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Best Things to Do in Kochi: A Complete Guide

10 Best Things to Do in Kochi

Looking for what to do in Kochi? Set on Kerala’s Arabian Sea coast, Kochi (Cochin) is a historic port city where old trading streets, waterfront promenades, churches, synagogues and spice markets sit beside galleries, cafés and modern developments. Layers of Portuguese, Dutch, British and local influences give the city a distinctive character.

From wandering the heritage lanes of Fort Kochi and watching the Chinese fishing nets to visiting palaces, cruising quiet backwaters and tasting fresh seafood and Kerala cuisine, Kochi is an excellent starting point for exploring the state. Here are the 10 best things to do in Kochi to help you plan your trip.

1. Wander the Streets of Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is the historic heart of the city, with low-rise colonial-era buildings, shaded streets and a relaxed, walkable feel. You’ll see tiled-roof houses, pastel façades, art cafés and small boutiques mixed with family homes and local schools.

Take your time strolling along streets like Princess Street and Burgher Street, stopping at cafés, bookshops and galleries. Street art, small churches and heritage bungalows give the area a creative, slightly bohemian atmosphere that feels very different from modern mainland Kochi.

2. See the Chinese Fishing Nets at Sunset

Kochi’s Chinese fishing nets (cheena vala) are one of its most iconic sights. These cantilevered wooden structures line parts of the Fort Kochi waterfront, where teams of fishermen lower and raise the nets using a system of ropes and counterweights.

Visit around sunset for atmospheric views as the sky changes color over the Arabian Sea and the silhouettes of the nets stand out against the light. You can watch from the promenade or, for a small tip, step onto the platforms to see the mechanism up close.

3. Explore Mattancherry and the Jewish Synagogue

A short walk or rickshaw ride from Fort Kochi, Mattancherry is known for its old warehouse buildings, spice godowns and the historic Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town. The narrow lanes here are lined with antique shops, handicraft stores and cafés.

Inside the synagogue, you’ll find beautiful chandeliers, hand-painted tiles and preserved religious artifacts. The surrounding area speaks to Kochi’s past as a multicultural trading port where Jewish, Arab, European and local merchants did business.

4. Visit Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)

Mattancherry Palace, often called the Dutch Palace, was originally built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch. Today it houses a museum with murals, portraits and royal artifacts from the rulers of Kochi.

The palace’s Kerala-style architecture, central courtyard and temple area give insight into local traditions, while the murals depict scenes from Hindu mythology. Simple but atmospheric, it’s a key stop for understanding the region’s history.

5. Walk the Marine Drive Promenade

On the mainland side of Kochi, the Marine Drive promenade runs along the backwaters, offering views of boats, ferries and the distant islands. It’s a popular place for evening walks, with benches, snack stalls and views of the water on one side and the city on the other.

As the sun sets, the lights of bridges and buildings reflect on the water, and the area fills with families, students and office workers unwinding after the day. Boat jetties nearby make it easy to combine a stroll with a short cruise.

6. Take a Backwater Cruise from Kochi

While many travelers head further south to Alleppey for overnight houseboats, you can also experience Kerala’s backwaters on day cruises and shorter trips from Kochi. Boats navigate through canals, lagoons and village areas lined with coconut palms.

Options range from simple shared boats to more comfortable private cruises with meals on board. Gliding past small houses, fishing canoes and rice fields gives you a quieter, more rural contrast to the city.

7. Experience a Kathakali Performance or Traditional Arts Show

Kochi is a great place to see classical Kerala performing arts like Kathakali, with its elaborate makeup, costumes and expressive storytelling. Several cultural centers in Fort Kochi and nearby host nightly shows that begin with a makeup demonstration followed by a performance.

You may also find performances of other traditional forms, such as Kalaripayattu (martial arts), classical dance and music. Booking in advance or arriving early ensures a good seat and time to watch the transformation of the performers.

8. Browse Art Galleries and Cafés During the Biennale Season

When the Kochi-Muziris Biennale is on (usually every two years), Fort Kochi and Mattancherry transform into a large contemporary art venue with installations in old warehouses, courtyards and public spaces. Even outside Biennale season, many galleries remain active.

Spend a few hours popping into galleries and artist spaces, then pause at one of the area’s many cafés for coffee, seafood or Kerala-style vegetarian dishes. The combination of heritage buildings and modern art is one of Kochi’s defining features.

9. Visit Local Churches and Places of Worship

Centuries of Christian, Hindu, Muslim and other communities have left Kochi with a variety of religious sites. In Fort Kochi, churches like St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica showcase different architectural styles and historical periods.

Elsewhere in the city, you’ll find temples, mosques and shrines tucked into busy streets and quiet corners. Stepping inside (respecting dress codes and customs) offers a different perspective on daily life and the city’s layered identity.

10. Taste Kochi’s Seafood and Kerala Cuisine

Kochi’s coastal location means fresh fish and seafood are central to many menus. Try grilled fish, prawns, crab or traditional fish curry served with rice or appam (soft, bowl-shaped rice pancakes). Local toddy shops and simple eateries often serve hearty, home-style dishes.

Vegetarian travelers will find plenty of options too, from thali-style meals to dosa, idli and steamed puttu with kadala curry. Don’t miss Kerala-style breakfast dishes or an evening snack of banana fritters with chai in a neighborhood café.