Day 1:
North Ernakulam Sightseeing
09:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Mode of Transport: There are many places to explore and quite a distance to cover. Hire a cab from your hotel in Kochi for the whole day. This will make it possible to cover all the spots.
An ideal way to delve into the historical significance of Kochi is to visit, Cheraman Jama Masjid – the first mosque built in India.
Cheraman Jama Masjid is 35 km from M G Road and will take an hour and a half to reach. This is the oldest mosque on Indian subcontinent soil. This is believed to be more than 1000 years old. The place has been gaining popularity among the tourists of late.
In News: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Time duration: 30 – 45 mins
Next stop is 12 km from the mosque, Cherai Beach
Cherai beach is one of the cleanest beaches on the west coast. Very popular for fishing activities, the beach is surrounded with backwaters. You get to know about the way of life in Kerala. There are many options for indulging in sea food nearby.
Time duration: 45 mins – 1 hour.
City Centre Sightseeing
01:00 PM – 06:00 PM
You now move towards to the central part of Kochi and first thing to see is the largest mall of India, Lulu International Mall.
The mall is 20 km from the beach. The mall was inaugurated in the year 2013 and has been a centre of attractions for the residents of Kochi since then. It sees a daily footfall of 100000 on an average. Perfect place to quench your appetite and shopping needs.
Time duration: 1 – 1.5 hours.
After this, you head towards the southern end of the city to explore the Hill Palace Museum.
The museum was the residence of the Royal Maharaja of Kochi. It has been converted to a museum to showcase the stunning artefacts, jewellery and paintings. Cameras and shoes are not allowed inside. The complex comprises of couple of museums and parks. One of the parks is breeding ground for deer.
Time duration: 1 – 1.5 hours.
The last of the tourist spots is the Marine Drive / Subhash Bose Park.
As the name suggest, a promenade facing the backwaters of the Arabian Sea. Popular place for localities to spend some quality time with family and friends. The picturesque views of sunset in the evening makes it an ideal location to unwind and bring your excursion to an end. Boat rides to nearby islands are available.
If travelling with kids, Subhash Bose Park is 500 meters apart for your children to enjoy.
Time duration: 1 – 1.5 hours.
Take yourself off to your hotel and call it a day!
Also read: Best area to book your hotel in Kochi
Day 2:
Mode of Transport: Ideal mode of transportation to roam around Fort Kochi is a cab. Hire a cab for the day at your accommodation. By doing so you will save both, time and money.
Heritage Tour
09:30 AM – 01:00 PM
On your way to Fort Kochi don’t mind to stop for some time at Kerala Folklore Museum.
The museum is a paradise for art and culture lovers. The museum has 3 floors and each floor is dedicated to splendid collection of historical artefacts belonging to different eras. The top floor conducts theatre shows every day in the evening. You can shop for some memorable collections for souvenirs.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour.
8 km from the museum is the Mattancherry Palace
The palace has a fascinating history. It was built by the Portuguese rulers in indigenous style of architecture and is called a Dutch Palace. The structure is not grand as other palaces in India that is what makes it different and a must visit place.
Time duration: 30 – 45 min.
Next attraction is 500 meters apart, Pardesi Synagogue
The synagogue marks the establishment of Jewish connection with the city. This particular synagogue is believed to be the oldest amongst those in the Commonwealth nations. The interiors look lavish and grand. It is important to stick to the dress code. The synagogue closes at 01:00 PM.
Time duration: 30 – 45 min.
Spice Market in Jew Town has been in existence for more than 400 years. This market draws merchants from around the world and is the centre of spice trade. Explore the market on foot and feel the aroma of freshly prepared variety of spices.
For lunch, head towards Fort Kochi and pay a visit at Kashi Art Café.
A casual dining cafe where you can enjoy European cuisines along with some good music and artistic ambiance. A meal will cost you somewhere around Rs. 600 – 700 for two people.
Fort Kochi Sightseeing
02:30 PM – 06:00 PM
300 meters from the café stands the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
Probably the most awe-inspiring structure of Kochi, the view of the cathedral church leaves you captivated. Photographers try to get a shot from every angle possible. Visitors are not allowed during the services. Evening timings are 02:30 PM – 05:30 PM.
Time duration: 30 – 45 min
300 meters apart lies the burial ground of Vasco da Gama at St. Francis Church
More than 500 years old, the church is the oldest European church in India. That not all, the church is also known as Vasco da Gama Church because it was at this very place where the great Vasco da Gama was buried first and later taken back to Portugal by his son. It has become a landmark of Fort Kochi.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour
Next you move towards the shore of the backwaters to see the workings of Chinese Fishing Nets.
The Chinese Fishing Nets are a bunch of massive mechanical structures designed to catch sea creatures in large quantities. They are very popular and cannot seen anywhere in the country. The fishermen allow you to take part in the process of catching fish if they find the weather condition to be favourable and will charge you.
The area nearby has plenty of stalls for buying fresh fish and other seafood items and instantly cooking them the way you like it. Do try them out!
Time duration: 30 – 45 min
The final destination is the Mahatma Gandhi Beach, 500 meters from the nets.
The beach is a rocky beach and is elevated. The spot acts as a gateway for the backwaters. The water from the Arabian Sea enters the main land from here. At the opposite end of you can see the Naval Port, hence you catch a glimpse many ships and ferries moving across. If the sky is clear, you can stay here till the soothing sunset.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour
Additional Information: Fort Kochi can also reached via ferry rides from Marine Drive and the locality can be explored using an auto. This is relatively cheaper option than booking a cab.
Also read: Ernakulam Itinerary
Day 3:
Mode of Transport: Alleppey is 50 km south of Kochi and can be reached only by taxi. Book your taxi for a round trip.
Alappuzha Tour
09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
First tourist spot is 10 km south of Alleypey, Shri Krishnaswamy Temple at Ambalapuzha,.
The temple is very uniquely designed and is believed to be 400 – 500 years old. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is famous for its palpayasam – a religious offering. The temple receives relatively less footfalls in the morning hours hence better to visit as early as possible.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour
After seeking blessings here, you move to Alleppey for exciting Houseboat rides.
Alleypey is renowned for its houseboat business. You will find many agents who offers various types of services. You can opt for hourly rides, day rides or rides with night stays. The prices are different for each variety. Bookings can be done online and at the spot as well.
Our recommendation will be to go for day rides (11:00 AM to 04:00 PM including lunch)
Night stays are best for people travelling in large groups.
The last and final stop to explore is the Alleppey Beach.
Another clean and tidy beach with soothing ambiance. The waves here are very gentle and enduring. The view of the sunset is mesmerizing and uplifting.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour
Finally you head back to Kochi and bring your trip to an end.
