Kochi, also known as Cochin, is usually the first stop on a Kerala trip, and for good reason. It is where Arab traders, Portuguese sailors, Dutch merchants, and British officers all left their mark, layered on top of a working port city that is still very much alive today. If you are arriving by flight or train before heading to the backwaters, or simply spending a couple of days here before an Alleppey houseboat cruise, this guide covers every major Kochi tourist place worth your time, with exact location, timings, entry fees, ideal duration, and how to reach each one.
Table of Contents
- Quick Overview: Kochi Tourist Places at a Glance
- Fort Kochi
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
- Jew Town & Paradesi Synagogue
- St. Francis Church
- Santa Cruz Basilica
- Marine Drive, Ernakulam
- Willingdon Island
- Bolgatty Palace
- Cherai Beach
- Hill Palace, Tripunithura
- Kerala Folklore Museum
- Kathakali & Kalaripayattu Shows
- Kumbalangi Village
- Lulu Mall & Local Markets
- More Kochi Attractions Worth Knowing
- Best Time to Visit Kochi
- How to Reach Kochi
- Suggested 2-Day Kochi Itinerary
- Planning to Continue to the Backwaters
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Overview: Kochi Tourist Places at a Glance
- Best area to stay: Fort Kochi or Ernakulam
- Ideal duration: 1 to 2 days for the main sights, 3 days if you add Cherai Beach or Hill Palace
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Nearest backwater destination: Alleppey (Alappuzha), about 55 to 60 km, roughly 1.5 hours away
- Getting around: Kochi Metro, ferries, autos, and walking (Fort Kochi is very walkable)
1. Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is where most people start, and it deserves the most time. This is India's first European township, and the streets still carry Portuguese, Dutch, and British era buildings side by side with spice warehouses and old colonial bungalows. Spend a morning simply walking the promenade, ducking into art galleries, and stopping at century old cafes along the way.
- Location: Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district, Kerala 682001
- Entry fee: Free to walk around; individual sites inside charge separately
- Timings: Open all day, best explored between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM
- Ideal duration: 3 to 4 hours
- How to reach: About 13 km from Ernakulam Junction railway station and 40 km from Cochin International Airport; reachable by ferry from Ernakulam jetty, or by auto-rickshaw and taxi
2. Chinese Fishing Nets
The giant cantilevered fishing nets along Fort Kochi beach are one of the most photographed sights in Kerala. Believed to have arrived with traders from the court of Kublai Khan centuries ago, these nets are still operated by local fishermen today, and you can watch the whole catch and haul process up close, or even try it yourself for a small tip.
- Location: Fort Kochi Beach Road, near Vasco da Gama Square, Fort Kochi 682001
- Entry fee: Free to view; small tip expected if you want to operate a net
- Timings: Accessible all day; best viewed at sunrise or sunset
- Ideal duration: 30 to 45 minutes
- How to reach: Walking distance from Fort Kochi jetty and Vasco da Gama Square, about 200 to 300 metres; auto-rickshaws available from anywhere in Fort Kochi
3. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
Originally built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch, this palace is home to some of the finest surviving mural paintings in India, depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata across its royal bedchambers. The palace also displays the personal belongings, palanquins, and portraits of former Kochi rulers.
- Location: Palace Road, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002
- Entry fee: Nominal, a few rupees for Indian nationals; higher fee for foreign nationals (rates change, confirm at the counter)
- Timings: Roughly 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Fridays; timings vary, check locally before visiting
- Ideal duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- How to reach: About 3.7 km from Fort Kochi jetty, 10 to 15 minutes by auto-rickshaw or taxi; photography inside the mural rooms is usually not allowed
4. Jew Town & Paradesi Synagogue
A narrow lane right next to Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town is where Kochi's small but historic Jewish community settled centuries ago. The Paradesi Synagogue here, built in 1568, is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, known for its hand painted Chinese willow pattern floor tiles and Belgian chandeliers. The lane itself is lined with antique shops, spice stores, and curio dealers.
- Location: Synagogue Lane, Jew Town, Mattancherry, Kochi 682002
- Entry fee: Nominal, a few rupees per person
- Timings: Roughly 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, closed Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays
- Ideal duration: 1 hour
- How to reach: Directly adjacent to Mattancherry Palace, a 2 to 3 minute walk; same access route as the palace
5. St. Francis Church
Built by Portuguese Franciscan friars in the early 1500s, this is considered the oldest European church in India. Explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried here before his remains were moved to Lisbon; his original gravestone is still visible inside. The timber framed roof and simple whitewashed interior make it a quiet, moving stop.
- Location: Church Road, Fort Kochi, Kerala 682001
- Entry fee: Free
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, timings shift slightly on Sundays for mass
- Ideal duration: 20 to 30 minutes
- How to reach: Centrally located in Fort Kochi, about 500 metres walk from the Chinese fishing nets
6. Santa Cruz Basilica
A short walk from St. Francis Church, this basilica is known for its pastel painted vaulted ceiling, intricate frescoes, and gothic style spires. Originally built by the Portuguese and rebuilt by the British in the early 1900s, it is one of only nine minor basilicas in India.
- Location: K.B. Jacob Road, Fort Kochi, Kerala 682001
- Entry fee: Free
- Timings: Roughly 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Ideal duration: 20 to 30 minutes
- How to reach: About 5 minutes walk from St. Francis Church, within the same Fort Kochi heritage zone
7. Marine Drive, Ernakulam
A long waterfront promenade facing the backwaters on the Ernakulam side of the city, Marine Drive is where locals come for an evening walk, street food, and views of ferries crossing to Fort Kochi and Willingdon Island. It is especially pleasant around sunset.
- Location: Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala 682031
- Entry fee: Free
- Timings: Open all day, best visited in the evening
- Ideal duration: 1 hour
- How to reach: About 1 km from Ernakulam Junction railway station, walkable or a short auto-rickshaw ride; well connected by Kochi Metro
8. Willingdon Island
A man made island created from dredged harbour material, Willingdon Island now houses the Kochi port, naval base, and several heritage hotels. It is less of a sightseeing stop and more of a scenic ferry ride; the crossing itself gives great views of the harbour and Fort Kochi skyline.
- Location: Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala 682003
- Entry fee: Free to visit; nominal ferry ticket cost
- Timings: Ferries generally run through daylight hours; check current ferry schedules locally
- Ideal duration: 30 to 45 minutes, usually combined with a ferry ride
- How to reach: Ferries available from Ernakulam jetty and Fort Kochi jetty, about 15 to 20 minutes crossing
9. Bolgatty Palace
Built by Dutch traders in 1744 and later used as the British Resident's residence, Bolgatty Palace sits on its own small island connected by a bridge, surrounded by a golf course and backwater views. It is now a heritage hotel, but non guests can usually visit the grounds and gardens.
- Location: Bolgatty Island, Mulavukad, Kochi, Kerala 682504
- Entry fee: Nominal for grounds and gardens; free for hotel guests
- Timings: Roughly 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Ideal duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- How to reach: About 30 minutes from Ernakulam by road via the Goshree bridges, or a short ferry ride from High Court jetty
10. Cherai Beach
About an hour from Fort Kochi on Vypin Island, Cherai is a long, clean beach where the backwaters and the Arabian Sea sit almost side by side, separated by a narrow strip of land. It is a good half day trip if you want a break from heritage sightseeing: think coconut groves, calm waters good for a swim, and fresh seafood shacks.
- Location: Cherai, Vypin Island, Ernakulam district, Kerala 683514
- Entry fee: Free
- Timings: Open all day, best visited early morning or late afternoon
- Ideal duration: Half a day
- How to reach: About 25 km, roughly 1 hour, from Fort Kochi via the Vypin ferry and coastal road, or by road over the Goshree bridges
11. Hill Palace, Tripunithura
Once the official residence of the Kochi royal family, Hill Palace is now the largest archaeological museum in Kerala, spread across a sprawling 52 acre estate. It houses royal ornaments, oil paintings, palm leaf manuscripts, and a small on site zoo and deer park, a good option if you want to go beyond the usual Fort Kochi circuit.
- Location: Hill Palace Road, Tripunithura, Kochi, Kerala 682301
- Entry fee: Nominal per person, small extra charge for cameras
- Timings: Roughly 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, closed Mondays
- Ideal duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- How to reach: About 12 km from Ernakulam city centre and 18 km from Fort Kochi, by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus
12. Kerala Folklore Museum
A privately curated museum in Thevara built entirely from reclaimed temple wood, palaces, and traditional homes collected across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It houses over 5,000 artefacts across three architecturally distinct floors, along with occasional evening Kathakali and classical dance performances.
- Location: Thevara, Kochi, Kerala 682013
- Entry fee: Paid ticket, moderate price per adult
- Timings: Roughly 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Ideal duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- How to reach: About 5 km from Ernakulam Junction railway station, 15 minutes by auto-rickshaw or taxi
13. Kathakali & Kalaripayattu Shows
No trip to Kochi is complete without watching a live Kathakali performance, Kerala's classical dance drama known for elaborate face paint and costumes. Several centres in Fort Kochi let you watch the artists apply their makeup before the show starts, which is half the experience. Some venues also stage Kalaripayattu, one of the world's oldest martial art forms, in the evenings.
- Location: Multiple cultural centres across Fort Kochi and Ernakulam, Kerala 682001 / 682016
- Entry fee: Paid ticket, price varies by venue
- Timings: Evening shows, usually 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM slots; makeup sessions start earlier
- Ideal duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- How to reach: Most venues are centrally located in Fort Kochi or Ernakulam, walkable or a short auto-rickshaw ride from either area
14. Kumbalangi Village
India's first model eco tourism village, Kumbalangi sits on the backwaters just outside Kochi and offers a genuine look at Kerala's fishing and coir making traditions. You can watch clam and crab farming, try your hand at Chinese net fishing, and take a canoe ride through narrow mangrove lined canals.
- Location: Kumbalangi, Kochi, Kerala 682506
- Entry fee: Free to enter the village; canoe rides and activities charged separately
- Timings: Best visited during daylight hours, roughly 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Ideal duration: Half a day
- How to reach: About 15 km, 30 to 40 minutes, from Fort Kochi by road
15. Lulu Mall & Local Markets
If you want a break from heritage sites, Lulu Mall in Edappally is one of India's largest malls, with everything from an ice skating rink to a large food court. For a more local experience, the spice markets of Mattancherry and Broadway Market in Ernakulam are worth a walk through for the smells alone: cardamom, cloves, and dried ginger stacked in open sacks.
- Location: Edappally, Kochi, Kerala 682024 (Lulu Mall); Broadway, Ernakulam (local market)
- Entry fee: Free entry
- Timings: Roughly 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM for the mall; markets generally open through the day
- Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours
- How to reach: About 10 km from Ernakulam city centre, directly connected by the Kochi Metro (Lulu Mall / Edappally station)
16 to 20. More Kochi Attractions Worth Knowing
Beyond the main circuit, a few more spots round out a longer Kochi trip.
- Indo-Portuguese Museum, Bishop's House Road, Fort Kochi 682001. Free to nominal entry, roughly 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, closed Mondays, 30 to 45 minutes needed, a short walk from Santa Cruz Basilica.
- Vasco da Gama Square, Fort Kochi Beach Road, Fort Kochi 682001. Free entry, best visited in the evening for street food, 1 hour needed, right beside the Chinese fishing nets.
- Pallipuram Fort, Pallipuram, Vypin, Kerala 683515. Nominal entry, roughly 8 AM to 5 PM, 30 to 45 minutes needed, about 30 km and 1 hour from Fort Kochi.
- Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, near Kochi Shipyard, Ernakulam 682015. Nominal entry, roughly 8 AM to 5:30 PM, 1 hour needed, about 2 km from Ernakulam Junction, walkable or short auto ride.
- David Hall Art Gallery, Parade Ground, Fort Kochi 682001. Free entry, roughly 10 AM to 6 PM, 30 to 45 minutes needed, centrally located in Fort Kochi near the parade ground.
Best Time to Visit Kochi
October to March is the most comfortable period, with mild temperatures ideal for walking around Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. April and May are hot and humid, better suited to early morning or evening sightseeing. The monsoon, June to September, brings dramatic skies and a quieter, greener city, a good option if you do not mind carrying an umbrella and want to avoid crowds.
How to Reach Kochi
- By air: Cochin International Airport (COK) is well connected to major Indian cities and several international destinations across the Gulf and Southeast Asia.
- By train: Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town are the two main railway stations, on the main line connecting Kerala to the rest of India.
- By road: Kochi is well connected by NH66 and NH544 to the rest of Kerala. It is about 1.5 hours from Alleppey, 3 to 4 hours from Munnar, and roughly 3.5 to 4 hours from Thekkady.
- Getting around locally: The Kochi Metro covers Ernakulam and the mainland well, while ferries are the most scenic, and often fastest, way to cross between Fort Kochi, Ernakulam, and Willingdon Island.
Suggested 2-Day Kochi Itinerary
Day 1, Fort Kochi & Mattancherry: Chinese Fishing Nets at sunrise, then St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, a walk to Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue, and an evening Kathakali show.
Day 2, Ernakulam & beyond: Marine Drive morning walk, then the Kerala Folklore Museum or Hill Palace, followed by Cherai Beach in the afternoon, or Kumbalangi Village for a slower, village style day.
Planning to Continue to the Backwaters?
Most travellers pair their Kochi sightseeing with an overnight houseboat cruise in Alleppey. It is the natural next step after a couple of days of walking through Fort Kochi's streets and museums. Alleppey (Alappuzha) is roughly 55 to 60 km from Kochi, about a 1.5 hour drive through Kerala's coastal countryside.
At Backwater Holidays, we are a licensed local operator based directly in Alappuzha, offering deluxe, premium, and luxury house boats with all meals, crew, and overnight backwater stays included, booked directly, with no middlemen.
- Location: Finishing Point Boat Jetty, Alappuzha, Kerala 688012
- Entry fee (package rate): Packages typically start around ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 per night for a couple, varying by boat category and season
- Timings: Overnight cruises usually check in around 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM and check out by 9:00 AM the next day; day cruises generally run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Ideal duration: One overnight stay, 18 to 20 hours, or a 6 to 8 hour day cruise
- How to reach: Finishing Point Jetty is about 2 km from Alappuzha Railway Station and the town centre, reachable by auto-rickshaw or taxi
Explore Alleppey House Boats
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kochi Tourist Places
How many days are enough to visit Kochi?
1 to 2 full days are enough to cover the main Kochi tourist places such as Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, Marine Drive and the Chinese fishing nets. If you want to add Cherai Beach or Hill Palace, plan for a third day.
What is the best time to visit Kochi?
October to March is the best time to visit Kochi, with pleasant weather ideal for walking around Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. The monsoon, June to September, is greener and less crowded, while April and May are hot and humid.
Is Fort Kochi and Kochi city the same place?
No. Fort Kochi is a historic peninsula and neighbourhood within Greater Kochi, known for colonial architecture and the Chinese fishing nets. Ernakulam is the modern, commercial mainland part of the city. Most tourist places are concentrated in Fort Kochi and neighbouring Mattancherry.
Can I combine a Kochi visit with an Alleppey houseboat trip?
Yes, and it is one of the most popular Kerala itineraries. Kochi is about 55 to 60 km, roughly 1.5 hours, from Alleppey. Most travellers spend a day sightseeing in Kochi, then head to Alleppey for an overnight houseboat cruise on the backwaters.
How do I reach Kochi?
Cochin International Airport (COK) connects Kochi to major domestic and international cities. Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town are the main railway stations, well connected across India. Kochi also has a well developed metro, ferries and road network for getting around locally.
What is the entry fee for Mattancherry Palace?
Mattancherry Palace charges a nominal entry fee of a few rupees for Indian nationals, with a higher fee for foreign nationals. The palace is usually closed on Fridays, so check local timings before you plan your visit.
