Let me tell you how I landed up in Kochi. Usually, I don’t like roaming around Cities but this time fate had something in store for me. Until I placed a foot in Kochi, I didn’t know where to stay, what things to do, and which places to visit in Kochi.
It was during the 2019 new year. I thought of spending the new year peacefully, so I chose to go to Munnar a small town in the Western Ghats region of Kerala. Everything went as per the plan, but I didn’t get the return ticket to Bangalore. As a result, I had to go via Kochi which was 120km away to reach my destination.
I was fortunate enough to get a drop till Kochi. I reached Kochi by evening 5 but I was surprised to see the emptiness around me. After enquiring about a few localities who passed by me, they told me, due to some political reasons the whole city has come to halt and even transportation services won’t be available till the next day. I was a bit disappointed, but I had no other go rather than staying in Kochi.
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Kochi the ” Queen of the Arabian sea”
My friends who had visited Kochi told a lot about the city. Kochi is a port city with beautiful beaches; scintillating sunsets; a land of different traditions and cultures; delicious seafood; European colonies and architectures; the variety of spices; the boathouse rides and there are so many other things you can keep telling.
Note: Kochi is the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala.
Many people suggested to me that I should stay in Fort Kochi small area in the south-west region, as this area has a great historical significance and there are plenty of places to visit in Fort Kochi. Therefore, I chose to stay in Fort Kochi.
I took an autorickshaw to reach Fort Kochi. I think taking an autorickshaw is one of the best ways to get to know about a place better. You can find prepaid autorickshaw stands at major centers. I suggest you take a prepaid autorickshaw so that you can stay away from scammers who would charge you more than actual.
Where To Stay In Kochi
I booked a hostel in Fort Kochi through bookings.com.Above all, one of the major advantages of booking through this site is, for most of the stays you can pay money after reaching and verifying the place with your own eyes.
I stayed in a hostel called “ The lost Hostels”. It is a budget place, it cost me around 350 INR per night with breakfast included. However, hostels will provide basic minimum facilities needed so don’t expect much from these places. The hostel was very close to the beach.
Furthermore, you can see a lot of travelers around the world staying in hostels. Best place to stay when you are traveling alone and to make a lot of friends.
If you want more facilities and comfort, you can shell out more money and get better stays. On the other hand, you can find all kinds of stay from budget to luxury in Fort Kochi.
What To Have For Dinner In Kochi
The nightlife in Kochi is quite colorful, fascinating and parties here will go on till 3 or 4 am in the morning. You can find all kinds of restaurants, pubs and a variety of foods so you need not worry about food.
Kochi is a historic place that dates back to 600 years ago, which was invaded by many European countries like Portuguese, Dutch, British and French. Not only Europeans, but you can also see glimpses of Asia countries like Israel(jews), china, and Arabs. As a result, you will find foods related to all these regions here.
Most Famous Dishes Of Kochi
Some of the favorite dishes of Kochi are Karimeen Polichathu, prawn fry, fish fry, Kerala style fish curry (Kerala Meen curry), Malabar chicken biryani, Kerala coin paratha, Paripu curry, etc so make sure you try at least few dishes mentioned above.
I made some friends in the hostel and went out to dinner with them. We tried Karimeen Polichathu, prawn fry, coin paratha, and Kerala Meen curry. The food here was very delicious and per person, it might cost around INR 200 to 250 for non-veg dishes and around 100 to 150 INR for veg dishes.
If possible make friends and go along with them as it will reduce the overall cost.
Morning Walk Along The Beaches Of Kochi
I woke around 6 in the morning and freshened up to go for a walk. I strolled along as the cool breeze blown into my face on the Fort Kochi beach.
You can notice a lot of people walking: meditating; doing yoga; kids playing around; fisherman catching and selling fish etc.
It was a great experience to notice so many activities. Fort Kochi beach is a bit overcrowded. Therefore, it is quite obvious that these beaches are a little dirty.
Furthermore, you can notice graffiti works all over the city, it looks very beautiful and signifies the culture followed in Kochi.
What To Eat For Breakfast In Kochi
You can find a variety of breakfast dishes in this region. Some of the most common dishes that are a big hit among localities are Puttu with banana or Kadala curry; appam; idiyappam; dosas and idlis with coconut chutney; Nadan Mutta curry (egg curry); so never miss a chance to have these dishes.
Most restaurants here use coconut oil to cook food It might taste a little weird the 1st time. You need not worry as foods prepared using coconut oil are very healthy and tasty. Breakfast might cost 50 to 100 INR.
Once you have done with breakfast there are many places to visit in Kochi.
Places To Visit In Kochi Or Things To Do In Kochi
These are some of the places you can visit in Kochi
Chinese Fishing Net In Kochi
You need to fix these fishing nets to land to catch fish. Chinese explorer introduced this net in the 14th century. Moreover, it is one of the most photographed sites of Kochi. These fishing nets look very beautiful during sunset. Furthermore, this is one of the major highlights of Kochi so this gotta be in your places to visit in Kochi list, at the top.
Ancient Churches In Kochi
Santa Cruz Basilica Fort Kochi
It an Ancient church is known for the Indo-European Gothic structure. It was built in 1500 CE. when the Portuguese had arrived in India. This church is one of 8 Basilicas. Hence, you can see plenty of people visiting this place.
St Francis Church Fort Kochi
It is one of the famous churches and tourist attractions in Kochi. This church was built in 1503 when the Portuguese had arrived. It is believed that Vasco Da Gama was buried here, before relocating his remains to Lisbon.
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) In Fort Kochi
It is a palace built in 1555 by Portuguese as a present to King of Kochi. The palace is in a quadrangular shape and we can notice traditional Kerala style in the architecture. Meanwhile, this palace is taken over by the government and is converted into a museum filled with murals and things used by the royal kingdom.
you can find temples on either side of the palace dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna.
You can also visit the Hill palace museum in Kochi. I stay a little far from this place, therefore, I was not able to visit this place
Go Visit Islands In Kochi
You can take a ferry or a boat to reach these islands.
Willingdon Island
This island is the largest artificial island in India. It was built in the year 1936 by an engineer Robert Bristow and the project was commissioned by then Viceroy of India Lord Willingdon.
At present this island is the headquarters of Southern Naval Command of Indian Navy. Kochi shipyard is also very near to this Island.
Vypeen Island
This is one of the most visited islands by tourists. It is a group of Islands which form a part of Kochi city. This island has beautiful and clean beaches like Cherai, Kuzhupphilly, and Puthuvype beaches. As a result, you can spot a lot of tourists in this region
We can find Lighthouse at Puthuvype beach, it will be open to the public from 3 pm to 5 pm every day.
Beaches in the Vypin islands. have the longest beach on the western coast.
I would suggest, you rent a scooter at Fort Kochi for 300 INR per day to roam around these islands but make sure the vehicle is in good condition before you rent.
Roam Around Europeans Colonies In Kochi
You can take a walk amidst European colonies, these colonies are very beautiful and pleasant to see. Walking around these streets will probably take you back to prehistoric days because of the feel, what it gives.
You can find a lot of shops which sell you a different variety of spices, hand made crafts and antique items. This place was a spice trading junction during European rule
Boathouse Tour In Backwaters Of Kochi
Never miss Boathouse rides in backwaters of Kerala, it is one of the major tourist attractions to spend your leisure time peacefully relaxed.
Allepey is 50 km (ie 1.5 hours) from Kochi, which is famous for boathouse rides, similarly, there is another one in Kumarakom.
You can reach Allepey using a train or bus which will cost around 100 INR.
These boathouse tours will cost around 2500 INR per person and can vary based on the season and comforts you need, hence try to carry extra amount along with you.
Taking a ride in a beautifully built boathouse and living literally over the water will be one of the most amazing and magical experiences you can ever have.
You can explore small islands in backwater; can view beautiful and mesmerizing sunsets; can witness how localities lead their daily life and eat delicious freshly cooked seafood. However, carry a mosquito repellent to save yourself from a mosquito or any other insects.
Beaches In Kochi
There are plenty of beautiful beaches in Kochi. Fort Kochi beach and Mahatma Gandhi beach is overcrowded as it is close to the city. If you want to spend your day peacefully without worrying about anything and relaxing on the beaches, then you have head to Vypin Islands.
Vypin islands have beautiful and clean beaches like Cherai, Kuzhupphilly, and Puthuvype.
Kuzhupphilly and Puthuvype beach is best the place to relax and enjoy peacefully.
Culture And Tradition Of Kochi
You can head to Kerala Kathakali center present in Fort Kochi to watch these performances.
Kathakali Dance Form Of Kerala
This is a classical Indian dance form originated in Kerala in the 17th century and its roots are from temple and folk arts. It is a story play genre art.
It is very colorful and pleasant to view. Artists will be wearing big and heavy colorful make-up .clothes, costumes, and ornaments.
There are many Kathakali clubs in and around Kochi, you can ask localities they will guide you to the best place where you can witness the dance.
Book your tickets prior to your visit because there is a chance of event getting filled up.
Kalaripayattu Martial Arts of Kerala
This is an Indian Martial arts style originated in Kerala during the 3rd century BCE. This art form involves a shield and sword. This form is very hard and can only be performed by professionally trained experts. you can head to Greenix Village cultural center present in Fort Kochi to watch the performance
What To Have For Lunch In Kochi
There are various options in veg as all as nonveg food for lunch. I chose to have a Kerala style veg meal, cost 80 to 100 INR per meal.
The veg meal will trigger all taste buds in your tongue.it will be very delicious and it will contain at least 9 to 10 food items.
One best thing about most of the restaurants in Kerala is, they provide warm ayurvedic water because it is very good for health and it increases the rate of metabolism in your body.
What To Have For Evening Snacks when you visit Kochi
To have an evening snack you can head to nearby beaches. You can spot a lot of street food vendors preparing local delights in beaches during the evening time.
The best thing to do will be to watch Sun going down the horizon and gobble up whatever food comes in your way.
Some famous street food of Kochi is Pazham Pori, Ela Ada, Banana chips, Achappam, Kumbilappam, Unniappam. Neyyappam, Uzhunnu vada, and Parripu Vada. These are some of the snacks that have stood the test of times and are hot favorites among the localities.
These snacks might cost around 20 to 30 INR per plate and sometimes even as less as 10 INR.
Pro Tip: you have to try tea with Pazham pori it is a great classic combination.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kochi?
If you ask me “when to visit Kochi ?”, then I will tell you, anytime you feel like because there is no much change throughout the year. But if you want an expert’s point of view then the best time visit will be from the month of October to March.
Summary
To know more about Kochi then click on Kochi Travel Tips.
It was one of the best experiences I have ever had even though I didn’t plan for this. I was a little disappointed when I had to depart back to Bangalore that night, as I wanted to spend more time exploring this port city.
I was able to visit places only near Fort Kochi and I have added the list of other places also as per what the localities told me.
My suggestion would be, if you want to enjoy all these places to the full extent at least you need to plan your holiday for 3 to 4 days.
Did you find this Kochi travel guide helpful? Do you want us to include any more details? Then, please comment below and let us know. We are waiting to hear from you all!
Read about Gokarna Travel Guide
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