Kochi is the second-largest city in the state of Kerala. The International Airport is located nearby, making it the ideal starting point for a trip through this beautiful region of India. Kochi oozes a lot of history. In fact, this is the city where Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama died in 1524. The Portuguese, as well as the Dutch and English, left a lot behind here. Explore the old centre of Fort Kochi and visit the Jewish Quarter, Mattancherry Palace and the Dutch cemetery!
Are you planning a visit to Kochi? And would you like to learn more about the special history and culture of this interesting destination in the state of Kerala? In this travel guide, I tell you more about its interesting history, read all about the best sights and discover the city’s best accommodation. A history-rich visit to Kochi starts here…
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*This article is also available in Dutch – Kochi Reisgids
Practical Information & Travel Tips
- Best Time to Travel? The best time to visit Kochi is between December and February. During these months there is the least rain, however, the temperature averages a little above 30 degrees. Also in March and April Kochi is fine to do, however, the temperature is even slightly higher then. In the months of June, July and August there is the most rain and you are also in the middle of the rainy season.
- How many days? Kochi is the second largest city in the state of Kerala. You can visit some impressive shopping centers here, but of course don’t forget to visit Fort Kochi. This is the old part of the city and here you will find the main attractions. Set aside a day for the Fort to learn more about the Jewish quarter and the colonial history of the city.
- Accommodation? Looking for a hotel or hostel? There are several neighborhoods where you can stay just fine. The most famous is Fort Kochi, the historic heart of this city in the state of Kerala. Another district is Ernakulam.
- Tours & Tickets? Set aside at least a day to explore the old part, Fort Kochi. Or depart from the port to visit the beautiful Backwaters of Kerala.
- Transport? Kochi is among one of the strongest growing cities in India. An increasing number of flights depart from the International Airport to distant foreign destinations.
History – What makes Cochin historically interesting to visit?
Kochi is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. The city owes this nickname to the fact that it has been trading with the rest of the world for centuries. Thus, it had contact with the Persians, Romans, Arabs and the Chinese. The main trade products were fish, spices, gold and textiles. Thus, you can still see many fishing nets hanging in the Fort Kochi district on the coast. Because of its location and products, the Portuguese settled in the city. They built Fort Emmanuel, the remains of which you can still see.
Then, in 1524, a group of Jewish traders settled in the city. The Jewish Quarter, containing the Paradesi Synagogue (oldest in India ui 1568) is a popular attraction in Kochi. A century later, in 1663, the Dutch conquered the city. The Dutch commander Hendrik Adriaan van Reede had houses built there in the Amsterdam style. You can also still find the Dutch cemetery from 1664, which is among the oldest European cemeteries in India. In 1814, the British took over the area from the Dutch East India Company. To this day, you can still find many Portuguese, Dutch and British influences in Kochi. In recent years, the city is increasingly developing into a metropolis with the Ernakulam district as its financial heart.
Top 5 Places to visit in Kochi
Looking for the best sights to see in Kochi? Here’s a list of the best tips & ideas.
1. Take a walk through the historic Fort Kochi
The historic heart of the city is surely Fort Kochi. From this place, the Portuguese, Dutch and British managed to protect the trade in spices. You will find several historic buildings here, such as Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Quarter, the Dutch Cemetery and a number of interesting museums. You’ll also see fishing nets hanging on the shore, as fishing is an important part of Kochi’s economy.
2. Visit the Jewish Quarter and Old Synagogue
The Jewish Quarter is located in the east of Fort Kochi. It is one of the nicest districts of the city with a number of interesting sights. Did you know that here you can visit the oldest synagogue in India, the Paradesi Synagogue. In fact, it dates back to 1568. In addition, you will find a lot of nice streets with nice souvenir shops and restaurants. Also for a hotel or hostel, this is one of the nicest areas of the city.
3. Visit Mattancherry Palace and learn more about colonial history
Would you like to learn more about Kochi’s history? Then visit Mattancherry Palace. The Portuguese built it in 1545 as a gift to the king of Cochin. Today it is a museum about the history of the kings of Cochin and you will find many murals from Kerala. Interesting detail: Mattancherry Palace is also called Dutch Palace, although it was thus built and gifted by the Portuguese.
4. Explore the Indo-Portuguese Museum, about the relationship of India and Portugal
Another interesting museum in Fort Kochi is the Indo-Portuguese Museum. It tells the Portuguese colonial history in India through some impressive artifacts. For example, you will find an altar made of teak from the 16th century, a processional cross from the 17th century and various sculptures and robes. The aim is to protect Portugal’s cultural heritage in India.
5. See India’s first European Church, St. Francis CSI Church and Dutch Cemetery
Northwest of Fort Kochi, you will find a number of historic colonial buildings. The most famous of these is the Dutch cemetery. This cemetery is part of the St. Francis CSI Church. This is the oldest European church in India and dates back to 1503. The explorer Vasco de Gama (1460s – 1524) was initially buried in this church, but was brought back to Lisbon after 14 years. When the Protestant Dutch conquered the city in 1663, they demolished all the churches except this one. It became a government church with an associated Dutch cemetery.
Accommodation – Where to stay in Kochi?
Kochi is a city of about 600,000 people. It has a few interesting districts where you can spend a great night. The most famous is Fort Kochi. To get here you have to make a little detour or take the boat. Still, this is the best place to stay. Life here is fairly quiet, little traffic and here you can explore some historical sites. You will also find plenty of nice hotels and hostels here.
Another place to stay is in the Ernakulam district. This is the most famous district of the city. Among other things, the main bus station and train station of Kochi are located here. It is also the best place from which to explore the surrounding area. If you have a lot of day trips planned, this place might be a little better.
Looking for accommodation in Kochi? Book your Hotel of Hostel here!
Transport – How to get there?
Cochin International Airport is located 28 kilometers north of the Kochi city center. It is among one of the five largest airports in the country and it is the gateway to the beautiful state of Kerala. Some of the international airlines that fly into Kochi are Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air Asia and Singapore Airlines.
Ernakulam Junction is the main railway station of the city. From this station, trains depart south for some destinations in the state of Kerala, such as Alapphuza, Varkala and towards the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari. The main bus station is located north of the train station. Here, many buses depart daily to a variety of destinations in India.
Planning to spend the night in Kochi’s old town? Then take the ferry, 2 kilometers west of the train station and catch the ferry between Enakulam and Fort Kochi.
Plan your trip to Kochi & India
- Accommodation? Hotel via Booking of Hostel via Hostelworld?
- Things to See and Do? Tickets & Tours via GetYourGuide
- Transport: Bus & Train Tickets via 12go.Asia
- Flight tickets to India? Skyscanner
Do you have more tips, ideas or comments about this Travel Guide to Kochi, India? If so, feel free to leave a message below.
