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Things to Do in Fort Kochi

The Portuguese built the Mattancherry Palace in the 16th century, dedicated it to the Raja of Kochi, and it was rebuilt by the Dutch 100 years later. It presently houses a large collection of Maharaja portraits, as well as some of India's best mythological murals, antique Dutch maps, royal palanquins, and period furniture. It is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Fridays, when it is closed.

Location: Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002

Price: ?2

Timing: 10am–1pm, 2–4:45pm

Kochi once had a sizable Paradesi ('foreigner') Jewish population, which is still visible in Jew Town, a short lane between Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue. For decades, the Paradesi Jewish community has been declining, and in 2015, only 6 people belonged to this group. Shops with Hebrew phrases like Shalom, Stars of David, and other Jewish icons along Jew Town Road, but they are now managed by Kochi residents. It's one of India's oldest antique markets, and the best thing to do in Fort Kochi is shopping.

Location: Synagogue Ln, Jew Town, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002

Timing: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. except on Friday, Saturday and other Jewish holidays.

Another must-do activity in Kochi is taking a sunset sail. It's a terrific opportunity to observe the Chinese Fishing Nets from the sea while also taking in the sights of Kochi's backwaters. It's also a fantastic chance to see dolphins! For obvious reasons, sunset cruises are only available outside the monsoon season, and they typically take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the organization.

The sunset cruises are considered to be one of the best things to do in Fort Kochi for newly married couples.

Location: Cochin, Kerala

Price: Rs.31000/-

Timing: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

The most renowned of all Kerala performances, a Kathakali performance, has to be one of the locations to see in Kochi at night. Kathakali is a Keralan classical dance that requires delicate hand, body, facial, and even eye movement, as well as sophisticated make-up (that can take up to 3 hours to apply!). A Kathakali dance can be seen in a number of locations in Fort Kochi.

You can choose to watch a Kathakali Dance show when having your dinner or else you can also head out to the entrance of Fort Cochin to witness a brilliant performance as this is considered to be one of the best things to do in Fort Kochi.

Location: KB Jacob Rd, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Price: ?250 to ?350

Timing: 9:30 AM - 10 PM

St Francis Church, India's oldest European church, was built by Portuguese Franciscan friars in the 16th century. It was originally constructed of wood, but it was later renovated in stone masonry. The Protestant Dutch renovated it in the 18th century, and the British transformed it to an Anglican church less than 20 years later.

Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer who died at Kochi, was previously buried here, but his body was later transported to Lisbon. His tombstone can still be seen here.

Location: Head Post Office, Saint Francis Church Road Opp, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 6820013

Timing: 7 AM - 6:30 PM

Bolgatty Palace on Bolgatty Island, which has the same name as the palace. It is among the earliest Dutch palaces erected by the Dutch outside of Holland. It was once the home of several British governors, but once the country gained independence, the state converted it into a heritage resort. It's a wonderful area to walk around and have a cup of tea!

Location: NH966A, Mulavukad, Kochi, Kerala 682504

Price: ?4,487 for 2 adults and one night

The tombstones here are thought to be the most official record of the thousands and thousands of Europeans (both Dutch and English) who came to India to expand their colonial empire.The cemetery was dedicated in 1724, and the final interment was in 1913. Despite the fact that the cemetery is closed for the majority of the day, visitors can request that it be opened.

Location: Dutch Cemetery Rd, Fort Kochi, Kochi, 682001

Timing: 7:00 am - 06:30 pm

Fort Immanuel, after which Fort Kochi was called, has only a few remnants left. The fort was built as an alliance between the king of Kochi and the Portuguese. The Portuguese built it in the 16th century, but the Dutch and the British later demolished it. The fort lies at a small distance from the beach and can be a good stopping point when exploring the Fort Kochi Beach.  While most part of the fort has been demolished, the ruins can still be seen today along the beach.

Location: X68Q+GJQ, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Another Portuguese church that, after a few years, became a cathedral. It was wrecked by the British, who reconstructed it all in the 19th century, and Pope John Paul II declared it a basilica in 1984. One of India's eight basilicas is the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica in Fort Kochi. This Kerala historical structure is also one of India's grandest and most imposing churches.

This basilica, which is close to the renowned St. Francis Church, serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin, India's second oldest Diocese. The church had been demolished and rebuilt several times. The current edifice was dedicated on November 19, 1905. Because of its age, artistic dignity, and historical significance, Pope John Paul II elevated Santa Cruz Cathedral to Basilica status in 1984.

Location: Bastian St, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Timing: 7 AM - 6:30 PM

The Fort Kochi beach, with its clean premises and tranquil atmosphere, is frequented by tourists as well as the local people. There are numerous elements that set this beach apart from the rest of Kerala's beaches. The presence of Chinese fishing nets is arguably the most readily apparent.

The trees and foliage that line the path to the beach add to the tranquil mood. On New Year's Eve, the legendary Cochin Carnival takes place on these beaches. The main attractions include the sea cuisine, the Vasco da Gama Square near to the beach, a lighthouse, and a granite walkway. The beach also offers a beautiful view of the sunset, which is enhanced by passing cargo ships and makes it a gorgeous scene.

Location: Fort Kochi Beach, Kochi

Imagine sipping a cup of hot coffee and meeting new people alongside enjoying some gorgeous paintings is what Kashi Art Cafe offers its customers. Kashi Art Café serves sandwiches, soups, and salads in a nice and calm ambiance that doubles as an art gallery and a café. The cuisine is excellent, and the service is quite pleasant.

Location: Burger St, near Police Station, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Price: ?700 for two people

Timing: 8:30am - 9pm

Exceptional demonstration Kathakali make-up; short display of nine facial expressions reflecting specific moods/actions/ideas/locations; performance, Martial arts (KAlaripayattu Show), Theyyam, a temple ritual art form, performance, Mohiniyattam dance, Bharatanatyam dance, and so on.

A Cultural Museum, a Restaurant serving Dosas and Pancakes, an Ayurvedic massage centre, a Buddha art gallery, and a Noana souvenir shop are among the other amenities. Capturing the splendid view of the Greenix village is one of the best things to do in Fort kochi that you should not miss out on during your vacation stay.

Location: C.C. 2/481, Calvathy Road, Calvathy, Aspinwall Junction, Kunnumpuram, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Price: ?250: ?450

Timing: 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM