The Queen of Arabian Sea Kochi, Kerala

Are you making a plan to visit in Kerala and wondering whether Kochi (Cochin) is worth visiting or not? Read my complete travel guide answering all your doubts, including the best places to visit in Kochi and Fort Kochi, best stay, eat, and when to go.

After staying a week in two different destinations – Bangalore and Coorg – I thought I got the experience of two very unique holidays. Nothing could match them in my 2-week-long South India tour. Still, both Kumarakom and Fort Kochi exceeded my expectations. In this post, I’ll elucidate you why I fell in love with Kochi and which are the best things to do in Kochi in two days.

Is Fort Kochi worth visiting?

This was a doubt that grappled my mind when planning my tour for Kerala. I wanted to know that what’s special in Kochi that makes it a must-visit destination in Kerala. I must admit Kochi, also known as Cochin, is one of the most mesmerizing destinations on the southwest coastline of Kerala. It is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city also flaunts one of the world’s best natural harbours. And, why wouldn’t it? After all, Kerala has been the centre of the world spice trade for many centuries. Old Kochi (presently called West Kochi) loosely refers to a group of islands which include Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, and Willingdon Island, among others. Fort Kochi is a fishing village that became the first European colony in India, where you can still see the trail of several cultures and ethnicities.

The city is also described to as the gateway of Kerala because if you plan to go to Alleppey, Thekkady or Munnar, your beginning point will most likely be Kochi. And, if you want to visit Lakshadweep, your journey will also start at Kochi. Hence, it makes sense to begin at least a day or two here. There are lots of things to do in Fort Kochi, so here is a travel guide curated by me to assist you plan your time in this historic city.

Fort Kochi is a cultural vessel shaped by umpteen historical influences dating back to 2 thousand years. Its streets exude that old-world charm. The British, Chinese, Dutch, Jewish, Arabs and Portuguese these all are part of the history and development of Cochin. At Kochi, you see a hodgepodge of cultures and traditions co-existing with ease – whether the Catholics of Kerala, Jews, Kashmiris, Marwaris, Konkanis or Gujaratis. The English claimed Cochin as “Mini England”, The Dutch called it “Homely Holland’Holland’ and the Portuguese recommended to the port as “Little Lisbon”.

When is the best time to visit Kochi?

The perfect time to visit Kochi depends on your interests and hobbies what you are looking for in your tours. Mostly visitors prefer to visit between October and March as the weather is pleasant, ranging from 17^o to 33^o Celsius. I was there at the starting of March, and that was pleasant to explore the town on foot. But think you are the one who doesn’t mind the heat and humidity. In this case, you can visit between April to June when the normal temperature ranges from 20^o to 37^o Celsius. The good thing, it is a lean season, that means you can get best accommodation deals. Lastly, plan your tour between July and September if you like the monsoon. The normal temperature is between 24^o to 27^o Celsius, and the city turns green. Also, a best time to get better accommodation deals.

How many days are enough for Kochi?

If you are excited to explore just the city’s historical side, then I would recommend two days are enough for Kochi. But if you have more time and want to know more about the city and around at a slow pace, then 5-7 days should be good. I had 2 days in hand, and I could explore quite a bit in those 2 days.

What are the best things to do in Kochi in 2 days?

Kochi is like an affluent city for historical and cultural richness reflected in its architectural marvels from 100s of years old. Fort Kochi and Mattancherry are heart and soul of the city. It’s a good place to spend 48 hrs in the Kochi.

The old fishing technique at the Chinese Fishing Nets

The Chinese Fishing Nets are the most famous tourist sites in Kochi, so if you are only making only 1 day trip to Kochi, this should be no. 1 on your list of things to do in Fort Kochi. According to history the name Co-chin means like China. The Chinese explorers who visited here in the Portuguese era installed these all fishing nets that have since become the symbol of the place.” It is believed the first Fishing Nets were installed by the Chinese in Fort Kochi in the 15th century, and that is still in used now. Refurbished many times since then, but the technique is still the same that was used by first traders. If you want to watch that old technique of catching fish, just visit at the Vasco da Gama Square, a narrow walkway that runs along the Fort Kochi beach. The good time to visit the Chinese Fishing Nets and Kochi Beach is around the sunset time when the whole area glows in the golden light. Usually, the fisherman would expect a little charger or tip of 100-200 rupees for letting you take pictures of their nets. As you step outside of the Chinese Fishing nets boats, you are allured with stalls for local drinks, food, souvenirs etc. There are some benches as well for sitting.

A glorious sunset at Fort Kochi Beach

The major tourist attraction is Fort Kochi and Fort Kochi Beach, next to the Chinese Fishing Nets. Equally famous amidst tourists and locals for evening walks, perhaps, this beach small but has many unique factors what differentiate it from another beaches in Kerala or Goa. The Chinese fishing nets is definitely a highlight. The presence of gigantic old trees and the greenery on the promenade adds to the peace of the beach. The seafood, the Vasco da Gama Square adjacent of the beach, the lighthouse and a granite walkway are other tourist attractions what make it a must-visit place in Kochi.

The history of Fort Emmanuel ruins

Origin of Fort Kochi’s name lies buried beneath the ruins of this Portuguese fort that was also one of the first in Asia. It was the first place where Europeans established their first empire, and it also became a battleground for Europeans. Fort Emmanuel was built 2 times by the Portuguese and then by the Dutch.

The St. Francis Church

Initially built in 1503, St. Francis Church is very famous and known as the first church Europeans built in India and has many historical relevance. Interestingly, it has showed as a Roman Catholic church, a Dutch Reformist church and an Anglican church during different period depending on the European in power at each given period! St. Francis Church has become a mecca for travel buffs worldwide because the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama was buried here after his death in Kochi in 1524.

The Residence of Vasco De Gama

The back side of the St. Francis Church on Rose Street is Vasco House, it is believed to have been the residence of the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama. Vasco House is one of the antique Portuguese buildings in Fort Kochi, it was built in the early sixteenth century. Vasco House shows the typical European architecture – high wooden ceilings, white paint, large glass windows, old stone-staircase and balcony cum verandahs characteristic of those times. Today, Vasco House is changed into a homestay with all modern facilities and is owned by Santosh Tom. The story surrounded the building has made it one of the top Instagramable spots in Fort Kochi.

Santa Cruz Basilica – the oldest Catholic Churches in India 

Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the oldest Catholic Churches in India and one of the eight basilicas in Kerala and located on the Bastian Street. It is one of some buildings built by the Portuguese here that the Dutch spared. Afterwards, demolished and rebuilt by the British in the 19th century, it was promulgated a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984. Built in the gothic style by the Portuguese, it’s a unique piece of architecture and artistic grandeur – It is considered one of the must-see places for every visitor to the city!

Go antique shopping in Jew Town

Sandwiched between Mattancherry Palace and the 14th-century Paradesi Synagogue, Jew Town is a living narration of Kochi’s rich Jewish tradition. Once a spice market, Jew Town today’s interesting touristy place in Kochi for those, who want always on the lookout for antiques, quirky art pieces, jewellery, handicrafts, clothes, souvenirs, and fusion food for curious tourists. Jew Town is a great shopping place in Kochi.