How to have the perfect day in Fort Kochi

Welcome to my India Travel Diaries, a series of personal posts about my travels through India. Everything written here, including recommendations, are based on my experiences. 

Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country”, has always been a dream destination for me. There was something about experiencing Indian life by the warm ocean water, sandy beaches, and palm trees that fueled my daydreams.  My relationship with India has been limited to the North (mostly Punjab where farming is the main attraction), since that’s where my family is from. But on my recent travels, I finally got to head South and I was not disappointed! Before going to an Ayurveda retreat in nearby Thrissur, I decided to spend a few days exploring Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood in the city of Kochi. 

Sleepy cat in Fort Kochi

I’ve always felt a sense of ease while visiting coastal towns, and it felt no different when I arrived in Fort Kochi. I was instantly charmed by its unique character, colonial-era architecture, rich cultural history and seaside views. If you’re visiting Fort Kochi or you’re limited on time, here’s what I would do to have the perfect day in Fort Kochi.

〰 〰 〰

Explore Fort Kochi’s Rich History 

Fort Kochi’s history is closely intertwined with the arrival of European colonial powers looking to gain control over the lucrative spice trade in the region. The city witnessed the arrival of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, each leaving their mark on its cultural and architectural heritage. 

Before you visit some of the colonial-era landmarks, check out the Kerala Folklore Museum, a unique architectural and anthropology museum. Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of over 4000  historical artifacts, sculptures, crafts, folk art and antiques. It’s a fascinating place for museum lovers, students, and travellers alike looking for an introduction to the ancient art and history of Kerala. 

Arjuna and Krishna inside the Kerala Folklore Museum

If you’re keen on learning even more history, you can make a quick stop at The Mattancherry Palace or Dutch Palace for a deeper look into Kerala’s Royal past. Here you’ll find murals, portraits, and stories of the Rajas of Kochi. 

Afterwards, you can take a five minute walk over to Jew Town where you can take a leisurely stroll through colorful Princess Street and take a look inside the many cute cafes and boutiques. In Jew Town, you’ll also find Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest (and still active) synagogue in India. The synagogue was built in 1568 by Sephardic Jews who arrived in Kochi after fleeing persecution in Spain and Portugal. They were known as Paradesi, meaning "foreigners" in the local language. The synagogue itself is a stunning structure, paying homage to both Jewish and Indian architectural styles. It’s adorned with ornate Belgian chandeliers, Chinese porcelain tiles, and exquisite hand-painted blue and white Cantonese floor tiles. The interior is richly decorated, showcasing traditional Jewish motifs. 

Make sure to stop at Fort Kochi beach to see the Chinese fishing nets, also known as Cheenavala. These fishing nets have become an iconic symbol of Kochi's coastal landscape and are a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can watch the fishermen operating the nets and even try their hand at it under the guidance of the local fishermen. Freshly caught fish can also be purchased and cooked at nearby stalls, offering a unique culinary experience. They are a testament to the historical connections between India and China and continue to fascinate visitors with their intricate mechanism and scenic beauty.

〰 〰 〰

Enjoy Local Cuisine

If you love fish, then you’ll have to indulge in the delectable Kerala cuisine while in Fort Kochi. Try the famous seafood delicacies like Karimeen (Pearl Spot fish) and prawns, along with traditional dishes like appam, stew, and puttu. Don't forget to taste the local specialty, Kerala-style spicy fish curry.

Freshly caught fish in Fort Kochi

For vegetarians like myself, you may have some trouble finding veggie options. Stick to some classics like a crispy Masala Dosa, a staple you can find almost everywhere. And of course if you’re in Fort Kochi, you have to stop by at its most famous cafe, Kashi Art Cafe. I loved the vibe here with the sprawling plants and eclectic artwork. I had this decadent and soft chocolate cake with pomegranates with a cup of coffee, made with local robusta coffee beans, the most widely grown coffee variety in Kerala. 

Art inside Kashi Art Cafe, Fort Kochi, Kerala

〰 〰 〰

Immerse yourself in a Kathakali performance

To end off your perfect day in Fort Kochi, stop by the Kathakali Cultural Centre to watch a Kathakali performance. Kathakali is a traditional dance-drama form that originated in Kerala. It is a highly stylized and visually captivating art form that combines elements of dance, music, drama, and elaborate costumes. Kathakali is known for its vibrant makeup, intricate hand gestures, facial expressions, and rhythmic footwork.

The word "Kathakali" is derived from two Malayalam words: "Katha" meaning story and "Kali" meaning performance. As the name suggests, Kathakali is primarily focused on storytelling. The performances typically revolve around ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as other mythological and legendary tales.

Kathakali performer applying makeup for the show

Kathakali performance in Fort Kochi, Kerala! A must watch for your visit.

For 500 INR, you can watch a Kathakali performance at the Kerala Kathakali Center. Go early to watch the performers put on their makeup (it’s included in your ticket!) and get ready for the show. This is also a great opportunity to take photos and I got to briefly chat with one of the performers and learn more about their journey with this art form! The Kerala Kathakali Center also has other performances like South Indian Classical Dance and Kalaripayattu (Martial Arts). 

There’s plenty more to do in Fort Kochi, but these were some of my favourite things that I did when I was there and that I would recommend for your perfect day.

Have you been to Fort Kochi? Leave a comment below and tell me what I missed in this post!

Was this blog post helpful for you? If you enjoyed reading this and my blog, please consider leaving me a tip! I would love your support to continue publishing my writing!