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Fishermen on the beach in Cochin, Kerala

Visit Cochin, India

Visit Cochin, India

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The principal port for southwestern India, Cochin has been a trading post for centuries and the Portuguese, Dutch and British influences remain evident.

Highlights of the city

The city is a series of islands but it is the Mattancherry Palace with its detailed frescoes, the old spice warehouses, the Jewish synagogue and the churches in Fort Cochin that will occupy most of your time.

The fort area retains a colonial charm with wide tree lined streets and a large central parade ground surrounded by grand buildings.

Chinese fishing nets

The huge Chinese fishing nets that cantilever over the shallows are the indelible image of Cochin. Best viewed on an evening boat cruise, they are still in daily use by the dedicated fishermen and their catch can be tried in the numerous food stalls that line the water's edge or in the more comfortable surroundings of a hotel restaurant.

Kathakali dance

A visit to a Kathakali dance center to watch this stylized and theatrical art form retelling stories from Hindu legend is recommended.

Speak to someone
who's been there
Audley Travel Specialist Niall

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Cochin by contacting one of our India specialists

Suggested itineraries featuring Cochin

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Cochin, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Cochin

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Cochin

    Photos of Cochin

    Traditional fishing nets, Cochin
    Traditional fishing nets, Cochin
    Fishermen, Kerala
    Fishermen, Kerala
    Fishing nets, Cochin
    Fishing nets, Cochin
    Kathakali performer preparing for a show
    Kathakali performer preparing for a show
    Cochin, India
    Cochin, India
    Local homes, Cochin
    Local homes, Cochin
    Fish market
    Fish market
    Small fishing village near Cochin, India
    Small fishing village near Cochin, India

    Our expert guides to exploring Cochin

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Cochin, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Cochin at its best.

    • What to do in India: our highlights guide
      Sadhu in Varanasi

      What to do in India: our highlights guide

      What to do in India: our highlights guide

      Our India specialists pick some of their best things to see and do, and where to stay from the Himalaya to Kerala. Include spotting tiger, staying in a palace in Rajasthan, taking a boat trip down the Ganges and experience one of the country’s many festivals in your trip to India.

      8 min read

      Read this guide
    • What to do in Kerala: our highlights guide
      Alleppey Backwaters, Kerala

      What to do in Kerala: our highlights guide

      What to do in Kerala: our highlights guide

      Kerala’s slow pace of life is a gentle introduction to India, with tranquil backwaters, manicured tea plantations and fishing villages to explore. India specialist Tara lends her advice for how to make the most of your time there.

      4 min read

      Read this guide
    • Walking in India: on foot through the Himalaya & the Western Ghats
      View from Leti, Almora

      Walking in India: on foot through the Himalaya & the Western Ghats

      Walking in India: on foot through the Himalaya & the Western Ghats

      Exploring India on foot, you pass through remote villages, stop for tea with local people and stumble upon hidden temples. Our India specialists suggest routes through the hills of the Western Ghats, tea plantations of Darjeeling and foothills of the western Himalaya.

      10 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Cochin

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Cochin. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Cochin

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Cochin, and which use the best local guides.

    • Cochin city tour
      Traditional fishing nets, Cochin

      Cochin city tour

      Cochin city tour

      The tour of Fort Cochin will include Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, and the Chinese fishing nets. If time permits also visit the Dutch Cemetery, Santa Cruz Basilica and enjoy a walk around Jew Town.

      View details