Must doKathakali evening in Fort Kochi
Watch the performers put on their make-up, then see Kerala's classical dance-drama up close.
WhereKochi, Ernakulam district
From Kochi airportAbout 45 km, 1 to 1.5 hours
Best timeOctober to March; nets at sunset
TimeHalf a day to a full day
WalkingFlat lanes, easy pace
ParentsEasy
Check before you go: Timings, fees and access can change with the season, festivals and weather. Check the latest timings before you go; on our trips we confirm them for you.
Fort Kochi is the old port quarter of Kochi in Kerala, known for its Chinese fishing nets, colonial churches and the spice lanes of Mattancherry. It is about 45 km from Kochi airport, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by road. Give it half a day at least, and be at the fishing nets for sunset.
Fort Cochin: layers of history on foot
Fort Cochin grew as a trading port, and the Portuguese, Dutch and British each left their mark. You can see it in a few flat streets: St Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried, Dutch-era houses, and old warehouses now turned into cafés and galleries.
When the Kochi-Muziris Biennale is on, usually from December, the whole quarter fills with art.
Is it okay for parents?
EasyStepsNone
WalkingFlat lanes; take it slow
The Chinese fishing nets of Kochi
The giant cantilevered nets along the waterfront, called cheena vala locally, are lowered into the water and lifted by teams of fishermen. Go around sunset, when the nets are working and the light is soft. Fishermen sometimes let visitors help with the ropes for a small tip.
Mattancherry and Jew Town
- Mattancherry Palace: also called the Dutch Palace, with Kerala murals inside.
- Paradesi Synagogue: built in 1568, at the end of Jew Town's spice and antique lanes.
- Timings: many sites close on certain days of the week, so check before you go.
Veg and Jain food
Vegetarian restaurants and cafés are easy to find.
Experiences nearby
Do more with locals
Must do
Nature & slowTea estate morning in Munnar
Walk the tea slopes in the cool morning, see how the leaf is processed, then taste it fresh.
AdventureCycling through the tea estates
Ride quiet estate roads through the tea hills, with stops for the views.
Food & peopleSpice plantation walk in Thekkady
See pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves growing, with a farmer who knows every plant.
AdventureJungle walk in Periyar
A guided walk in the Periyar forest, looking for birds, giant squirrels and signs of elephants.
Nature & slowVillage canoe ride on the backwaters
Slip into the narrow canals a houseboat cannot reach, past homes, paddy and toddy shops.
Food & peopleHome-cooked sadya lunch
A traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, with a family in a backwater village.
FAQ
Fort Cochin: your questions
What is the best time to see the Chinese fishing nets?
Late afternoon to sunset, when the fishermen are working the nets and the light is best.
How much time do you need in Fort Cochin?
Half a day covers the nets, the church and Jew Town; a full day lets you slow down in the cafés and galleries.
Is Fort Kochi easy for elderly parents?
Yes. The streets are flat, distances are short, and autos are easy to find between sights.
Should I stay in Fort Kochi or Ernakulam?
Fort Kochi, if you want the old-town feel and evening walks; Ernakulam is better for shopping and transit.
Is Mattancherry worth visiting with Jew Town?
Yes. They sit side by side, and one easy walk covers the palace, the synagogue and the spice lanes.
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