Here’s How to Spend Your 2 Days in Kochi, Kerela Perfectly
DAY — 1
On the first day, orient yourself with mainland Kochi and get a taste of the city with its ancient temples, heritage and the lovely coastline.
8 AM — THRIKKAKARA TEMPLE
Head early to this temple, considered to be the only one dedicated to Vamana, the dwarf avatar of Vishnu. Built in typical Kerala style, the temple is squat with ponds and sprawling grounds. It is also known to be a repository of historic records and is famous for its colourful and elaborate Onam celebrations comprising traditional arts and culminating in a delicious feast.
10 AM HILL PALACE MUSEUM
Located on a hill and also called the Tripunithura Palace Museum, the building originally belonged to the Kochi Maharaja and was later converted into a large museum. On display are beautiful paintings and epigraphy belonging to the royal family of Travancore and Kochi. In addition, there are hundreds of other artefacts displayed in 16 galleries, including the magnificent Cochin Royal Crown and Crown Jewels. The museum has a park with a variety of tree and plant species as well as a small zoo.
12 PM KERALA FOLKLORE MUSEUM
A fabulous display of architecture and heritage, the museum has an amazing array of exhibits dealing with life and livelihood. The museum is home to over 4,000 artefacts in stone, metal, terracotta and wood. These include implements and objects from the Stone Age, paintings, lamps, jewellery, instruments, folk art, utensils, masks and much more.
2 PM PARAGON
For an authentic taste of Kochi and the Malabar, head to Paragon in Lulu Mall, especially for sea food and other non-veg items. Try the fried fish, prawns and Kerala-style biryani.
3.30 PM ST. GEORGE SYRO-MALABAR CATHOLIC FORANE CHURCH
Dedicated to St George, and originally going back to the sixth century, it is a sprawling white structure and is considered to be the largest church in the country. It is also very popular with non-Christians.
4.30 PM SHOPPING
Busy and bustling, wander around MG Road and Marine Drive, filled with stores and malls. Between them, check out traditional Kerala artefacts, garments, local sweets and the famous banana chips.
6.30 pm CHERAI BEACH
Head northwards along the sea to this lovely beach which comes into its own in the evening. Watch a spectacular sunset and end the day listening to the soothing sound of the waves.
8 PM DINNER ON BEACH ROAD
Cherai beach is surrounded by a profusion of cafes and restaurants with a choice of cuisines for dinner.
DAY — 2
On day two, get a hefty dose of Kochi’s colonial past whether Portuguese, Dutch or British. Towards the southern part of Kochi is Fort Kochi, a loose collection of islands and finger-like peninsulas.
9 AM ST FRANCIS CHURCH
Possibly the oldest European church in India, St Francis Church goes back to the early 16th century and is closely associated with the Portuguese since it was built soon after they landed. Over 500 years, the church underwent lot of changes: it was initially a wooden structure, but was later constructed with brick and mortar. It was Catholic but later converted to Protestant. It was first dedicated to St Anthony and later St Francis. Vasco da Gama was buried here but later his remains were moved to Lisbon and only a gravestone remains now.
10 AM MATTANACHERRY PALACE
Unlike most palaces, this is rather petite with a predominance of wood. Going back to the mid-16th century, it was actually built by the Portuguese and presented to the Kochi royal family. The Dutch later added their own touches to it, and hence it is also called Dutch Palace. It is built in Kerala style with a central courtyard but with distinct European influences. The courtyard has a temple dedicated to the patron deity of the royal family, while temples to Shiva and Krishna can also be found within the palace complex. Of particular importance is the mural room with exquisite depiction of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Also on display are royal artefacts, costumes and weapons.
12 PM PARADES! SYNAGOGUE
Built by the Kochi Jewish Community in the mid-16th century, the synagogue is adjacent to the palace and is a rare structure. It is rather unique with Hindu and Christian features and is a complex of four buildings.
1PM KAYEES RAHMATHULLA CAFE
Not much to look at from outside Rahmathulla Cafe, better known as Kayees, is named after Kayee who started this place in 1951. It is a relatively tiny place and seating is communal style. Everything is functional and service is quick. The menu has very few items and people come here only for the mutton biryani or the chicken version. Mild and lightly spiced rice mingles with soft mutton to make a delicious combination. A note of warning: the biryani often runs out very quickly!
2 PM JEW TOWN
While it is tempting to have a siesta after the meal, head to Jew Town for a leisurely stroll through the streets filled with antique and spice shops and a host of other shopping options. The streets are also filled with lovely buildings, some of -which are evocative of Fort Kochi’s history.
4 PM KASHI ART CAFE
If all the walking around is tiring, then the place to put your feet up and have a refreshing cup of coffee is at this arty and funky cafe. Filled with art and a casual vibe, it is probably the most popular hangout in Fort Kochi and serves delicious cakes and snacks.
5PM CHINESE FISHING NETS
Take a short walk towards the sea to see the stunning and imposing Chinese Fishing Nets, something that’s become a sort of icon for Kochi. Gifted by the Chinese emperor in the 14th century, the nets are still in use and it is fun to watch local fishermen haul in the day’s catch.
6 PM FORT KOCHI BEACH
Head further down from the nets for a long walk along the beach. It’s here that you will find vestiges of Fort Immanuel, from which Fort Kochi draws its prefix. Along the beach are also displays of various maritime objects such as a massive iron anchor. Perch on the steps or on the sand to watch the massive ships pull in and out of the port across, and to witness a beautiful sunset.
8 PM DINNER NEAR THE BEACH
With sunset, the beach area lapses into relative calm as the bulk of tourists depart and it is a good idea to stick around to absorb the glorious tranquillity. All around the beach are lovely cafes, quirky eateries and chic restaurants where you can have a lovely meal, spanning several cuisines, against the backdrop of the sound of the ocean before calling it a night.
A MODEL FISHING VILLAGE
Head 25 km south of Fort Kochi to the unassuming, tiny fishing village of Kumbalangi. At first sight, it looks like a typical village in the area, surrounded by backwaters. But once you step in and begin to wander around, it quickly becomes apparent that it is unique. The first ever eco-friendly tourist village in the country Kumbalangi has some unusual features. It is home mostly to fishermen who also dabble in coir and farming during off-season. It also has an abundance of birds as well. But what makes it special is that there are no concrete structures to house tourists. Instead, visitors stay with the villagers, eating with them and using the amenities that they use, and share their daily lives. Plastic is also banned here. As artists’ village, called Kalagramam, forms the focal point of the village, exhibiting local art, handicraft and tools used by the villagers for earning their livelihood.
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