Kochi Travel Guide: Fort Kochi & Mattancherry

On Travel Team 27 Oct 20264 min read

Kochi, also known as Cochin, has been a trading port for centuries. Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences have left behind churches, palaces, synagogues and colonial streets, especially in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Most Kerala holidays begin here, and it is worth spending at least a day exploring.

Getting Around Kochi

Kochi is spread across islands and the mainland:

Fort Kochi and Mattancherry: the heritage area.
Ernakulam: the modern city centre with malls and railway stations.
Willingdon Island and Bolgatty: connected by bridges and ferries.

Cochin International Airport is about 40–45 km from Fort Kochi (1–1.5 hours). Ferries between Ernakulam and Fort Kochi are a cheap and scenic way to travel.

Top Things to Do in Fort Kochi

Chinese Fishing Nets

Giant cantilevered nets, believed to have been introduced by traders centuries ago, line the waterfront. Watch fishermen operate them at sunrise or sunset, and buy fresh fish to be cooked at nearby stalls.

St Francis Church

One of the oldest European churches in India, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried.

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

A beautiful Gothic-style church with painted ceilings and stained glass.

Fort Kochi Beach and Vasco da Gama Square

A pleasant waterfront promenade.

Heritage Walks

Stroll past Dutch and Portuguese bungalows, art cafés and galleries on Princess Street and Burgher Street.

Mattancherry and Jew Town

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)

Known for its Kerala murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

Paradesi Synagogue

Built in the 16th century, with hand-painted Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Check visiting days and timings.

Jew Town

Antique shops, spice warehouses and boutiques along narrow lanes.

Culture and Arts

Kathakali shows: evening performances at cultural centres in Fort Kochi; arrive early to see the elaborate make-up being applied.
Kalaripayattu: traditional martial art demonstrations.
Kochi-Muziris Biennale: a major contemporary art exhibition held in some years, usually from December to March.

Beyond the Heritage Area

Marine Drive: a waterfront promenade in Ernakulam.
Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura: the former royal residence of the Kochi kings.
Cherai Beach: about 25 km away, where the backwaters meet the sea.
Lulu Mall: one of India's largest malls.
Kumbalangi village: backwater village tourism and canoe rides.

Food to Try

Kerala fish curry and karimeen fry
Appam with stew
Malabar biryani
Prawn and crab dishes
Banana fritters (pazham pori) and filter coffee

Fort Kochi's cafés serve excellent seafood, coffee and fusion food.

Shopping

Spices, tea, antiques, handicrafts, Kerala sarees (kasavu) and Ayurvedic products. Buy spices from established shops in Jew Town or Mattancherry.

Best Time to Visit

October to March: pleasant weather for walking tours.
June to September: monsoon – atmospheric but rainy.
December–January: festive season and the Cochin Carnival around New Year.

Where to Stay

Fort Kochi: heritage hotels, boutique stays and homestays – best for atmosphere.
Ernakulam: business hotels, close to stations and shopping.
Bolgatty and Willingdon Island: waterfront hotels.

Sample 2-Day Plan

Day 1: Fishing nets at sunrise, St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, heritage walk, Kathakali show.
Day 2: Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Jew Town shopping, ferry to Ernakulam, Marine Drive sunset.