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The principal port for southwestern India, Cochin has been a trading post for centuries and the Portuguese, Dutch and British influences remain evident.
Highlights of the city
The city is a series of islands but it is the Mattancherry Palace with its detailed frescoes, the old spice warehouses, the Jewish synagogue and the churches in Fort Cochin that will occupy most of your time.
The fort area retains a colonial charm with wide tree lined streets and a large central parade ground surrounded by grand buildings.
Chinese fishing nets
The huge Chinese fishing nets that cantilever over the shallows are the indelible image of Cochin. Best viewed on an evening boat cruise, they are still in daily use by the dedicated fishermen and their catch can be tried in the numerous food stalls that line the water's edge or in the more comfortable surroundings of a hotel restaurant.
Kathakali dance
A visit to a Kathakali dance centre to watch this stylised and theatrical art form retelling stories from Hindu legend is recommended.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Cochin by contacting one of our India specialists
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01993 838 92501993 838 355
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Suggested itineraries featuring Cochin
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Cochin, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Cochin
- Mararikulam 24 miles away
- Kothamangalam 27 miles away
- Kerala 29 miles away
- The Backwaters 31 miles away
- Munnar 56 miles away
- Palakkad 64 miles away
- Thekkady & Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary 73 miles away
- Ooty 106 miles away
- Kovalam 118 miles away
- Wayanad 120 miles away
- Madurai 127 miles away
- Tellicherry 136 miles away
- Nagarhole National Park 146 miles away
- Mysore 166 miles away
- Chettinad 172 miles away
- Coorg 176 miles away
- Trichy 177 miles away
- Neeleshwar 179 miles away
- Tanjore 205 miles away
- Belur & Halebid 227 miles away
- Bangalore 229 miles away
- Tranquebar 256 miles away
- Pondicherry 280 miles away
Photos of Cochin
Our expert guides to exploring Cochin
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Cochin, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Cochin at its best.
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What to do in India: our highlights guide ![Sadhu in Varanasi]()
What to do in India: our highlights guide
What to do in India: our highlights guide
Our India specialists pick some of their best things to see and do, and where to stay from the Himalaya to Kerala. Include spotting tiger, staying in a palace in Rajasthan, taking a boat trip down the Ganges and experience one of the country鈥檚 many festivals in your trip to India.
Read this guide -
What to do in Kerala: our highlights guide ![Alleppey Backwaters, Kerala]()
What to do in Kerala: our highlights guide
What to do in Kerala: our highlights guide
Kerala鈥檚 slow pace of life is a gentle introduction to India, with tranquil backwaters, manicured tea plantations and fishing villages to explore. India specialist Tara lends her advice for how to make the most of your time there.
Read this guide -
Walking in India: on foot through the Himalaya & the Western Ghats ![View from Leti, Almora]()
Walking in India: on foot through the Himalaya & the Western Ghats
Walking in India: on foot through the Himalaya & the Western Ghats
Exploring India on foot, you pass through remote villages, stop for tea with local people and stumble upon hidden temples. Our India specialists suggest routes through the hills of the Western Ghats, tea plantations of Darjeeling and foothills of the western Himalaya.
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Accommodation choices for Cochin
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Cochin. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Malabar House, Cochin]()
Malabar House
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![Brunton Boatyard, Cochin]()
Brunton Boatyard
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![Old Harbour Hotel, Cochin]()
Old Harbour Hotel
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![Forte Kochi]()
Forte Kochi
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![Eighth Bastion. Cochin]()
Eighth Bastion
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Ideas for experiencing Cochin
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Cochin, and which use the best local guides.
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Cochin City Tour ![Traditional fishing nets, Cochin]()
Cochin City Tour
Cochin City Tour
The tour of Fort Cochin will include Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, and the Chinese fishing nets. If time permits also visit the Dutch Cemetery, Santa Cruz Basilica and enjoy a walk around Jew Town.
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