Fort Kochi

Getting there

The Vembanad Lake between Ernakulam and Old Kochi is not well-bridged, and it is better to get into the peninsula by ferry or water metro.

By boat 1 Fort Kochi Water Metro . Air conditioned boats for pedestrians to Ernakulam and other destinations. (updated Mar 2026) 2 Fort Kochi Jetty of SWTD. Boats for pedestrians operated by government SWTD. No A/C. ₹6 to Ernakulam. (updated Mar 2026) 3 Fort Kochi Jetty to Vypin. This ferry is for cars, motorbikes and pedestrians. No A/C. ₹3 for passengers.. (updated Mar 2026)

By bus 4 Fort Kochi Private Bus Stand. (updated Oct 2025)

By car NH 966B connects Ernakulam to Old Kochi, and might be the be option if you want to get around using your own vehicle.

See

1 Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheenavala), Fort Kochi Beach, Beach Rd (Next to Fort Kochi Bus stand). Serves as the official icon of Kochi and is a testimony of relations between the Ancient Chinese Empires and the Cochin Kingdom. They were gifted by the Chinese Emperor Kubalagi to the Kochi King in the 14th century. There were more than 100, though only a few remain in working condition. (updated Jan 2023) 2 David Hall, 1/264, Napier St, Fort Kochi (Opp. Parade Ground), ☏ +91 484 221 8298. Tu-Su 11AM-7PM. This 315 year-old Dutch bungalow was the official residence of Dutch Army commanders, the most famous being Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede tot Draakestein, who authored Horticus Malabaricus. The complex belongs to the Netherlands Govt. agency CNO which has been renovated to open a large art gallery, a traditional Dutch performing arts centre and a large studio for young painters. The building is a classic specimen of colonial Dutch architecture with elaborate Dutch gardens. Check at the reception to know the schedule of cultural performances. (updated Jun 2017) 3 Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Kottaram), Palace Rd, Mattancherry. Sa-Th 10AM-5PM. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1568 as a gift to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma, after he granted permission to construct Fort Immanuel. During the Dutch siege of Cochin, many parts of the original palace were destroyed. However, the Dutch Governor repaired the palace and renamed it as Dutch Palace. Coronations of Cochin Maharajas are held here. A large throne and coronation costumes are on display, and there is an extensive collection of royal chariots, swords and other artefacts. The most interesting part is the mural room, which has the entire Ramayana and Mahabharata depicted in a single mural. ₹5. (updated Dec 2017) 4 Greenix Tourist Theater, Greenix Village, Kalvatty, Fort Kochi. A good cultural theatre with a gallery, food court and mini museum. (updated Jun 2017) 5 International Pepper Exchange, Jew town, Fort Kochi

Do

1 Fort Kochi Beach, Fort Kochi. A historical beach where 1st Portuguese-Dutch war broke out in the 17th century. Once a very large beach, it has reduced to a quarter in size after the 2004 tsunami. A beautiful, small walkway is ideal for evening strolls. One can find remnants of the Old Portuguese Immanuel Fort, along with parts of the Dutch Stormberg Fort, with some cannons still kept intact. An obsolete boiler that was once used for powering cranes of old port and a very large anchor of an old Portuguese ship are displayed on the walkway. Works for creating a new artificial beach are undergoing near this old beach with the help of the Tsunami development funds.

Buy

1 Mattancherry Old Spice Market, Jewtown. One of the oldest spice markets in the country. There are nearly half dozen small markets, mostly run by Gujarati and Konkanis where you can slice of Indian market flavours. (updated Nov 2023)

Antiques/art works Cochin Crafts Antique Shop, Jewtown (walk down from the synagogue), ☏ +91 484 2221927. Good collection of crafts and antique shops. 2 Crafters Exports, Jewtown (walk down from the synagogue), ☏ +91 484 2227652. This shop has certified large collection of artifacts and heritage pieces. It's a very popular option. (updated Jun 2017) Isidore Art Palace, Jewtown (next to the Synagogue), [email protected]. Will reliably ship stuff outside India. Bargain hard. 3 Yousuf Art Gallery (Galleria Synagogue Art Gallery), 776 Jew Town (walk down the street from the synagogue), ☏ +91 9847478882, +91 484 222 1330, [email protected]. Showcases art work from many different local artists. Prices are reasonable, and they very often have exhibitions showing some amazing art work from the region. They feature art works and exhibitions by professional artists as well as talented emerging artists from South India. (updated May 2015)

Eat

1 Kayees Rahamatulla Cafe, Mattanchery. 2 Sree Krishna Cafe, Gujarathi St, Mattancherry. Gujarati restaurant famous for its cutlets and battoora, and vegetarian curries. 3 Fort House Restaurant and Hotel, 2/6A Calvathy Rd (next to Coast Guard), ☏ +91 484 221-7103. At the waterfront, offering good Kerala food and great views.

Mid-range Shala, 1/605 Peter Celli St, Fort Kochi, ☏ +91 484 221-6036. Started by the same people who run the Kashi Art Cafe, Shala serves delicious Keralan food. The menu which changes daily. The owner, Anoop, hires local housewives to cook their local specialties. The restaurant is in a beautiful and tastefully restored historical building. Thai BBQ House, Kunnumpuram Road, Njaliparambu Junction, Fort Kochi. Thai cuisine, with grilled squid tempuras and coconut prawns. Upstairs Italian, K.B. Jacob Rd, Fort Kochi (opposite Santa Cruz Basilica). Run by an Italian family, classic traditional Italian cuisines.

Splurge Lily Grace Seafood Restaurant, Post box 22, River Rd., Fort Kochi (near Hotel Killians - Fort Kochi Vypeen Ferry Terminal), ☏ +91 484 221-7245, [email protected]. 7AM-11PM. Freshly caught seafood from Kerala.

Drink & nightlife

1 XL Fishnet Bar, Rose St, Fort Cochin. until about 10:30PM. The bar fills up each day with tourists looking for a beer in Fort Cochin. There is nothing cosy about the place and the staff are quite lazy. It can be a nice spot to meet other travellers, since everyone has one thing in common: drinking beer. There is a busy restaurant downstairs that also serves beer (more pricey) and may be preferred by solo women.

Sleep

Budget 1 The Hosteller. Hostel with options of dorms and pvt rooms. A place for backpackers and budget travellers. (updated Oct 2025) Casa Linda Ballard, St.Paul's St (Near St.Paul's School), ☏ +91 484 221 6888. A well-maintained hotel in typical European style. Budget. Hotel Fort Avenue, Bazaar St (Near old Bazaar), ☏ +91 484 222-6103. A well-maintained hotel. Budget. Hotel White Rose, Fort Nagar, ☏ +91 484 323-6004. A newer hotel, which is clean and good-looking. Ideal for families Tag und Nacht (Homestay), Beach Rd, Mackenzie Garden (opposite the Naval Maritime Museum), ☏ +91 99 9599 4550 (mobile), +98 4675 1505 (mobile), [email protected]. Very clean and beautifully decorated rooms with comfortable beds. The owners, Antonio & Kristina, are friendly and helpful. Free WiFi, assistance with arranging tr