The Ultimate 2-Day Fort Kochi Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Planning a short trip to Fort Kochi? This ultimate guide covers all the best things to do in Fort Kochi over two days, from Dutch and Portuguese colonial architecture to charming streets, bustling markets, historic churches, and mouthwatering South Indian food.

Fort Kochi has a slower pace than India and Kerala’s busier cities, which makes it a delight to explore on foot. It’s a place where history feels alive, where colonial forts, quaint streets, and centuries-old churches sit alongside modern cafes and trendy street art. You can expect a mix of culture, art, and sensory experiences: the smell of the sea, the sound of Chinese fishing nets clanking, the hum of busy streets, and the vibrant colours of spice markets.

Fort Kochi may not have the worldwide tourism acclaim of Kerala’s backwaters in Alleppey, but it’s a place that charms you with its authenticity. Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets at sunrise, watching the fishermen haul in their catch at the Chinese nets, or sampling the city’s delicacies, you’ll find yourself captivated.

In this 2-day Fort Kochi itinerary, we’ll guide you through the best places to visit in Fort Kochi, hidden gems, where to eat, where to stay, and practical tips to get the most out of your visit.

Fort Kochi at a Glance

Short on time? Here are my recommendations for a Kochi itinerary:
🏨 Luxury hotel: Forte Kochi Hotel
🛌 Mid-range hotel: Secret Garden Hotel
💸 Budget hotel: Dream Catcher Homestay
🎫 Best tour: Tuk-Tuk City Tour of Fort Kochi
🏰 Must-sees: Chinese Fishing Nets, Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace
🍽️ Where to eat: Kashi Art Cafe, Fort Paragaon
📅 Best time to visit: November – February
✈️ Getting in/out: Kochi Airport or train to Ernakulam Junction

Places to Visit in Fort Kochi – Quick Summary

Day 1 focuses on the heart of Fort Kochi:

• Chinese Fishing Nets
• Explore colonial architecture along Princess Street
• Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India
• Stop at Santa Cruz Basilica
• Walk around local art galleries and cafes
  

Day 2 dives into the history and culture of Mattancherry and beyond:

• Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) & Jew Town
• Explore Paradesi Synagogue
• Check out spice markets and antique shops
• Walk around local art galleries and cafes
• Sunset at Fort Kochi Beach or Mount Carmel Hill

Is 2 Days in Fort Kochi Enough?

We think 2 days in Fort Kochi is perfect if you want a relaxed, immersive experience. You’ll be able to see the key sights, enjoy the local food, and soak up the history without rushing.

However, Fort Kochi is certainly a place where you could stay longer if you had time, not because it has lots more things to do, but because it’s such a nice place to be. 

We found many digital nomads in Fort Kochi, working in the many bohemian cafes during the day and hanging out at the pubs, bars and restaurants at night. 

Fort Kochi Itinerary Day 1 – Chinese Fishing Nets & Colonial Streets

Chinese Fishing Nets – The Iconic Sight of Fort Kochi

As the sun rises, head to the Chinese Fishing Nets just off the promenade. These nets, called Cheena vala locally, are believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th century. Watching the fishermen work the nets is fascinating. It’s a delicate balance of skill and timing, and you can often see them hauling in fish to sell to the local markets. 

Tips for Chinese Fishing Nets:

• Go early in the morning for the best light for photography and fewer crowds.
• You can hire a fisherman to take you onto the platform for photos, but negotiate the price first, as they can be very pushy, especially with Western tourists they know may have lots of cash.
• Don’t expect a giant haul; it’s more about the experience and the history than the actual quantity of fish.
  

Walk Along Princess Street – Colonial Architecture & Hidden Gems

After the fishing nets, wander down Princess Street, the main thoroughfare in Fort Kochi. Here, Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture sit side by side. Look out for charming, brightly coloured cottages, old churches tucked behind walls, and bright murals that hint at the city’s vibrant art scene.

Stop at:

• David Hall – an old colonial building turned art gallery
• Kashi Art Café – perfect for coffee, breakfast, and a peek at local art
• Forte Kochi – if you’re not staying here, take a look at the beauty of this hotel and snap some pictures.
  

The streets are narrow, cobbled, and often shaded by tall trees, giving you the sense of wandering through a living museum. 

St. Francis Church – Europe’s Oldest Church in India

Next, head to St. Francis Church, built in 1503. This is where Vasco da Gama was originally buried before his remains were moved to Lisbon. The church’s whitewashed walls and simple interior are striking compared to the ornate churches and temples found in other parts of India.

Tips for St. Francis Church:

• Visit early to avoid crowds and for softer light for photos.
• The church is still active, so dress modestly and be respectful of locals.
  

Santa Cruz Basilica – Colourful Colonial Church

A short walk from St. Francis Church, you’ll find Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the largest churches in India. Its colourful ceiling paintings and Gothic-style architecture make it perfect for photography. Unlike St. Francis, Santa Cruz is more ornate and decorative, giving a good contrast between the two historic sites.

Go Cafe Hopping in the heart of Kochi

We’ve already mentioned how one of the most unexpected things about Fort Kochi for us was the abundance of modern, trendy cafes. 

If you have time left in the afternoon, try and visit 2 or 3, you’ll find they each have unique interiors, interesting features and delicious drinks and snacks (especially cakes).

Our favourites were: Kashi Art Cafe, Lila Art Cafe and Teapot Cafe.

Fort Kochi Itinerary Day 2 – Mattancherry & Jew Town 

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) – Step Back in Time

Start day two in Mattancherry, just a short auto ride or walk from Fort Kochi. The Mattancherry Palace, often called the Dutch Palace, was built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch. The palace is small with a few interesting historical artefacts from Kochi and Kerala, but it is also filled with incredible murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu story, that is definitely worth seeing.

Tips for Mattancherry Palace:

• Arrive early to avoid large tour groups.
• Hire a local guide if you want the stories behind the murals; it really brings them to life.
  

Paradesi Synagogue – Jew Town Highlights

Walk to Jew Town, home to the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568. The synagogue is still active and contains beautiful Belgian chandeliers, a hand-painted tile floor, and historical scrolls.

Jew Town itself is charming for its antique shops, spice markets, and quirky cafés. Even if you’re not interested in doing any shopping, wandering the streets is a delight.

Tips for Jew Town:

• Shops open later in the morning; plan a leisurely stroll and coffee stop.
• Bargaining is expected in shops, but don’t be too aggressive; keep it friendly.
  

Spice Markets – Aromas and Flavours

No trip to Fort Kochi is complete without visiting the spice markets. The aromas of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper hit you immediately. This is a great place to buy souvenirs, local spices, or simply take photos.

Sunset – Fort Kochi Beach or Mount Carmel Hill

End your second day with sunset at Fort Kochi Beach, watching the Chinese fishing nets glow in the warm evening light.

Where to Eat in Fort Kochi

We tried several restaurants and cafés in Fort Kochi:

• Kashi Art Café – light bites, amazing coffee, and a relaxed atmosphere
• Fusion Bay – seafood lovers’ paradise, fresh and well-prepared
• Paragon  – Our best meal in all of Kerala. Delicious mutton stew, fish and biryani.
  

For street food, look out for local snacks like banana fritters, prawn roast, and Kerala parathas.

Where to Stay in Fort Kochi

We stayed at Secret Garden, and we loved it!

It’s a charming heritage-style guesthouse tucked away in a quiet lane in the heart of Fort Kochi. The rooms are decorated with traditional Keralan touches, giving the place a warm, welcoming and also cultural vibe. There’s a lovely courtyard with a big pool where you can relax, sunbathe and enjoy the beautiful greenery, flowers and birdsong. It feels very Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Breakfasts at Secret Garden were fantastic – fresh tropical fruits, Kerala-style dishes, and some of the best chai and coffee we had in Kerala. Plus, you can partake in the daily yoga sessions straight after!

The location is also perfect; it’s within walking distance of all the top things to see in Fort Kochi, including the Chinese fishing nets, Santa Cruz Basilica, and the main street for cafes and shops, but far enough from the crowds to feel peaceful.

Looking for other hotel options in Fort Kochi? Here are our top picks:

How to Get to Fort Kochi

Getting to Fort Kochi is surprisingly straightforward, whether you’re arriving by train, bus, car, or flight. Here’s the easiest way to plan your journey:

🚆 Train to Ernakulam and Short Drive to Fort Kochi

Depending on where you’re starting from, we recommend taking a train to Ernakulam Junction (Cochin). From there, it’s just a 30–40 minute taxi or auto-rickshaw ride to Fort Kochi. Trains from major cities like Bangalore, Coimbatore, or Trivandrum are comfortable and convenient.

We love arriving by train because it:
✔ Gives you a scenic introduction to Kerala’s countryside
✔ Saves on the hassle of long road journeys and airports
✔ Usually arrives on time and is budget-friendly

👉 Check train timetables & book tickets on IRCTC

✈️Fly to Cochin International Airport

If you’re flying in, Cochin International Airport (COK) is just over an hour’s drive from Fort Kochi. Taxis and app-based cabs are easy to find at the airport. Driving along the palm-lined roads and backwater canals gives a beautiful glimpse of Kerala before you even arrive.

Direct Flights Operate From:

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Bangalore
• Chennai
• Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi

🚕 Drive From Munnar or Alleppey

If you’re coming from Munnar, the drive takes around 4–5 hours through scenic tea plantations, rolling hills, and winding roads. Hiring a private car or taxi is the most comfortable way, allowing you to stop for photos or stretch your legs along the way.

From Alleppey, it’s about a 1.5–2 hour drive. The route passes through lush paddy fields and villages, giving you a taste of Kerala’s countryside before you reach the historic streets of Fort Kochi.

🚤 Ferry from Ernakulam

One of the most scenic ways to arrive in Fort Kochi is via the ferry from Ernakulam. It’s just 20–25 minutes across the backwaters and gives a unique perspective of the town, passing fishing boats, Chinese nets, and small islands along the way.

Where to Go Next After Fort Kochi

Once you’ve soaked up the charming streets, colonial history, and laid-back vibe of Fort Kochi, there are plenty of incredible destinations nearby that make for a seamless continuation of your Kerala adventure. Whether you want to drift along tranquil backwaters, hike through lush tea plantations, or discover quiet villages, Kerala has it all.

Alleppey – The Heart of the Backwaters

If you’re craving the quintessential Kerala experience, Alleppey is a must-visit. Just a 1.5–2 hour drive from Fort Kochi, this town is famous for its winding canals, emerald-green paddy fields, and traditional houseboats. Spending a night or two on a houseboat cruise allows you to truly unwind as you float through serene waters, watching village life unfold along the banks.

We’ve detailed everything you need to plan your backwaters trip in our Kerala Backwaters in Alleppey guide, including the best boats, what to eat on board, and how to avoid the crowds.

Munnar – Tea Plantations and Misty Mountains

For cooler climes and spectacular landscapes, head to Munnar, around 4–5 hours from Fort Kochi. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Munnar is famed for its rolling tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and endless hiking trails. Whether you’re wandering through lush estates, spotting wildlife in Eravikulam National Park, or enjoying a sunrise over the mountains, Munnar is a refreshing contrast to the coastal charm of Fort Kochi.

Check out our full Munnar travel guide to discover the best viewpoints, hikes, and insider tips to make the most of your visit.

Kumarakom – Quiet Backwaters and Birdwatching

If you prefer a quieter backwater experience than Alleppey, Kumarakom is perfect. About a 2–3 hour drive from Fort Kochi, this peaceful village sits on the banks of Vembanad Lake and is famous for its bird sanctuary. Early morning boat rides offer stunning views of flamingos, herons, and kingfishers, while the calm waters make it a perfect spot for photography, relaxation, and a slower pace of life.

For a complete Kerala itinerary combining Fort Kochi, Munnar, and the backwaters, check out our 7-Day Kerala Itinerary, which shows the best way to link these destinations, including travel tips and where to stay along the way.

Whether you want adventure, nature, or a serene escape, these destinations make Fort Kochi the perfect starting point for the rest of your Kerala journey.

FAQs

Fort Kochi is a city that lingers in your memory – its sunsets, its streets, its flavours, and its history. With this 2-day itinerary, you’ll see the highlights, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the perfect mix of culture, food, and seaside charm.