This culturally-rich city served as an important spice trading centre in the 14th century, attracting cultural influences from Persia to China and later, from the Dutch, Portuguese and the British. For the discerning travellers, there are several places of interest to explore in this thriving city – from the potpourri of cultures to the equally diverse range of cuisines.
For an authentic holiday experience, discover the best of the Kochi like a local. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Visit Kumbalangi Fishing village on Kalenchery Island
Facing the Kochi backwaters, the village boasts a rich aquatic life. See the Chinese fishing nets cast around these breeding grounds for crabs, oysters, prawn and small fish, caught and then sold in the local market. Apart from this, get a glimpse into the simple local lifestyle of the fishermen inhabitants and visit the nearby Kalagramam to see the display of fishing equipment and handicrafts. You can also indulge in learning any of the local crafts of coir making, weaving coconut leaves for thatching, net making, basket making or pottery.
Take Public Transport to Commute
Surrounded by the waters of the Arabian sea and its backwaters, Kochi comprises several islands that take the top spots on the tourists’ bucket list. What better way to navigate between these must-see attractions than taking the public ferry, which happens to be cheap and reliable. Frequent services link Fort Cochin, Willingdon Island, Vypeen and other water-locked areas to mainland Ernakulam. Just go to one of the ferry points – locally known as ‘Boat Jetty’ and join the locals on their daily commute for as less as INR 4 (one-way).
On land, taxis are available in plenty, and you can always depend on ride-sharing apps to book one instantly. The new Kochi Metro train service is also a reliable option. However, to travel like a local for a short distance, take an auto-rickshaw or a bus. The Kochi bus service is the lifeline of the city. Most of the city buses have reserved seats for women in the front. You will notice that the men mostly keep to the rear even if they do not take a seat.
Kochi Ferry
Visit the Islands of Kochi
Explore the tiny islands of Kochi around Vembanad lake; few of them being Vypeen, Gundu, Vallarpadom, Willingdon and Bolgatty, which have become easily accessible now due to Goshree and Varapuzha bridges. These islands can also be accessed using ferries and private boats and serve as ideal locations for numerous interesting activities like fishing, boating and relaxing by the quiet beaches. Among these, Willingdon Island is the most beautiful and picturesque place to be and it also boasts to be the largest man-made island in India. It offers panoramic vistas and an old-world charm and is the home to Kochi naval base.
Don’t miss the Cherai beach on Vypeen island, which is quite popular with locals and tourists alike. For a more personalised experience, you can opt for boating in Vembanad Lake.
Mulavukad also known as Bolgaty Island
Take a tour of the local market
One of the best ways to understand local culture is to visit places frequented by the residents. Kochi is the most fun place to indulge in the delights of shopping. Some of the famous markets here have a well-curated collection of almost everything from traditionally-woven saris and antique furniture to indie drawings and modern jewellery. The spice markets in Mattancherry and Broadway were established by the Gujarati businessmen whose settlement in the region can be traced back to the 1800s. Soak in the history of these trade centres while sampling some of the finest ginger, turmeric and other exotic products.
If saree shopping is on your mind, keep a watch out for the Kerala Kasavu- the traditional white cotton drapes with gold zari borders. Silk saree showrooms line both sides of the busy MG Road; most of these shops are owned by families who have been in the business for generations. Other souvenirs you can consider buying are the traditional brass lamps, handicrafts made from coconut shells, leaves and husk; or the crispy banana and jackfruit chips fried in coconut oil.
Saree Shopping at Kalyan Silk
Explore the Jew Town in Fort Kochi
This narrow street between Mattancherry Palace and Jewish synagogue on Fort Kochi is a favourite haunt of antique lovers. Once a Jewish abode, this is now an eminent hotspot for connoisseurs and shopaholics, selling antiques of Jewish and even Indians, Chinese, Arabic and European origins. Bargaining is totally viable here. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Koder House, which is now a heritage hotel, and taste the traditional Jewish pudding there before leaving the Jew Town.
A good time to visit the Jew Town and Fort Kochi is during the Kochi-Muziris Biennale when the whole region turns into a creative playground. Renowned artists from all over the world come to exhibit their fascination work through varied mediums during this bi-annual event. Even if you are not visiting during this 3-month long event, there are several art galleries and exhibition centres here to impress you throughout the year.
Fort Kochin Cathedral
Get a Multicultural Culinary Experience
Kochi has experienced Portuguese, Dutch, and French rule in its long and complex history. Each of these former ruling nations left a mark on the city’s culinary culture, leading to unique local cuisines. The region is celebrated for its seafood, which plays a significant role in local life and the tourist industry.
Food tours are popular in Kochi. However, if you want to avoid set itineraries, hire a Kerala tour guide who can personally help you discover the best meals and snacks, local style. Be sure to try the street-side Porotta with beef fry and wash it down with a refreshing lime soda or piping hot tea. Tea stalls are plenty here and the traditional ones offer not only the popular milky Indian variety but also black tea – known as Suleimani - with a mouth-watering menu of snacks such as fried banana fritters called Pazhampori, roasted peanuts, fried lentil cakes called Parippu Vada and an assortment of steamed or baked bites.
Sea Basket, Kerala
Catch a Malayalam or a Tamil Movie
Kerala’s own Malayalam cinema industry Mollywood is known for its hard-hitting realistic storylines that often addresses issues, which are closely related to the society there. Moreover, Tamil cinema from the neighbouring Indian state of Tamil Nadu is also widely popular here. One of India’s most celebrated filmmakers, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, was born in Kerala and made a name for himself in the Malayalam film industry.
So, while you are in Kochi, make sure you go to a local movie theatre to experience this distinctive form of Indian cinema. Kerala has its own superstars, with Mohanlal and Mamooty leading the gang. The locals have intense respect and adoration for these actors. To truly understand the passion of the local movie-goers, join them at any of the city’s multiplexes or older movie halls for a unique experience.
Movie Posters, Kerala
Take a guided tour of the city
Hiring a tour guide may initially seem like a strange way to avoid tourist traps in Kochi. However, following a local guide around their hometown is an ideal way to experience life as the locals do.A knowledgeable guide can be crucial to understanding the cultures that meet here – especially in areas like Fort Kochi where you will discover fascinating stories such as the Malabar Jews of Mattancherry or the church where Vasco da Gama was laid to rest.
