Things To Do in Fort Kochi: Is It Worth Visiting?

Fort Kochi is located in Kerala, the most beautiful localities in the Kerala region. And it is a destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lives because it is regarded as one of the top holiday spots in the world. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when visiting Fort Kochi in Kerala, and we’ve got you covered!

Let’s talk a bit about Fort Kochi first. Fort Kochi is rooted in the Kochin region on the amazing coastline of Kerala, India’s southernmost state. Since it is pretty much available from the Cochin International Airport, it is said that many visitors actually arrive here first. However, because it is thirty-six kilometers away, you may require a form of transportation from the airport to Fort Kochi.

Why Should You Visit Fort Kochi?

In this section, we tried to jot down why exactly Fort Kochi is the best destination to have the best memories for your convenience. Firstly, when visiting the southern Indian state of Kerala, international visitors most often make their first stop of the trip at Fort Kochi (also known as Cochin). 

And while the Taj Mahal beckons in northern India, Kerala has its own beauty. Kerala’s lush canals, amazing tea fields, and the most stunning beaches give international visitors a much calmer pace of life. And as seen, the Kerala Tourism Board has been working hard in order to attract international tourists to this particular region in the last few years. Given below is the list of a few things you can do in Fort Kochi, which is why you should visit Fort Kochi in the first place to try out these beautiful activities!

The first thing to try is the Chinese fishnets, one of the most famous sights in Kochi is the Chinese fishing nets. So, if you only have one day in Kochi, this should perhaps be at the top of your list of things to do in Fort Kochi.

The second thing is to see the famous Vasco da Gama Square, which is a small walkway that continues along Fort Kochi beach and is considered one of the greatest sites to witness in action as the Chinese nets are dropped into the ocean, and it is considered very photogenic around the time of sunset.

Thirdly, you can visit the Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and is dedicated to the King of Kochi and later rebuilt by the Dutch 100 years ago. It is said to currently house a huge selection of Maharaja portraits and some of India’s best mythological murals, along with antique Dutch maps, the best royal palanquins, and amazing period furniture. It is typically open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Fourthly, according to the BBC, Kochi was said to once have had a genuine Pardesi (foreigner) Jewish population, which is to this day seen in Jew Town in the short lane between the Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue.

A Jewish Heritage tour of Fort Kochi can also be booked here. The shops with Hebrew words such as Shalom, Stars of David, and other Jewish symbols along Jew Town Road were used and seen by Jews, but they are now run by Kochi residents.

Furthermore, the St. Francis Church, which is India’s oldest and most antique European church, was said to have been built by Portuguese Franciscan friars during the sixteenth century. Later, the Protestant Dutch renovated the church during the eighteenth century. Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer who died in Kochi, was said to have been buried here previously, but his body was later moved to Lisbon.

Fifthly, another must-do activity is a sunset sail, which is the best opportunity to observe the Chinese fishing nets from the sea while also taking in the sights of Kochi’s backwaters. And of course, for more obvious issues, sunset cruises are kind of only available outside of the monsoon season and last up to 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the company.

In addition to that, the most renowned and top-notch of all Kerala performances is the Kathakali performance, in which you have to be in one of the locations where they usually perform to see in Kochi at night. It is said that Kathakali is an amazing Kerala classical dance that features the most elaborate make-up and contains very delicate hands, bodies, facial, and even eye movements.

The tombstones in Fort Kochi are thought to be one of the most accurate records of the thousands of Europeans who visited India to broaden their empire. It is said that the cemetery was founded in 1724. Regardless of the fact that the cemetery is closed for the majority of the day, international visitors can request that it be opened and visit it if they wish.

Other Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting Fort Kochi:

Temperature:

While staying in Kochi, the environmental temperature is something you want to keep in mind, as the best time to visit Kochi depends on what you typically enjoy. Temperatures are said to be nice between October and March, ranging between seventeen and thirty degrees Celsius, which most people refer to as great weather of march is when temperatures really begin to increase, giving the hot weather vibe. Furthermore, if you can tolerate the heat of summer, the months of April and June may be the best time for you. Temperatures typically range from 25 to 37 degrees Celsius.

Entertainment:

The next thing is entertainment for children in Kochi Fort if you are taking your kids for a vacation. Children in Kochi usually enjoy playing on the very antique and beautiful British playground equipment, which typically includes metal slides and merry-go-round spinners as the best playing materials, and your children will love it too. Although there are very small admission fees to enter the park in Fort Kochi, children usually enjoy exploring the playground and have fun riding the normal rides.

Transportation:

Thirdly, transportation is something you must keep in mind if you are traveling a lot in Fort Kochi. You may land at Cochin International Airport, considered the world’s only solar-powered airport. The airport terminal itself may look a bit outdated, but it is usually pretty clean. Cabs and rickshaws are the best ways to travel from the airport to the destination that you are looking for, and the price for it may fluctuate depending on your destination and the number of people.

Rickshaws are a popular means of transport in India, and they’re a great way to get around Fort Kochi. You can rent a rickshaw driver for a few hours to take you around Fort Kochi & nearby Mattancherry. We all adore enjoying rickshaw rides and taking in the views from this slower mode of transportation while the wind blows in our hair. You may hire a rickshaw for 200 rs per hour, and you won’t be looking long to locate a willing driver. From the moment you step off the airplane in Fort Kochi, rickshaw drivers will be following you.

Food:

For a bit of variety from Indian cuisine, try Thai Soul, and poolside dining within the new Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty that is fashioned after Bangkok’s streets. Coconut curry with veggies called Tom Ka Phak is highly praised. At the time of writing, the hotel did not have an alcohol license; nonetheless, if this is essential to you, please check with the restaurant right away.

The Brunton Boatyard Hotel’s Armoury Café is a venue steeped in history that may not only be seen and smelt but also tasted. The house specialty is the First Class Railway Mutton Curry; according to history, an English army officer was going by rail when he became hungry and followed the fragrance of spices to the pantry car. The milder Railway Mutton Curry was created after the cook added additional coconut milk. It’s a must-try in Fort Kochi.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Is It Worthwhile To Go to Fort Kochi?

Through its construction, this location exemplifies a fusion of the past and the current. Kochi is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about Kerala’s culture.

Q. What Makes Fort Kochi Unique?

Fort Kochi was the first European colony in India, located in the Ernakulam region of Kerala. 

Q. What Should I Do in Fort Kochi for a Day?

Take a stroll around Fort Kochi Beach and look at the Chinese fishing nets, then have breakfast. Start your first day off right by going to Fort Kochi Beach, where you can view rows of massive Chinese fishing nets stretched over the water being worked on by fishermen.

Q. Which Is Better, Alleppey or Munnar?

Every year, a large number of tourists from both abroad and within the country visit both locations. International visitors prefer Alleppey over Munnar, but local tourists prefer Munnar to Alappuzha, according to research conducted by the Kerala Tourism Department.

Q. Is Kochi a Safe Place To Visit at Night?

Kochi is completely secure if you follow the usual precautions. When visiting a foreign country, you should exercise caution, especially if you are a woman traveling alone, but this is true of any foreign country. Don’t venture to lonely regions alone, especially at night.

Q. What Is the Implication of the Name “Fort Kochi”?

After the Raja of Kochi gave this land to the Portuguese in 1503, it was called Fort Kochi. To secure their trade interests, the Raja allowed the Portuguese to construct a fort near the waterfront.

Q. What Is the Location of the Beach in Fort Kochi?

Fort Kochi Beach is a beachfront on the Arabian Sea in Fort Kochi, Kerala, India. 

Q. What Is the Significance of the Name “Fort Kochi”?

The neighborhood is 16 kilometers from Cochin city and is named after Fort Manuel of Cochin, the very first European fort on Indian land, which was absorbed into the Portuguese East Indies.

Q. What Are the Most Well-Known Items To Purchase in Kochi?

What are the most well-known items to purchase in Kochi? Silver or gold jewelry, saris, handlooms, and handcrafted products are very popular in Kochi. The majority of these items may be found at moderate cost in Kochi’s famous street markets, such as the iconic Spice Bazaar and Marine Drive.

Q. Is Fort Kochi a Peninsula or an Island?

Kochi is the capital of Kerala, an Indian state. Kochi is situated in the Ernakulam district. Old Kochi, Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, and Mundamveli are among the islands that make up Old Kochi. In Mundamveli, there is a historic Portuguese church named St.

Q. Is It Safe To Live in Kochi?

The city is a major commercial center in southern India, with significant economic benefits that make the sort of poverty-related crime that plagues neighboring cities in the nation less of a concern there.