Fort Kochi Travel Blog - Best Things to do, places to eat and stay (2020)
Here is my detailed Fort Kochi travel blog for all you guys looking to plan a Kerala trip in the coming days. You know what, I had visited Kerala in 2016, however, Fort Kochi was not part of my itinerary then. I thought it would be just like any other Indian city - crowded, tall buildings, etc. While chatting with a friend from Kerala, he told me a bit about the interesting history of Fort Kochi. This area of Kochi was granted by the king to the Portuguese who had built the grand fort called Fort Kochi (hence the name Fort Kochi). After 160 years of Portuguese settlement, Dutch captured the territory and destroyed the fort. After 100+ years of the Dutch settlement, the British took control of Fort Kochi. It was also once the hub for Jews in India. I was intrigued by the history of Fort Kochi and finally visited Fort Kochi a few months back.
Fort Kochi is also known as ‘Old Kochi’. Given the history, it is a perfect blend of colonial Dutch, Portuguese and British culture. A walk around the Jew Town, Mattancherry, and dutch colonies will take you to the older India.
Also, Lonely Planet has added Kochi in the list of best cities to visit in 2020.
Now, enough of me talking! Let’s get started with the Fort Kochi travel blog to help you plan your perfect Kerala trip.
Quick Navigation
Fort Kochi Places to Stay
Best Places to see in Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi best Places to eat - Fort Kochi Restaurants
How to reach Kochi?
How to reach Fort Kochi?
Commute within Kochi
Best time to visit Kochi
How many days in Kochi
Kochi Itinerary
Is Fort Kochi safe for solo female travelers
Trip Cost for Kochi
What to wear in Kochi
Kochi to Alleppey
Fort Kochi Places to Stay/ Fort Kochi Hotels
For your Kochi trip, I will recommend you to stay in Fort Kochi as this is old side of the town and popular amongst the travellers. There are many old-style buildings in Fort Kochi which have now been turned into luxury and boutique hotels. Depending on your budget, you can choose to stay in one of those Jewish buildings and experience the Old Kochi feel.
During my visit, I had stayed with Forte Kochi, a beautiful property right in the heart of Fort Kochi. It is a 100 years old Jewish house that has been converted into a breathtaking hotel. The yellow colour of the wall, thoughtful and artistic architecture, cozy rooms with tinted colored windows - Forte Kochi is one of the most beautiful hotels in Kochi. I also loved the food here. Can’t forget the candlelight dinner date with some live Carnatic music playing in the background. If your budget allows, I will highly recommend you to stay with Forte Kochi. Here are a few pictures to give you the feel of the place.
Fort Kochi Hostels - In case you are on a budget, Fort Kochi has some great hostels as well (in the range of INR 500 to INR 800). You can check out Zostel and Happy Camper.
Best Places to see in Fort Kochi/ Fort Kochi Things To Do
Before I tell you about the best places, here is a Kochi City Tourist map for your reference. Pin it!
FORT KOCHI BEACH
Fort Kochi beach, popular for Chinese Fishing Nets, is the city's escape. Mornings at the Fort Kochi beach are busy when the fishermen open their Chinese Nets hoping for high tides. In the evenings, it gets even busier because of the mesmerising and magical sunsets at the Fort Kochi Beach. Keep in mind that you can’t swim at the Fort Kochi beach. Also, for females - wear modest clothing as it is a hub for city dwellers and bikini won’t be a good idea for Fort Kochi beach.
2. CHERAI BEACH IN VYPIN ISLAND
Fort Kochi beach is not of the kind where you can get in the water. If you are craving for some beach swimming, go to Cherai beach in Vypin Island in Kochi. Of Course, you can flaunt your bikini at the Cherai beach. If you are lucky, you can also spot some dolphins. Though it is slightly far from the city, but a calm and peaceful place to spend an evening.
Fort Kochi to Cherai beach - You will need to take a ferry from Fort Kochi to Vypin Island. Once you reach Vypin island, either take a public bus to reach Cherai beach or alternatively, you can take hire a bike from Fort Kochi area and take it along with you in the Ferry. The drive from the Vypin Island till Cherai beach will take around an hour.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind spending a bit extra, take an app-based taxi Ola/ Uber to reach the island. It will be around a 2 hours ride and will cost INR 1000 approx.
3. WATCH A KATHAKALI PERFORMANCE IN FORT KOCHI
The colourful faces moving their big eyes left to right was a fascination for me. In Kathakali each colour represents behavior and character and the performance is story-based. If you are also interested in knowing more about this form of dance that originated from Kerala, I would suggest you must go and watch a live performance. You can also see the detailed and intricate process of makeup application before their performance.
There are many places to watch Kathakali performance in Fort Kochi. I went to the ‘Kerala Kathakali Centre’ in Fort Kochi. The makeup starts around 5 PM and the performance starts around 6:00 PM. The ticket charges are INR 400 per person.
You can also go to the Folklore Museum in Kochi, it is a bit pricey but luxurious place to watch Kathakali performace.
4 . GO FOR KALARIPAYATTU SHOW OR TAKE A CLASS (KERALA’s TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ACT)
I saw Kelaripayattu performance in Kerala Kathakali Centre itself and was awestruck to know that it is one of the oldest surviving martial art forms. You can also enrol for a morning class at the centre. The performance ticket was for INR 250 and the show starts at 4:00 PM. I could not go for a class, however, I am sure it would have been an amazing experience.
5. JEW TOWN AND PARDESHI SYNAGOGUE
Indian Jews are known as ‘Malabari Jews’. Since they came from overseas, native people back then started calling them ‘Pardesi’ (English translation is ‘one from another land’). Jew Town in Mattancherry was the place where the Jewish people had settled. After Israel was established as a nation, most of the Jew families had migrated to Israel. Though, there are still a few houses/ shops in Jew town where you can experience the authentic Jewish culture. Do visit Sarah Aunty’s Embroidery Shop. She was one of the last remaining members of Kochi’s Jews society. She is no more and her shop is now managed by her neighbour (who she treated like a son).
Pardeshi Synagogue in Kochi is the oldest (450 years) active synagogue in India. If you are a history buff and interested in the cultural side of the world, you must visit this synagogue.
6. MATTANCHERRY MARKET AND DUTCH PALACE
A bustling center of trade and a hub where numerous communities (Konkani, Gujrati, Jew, Jains, Marathi) co-existed/ exist. Mattancherry is a perfect example of a vibrant past and harmonious present.
Fort Kochi Dutch Palace - The palace was gifted by Portuguese to the King in 1555. The Dutch Palace has now been turned into a museum. It will be a good visit for a history buff like me.
7. KOCHI STREET ART
I was in awe seeing those beautiful wall murals, which reminded me of Penang streets in Malaysia. The murals in Kochi are so artistic and forward looking. People say this city is home for artists, the walls perfectly reflect the same.
8. SHOPPING IN FORT KOCHI
Kochi will be the best place to buy souvenirs from your Kerala trip. The Jew market and Mattancherry has beautiful antique shops, art galleries. You can also buy some traditional Indian clothes. Don’t forget to check out these busy and vibrant markets.
9. ST FRANCIS CHURCH AND DUTCH CEMETERY
St Francis is one of the oldest European churches in India. Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama, who had discovered the sea route for Europe to India, was buried here after his death in Kochi and it is also called ‘Vasco Da Gama Church’. The church will remind you of the colonial Portuguese period.
If you want to explore a bit more about Dutch architecture, do visit Fort Kochi Dutch Cemetery. It is kept closed and opened only on request by the visitors.
There is also a manmade island called Willingdon Island in Kochi. If you have time, do check it out. To reach Willingdon island, you can take a ferry from Ernakulam Jetty. Since I was in Kochi for just 2 days, I could not make it to the island.
Fort Kochi best Places to eat - Fort Kochi Restaurants
Fort Kochi is a hub for all the fancy art cafes and seafood. Here are a few of my favorite places to eat in Fort Kochi
Ginger House, Jew Town - This fancy restaurant is right by the backwaters and has a beautiful ambiance. The food is great too.
Mocha Art Cafe, Jew Town - A pretty cafe right next to Synagogue
Shri Ganesha Restaurant Mattancherry - South Indian Thali meal. It is cheap (INR 100 for a thali) and a hygienic place. Perfect if you are on a budget.
Pepper House Cafe, Fort Kochi - Outdoor cozy place. Perfect for an afternoon cuppa coffee
Loafer’s Corner Cafe, Fort Kochi - A relaxed nook near Fort Kochi beach
Kashi Art Cafe, Fort Kochi - Don’t miss to try chocolate cake and hot chocolate in Kashi Art Cafe.
Dal Roti, Fort Kochi - Known for the North Indian Thali and Kathi Rolls
Forte Kochi near Fort Kochi beach - for lunch or for a romantic dinner by the pool
Old Harbour Hotel for a romantic dinner and live Carnatic music. Old Harbour Hotel is right opposite the Fort Kochi beach
Pool side restaurant in Forte Kochi
How to reach Kochi
By train: Kochi is connected with most of the Indian cities through rail network. Check out the train options for Kochi here IRCTC
Kochi is in Ernakulam district. While searching for trains on IRCTC, add Ernakulam Junction or Ernakulam Town as your arrival destination. I had gone to Kochi via Bangalore and had taken ‘Humsafar Express’. It was a nine hours journey in one of the cleanest trains in India.
By Bus: You can also find direct buses for Kochi from Chennai, Bangalore, and some of the other south Indian cities. Search for bus options to Kochi here .
Kochi Airport: Kochi has an international airport (Cochin International Airport- COK) withdirect flights from main Indian cities and is also well connected to the middle east and Southeast Asian countries.
How to reach Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is old town side of Kochi. The distance of Fort Kochi from Kochi’s railway station/ bus stop/ airport is mentioned below. Whenever you arrive in Kochi, you can book an Ola/ Uber to reach Fort Kochi. They are easily available without the hassle of bargaining. In case you prefer public transport and are on a budget, you can also take a local bus from a nearby bus stop. There are many buses for Fort Kochi from Kochi city.
Fort Kochi from Cochin Airport - around 50 km (INR 1000 from taxi)
Fort Kochi from Kochi bus Terminal - 15 km (INR 200 from taxi)
Fort Kochi from Kochi Railway station - 15 km (INR 200 from taxi)
Commute within Kochi
You can explore the Fort Kochi, Jew Town, Mattancherry Market on foot and it will be fun to walk around and see the old houses, colourful murals and hustle-bustle of a busy city. During my 2 days’ trip, I walked for almost 10 to 12 km every day.
In case you do not prefer walking so much, you can hire a cycle (INR 200 per day) or a bike (INR 400 per day) or can also take a tuktuk. Bikes can be rented from anywhere and are easily available. The best way to hire a bike will be to check with your hotel. Knowing that you are a tourist, tuktuk guys may add their extra margins, so bargain for a better price.
Best time to visit Kochi
Late November till Early February will be the best time to visit Kochi or Kerala in general. Avoid planning your Kerala trip in summer (February middle till June) as it will be super hot.For monsoon trips (July till October), there could be heavy rainfall. Kerala has been witnessing floods from the last 2 monsoons.
Kochi Itinerary
Here is a quick itinerary for Fort Kochi
Day 1 Fort Kochi Itinerary:
Morning - Fort Kochi beach, St Francis church and explore the Dutch architecture. Have breakfast at one of the cozy cafes near the Fort Kochi Beach
Afternoon - Explore Jew Town, Dutch Palace, Mattancherry, Kochi street arts and have lunch in Ginger Hotel
Evening - See the beautiful sunset at Fort Kochi beach followed by Dinner and Old Harbour hotel
Day 1 Fort Kochi Itinerary:
Mornings at Cherai beach, may be pack your lunch. You can also go for a morning class of Kalaripayattu.
Evening - Watch Kalaripayattu Show and Kathakali performance
Trip Cost for Kochi
For a budget trip, you can take an average estimate of around INR 1200 to INR 1,500 per day for Kochi - INR 500 for hostel stay, INR 200 for a one-time meal. Traveling within the city can be done via cycle or walk.
If you go to cafes and fancy restaurants, the cost will increase accordingly.
Is Fort Kochi safe for solo female travelers
Yes, Kochi is safe for solo female travelers. People are nice and helpful. Just a few things to bear in mind:
Modest clothing - Kochi is not as open as Goa. The bikini will be a strict no .
Don’t go out at the beach alone post 9 PM.
What to wear in Kochi
Kochi is one of the developed cities of Kerala, yet not as open as Goa. I will recommend modest clothing for female travelers
(to avoid the staring and the hassle).
Also, since the weather is quite hot, bring all your comfortable cotton clothes.
How many days in Kochi
To explore Kochi fully, you will need at least 2 days. However, if you are on a short trip, I will recommend you to stop by for a day in Fort Kochi and experience the old town charm of Kerala.
Kochi to Alleppey
Kochi is the entry point for Kerala and the best place to start your Kerala expedition. You can easily find buses/ trains for other cities in Kerala. Here are a few places which people generally visit from Kochi.
Fort Kochi to Alleppey: Kochi to Alleppey ( local name - Alappuzha ) is just 90 km away and will take around 2 hours to reach. You can reach from Kochi to Alleppy by:
Kochi to Alleppey Private Taxi - Will cost around INR 2000. Expensive option if you don’t have people to share the cost.
Kochi to Alleppey Bus - I had gone from Kochi to Alleppey via bus and it costed me INR 60 per person. Super cheap, right! You will need to take a bus from Ernakulam bus station. In case you are staying in Fort Kochi area, you can take a tuk-tuk from Fort Kochi to Ernakulam Bus station (INR 200 approx. Bargain for the best price). The tuktuk ride will take around 30 minutes.
Kochi to Alleppey Train- There are many options for trains from Kochi to Alleppey (Station code ALLP). It will be around 1-hour journey. You will find the train from Ernakulam Junction (Kochi’s railway station) which is around 30 minutes from Fort Kochi. See the train lists here. Since it is an hour’s journey, you can take on the spot general ticket and do not need prior reserved booking.
You can also go to Vagamon, Munnar, Varkala from Kochi by train and bus.
I hope you found this Fort Kochi travel blog helpful. Do tell me in case you think I have missed adding something or if you have any other questions. Will be happy to help! Will be looking forward to hearing about your trip to Kerala.
Love,
Tanned Travel Girl
If you are on a India tour, don’t miss visiting Hampi and other places mentioned here :
