Kochi

About Kochi

Kochi (Cochin) is Kerala's vibrant cosmopolitan port city, a fascinating tapestry of history, culture, and modernity that has been shaped by over 600 years of international trade. A Cochin tour is the ideal starting point for any Kerala holiday, as the city serves as the primary gateway to the state with its international airport, major railway stations, and well-connected road network. Fort Kochi, the historic heart of the city, is a walkable heritage district where Chinese fishing nets stand silhouetted against the sunset, centuries-old churches neighbour Jewish synagogues, and Dutch colonial mansions line cobblestoned streets — a living museum of the diverse civilisations that have left their mark on this remarkable port town.<br/><br/>The history of Kochi reads like a chronicle of global maritime trade. Arab traders arrived as early as the 7th century, establishing spice trading routes that would shape the city for centuries. The Chinese brought their iconic cantilever fishing nets (cheena vala) during the court of Kublai Khan in the 14th century, and these enormous nets — operated by teams of fishermen using an ingenious counterweight system — remain the most photographed landmark in Kerala today. The Portuguese arrived in 1500, making Cochin the site of the first European colonial settlement in India. The Dutch took over in 1663, followed by the British in 1795. Each wave of influence left behind architectural and cultural treasures that make Fort Kochi one of the most historically layered neighbourhoods in all of India.<br/><br/>The things to do in Cochin are remarkably diverse. The Mattancherry Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch, houses some of the finest Hindu mythological murals in India — the Ramayana scenes in the royal bedchamber are extraordinary. A short walk away, the Paradesi Synagogue (1568) in Jew Town is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, with a stunning floor of hand-painted Chinese willow-pattern tiles, each one unique. The surrounding Jew Town quarter is now a bustling antiques and spice market where narrow lanes overflow with the aromas of cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried in 1524, is the oldest European church in India.<br/><br/>Contemporary Kochi is equally compelling. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Asia's largest art festival held every two years from December to March, transforms Fort Kochi into an open-air gallery with installations by leading international and Indian artists displayed in heritage warehouses, former spice godowns, and public spaces. The Aspinwall House, the main venue, is a spectacular waterfront warehouse that perfectly bridges the city's mercantile past with its artistic present. The Pepper House and David Hall art galleries operate year-round, making Fort Kochi a permanent hub for contemporary art in South India.<br/><br/>No Cochin tour is complete without experiencing its performing arts. Kathakali, Kerala's classical dance-drama with its elaborate costumes, vivid face paint, and expressive storytelling, is performed nightly at the Kerala Kathakali Centre and other venues in Fort Kochi. Watching the performers apply their intricate makeup — a ritual that takes hours — is as captivating as the performance itself. Kalaripayattu demonstrations showcase Kerala's ancient martial art, believed to be the origin of all Asian martial arts traditions.<br/><br/>The culinary scene in Kochi is a feast for food lovers. Fort Kochi's cafes and restaurants serve everything from traditional Kerala breakfast of appam with egg curry and puttu with kadala to fresh seafood platters featuring karimeen, prawns, and crab. The city's multicultural heritage is reflected in its food — you will find Jewish bakeries, Syrian Christian cuisine (rich with coconut milk and spices), Malabar Muslim biryani, and Portuguese-influenced dishes. A visit to the bustling Ernakulam food scene adds street food staples like parotta with beef fry and evening snacks like pazhampori (banana fritters).<br/><br/>Series Tours is headquartered in Cochin, making this our home city and the departure point for most Kerala tours. We provide airport pickup from Cochin International Airport (CIAL), which is 30 km from Fort Kochi and well-connected by international flights from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and European destinations. Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town are the main railway stations, with trains from across India. Our own fleet of well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers ensures comfortable <a href="/car-rentals">car rental</a> service for day tours around Kochi or multi-day journeys to Munnar, Alleppey, Thekkady, and beyond.<br/><br/>Whether you spend a day exploring Fort Kochi's heritage streets or use the city as your base for a week-long Kerala adventure, Kochi rewards every visitor with its unique blend of history, art, cuisine, and warm hospitality. <a href="/contact">Contact us</a> to plan your Cochin tour — from heritage walks and backwater day trips to complete <a href="/packages/honeymoon">honeymoon packages</a> that start with a magical evening watching Chinese fishing nets at sunset.