10 Tips for Your First Time in Kochi, Kerala, India

This would be our second time in India but our first in Kerala and Kochi (Cochin). Everyone we had spoken to who had visited Kerala only had very good things to say about this southern state in India, so expectations were high. Spoiler alert: It exceeded them.

For those following our grown-up gap year, we arrived in India from Egypt earlier than expected on an Oman Air flight from Cairo. At the last minute we had significantly altered our plans in the Middle East, cutting short our travels by a month due to the war. Kochi International Airport is about a 30-40 minute drive from Ernakulam (the central business district) and approximately an hour from Fort Kochi (where most of the tourist sites are and where tourists stay). There are hassle-free pre-pay taxis on arrival that will set you back around £17 for the latter. We arrived exhausted and unplanned, with five nights' accommodation booked in Fort Kochi but no real expectations or ideas of how to spend our time! Anyone who knows me, knows that I tend to plan our travels down to the detail - including where we are eating our every meal. But on a trip like this, that's not only impossible, but it's also unwise (We've had to shift our route at least three times in the first few months, and are learning to embrace the adventure of the unknown). So this short blog is designed to help anyone in that same position, excited about exploring the city of Kochi but with no idea where to start.

It's been said a hundred times before but it's worth saying again - the first thing that strikes you about this city (alongside the warm, damp air) is how green it is. Perhaps it's because we'd been in the desert for the last couple of weeks, but I was struck by just how much of the city is teeming with nature. Even in the heart of town, where there's a crack in the concrete, something will be growing. And if you think Kochi is beautifully green, just wait until you get into the Keralan countryside.

The other thing you’ll have read about Kochi is that it’s much more relaxed than other major cities in India like Delhi or Jaipur. This is undeniably true! There is very little hassle other than offers of tuk-tuk rides that condense in the tourist areas and whilst there is a steady flow of bustling traffic, many roads in Fort Kochi are quite peaceful and the streets very walkable.

In total, we ended up staying in Kochi for seven days and six nights, primarily in Fort Kochi but also in Ernakulam before taking the overnight train to Goa. Here are our top tips and recommendations that I hope will help you plan and enjoy your stay. Let us know below what we've missed and any questions you might have that we can answer.

10 Top Tips for Your First Time in Kochi

1. BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE, GET A TOURIST SIM CARD:

Yes, you have likely arrived on an overnight flight, and you're tired, and all you want to do is find your accommodation and chill. But I promise you, spending that 15 minutes at the airport will be worth it. We visited the Airtel counter at Kochi International Airport, just past baggage reclaim. The process took about 15 minutes, and an hour later, we were set up with 2 GB of data every day for 52 days, all for about £7. A local SIM is so helpful for making plans with locals, booking trips, and, most importantly in India, booking Ubers! Need more information on Indian SIM cards check out 3 Easy Ways To Get a Sim Card in India For Tourists! - The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog.

2. Stay in Fort Kochi:

If it's your first time in Kochi, then Fort Kochi is the place to stay. Yes, it's the tourist town, and we were skeptical at first, but it's popular for a reason. It's a beautiful island, all of the main historical attractions are within walking distance and there's a community of backpackers and travellers, especially for those travelling solo. Fort Kochi is also very it's well connected by regular cheap ferries to Ernakulam and Vypin island.

3. But, do visit the Other Islands of the City:

It's important to know that the city is made up of islands, and island hopping is a fantastic day out. The ferries are very affordable (about 6p per journey) and are by far the best way to get around. There are only a few bridges that connect each of the main islands, so often it can be easier and cheaper to go by boat. If you only have time to take one day out of Fort Kochi, I would personally recommend taking the ferry from the northeast to Ernakulam for a stroll down Marine Drive and to browse the shops and central markets in the town-centre (while stopping for multiple fresh fruit juices, lime sodas, and local snacks along the way).

4. Eat Everything: Food, as in most of India, is exquisite, inexpensive, and it's a huge treat for vegetarians to have such an incredible variety and choice. We didn't have a single bad meal during our entire time here. That said, for those who eat meat and/or fish, there's more of it in Kerala than in most of India, with specials like Beef fry and Mango fish curry on many menus. Also, if you're feeling really lazy or just tired and jet-lagged, download Zomato (India's Deliveroo). Every cuisine from restaurants around the city will be delivered right to your door. The app is easy to use and accepts foreign cards.

Look out for our Keralan food blog coming soon!

5. Spend a Day Walking Fort Kochi:

If, like us, you enjoy walking even in 30-degree heat and high humidity, Fort Kochi is the perfect place to explore. There are plenty of tuk-tuks offering sightseeing highlights, but we politely declined and visited The Synagogue and Jew Town, Vasco da Gama Square, Mattancherry Palace, The Dutch Cemetery, and many more, all by foot, meandering down quaint historic streets bustling with super friendly local traders, shoppers and school children.

7. Find a Toddy Shop:

Toddy is an alcoholic sugarcane beverage (about 8%) that I would describe as a bit like sweet, malty prosecco. In Kochi, you can find it at toddy shops, which, in accordance with local laws, can serve from 8 am to 8 pm only. These shops are also popular for their local snack foods like fish curry, beef fry, and egg roast served with freshly made parotta. You may have to travel a bit from Fort Kochi to find one, but it's definitely worth a visit. We visited this one on Cherai beach but there are closer options in town too.

8. Uber Around:

If you've ever been exasperated with taxis overcharging or have become too exhausted to haggle, leading to paying more than you should, then Uber is for you. In Kochi, you can use Uber to book tuk-tuks, cars, and larger vehicles. There are plenty of them around, so you don't have to wait, and the prices are very reasonable. If I were travelling solo, this would be a must!

9. Have a Lassi at Rawal Lassi Joint:

This is a quick must-stop on your Fort Kochi wander. For 35p, you can get a thick, sweet, and sumptuous cardamom lassi. You drink them there and then out of small metal glasses, and it's probably the best thing that will pass your lips that day.

10. Go See a Kathakali Performance:

You will find these all over Kerala but there’s a really good centre in Fort Kochi where you can watch the make-up preparation and learn about the historic performance art form before being treated to a short performance. The face control is incredible! To note, the website doesn’t display the correct times and also implied performances were sold out when they weren’t. At time of writing there was one performance a day at 6pm with make-up from 5pm, but I would suggest popping in and buying your ticket directly.

BONUS TIP - Need Some Laundry Done?

In the heart of Fort Kochi is a traditional Dhobi khana, a public laundry where most of the washing for the local hotels is done - all by hand, no machines. You can give a small charitable donation just to tour the washing and drying area, which is pretty cool. If you need your clothes laundered, you'll also save money on hotel and driver commission if you take your laundry there yourself.

I hope you enjoyed our 10 tips for first-timers in Kochi Kerala. Keep an eye out for more blogs and India travel tips in the coming months. If you have any specific questions, or if there's anything you think we've missed let us know in the comments below. #IndiaTravel #GrownUpGapYear #AdultBacking #FortKochi #Cochin