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Nestled in the coastal neighbourhood of Cochin (Kochi) city in Kerala, Fort Kochi is famed for its British, Dutch, and Portuguese colonial architecture. Deriving its name from the Fort Manuel of Cochin, a historical yet ruined spot, it houses several attractions worth visiting. With picturesque seaside and astonishing marvels, there are countless things to do in Fort Kochi. So, whether you are interested in history, art, food, or just relaxing by the beach, Fort Kochi caters to all your preferences.
14 Things To Do In Fort Kochi
Here is a curated list of the best things to do in Fort Kochi to ensure your visit is a memorable one.
1. Walk Along The Princess Street
Photo: നിരക്ഷരൻ / Wikimedia Commons
Princess Street, one of the oldest streets in Fort Kochi, exudes a distinct colonial charm with its symmetrically aligned rows of European-style buildings. As you walk down this quaint street, you can explore various shops, cafes, and boutiques, offering a unique combination of traditional and contemporary items. Besides that, the street features numerous bars and restaurants with live music and entertainment, which makes it a best place to enjoy nightlife in the region.
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM (All days)
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2. Explore The Historic Fort Kochi Beach
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons
Fort Kochi Beach is a must-visit destination that provides you with stunning views of the Arabian Sea. The beach is famous for its Chinese fishing nets, which stand as an iconic symbol of Kochi’s maritime heritage. Introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th century, fishing nets let you take a sneak peek into a bygone era. As you stroll along the beach, you can also find remnants of old Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture, making it a perfect destination for history buffs.
Timings: Mornings and evenings
3. Visit The Santa Cruz Basilica
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons
The Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the eight basilicas in India. It is a fine example of Gothic architecture. Initially built by the Portuguese in 1505 and later elevated to a cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558, the basilica displays exquisite interiors adorned with ornate paintings, frescoes, and stained glass windows. Attending a Sunday mass or simply walking through its hallowed halls is a rich experience.
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (All days except Sundays), 10.30 AM – 1 PM (Sundays)
Entry Fee: NA
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4. Explore The Serene Mattancherry Palace
Photo: Rabe / Wikimedia Commons
Built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555, the Mattancherry Palace is also known as the Dutch Palace. The palace is a quintessential example of Kerala architecture that blends in with the various colonial influences. The palace has a vivid collection of murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranic legends in addition to the royal artefacts and portraits of the Kochi royal family.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Fridays)
Entry Fee: ₹2 only for adults above 15 years
5. Dig Into The History Of St. Francis Church
Photo: Jamshedgill / Wikimedia Commons
St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, is another significant landmark in Fort Kochi. Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, it is known for its simple yet impressive architecture. The main historical significance of the church lies in its being the original burial site of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama. Moreover, the church’s peaceful ambiance and historical relevance make it a location that cannot be missed out on.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Monday to Friday), 9 AM – 1 PM (Saturdays), closed on Sundays
Entry Fee: NA
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6. Explore Jew Town And Paradesi Synagogue
Photo: Razer0007 / Wikimedia Commons
The historic Jew Town used to be the heart of the once-thriving Cochin Jewish community. Being a lively area near Mattancherry, it is still very famous for its antique shops, spice markets, and the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568, the Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue located in the Commonwealth Nations. The synagogue is decorated with stunning Belgian chandeliers, a hand-painted Chinese floor, and ancient scrolls of the Torah.
Timings: Jew Town: 5 AM – 9 PM; Paradesi Synagogue: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Saturdays and Jewish Holidays)
Entry fee: NA for Jew Town; ₹10 for Paradesi Synagogue
7. Visit Cochin Thirumala Devaswom Temple
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons
The temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, is a significant religious site for the Gowda Saraswat Brahmin community. The temple’s simple but elegant architecture, vibrant festivals, and daily rituals offer you a profound spiritual experience. Also, the annual festival, held in February or March, featuring colourful processions, cultural performances, and traditional music make it an absolute sight to behold.
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM, 6PM – 9 PM (All days)
Entry fee: NA
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8. Head To Kashi Art Café
Photo: Suzy Hazelwood / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kashi Art Café is a prominent cultural hub in Fort Kochi, famous for its art, food, and laid-back atmosphere. The café showcases contemporary art by local and international artists, providing you with a platform for creative expression. In addition to the art, here you can savour delicious coffee, fresh juices, and an array of mouthwatering dishes. It’s also a great spot to relax, mingle with fellow art enthusiasts, and soak in the vibrant artistic aura of Fort Kochi.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 10 PM
9. Attend The Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Photo: Dipu TR / Wikimedia Commons
If you are visiting Fort Kochi between December and March, count yourself fortunate, because then you can attend the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India’s largest contemporary art festival. Held once every two years, the Biennale transforms Fort Kochi into a sprawling art gallery showcasing works by artists from around the world. The festival includes exhibitions, installations, performances, and workshops that tourists and art enthusiasts alike can enjoy.
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry fee: ₹50 for students and children, ₹100 for senior citizens, ₹150 for adults
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10. Shop At Spice Market
Photo: Ganeshk / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kochi’s spice market, located near Jew Town and Mattancherry, is a sensory delight. While exploring the market, you can choose from a wide variety of fresh spices and herbs, such as pepper, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, which have played an important part in Kochi’s historical role in the spice trade.
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
11. Watch A Kathakali Performance
Photo: Qnonsense at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kathakali, a traditional form of classical Indian dance-drama from Kerala, is famed for its elaborate costumes, intricate makeup, and expressive gestures. Renowned as one of the most complex forms of Indian theatre, it is a ‘story narration’ genre of art. Several cultural centres in Fort Kochi, such as the Kerala Kathakali Centre, showcase daily performances of this mesmerising art form. Attending a Kathakali performance is an immersive experience because you obtain a deep insight into Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Entry fee: ₹500
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12. Savour Local Cuisines
Photo: Lukas Vacovsky / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Fort Kochi is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of culinary delights. From traditional Kerala dishes like Appam with Stew, Fish Curry, and Kerala Parotta to fresh seafood, the local cuisine is a delight to the senses. Moreover, if you are interested in learning the secrets of Kerala cuisine, participating in a cooking class is a great option. There are many cooking schools in Fort Kochi that offer classes, where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes using local ingredients and techniques. It’s a fun learning activity that also provides a deeper appreciation of the local culinary heritage.
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
13. Rejuvenate With The Ayurvedic Treatments
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kerala is renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments, and Fort Kochi has numerous wellness centres where you can indulge in traditional therapies and massages. These treatments are designed to rejuvenate the body and mind using natural herbs and oils. So, whether it’s a relaxing massage or a holistic treatment package, experiencing Ayurveda is a memorable addition to your visit to Fort Kochi.
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
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14. Visit The Vypin Island
Photo: Jaiju Jacob / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Take a short ferry ride from Fort Kochi, and choose to explore the beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and indulge in a tranquil environment of Vypin Island before you leave Fort Kochi. The island is home to the lighthouse at Puthuvype, which provides panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Besides that, there is Munambam Fishing Harbour, which is a great spot for you to witness traditional fishing activities.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry fee: ₹5 – ₹20
All in all, Fort Kochi is a destination that can captivate you with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring historical landmarks and enjoying vibrant art scenes to just relaxing by the beach, there’s something for everyone on this vibrant waterfront. So, whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, there are many things to do in Fort Kochi for a memorable and enriching experience.
Photo: Ahammed Shahz / Wikimedia Commons
