Things to Do in Kochi: Fort Kochi, Jew Town, Kathakali & Harbour Life

Watch the Chinese fishing nets

The cantilevered Chinese fishing nets along the Fort Kochi waterfront are believed to have been introduced by traders from China centuries ago. Teams of fishermen raise and lower the huge nets with counterweights. Sunset is the best time; fishmongers nearby will cook your pick of the catch at small stalls.

Best time

Sunset

Good for

Everyone

Visit St Francis Church

St Francis Church, built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, is one of the oldest European churches in India. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were taken to Portugal; his gravestone remains inside.

Time needed

30 minutes

See Santa Cruz Basilica and the Dutch Cemetery

Santa Cruz Basilica, rebuilt in 1905, has a bright painted interior. The Dutch Cemetery, from the 18th century, is one of the oldest European cemeteries in India; it is usually viewed from the gate.

Walk the heritage streets

Princess Street, Burgher Street and the lanes around them have colonial houses, cafés, art galleries and homestays. Cycling or walking is the best way to explore. The Indo-Portuguese Museum and the Maritime Museum are nearby.

Best time

Morning and late afternoon

Cycle around Fort Kochi

Bicycles can be rented in Fort Kochi, and the flat, compact streets are ideal for cycling between the fishing nets, churches, the Dutch Cemetery and the beach promenade. Early morning rides are cool and quiet.

Best time

Early morning

See Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese around 1555 for the Raja of Kochi and later renovated by the Dutch, is known as the Dutch Palace. Its walls are covered with some of the finest Kerala murals, depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Puranas. It is closed on Fridays.

Time needed

1 hour

Good to know

Closed on Fridays

Visit the Paradesi Synagogue

The Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, is one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth. Its floor is laid with hand-painted Chinese tiles, and Belgian chandeliers hang from the ceiling. It is closed on Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays; shoulders and knees must be covered.

Time needed

30 minutes

Good to know

Closed Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays

Shop in Jew Town and the spice market

Jew Town's lanes are full of antique shops, handicraft stores and spice warehouses where ginger, pepper and cardamom are still traded. The smell of spices fills the air.

Good for

Shoppers

Watch Kathakali

Several centres in Fort Kochi and Ernakulam stage short Kathakali shows for visitors every evening, often with the make-up session (which takes about an hour) open to watch. An introduction explains the gestures and expressions.

Best time

Evening

Good for

Culture seekers

See kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu, Kerala's ancient martial art, is demonstrated in evening shows with sword and shield fights, acrobatics and stick fighting.

Visit the Kochi-Muziris Biennale

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India's largest contemporary art exhibition, takes over warehouses and heritage buildings in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry for several months, usually from December. Aspinwall House is the main venue. Check the current edition's dates.

Best time

December to March in Biennale years

Walk Marine Drive

Marine Drive in Ernakulam is a waterfront promenade looking over the backwaters and harbour, with the Rainbow Bridge and boat jetties. It is busy with families and walkers at sunset.

Best time

Sunset

Browse Broadway and the Ernakulam market

Broadway, one of the oldest shopping streets in Ernakulam, has spice shops, fabric stores and hardware in narrow lanes. Nearby, the Ernakulam market sells fruit, vegetables and fish.

Good for

Shoppers

See the Kerala Folklore Museum

The Kerala Folklore Museum near Thevara, in a building combining Kerala's architectural styles, has a large collection of masks, costumes, musical instruments and ritual objects from across South India, and a small theatre for performances.

Time needed

1.5 hours

Good for

Culture seekers

Visit Bolgatty Palace

Bolgatty Palace, built by the Dutch in the 18th century on Bolgatty Island, later served as the British Resident's home and is now a heritage hotel. The island is a short ferry ride from Ernakulam.

Explore the Muziris heritage sites

North of Kochi, the Muziris Heritage Project covers sites linked to the ancient port of Muziris, including synagogues at Paravur, the Cheraman Juma Masjid at Kodungallur (often called India's oldest mosque), palaces and museums. Boat tours connect several sites.

Time needed

Full day

Explore Hill Palace

Hill Palace in Tripunithura, the former residence of the Kochi royal family, is Kerala's largest archaeological museum, with royal regalia, paintings, weapons and a deer park.

Time needed

2 hours

Ride a ferry or the Water Metro

Public ferries between Fort Kochi, Ernakulam and Vypeen are cheap and scenic. The Kochi Water Metro, launched in 2023, runs electric boats to several islands.

Good for

Families, budget travellers

Relax at Cherai beach

Cherai beach, on Vypeen Island about 25 km north, has the sea on one side and backwaters on the other.

Visit Kumbalangi village

Kumbalangi, near Fort Kochi, has model tourism village programmes showing crab farming, fishing and coir making on the backwaters.

Eat Kochi's seafood

Try appam with stew, fish moilee, karimeen pollichathu, prawn roast, and Kerala parotta with beef fry. Fort Kochi has cafés in old houses.

Good for

Food lovers

What are the best things to do in Kochi?

See the Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue, shop in Jew Town, watch Kathakali, visit the Biennale and Hill Palace, and ride the ferries.

How many days are enough for Kochi?

Two to three days.

When is the Paradesi Synagogue closed?

On Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

What is the best time to visit Kochi?

October to March.

What are the best things to do in Fort Kochi at night?

Watch sunset at the Chinese fishing nets, see a Kathakali or kalaripayattu show, and eat at the cafés and seafood stalls along the waterfront and heritage streets.