi?
A1: Most start with the Chinese fishing nets and the heritage trail in Fort Kochi (Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, the cathedral). But those who venture further will find the Kerala Folklore Museum and Cherai Beach well worth it.
Q2: Is a one-day trip enough?
A2: For the Fort Kochi circuit it is. With a scooter you can even make it to Cherai in the afternoon.
Q3: How many days are needed?
A3: Three days are required to cover Fort Kochi in depth, a mainland site and a backwater excursion.
Q4: What is the city known for?
A4: The colonial history of Fort Kochi and its fishing nets draw people in. Then there is the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the Malabar seafood and the backwaters.
Rentals
ONNBikes has scooters from Rs.300 and bikes from Rs.500 a day. There is no deposit and booking is online. You will need to present a valid two-wheeler licence and a government ID (an Aadhaar card works) in person at pickup.
Cost breakdown for sightseeing
Scooter (Activa/Jupiter): Rs. 300 to 400 plus minimal fuel comes to Rs. 350 to 450. Electric models are Rs. 350 to 500 with no fuel to worry about. A geared Pulsar will be in the region of Rs. 550 to 700 all in.
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