Kochi

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Kochi, Kerala

An October 2005 trip to Kochi by dackelynn

KathakaliMore Photos

Kochi is a somewhat touristy town near the coast in Kerala, India. You can watch a Kathakali drama, hit the backwaters, dine at some very nice restaurants, or shop for souvenirs.

  • 4 reviews
  • 2 stories/tips
  • 12 photos

Kochi, KeralaBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Kochi
The highlight was definitely coasting through the backwaters on a wooden boat. Very relaxing, very peaceful, and everything was arranged beforehand.

Quick Tips:

Avoid the cheap stands in Fort Kochi just trying to make a quick buck.

Best Way To Get Around:

Ferries are necessary to travel to the various islands. Rickshaws are plentiful; be sure they use the meter. Buses are hard to find and the routes are hard to understand.

Kashi Art CafeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This little cafe, situated in the Fort Kochi district, is directed towards tourists--if you are looking for a break from Indian food, then this is the perfect opportunity: the expatriate-owned cafe offers iced tea (properly filtered), delicious sandwiches, tasty soups, and chips at a very reasonable price. You can also find freshly made cakes! The delicious food is served either in a tasteful garden area or in an art exhibition space. Overall, the cafe is a wonderful respite from traditional Keralite cuisine that won't leave you disappointed.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dackelynn on July 17, 2006

Kashi Art Cafe
Burgher St. Cochin, India 682001
+91 (484) 2215769

Kathakali TheatreBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Kathakali
A local theatre puts on Kathakali performances at night near the local bus stand in Fort Kochi. You'll see plenty of signs. If you arrive early you can watch them put on make-up (which traditionally takes MUCH longer but this show is intended for tourists). The performance is great.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by dackelynn on July 13, 2006

Backwater BoatingBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Kerala backwaters
Take a relaxing boating trip on the backwaters. These tours can usually be arranged at your hotel or at a shop in Fort Kochi. There will be van sent to your hotel in the morning and off you go to the backwaters! Depending on your arrangements, you can have a motorized boat or a traditional wooden Kerala boat. I opted for non-motorized. It was extremely relaxing to drift through the backwaters with about six other tourists. We got to stop for a coconut drink break, have a nice lunch on an island and view a cord-making demonstration. This trip is a must for those in Kerala.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by dackelynn on July 13, 2006

Fort KochiBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is the central tourist area in Cochin. Highlights include the Chinese fishing nets, Dutch Cemetery, the Santa Cruz Basilica, and the wide variety of foods available. Prepare to be pestered by sellers from the north of India.

MattancherryBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Mattancherry is an area to the East of Fort Kochi. You can walk, take a rickshaw, or take the ferry. The highlight of this area is Mattancherry Palace, also called the Dutch Palace. It has very unique architecture and a wonderful collection of murals from different Keralite temples. There is also a temple nearby. In this area you can also find lots of spice shops.

About the Writer

dackelynn
dackelynn
Misaka, Japan

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.