24 Hours in Kochi
Kochi is a major port city in Kerala that is fast becoming a vacation destination for many! The scenic getaways, the coastal delicacies, the historical monuments and the warm friendly people all adds to the charm of this beacg town.
Whatever be your reason to come to Kochi, here is a 24-hour guide to let you experience all that quaint Kochi has to offer. After all, Kochi is an important entry point into Kerala and even India for many domestic and international tourists.
Savouring Local Delicacies
Start your day with a hearty Kerala-style breakfast featuring delicacies like ‘appam-stew’, ‘puttu-kadala curry’, ‘iddyappam-egg curry’ or regulars like dosa, idli or uthappam. Just remember the days when your mom used to load you with a solid breakfast, so load up as you have a long day ahead! If you are heading first to the city area then Bharath Tourist Home or Abad group of hotels are some of the iconic places to start.
Many travelers head straight to Fort Kochi; Kochi’s hottest tourist spot with its beautiful views of the ocean and beaches. It has lovely Dutch and Portuguese streets with quaint buildings and a beautiful beach walkway. If you are thirsty or want to grab a good bite, this place has a lot of options. Don’t forget to try the ‘Kuluki Sherbet’ which literally translates to “shake the sherbet”.
Relive the History
A visit to the St. Francis church is a must; it is the oldest European church in India and well-known for its beautiful ambience and architecture of bygone eras. Opposite this is the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, one of the most impressive churches in India.
The 400-year-old synagogue, also known as the Paradesi Jew Synagogue in Mattancherry is the oldest active Jewish synagogue among the Commonwealth countries and 2 km away from Fort Kochi; its beautiful Belgian chandeliers and blue Chinese handmade tiles are still a sight to behold.
Close by is the Mattancherry palace, also known as the Dutch palace and built in the traditional Kerala-style architecture. You can find murals depicting the entire Ramayana here.
You could go for a stroll along the Jew Street where tiny shops sell excellent handmade textiles ideal for the heat, handicrafts, antiques, curios, jewelry, spices, etc. These are authentic Kerala stuff, so feel free to buy something. All these places have got a contemporary ‘artsy’ facelift thanks to the recently concluded Kochi Muziris Biennale.
Finish off your Kochi trip with dinner at any of the numerous beaches or within the city like the Pai Dosa place, MG Road or Marine Drive and its malls. The Marine walkway is a great place for an evening stroll along the lake or you can take a ferry ride and see the Chinese fishing nets or watch the city skyline. The walkway is a popular hangout with fast-food and shopping dominating the activities.
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