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Ultimate Fort Kochi Travel Tips & Guide by Indian Experts
Fort Kochi in Kerala, South India, evolved from a fishing village to an essential port, now a charming town loved by travellers. Weekend explorers and artists from around the world spend varying days here.
I am an Indian living in the country since 1989, and still, the vibe of Fort Kochi, which is much different from other parts of India, surprises me.
With so many places to see and things to do in Fort Kochi, it can be confusing to plan your trip.
Having spent four full days in Fort Kochi making many day trips from here, we know how to help you plan better.
In our travel blog, we bring you Fort Kochi travel tips with essential information you need to know before going, including how to get there, the best time to visit, how to get around, and how many days to spend.
This guide will help you decide what to do in Fort Kochi and for how many days, without relying on clichéd travel agents.
Is Fort Kochi in Kerala worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Fort Kochi in Kerala is worth visiting for its rich history, vibrant culture including traditional dance forms and unique fishing style, excellent local food, cafe culture and stunning natural beauty of the lake Vembanad.
It uniquely blends ancient Indian charm and European allure. The Dutch influence here reminds one of Galle in Sri Lanka.
Those clay tiled roof houses in Old Kochi belonged to some European officer is now a cafe that sells croissants and also crispy Kerala delicacy Pazhampori.
The nicer streets and old buildings definitely pave the way as filming spots for many movies! So, traveling to Fort Kochi can get you to visit some famous movie filming locations too!
If it is your first trip to India, I recommend you spend a minimum of 3 weeks travelling in India.
If you focus on Southern India for 21 days, you should definitely include Fort Kochi along with other places like Varkala Alleppey, Thekkady and Lakshadweep as part of your itinerary.
About Fort Kochi History
Fort Kochi’s history began as a small fishing village. Under the rule of the Kochi King, it became a prominent trading port in the 14th century. The Portuguese arrived in 1503, building Fort Emmanuel.
The Dutch took over in 1663, followed by the British in 1795, who stayed until 1947. Jews settled in Kochi around 700 AD, while the Gujaratis arrived in the late 19th century.
What is special about Fort Kochi?
Fort Kochi is special for its iconic fishing nets, being home to one of India’s 35 Jewish synagogues, beautiful corbelled street alleys with colourful buildings, its multiculturalism with Gujarati, Malayali Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, the ancient spice market of Mattancherry, India’s largest lake Vembanad, Kochi Biennale art festival and India’s first-ever Water Metro.
The Chinese fishing nets are unique for their large, elegant structure and method of operation, reminiscent of ancient Chinese ingenuity.
The Paradesi Synagogue, which lies right next to a Hindu king’s palace and temple, showcases the rich history of Jewish settlements in Fort Kochi.
Vembanad Lake is 96.5 kilometers long, 14 kilometers wide, and 12 meters deep. It has a surface area of 2,033 square kilometers and spreads across the Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts of Kerala. Its vastness often makes it seem like the Arabian Sea, with large cargo ships navigating its waters.
The spice market in Mattancherry, with black pepper as its hero along with ginger and cardamom, offers an aromatic experience you must have in Fort Kochi.
The slender alleys, bustling market lanes, aromatic spice emporiums, the timeless drama of Kathakali dance, roadside gastronomic delights, and the sun’s gentle descent by the shore all intertwine seamlessly, much like the threads of Kasavu in a Kerala saree.
Fort Kochi food is so good that I gained some extra kilos in four days, even as a vegetarian. My seafood-loving husband had to work out extra after the trip because he indulged in too much Kappa and Fish Curry – a delightful tapioca and fish fiesta.
What is Kochi Biennale?
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a big contemporary art festival held in Kochi, Kerala. It’s the largest art exhibition in India and the biggest in Asia. The event showcases art from both international and Indian artists, including installations, films, and performances.
It promotes artistic expression and cultural exchange, turning Kochi into a vibrant hub for global art and culture every two years for three months.
The last time Kochi Biennale was held in 2022 December to April 2023. So in 2024 December, it will be held again.
Is everything perfect in Fort Kochi?
Have you ever found a flawless place? Doubtful. Fort Kochi wasn’t exempt. Dust and poorly kept roads marred its charm, making walking a bit of a challenge. A kilometer’s stroll took over 10 minutes, with even the main streets, hosting the Kochi Biennale, resembling a pothole-ridden Swiss cheese.
Kochi’s beaches aren’t for sunbathing; they’re bustling with people and snack vendors. So, it’s not the ideal destination for a beach vacation.
Many tourists focus on charming doors and historic buildings for photos, but exploring Fort Kochi’s culture and history can enrich your perspective. It adds depth to voyages beyond the typical “Instagram-worthy” snapshots.
Is Kochi and Cochin same?
Yes, it’s the same city, but it underwent a stylish name makeover! Originally known as “Kochi,” it adopted “Cochin” during Portuguese and British rule. However, in 1996, it reverted to its faithful Malayalam name, “Kochi.”
Don’t be confused with Japan’s “Kochi.” India’s Kochi and Japan’s Kochi have no connection whatsoever.
Why Fort Kochi is called Fort Kochi?
Fort Kochi got its name from the old fort built by the Portuguese in the early 1500s. They called it Fort Emmanuel, but everyone just started calling the whole area Fort Kochi.
The fort was set up to protect their trading interests. Even though the actual fort isn’t around anymore, the name stuck. So now, it’s a nod to the area’s cool history and colonial past.
Is Ernakulam and Kochi same
Yes, Ernakulam and Kochi are the same in common usage.
Kochi refers to the historic port city in Kerala, including the broader urban area with neighboring towns.
Ernakulam is the administrative district encompassing Kochi and surrounding areas. The district is a key commercial and industrial hub, with its headquarters in Kakkanad, a suburb of Kochi.
Fort Kochi is usually referred to as Kochi by everyone and is a place for tourist interests. While Ernakulam remains a modern tow like any other Indian town with schools, colleges, hospitals and admin units.
Which is the best time to visit Fort Kochi?
October to March is the best time to visit Kochi, with cooler weather and ideal conditions to enjoy its charm. Summers (March to June) can be hot and humid, making it less ideal for travel.
August, one of the monsoon months, is another good time to visit Fort Kochi as Malarikkal Lake nearby blooms with water lily flowers. However, visiting Kochi in August can be tricky.
June to August are the wettest months, with unpredictable rain. Sometimes it rains heavily, while in August 2023, there was no rain at all. In contrast, Kochi experienced flooding in August 2024.
So, one of the most crucial travel tips for visiting Kochi in August is to check the weather. This is especially important if you plan to experience the lotus magic at Malarikkal Lake. Always check the weather before planning your trip to Fort Kochi in August.
How long to Spend in Fort Kochi?
Two days are enough to explore Fort Kochi if you’re not planning day trips to places like Kumarakom or Kuthampully. For a relaxed visit, allocate about four days.
Some extend their stay to 10 days, enjoying activities like reading, yoga, or meditation classes.
How to reach Kochi?
Kochi is easily accessible by air, train, road, and sea. Personally, I recommend trains for travel to Kochi from other Indian cities. If you’re traveling from nearby cities like Madurai, Kollam, or Varkala, using a private car is best.
How do I get to Cochin by air?
Kochi is served by Cochin International Airport (CIAL), located 45 km from Fort Kochi. The airport offers excellent connectivity to major Indian cities and international destinations in the Middle East, including the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Direct flights also connect Kochi to Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
Use Skyscanner to check best flight connections to Kochi /Cochin
Cochin airport to Fort kochi
To get from Cochin Airport to Fort Kochi, you have two options: bus or taxi.
Buses leave from the airport to the city on fixed timings, once an hour. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs 150-200 INR per person.
The quicker but more expensive option is to book an Uber taxi as soon as you land, which costs about 1400 to 1600 INR. You can also book airport taxis, but I don’t recommend this as Uber is cheaper and better than these taxis.
Reaching Fort Kochi by Train
Most travellers choose to reach Kochi by train due to its excellent train connectivity. From AC sleeper coaches to economical non-AC options, there are plenty of choices for getting to Kochi comfortably and affordably.
Which is the nearest railway station of Kochi?
Out of the two railway stations in Kochi, Ernakulam South Railway Station (ERS) is the nearest to Fort Kochi.
Trains to and from Trivandrum via Kottayam might only stop at the Ernakulam North (Town Station), while those terminating at Ernakulam or traveling south via Alleppey stop at both stations.
To get to Fort Kochi from either of the train stations, it is best to book an auto rickshaw waiting outside the station. Make sure to bargain and fix the price before getting in, even though they have meters.
Before booking your train tickets, read our detailed guide on Train Travel in India to find the best class and ticket type for you.
Sea Route to Fort Kochi
Kochi has a significant seaport, and several cruise ships also berth at the city’s port.
If you’re arriving by cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the waterfront and attractions of the city.
Cruises to Lakshadweep commence from here, and there are even cruises originating from the Maldives to Kochi.
Road trip to Fort Kochi
Kochi is well-connected by road to various cities and towns in Kerala and neighboring states.
There are plenty of night buses to Kochi and ensure you choose sleeper coach with AC.
You can use national highways and state highways to reach Kochi by private vehicle.
If you’re coming from nearby cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, or Bengaluru, you can find regular bus services to Kochi. You can also consider using taxi services or driving your own vehicle if you prefer.
How is the road from Bangalore to Kochi?
The road from Bangalore to Kochi is generally good, but traffic can get hectic, especially in Angamaly and Aluva, known for notorious jams.
We drove the 550 km route, passing through Coimbatore, Palakkad, and Thrissur, enjoying day trips along the way.
On the return journey, we took the Nilambur-Mudumalai-Bandipur National Park-Mysore road, which was a fantastic choice.
The routes were incredibly scenic, and we even witnessed some wildlife. For a more enjoyable drive, I recommend taking the Mysore-Mudumalai-Nilambur road.
What is the mode of transportation in Kochi in Kerala
Kochi has various transportation options, including buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis, the metro, and the water metro. Fort Kochi, where most tourist spots are, is one of many islands in Kochi. The type of transportation you use depends on whether you’re traveling within the same island or between different islands of Kochi.
For short distances within the islands, auto-rickshaws are best.
To get between different islands, such as from Fort Kochi to Wellington, you can use the Water Metro.
The “Junkars” or ferries transport both people and vehicles to nearby islands like Vypin to Kochi.
Buses are also an option to connect different islands, although they tend to take longer compared to ferries or the water metro.
Is Fort Kochi walkable?
Fort Kochi is a walkable place as most attractions are nearby. The only problem I had walking in Fort Kochi is that the roads and walkways could be maintained better. Jew Street and Princess Street are well-maintained, but once you move away from the tourist spots, the roads and footpaths need a makeover.
Heads Up: Traveling 30 km in the outskirts of Kochi usually takes about 1 hour. This is because the roads are narrow, although the traffic isn’t hectic.
We took about 2 hours to reach Kottayam from Kochi, which is just 53 km away!
Also, these roads are too scenic! Backwaters, Chinese fishing nets, coconut lagoons, and mangrove forests will make you stop a lot whenever you travel to a nearby place from Kochi. So, don’t assume it will take just 10 minutes to cover 10 km outside of Fort Kochi.
Fort Kochi Itinerary
What you do in Fort Kochi totally depends on the season you visit. If you are in Fort Kochi during August, you must visit Malarikkal Lake.
If you are in Kochi during the Biennale festival, you can spend at least one day at Aspinwall House. In the Fort Kochi travel itinerary below, I have included activities common to all seasons to avoid any confusion.
Can I see Fort Kochi in one Day?
Not really. With so many places to visit in Fort Kochi, you can barely scratch the surface in a single day. It’s best to plan for at least a couple of days to truly experience the charm and highlights of Fort Kochi. A one-day trip won’t do it justice
2-Day Fort Kochi Itinerary
Day 1:
- Take a curated Walking Tour in Fort Kochi
- Watch the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets
- Visit Mattancherry Palace
- Go shopping at Mattancherry spice market
- Explore Jewish History in Fort Kochi
- Wander in the Gujarati neighbourhood and taste Gujarati food
- Watch a Kathakali show
- Have street food at Vasco Da Gama Square at night
Day 2:
- Visit Saint Francis Church
- See Santa Cruz Basilica
- Visit the Dutch Cemetery
- Spend time at Fort Emmanuel
- Check out antique shops
- Browse through Fort Kochi’s art galleries
- Visit famous cafes
- Explore the streets of Fort Kochi like Princess Street
How do I spend three days in Kochi?
Follow the same 2-day itinerary for Day 1 and Day 2.
Day 3:
- Travel to Kumbalangi village via the scenic Alappuzha – Arthunkal – Kochi Road
- Spend the day on a village tour learning coconut leaf weaving, coir making, fishing techniques, and canoeing, with lunch at the village
- Return to Fort Kochi post-sunset and explore other cafes
What is the best itinerary in Kochi for 4 days
Follow the same 3-day itinerary for Day 1 to Day 3.
Day 4:
- Explore other islands around Fort Kochi using Kochi’s Water Metro
- Go kayaking in Kadamakkudy
- Visit the Folklore Museum in Ernakulam
- Eat at Sree Muruga Cafe in Ernakulam
- Take the metro to watch the sunset at Panambukad Jetty
Is it safe to travel to Kochi?
Fort Kochi is generally safe for tourists, including solo female travellers. However, you need to be cautious about the drug trade in Kochi. Being a port town, the drug lobby is a significant issue. Avoid late-night parties, never leave your drinks unattended, and avoid walking in the streets at night.
Other essential travel tips for Kochi include checking the weather forecast, especially if you are visiting Fort Kochi during the monsoon. Kerala often experiences floods in the monsoon season. In 2018, Fort Kochi was terribly affected by floods. Always stay informed about the weather conditions to ensure a safe trip.
Common Tourist Scams to be aware of in Fort Kochi
Fake Tour Packages: Scammers offer low-budget tour packages via social media, taking money without delivering tickets or accommodation. Many foreign travellers fall victim to this.
Overpriced Taxi and Autorickshaw Rides: Tourists are charged exorbitant fares by unscrupulous drivers. It’s best to ask your host to book taxis for day trips.
Spice Market Scams: Sellers may inflate prices or sell low-quality products as premium items. Being an Indian who grows spices in my farm at Chikmagalur, I found sellers trying to sell me cheap quality ginger and cinnamon, which I cleverly avoided. It’s crucial to know how to identify quality spices to escape this scam.
Silk and Craft Shops: Some shops overcharge or sell counterfeit goods to tourists. Sellers may try to fool you with painted steel items as copper and bronze artefacts or fake Kerala white sarees.
Beach Scams: Souvenir sellers and food vendors try to sell their products at undeserving high prices, often creating sob stories. This practice is common throughout Indian cities where vendors try to sell poverty over their products.
Is Fort Kochi cheap or expensive?
Fort Kochi is a budget-friendly destination for tourists compared to many other places in India like Delhi and Mumbai. Unless you’re indulging in high-end heritage hotels or dining at upscale cafes, you’ll realise travelling in Fort Kochi is pocket friendly.
Fort Kochi got plenty of hostels and homestays that won’t strain your budget.
Street food is affordable, and entrance fees to monuments won’t make you cringe.
Additionally, their metro, ferries, and rickshaw charges are all reasonably priced.
Rickshaws typically charge a flat Rs 50 for a 2-km ride, though it’s technically Rs 35. For a 3-km ride, they often quote around Rs 80. Prices can increase during Christmas, Onam celebrations, and long weekends in India.
It’s affordability is a reason why many long term travellers travel and stay in Fort Kochi for weeks together.
What is the average expense in Fort Kochi for travellers?
On a midrange budget, Kochi trip costs about ?4,000/day for a couple. This includes staying at a homestay about a kilometre from the bustling old town, dining out three times a day at local places (not expensive cafes), attending a couple of cultural shows, and using rickshaws for transportation.
If you pick hostels and cook for yourself, it can cost as little as ?2,000/person.
For those splurging, staying at heritage hotels, dining at fancy cafes, and using private taxis, it can easily cost ?20,000/person/day as a luxury traveller.
The Kochi trip cost also depend on the areas where you stay in. Some of the most famous and best areas to stay in Kochi can break your budget.
Keep in mind that these prices vary with the seasons. During Christmas and long weekends in India, combined with public holidays, costs can be 20% more.
Practical Travel Tips for Fort Kochi
Local Etiquette and Customs
When visiting Fort Kochi, it’s good to know a bit about local etiquette.
As you will be visiting many religious places of three religions?Jewish, Hindu, and Christian?while in Fort Kochi, dress modestly and respectfully. The beach in Fort Kochi isn’t great for sunbathing or swimming, so you really won’t need to carry swimwear. Public displays of affection aren’t common, so keep it low-key.
Tips on Fort Kochi Food CUlture
Fort Kochi’s food culture is a delightful mix of flavours, with a strong emphasis on seafood and traditional Kerala dishes. You’ll find lots of seafood options like fish curry and prawns. Unlike other parts of India where beef is banned, beef is an essential part of Kerala food culture. Even Hindus in Fort Kochi love to have beef roast with Kuttu paratha.
But vegetarians don’t worry, there are plenty of vegetarian dishes too, like Avial (a mixed vegetable curry) and Thoran (stir-fried vegetables), Puttu with Kadala (steamed cylindrical rice cakes paired with spicy coconut gravy and black chickpea curry), and Pazhampori (banana fritters).
Dining here is a mix of street food stalls, cosy cafes, and charming restaurants. Popular spots serve everything from spicy biryani to European-style pastries.
Many upscale restaurants also offer “Sadhya” style dining, where an elaborate traditional Kerala meal is served on banana leaves.
Language and Communication
As Kochi is an essential part of Kerala, Malayalam is the main local language. However, communication is quite easy as English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. The signboards and street names are written in both Malayalam and English.
Knowing a few basic phrases in Malayalam, like “Namaskaram” for hello and “Nandi” for thank you, can be helpful and appreciated by locals.
There are about 700 families of the Gujarati community in Fort Kochi. There are only a few Jewish residents left, who used to be a significant part of the Kochi community. While you may occasionally hear Gujarati, hearing Hebrew is almost rare.
Most places offer free Wi-Fi, but it can be spotty, so consider getting a local SIM card for better connectivity. I use and recommend Airtel.
Currency and Payments
As Fort Kochi is a popular destination for foreign travellers, you’ll find many currency exchange centres here. USD, AUD, Pounds, and Euros can be easily exchanged for Indian Rupees, the currency of India. However, rates might not be as favourable as in major Indian cities like Delhi or Mumbai.
For payments, digital wallets like Google Pay and PhonePe are best for Indian travellers.
As of 2024, foreign nationals may find it difficult to use these digital wallets in India. So, if you’re not from India, cash is the best mode of payment in Fort Kochi.
Major cards work fine in big restaurants and hotels, but street food vendors and small shops typically accept either digital payments or cash. Make sure to keep change handy.
FAQ
What is the best way to explore Kochi?
The best way to explore Fort Kochi is on foot, taking a curated heritage walking tour. For longer distances, it is best to use auto rickshaws within the island and the water metro between the islands to explore Kochi.
Where to go next from Fort Kochi?
The next destination from Kochi can be Kumarakom, Munnar, or Varkala in Kerala; Lakshadweep, a union territory island; Madurai, the temple city in Tamil Nadu; or Mysore in Karnataka.
What can you buy in Fort Kochi as Souvenirs?
The best souvenirs to buy from Kochi are spices, specifically black pepper, cardamom, rasam and biryani masala, banana fibre products, and antiques.
Found our travel tips for Fort Kochi useful to plan your trip better? Let us know in the comment section below.
