Kochi (Cochin)
Spread over a series of islands and slender peninsulas is the culturally and historically rich port city of Kochi (also called Cochin). With its intriguing jumble of historic Portuguese houses, Hindu temples, mosques, churches, and even a 16th-century synagogue, Kochi is a shining example of the diversity that is India.
How to Get There
Domestic air carriers connect Kochi to major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. The city also has good rail and bus connections: The main bus terminus is the KSRTC bus stand in Ernakulam; there are two train stations, Ernakulam Town and to its south, Ernakulam Junction.
How to Get Around
Ferries shuttle people between the various islands; buy your ticket once on board. On land, autorickshaws and taxis are available, in addition to local buses.
Attractions
Found on Kochi's southern peninsula is the historic area known as Fort Cochin. At Fort Cochin's tip are the much-photographed Chinese fishing nets, first established here by traders hailing from the court of Kublai Khan. Also found in Fort Cochin is what is believed to be one of India's oldest European-built places of worship—the St. Francis Church. The famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama (who died in Kochi in 1524) was laid to rest here for over a decade before being taken back to Portugal.
The Mattancherry Palace was constructed by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century and houses some noteworthy murals that portray scenes from ancient Indian epics such as the Ramayana.
Places to Eat
Kochi gets special mention for its varied menus which range from ubiquitous North Indian fare to less commonly found southern specialties. There are plenty of eateries to choose from—those below represent just a few of the best.
With live bands during the peak tourist season (around December to February) and a casual open-air eating area, the Old Courtyard is a deservedly popular place. It dishes up lip-smacking seafood dishes, from baked mussels to grilled fish and prawns. Non-seafood dishes are also available. Princess Street, Fort Cochin.
The History Café gets praise for its creative menu, with dishes representing Kochi's culturally diverse past—there's an inventive array of Arabic, Syrian and Portuguese-inspired dishes. The restaurant is located at the Brunton Boatyard, where diners are treated to pretty sea views. River Road, Fort Cochin.
Fry's Village Restaurant offers traditional Keralan cuisine. The seafood dishes range from authentic Keralan fish curries to an assortment of lightly spiced grilled shell creatures. Chittoor Road, Ernakulam.
Places to Stay
There's something to suit all budgets in Kochi, with Fort Cochin having the most atmospheric places to stay—rooms can fill up quickly from November to mid-February (especially December and January), so book ahead.
Highly recommended is the Malabar House, a highly regarded boutique hotel. Beautifully furnished, this stylish hotel has 17 rooms, all contemporary in style but with a dash of colonial charm. If you can afford it, skip the smallish standard rooms and get one of the sumptuously appointed suites. Facilities include a swimming pool and two restaurants. Parade Ground Road, Fort Cochin; tel. +91 (0)484 221 6666; e-mail reservations@malabarhouse.com
The family-run Chiramel Residency was built during Dutch rule and was later converted into a mansion by the British. There's a miscellany of interior styles throughout the property including Chinese porcelain mosaic flooring at the entrance. The mosquito-proof rooms are spacious, clean and decked out with teak wood ceilings and floors. Lilly Street, Fort Cochin; tel. +91 (0)484 221 7310.
Ann's Residency is a popular mid-range choice with just 11 rooms—all decorated a bit differently—set in a charming colonial-style building. This down-to-earth place has well-kept rooms with a homey feel to them. Post Office Road, Fort Cochin; tel. +91 (0)484 221 8024.
General Tips
Kochi has several venues where you can see kathakali (a traditional Keralan drama-dance form) performances, including the See India Foundation (Kalathiparambil Lane, Ernakulam; tel. +91 [0]484 237 6471) and the Kerala Kathakali Center (River Road, Fort Cochin; tel. +91 [0]484 221 5827).
For More Information
Government of India Tourist Office Willingdon Island; tel. +91 (0)484 266 8352; e-mail indtourismkochi@sify.com.
Tourist Desk Information Counter Main Ferry Jetty, Ernakulam; tel. +91 (0)484 237 1761.
