Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, emerged as a vibrant port city on India’s Malabar Coast following the decline of the ancient port of Muziris near Kodungallur in 1341. It gained prominence as a trading center, referenced by Chinese and Italian travelers in the 15th century. Over time, Kochi became the seat of the Kingdom of Cochin and played a strategic role during Vasco Da Gama’s interactions with the Portuguese.
Kochi’s cultural tapestry is rich and diverse, shaped by centuries of migration and trade. It hosts a cosmopolitan community that includes Malayalis, Konkanis, Gujaratis, Bengalis, and remnants of the Jewish community. The city celebrates a blend of traditional Kerala festivals like Onam, Vishu, and North Indian festivals such as Holi, alongside religious celebrations like Christmas and Eid. Kochi’s cultural landmarks include historic churches and sites like Fort Kochi, reflecting its multicultural heritage.
Located on the southwest coast of India, Kochi spans islands and the mainland along the Laccadive Sea. The city experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by high humidity and little seasonal temperature variation. Kochi receives heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon (June to September) and lighter rains from the northeast monsoon (October to December), totaling an annual average of approximately 3,015 mm. The cuisine of Kochi is renowned as the food capital of Kerala, featuring coconut-infused flavors, abundant seafood, and a diverse range of South Indian, Chinese, and North Indian dishes, catering to both local tastes and international palates.
Kochi offers fascinating spots like the Dutch Palace, a Portuguese museum with royal artefacts and beautiful murals, and the stunning Santa Cruz Basilica with Gothic architecture. Explore the Hill Palace Museum, Kerala’s largest, and enjoy dance shows at the Kerala Kathakali Centre. Stroll along Marine Drive’s scenic promenade, and don’t miss the historic Bolgatty Palace on Bolgatty Island.
Known as the Dutch Palace, Mattancherry Palace in Kochi is a Portuguese-built palace turned museum. It showcases items belonging to the kings of Kochi, offering a glimpse into Kerala’s rich history through unique artefacts. The palace, built in the traditional Kerala style, features four wings around a central courtyard with a temple. Inside, you can see murals depicting the Rajas of Kochi, painted with warm colors using the tempera technique, and a collection of beautiful mythological murals.
The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, located in Fort Kochi, is one of India’s eight Basilicas. Built by the Portuguese, it boasts stunning Gothic architecture and Portuguese interiors. The church, situated on K.B. Jacob Road, is the main cathedral of the Kochi Diocese. Its columns are adorned with frescoes, and it has seven large canvas paintings and beautiful stained glass windows. The ceiling features painted images depicting the Via Crucis of Christ. This cathedral is significant for Kochi’s Christian community, marking the arrival of their faith in India.
Situated in Tripunithura, the Hill Palace is Kerala’s largest archaeological museum. Built in 1865, it once served as the administrative offices and residence of the Cochin Maharaja. The palace complex, spread over 54 acres, includes 49 buildings, a museum, a heritage museum, a deer park, a prehistoric park, and a children’s park. The well-maintained white buildings, terraced lawns, ponds, and fountains make it a perfect spot for outdoor photography. Visitors can explore various artefacts, including paintings, sculptures, swords, and coins, belonging to the Kochi royal family. The palace is also known for being a movie backdrop, notably for the Malayalam film “Manichitrathazhu,” later remade in Hindi as “Bhool Bhulaiyaa.”
Located on Bolgatty Island in Kochi, Bolgatty Palace is one of the oldest Dutch palaces outside Holland. Built in 1744 by Dutch traders, it later served as the Governor’s palace and a British residence. Now a luxury hotel, the palace features lush gardens, azure skies, and the serene charm of Kerala. The palace is divided into three sections: the Main Block, Marina Block, and Mansion Block. The Marina Block, overlooking Kochi’s International Marina, offers four luxury rooms with plush amenities, a lakefront cottage, swimming pool, in-house restaurants, and conference facilities. Bolgatty Palace promises a rejuvenating stay amidst beautiful surroundings.
In Kochi, you can stay at The Senate Hotel, conveniently close to Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary and the train station, or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at a hotel near Thrikkakara Temple and the amusement park. For a backwater experience, choose a hotel next to Kerala Folklore Museum, or opt for an unpretentious stay near Nettoor Railway Station and Hill Palace museum.
An 11-minute walk from Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary and 1 km from High Court Boat Jetty’s ferry service, this modern hotel is 1.2 km from Ernakulam Town train station.
₹1,210
3 Star Hotel
₹4,153
3 Star Hotel
On a peninsula in the backwaters, this informal hotel is next to Kerala Folklore Museum, and set within 8 km of Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue.
₹3,038
2 Star Hotel
Set 3 km from Nettoor Railway Station, this unpretentious hotel is 5 km from Poornasree Hindu Temple and 7 km from archaeological exhibits at Hill Palace museum.
₹1,572
3 Star Hotel
Stay close to convenience at Kochi’s railway stations with options like a modest hotel just minutes away, offering budget-friendly stays and easy access to local attractions. Enjoy a low-key atmosphere with hotels situated within walking distance from Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town stations, ideal for exploring nearby landmarks such as shopping areas and cultural sites like Mattancherry Palace.
Set in a modest building, this low-key hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Ernakulam Junction railway station, 2 km from shopping along Mahatma Gandhi Road and 10 km from the 16th-century Mattancherry Palace.
₹1,445
2 Star Hotel
A 4-minute walk from Ernakulam Town train station, this no-nonsense budget hotel on a side street is 3 km from both Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium and Subhash Bose Park.
₹1,235
3 Star Hotel
Set a 4-minute walk from Ernakulam Junction train station, this down-to-earth budget hotel is 4 km from Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary and 10 km from Mattancherry Palace.
₹1,424
3 Star Hotel
In an urban area near a waterway, this modest hotel is a 4-minute walk from Ernakulam Junction train station, 13 km from Puthuvype Beach and 10 km from Mattancherry Palace.
₹1,765
2 Star Hotel
Explore a variety of dining options in Kochi, from places known for their live grill concept and celebratory ambiance to spots offering traditional Kerala delicacies, Italian pastas, and fresh seafood in a historic courtyard setting. Enjoy steamed specialties like Puttu, known for its unadulterated taste, or cozy restaurants with comfortable seating and a wide menu selection including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and a full bar for a delightful dining experience with friends and family.
Pioneers of Live Grill Concept in India. A place known for any celebrations. Best Barbecues/kebabs & Starters. Unlimited Food including Starters, Main Course, Desserts, Kulfi’s.
₹800–1,000
Dhe Puttu is indebted to our guests for serving unadulterated and tasty food. That is why our founders selected PUTTU as the main menu. Puttu is a steamed food item that is not adulterated or which can ever be adulterated also.
₹200–400
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, with comfortable seating and a friendly staff. The menu features a wide selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The restaurant also offers a full bar, with a selection of wines, beers, and spirits. Paragon is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family.
₹200–400
The Warehouse Cafe & Restaurant is set in an open 300 year old courtyard and offers an enticing menu that is a blend of traditional Kerala delicacies, exotic Italian pastas, fresh seafood and divine homemade desserts.
₹400–600
To reach Kochi, you can fly into Cochin International Airport, which offers both domestic and international flights. The city is also well-connected by rail, with regular services to and from various parts of India, primarily through Ernakulam Junction South. For travelers preferring road transport, daily bus services operate throughout the day and night, complemented by shared taxis and cabs, providing convenient travel options within and around Kochi.
Kochi is well-linked to the rest of India by railways, with regular services operating to and from the city.
Kochi is connected to the world through Cochin International Airport, offering both domestic and international flights regularly.
Regular bus services run daily to and from Kochi, operating throughout the day and night.
If you’re exploring Kochi on a budget, local buses are a great option as they cover the entire city. Alternatively, you can choose private luxury buses operated by tour companies, which offer comfortable seating, air conditioning, and guides providing essential information about tourist spots.
Minimum fare for bus 10₹.
Navigating the vibrant city of Kochi has never been easier. Whether you’re a resident, a student, or a tourist, TransRentals cab services provide the perfect solution for all your local transportation needs.
Starting at only 9₹/KM
Auto rickshaws are a convenient way to travel within Kochi. They typically charge by the meter, or you can negotiate a fare based on the number of places you plan to visit.
Auto-rikshaw is starting From 10.Rs/km
For more flexibility, car rental services in Kochi offer a range of vehicles from sedans to SUVs and luxury cars like Mercedes and BMW. You can opt for self-driving or chauffeur-driven options. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, hiring a chauffeur is recommended for a hassle-free experience.
Starting at only ₹1499.
The ideal time to visit Kochi is from October to March, which marks the winter season. During these months, temperatures range comfortably between 17°C and 33°C, creating a perfect environment for exploring the city’s rich array of attractions, historical sites, and cultural events. This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing without the discomfort of extreme heat or heavy monsoon rains.
While summers (March to June) and the monsoon season (July to September) also attract visitors, especially those on a budget seeking deals, they can experience hotter temperatures and occasional heavy rains. Despite this, these seasons still hold their appeal for those looking to explore Kochi’s charm amidst its seasonal nuances. However, for a more comfortable and enjoyable visit, the winter months provide the best conditions to fully experience all that Kochi has to offer, ensuring a memorable stay with favorable weather conditions.
The Distance of Kochi to Mumbai is (1,430.8 km) via NH 48.
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The Distance of Kochi to Delhi is (2,586.6 km) via NH 52.
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The Distance of Kochi To Bangalore is (530.9 km) via NH544.
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The Distance of Kochi to Chennai is (690.9 km) via NH544.
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When planning your visit to Kochi, it’s wise to book your flights and accommodations in advance, especially during the peak season, to ensure availability. The city’s popularity among tourists means that last-minute bookings can be challenging, so it’s best to secure your arrangements early.Respect Kochi’s rich heritage and cultural sites by maintaining decorum. Avoid any activities that could harm or disrespect historical monuments and buildings, as these are punishable offenses. Enjoy exploring Kochi’s attractions responsibly, adhering to local regulations and showing respect for the city’s cultural treasures.
Ensure your health and well-being during your stay in Kochi by selecting clean and reputable places to dine. Be cautious of unhygienic food and opt for well-cooked meals to avoid any stomach discomfort that could disrupt your trip. It’s advisable to avoid consuming raw or improperly processed foods to stay healthy throughout your visit.For added safety, consider exploring Kochi with companions rather than venturing out alone, particularly in less populated areas or at night. This precaution helps ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience while exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods and attractions.
Explore Kochi’s historical sites and tourist attractions responsibly by purchasing entry tickets where required. Respect local regulations regarding entry fees to monuments and cultural landmarks to avoid penalties or fines, ensuring a smooth and memorable visit to Kochi’s fascinating destinations.
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