11 Things to Do in Fort Kochi, Kerala: Top Attractions, Best Restaurants & More

Fort Kochi, or Fort Cochin, is a charming seaside area, known for its colonial architecture, bamboo fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and much more. It was established by the Portuguese East Indies, and is a coastal gem which forms part of the Old Kochin and West Kochin, providing a glimpse into the region’s history and multicultural heritage. 

The streets are lined with a blend of architectural styles of the British, Portuguese, and Dutch colonial periods, and are well merged with contemporary cafes and shops. Without rushing, let’s discuss the best time to visit Fort Kochi, things to do in Fort Kochi, how to reach Fort Kochi, and much more. 

Quick Fort Kochi, Kerala Details

Best season to visit- October to March 

Activities in Kochi, Kerala, according to season- 

• For good weather: October to February is considered to be the best for long walks, cycling, and sightseeing across the city.
• Monsoon (July to September): Monsoons are considered best for backwater boat cruises and cafe hopping. 
• Summers (March to May): In summer, you can explore indoor spaces like museums and galleries, and also enjoy the early morning at the beach to see the fishing nets and sunrise. 

Average annual weather of Fort Kochi- 20°C (68°F) – 37°C (99°F)

11 Things to Do in Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is one of the most Instagrammable cities in India. The streets are full of bright colours, which offer you the colonial architecture. Each lane has its story and relation to the past that merges in the best possible manner with today’s cafes and shops. Since the city holds a significant historical background, there are a number of places that preserve the past and tell you stories. Some of them are the Dutch Cemetery, Thakur House, Maritime Museum, and Vasco House. Let’s dive into the details of these places. 

1. Explore St. Francis Church

Saint Francis Church in Fort Kochi was originally built in 1503 and is known to be one of the oldest churches in India, built by colonisers. The church holds its significance not only because of the European colonials but also because, during Vasco da Gama’s third visit to India, he died and was buried in the same church. But, around 14 years later, his remains were relocated to Lisbon. 

Here is everything you need to know about St. Francis Church-

Location: St Francis Church Rd, opp. Head Post Office, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

St. Francis CSI Church

Entry fee- free 

Saint Francis Church timings- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Google reviews- 4.3/5

2. Visit The Dutch Cemetery 

The Dutch Cemetery is considered to be around 282 years old and has hundreds of Europeans buried. It is now being looked after by St. Francis CSI Church. The cemetery remains closed on most days to avoid any anti-social elements entering the place, but is opened on request made by the visitors. 

Location: 1, 246, Dutch Cemetery Rd, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Dutch cemetery St Francis church

Entry fee- free 

The Dutch Cemetery timings- 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Google reviews- 4.4/5

3. Thakur House 

Thakur House is a colonial bungalow in Fort Kochi, built on the Gelderland Bastion site. The building is still graceful and is visited by many visitors. It is one of the seven bastions of the old Dutch fort, and was home to the managers of the National Bank of India during the British Reign. 

Here is everything you need to reach the location- 

Location: X68R+WFX, Napier Street, Karuvelippady, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Bastion Bungalow

Entry fee- free 

Thakur House timings- 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Tuesday to Sunday; Monday closed

Google reviews- 4.2/5

4. Visit the Indian Naval Maritime Museum 

If you are planning to visit Fort Kochi, the Maritime Museum should be one of the places to visit. The museum doesn’t take much time to explore, but it will provide you with great knowledge. The museum stands as a tribute to India’s illustrious naval heritage, with a collection of artefacts.

 Here is everything you need to know about the Maritime Museum –

Location: K.J. Herschel Rd, Veli, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Indian Naval Maritime Museum

Entry fee-  for Indians 40 rupees + extra charges for the camera; for Foreigners 200 + extra charges for the camera

The Maritime Museum timings- Monday to Friday 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Saturday & Sunday 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Google reviews- 4.5/5

5. Vasco House

Vasco House is one of the historical attractions in Fort Kochi. It is known to be the home of Vasco da Gama in the 16th century. Its structure is still alive and is often visited by visitors for its aesthetic value. 

Here is the location link- 

Location: X68R+9H5, Vasco bxj jHouse, Rose St, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Vasco BigB House

You can only see the House from the outside. People often visit the place for pictures. 

Google reviews- 4.2/5

6. Visit the Chinese Fishing Net 

Chinese fishing nets are known for their backwater sight around Fort Kochi. It looks like a timeless way of fishing where you can find fishermen most of the time. People also visit this spot to witness the sunset and sunrise while watching fishermen catching fish. 

Here is more information about the Chinese fishing net – 

Location: X69R+9V5, Fort Vypin, Puthuvype, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Chinese Fishing Nets

Entry fee- free 

Chinese Fishing Net timings- Open 24 hours 

Google reviews- 4.2/5

7. Walk Through Cobbled Streets

If you are planning for a chill day at Fort Kochi, Cobbled street is wanderers’ favourite. You can discover some of the less explored places like the Jewish Synagogue, the Mattancherry Palace and the Santa Cruz Basilica. The street offers a glimpse into the rich Jewish heritage, and you can also shop here. 

Things to do at Cobbled Streets

• Experience European-style architecture and antique shops.
• Stop at cosy cafes for snacks.
• Capture images of colonial bungalows and mural scenes.

8. Visit The Spice Market 

The Spice Market of Fort Kochi is one of the best and most trusted wholesale markets in the city. People often visit this market to buy good-quality spices and dry fruits at very reasonable prices. You can find all kinds of spices, including cardamom, saffron, turmeric, ginger, cloves, etc. Here are more details –

Location: Aspinwall Junction, C.C. 2/481, Calvathy Rd, Kalvathy, Kunnumupuram, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Organic Spice Market

Entry fee-  Free entry

Spice Market timings- 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Google reviews- 3.9/5

9. Watch a Local Play at The Great K V Kathakali Centre

The Great K V Kathakalij Centre in Fort Kochi is one of the best places to experience Kerala’s culture and heritage. The number of Kathakali performances happens here every day.

Here are more details- 

Location: KB Jacob Rd, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001 GREAT K V Kathakali centre.

Tickets-  600 rupees per person

Timings- vary from play to play every day. 

Google reviews- 4.6/5

10. Take a Break on the Shores of Mahatma Gandhi Beach

Mahatma Gandhi Beach is commonly known as Fort Kochi Beach. It is one of the best places to chill with friends or watch the sunset. The beach offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea, and you can often spot cruise ships here. Some of the important details that you must know are- 

Location – Kerala 682001

Mahatma Gandhi Beach

• Entry fee- Free entry for all
• Best time to visit- Between October and March 
• Google reviews- 4.0/5

11. Explore Best Restaurants in Fort Kochi

When it comes to food, you cannot neglect Kerala’s traditional cuisine, a diverse blend of spices, coconut, seafood, rice, and more. There is an abundance of restaurants and cafes that I preferred during my visit. You could add them to your list as a chill spot while working or watching the world pass by. Some of them are- 

1. Rasoi Fort Kochi- They offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options. Here’s more about Rasoi Fort Kochi-

   • Location: 1, 341, Rose St, next to St. Francis Church, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

     Rasoi Fort Kochi

   • Popular Dishes:
     • Chicken Tikka Kabab
     • Dahi Kebab
     •  Cheese Naan
     • Malai Kofta
   • Timings: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
   • Google Reviews: 4.4/5

2. Fusion Bay- It is an aesthetic cafe with outdoor seating available. It offers you both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Here is more about Fusion Bay-

   • Location: Santacruse Basilica Junction, 1/568, KB Jacob Rd, Fort Nagar, Kunnumupuram, Fort, Kochi, Kerala 682001

     Fusion Bay

   • Popular Dishes:
     • Appam 
     • Seafood chattichoru 
     • Kerala rice
     • Sardines 
     • Pazhampori Beef 
     • Mango meen curry
   • Timings: 1:00PM to 10:00 PM
   • Google Reviews: 4.4/5

3. Kashi Art Cafe- It is one of the people’s favourite cafes for hanging out. I loved the food and vibes of this cafe.

   Here is everything you need to know about Kashi Art Cafe-

   • Location: X68V+H3Q, Burger St, near Police Station, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

     Kashi Art Café

   • Popular Dishes:
     • Chocolate cake slice (must try)
     • Pulled beef sandwich 
     • Turkish egg big breaky 
     • Chef’s special organic all-meat lovers omelette 
     • Cold coffee with coconut milk and honey (must try)
   • Timings: 8:30AM to 10:00 PM
   • Google Reviews: 4.3/5

How to Reach Fort Kochi?

Fort Kochi is a well-connected city and is easily accessible by different means of transportation, that are by air, road and railways. Let us dive into the details about the ways to reach Fort Kochi- 

By Air

In order to reach Fort Kochi by air, you need to fly to Cochin International Airport, which is located about 40 to 45 km away from Nedumbassery. You can also get a taxi, a cab or a bus to reach Fort Kochi from the airport. You can find flights from the major cities in India. Here are the further details-

Flights From the Major Cities

1. From Delhi – Direct flights are available, costing around Rs 10,260 (one-way).
2. From Mumbai – Both direct and connecting flights are available, costing around 8,260 to 7,985, respectively (one-way).
3. From Chennai – Both direct and connecting flights are available, costing around 7,260 to 6,985, respectively (one-way).
4. From Kolkata – Connecting flights are available, costing around 11,769 (one-way).
5. From Bengaluru –  Direct flights are available, costing around 3,200 (one-way). 
6. Hyderabad – Both direct and connecting flights are available, costing around 6,511 to 7,863, respectively (one-way).
7. Goa – Both direct and connecting flights are available, costing around 9,923 to 9,763, respectively (one-way).

By Road 

A road trip to Fort Kochi offers you a scenic landscape and can be one of the best road trips of your life. If you are someone who loves to drive, this road trip will make you feel every kilometre is worth it. There are several national highways that are connected to the city. 

Some of them are NH 66, NH 544, NH 85, and NH 183. You can either travel by your personal vehicle, rent a taxi, or hire a cab from any major city in India. For more budget-oriented travel, there are several other public transportation options. 

Here are the details of the distance of Fort Kochi from the major cities across the nation, with the required travel time-

Fort Kochi Distance from Major Cities

• Delhi – approx. 2600 km; drive time 45 hrs 59 min
• Mumbai – 1446 km; approx. drive time 26 hrs 54 min
• Bengaluru – 538 km; approx. drive time 10 hrs 51 min 
• Goa – 766 km; approx. drive time 17 hrs 10 min
• Kerala – 73 km; approx. drive time 2 hrs 20 min
• Kolkata- 2,323 km; approx. drive time 41 hrs 10 min

By Train 

Rail travel in India is one of the most affordable modes of travel. It not only offers you comfort but is also easily accessible and convenient. The incredible network allows you to travel the longest route in a cost-effective manner.

The nearest railway stations to Fort Kochi are Ernakulam Jn (or Ernakulam South) and Ernakulam Town (or Ernakulam North), with the distance of around 13 km and 16 km respectively. 

Here are more details of the prices of the train from the major cities of India to Ernakulam Jn (or Ernakulam South)-

Trains From the Major Cities

• From Delhi – The direct trains are available, costing around 2,500 (one-way).
• From Chennai – Direct trains are available, costing around 2,040 (one-way).
• From Kolkata – Direct trains are available, costing around 1,720 (one-way).
• From Bengaluru – Direct trains are available, costing around 1,300 (one-way).
• Hyderabad – Direct trains are available, costing around 2,785(one-way).

Best Time to Visit Fort Kochi 

Generally, winter (October to March) is the peak season and is considered best to explore Fort Kochi. You can witness the pleasant weather that is perfect for sightseeing and exploring attractions. The temperature ranges from 17 degree celsius and 30 degree celsius.

April to June is considered to be the moderate season, and many people visit during this time for cost-effective travelling. The temperature between April and June ranges from 24 degree celsius and 28 degree celsius.  You can see overcast skies, lush green surroundings, and beautiful, picturesque views. 

July to September is usually known to be the off-season. People who want to explore fort kochi in budget often consider the off-season as the best time to visit the city. Though the temperature is high and ranges up to 37 degrees Celsius. The environment turns humid in warm weather.  

Conclusion 

Fort Kochi, Kerala, is one of the significant cities in India. The city holds its importance back from the colonial period, and many structures from the past are still intact.

You can explore the spice market, cobbled streets, visit the Chinese fishing net, Mahatma Gandhi Beach, Thakur House, the Dutch Cemetery and also do cafe hopping that is aesthetically pleasing and offers great food on your next trip to Fort Kochi Fort.