Kochi Trip Itinerary

Luggage Strategy

Day 2 Morning: Carry light bags on Ferry → Visit Fishing Nets & Churches → Cafe Hopping → 12:00 PM Check-in.
Day 3 Morning: Carry bags to Mattancherry (use Palace cloakroom if available) or manage bags between spots.

Day 1

Friday, Jan 2

DEPARTURE • 11:50 PM

Train 12618: Mangala Lakshadweep

Boarding from Nileshwar (NLE)

Overnight Journey

Day 2

Saturday, Jan 3

7:30 AM

Arrival & Ferry

Distance: 3 km from Station

Arrive Ernakulam Jn (South). Auto to Ernakulam Boat Jetty. Take the government ferry to Fort Kochi.

💰 Cost: ₹6/person

8:45 AM

Chinese Fishing Nets

Distance: 200m from Jetty (Walk)

📸 Iconic Photo Spot

Iconic nets introduced by Chinese traders. Best for morning photos.

💰 Fee: Free to view. Fishermen ask ₹50-100 to pull ropes/take close pics.
💡 Budget Alt: Watch & click photos from the side (Free).

9:15 AM

St. Francis Church

Distance: 250m from Nets (Walk)

India's oldest European church. Vasco da Gama was originally buried here.

💰 Entry: Free

9:45 AM

Santa Cruz Basilica

Distance: 450m from Church (Walk)

📸 Photogenic Interiors

Stunning Gothic architecture with beautiful murals and stained glass.

💰 Entry: Free

10:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Cafe Hopping & Princess Street

Distance: 500m from Basilica (Walk)

📸 Street Art & Colonial Vibes

Since bags are light, enjoy the morning! Walk down Princess Street (one of the oldest streets) and spot the colorful street art in the area.

Recommended Rated Cafes (4.5★+):

• Kashi Art Cafe: Famous for art gallery vibe & chocolate cake.
• Loafer's Corner Cafe: Great view of Princess St through vintage windows.
• Pandhal Cafe (David Hall): Peaceful garden setting in a historic bungalow.

12:00 PM

Check-In @ Honolulu Home

Distance: ~1.8 km from Cafe (Auto)

Drop the bags. Freshen up.

1:30 PM

Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Distance: ~1.8 km from Stay (Auto/Walk)

📸 Art & Sea Views

Aspinwall House. Main venue for the art festival.

💰 Fee: ~₹150 (Ticket).
💡 Budget Alt: Visit David Hall or Pepper House (Often Free Entry).

5:30 PM

Marine Drive Sunset

Distance: Ferry Ride across water

📸 Golden Hour Shots

Take Public Ferry to Ernakulam. Walk the promenade. See Rainbow Bridge.

💰 Tourist Boats: ₹150+ | 💡 Budget: Public Ferry (₹6)

Last Return Ferry: 9:30 PM

8:30 PM

Return to Homestay

Distance: Ferry + 1.5 km Auto

Ferry back to Fort Kochi. Auto to Honolulu Home.

Day 3

Sunday, Jan 4

9:00 AM

Checkout & Auto to Mattancherry

Distance: ~2.5 km from Stay

Check out. Take an auto directly to Mattancherry Palace.

9:30 AM

Mattancherry Palace

Distance: 0 km (Auto drop)

Famous murals. Open on Sundays.

💰 Entry: ₹5 (Cash Only)

10:30 AM

Paradesi Synagogue

Distance: 50m from Palace (Walk)

Beautiful interiors, chandeliers and Chinese tiles.

💰 Entry: ₹10 (Cash Only)

No Photography: Strictly prohibited inside.

Dress Code: Modest dress required.
✅ Wear: Pants, long skirts, tops with sleeves.
❌ Avoid: Sleeveless, shorts, or skirts above the knee.

12:30 PM

Lunch @ Ginger House

Distance: 150m from Synagogue (Walk)

📸 Waterfront View

Waterfront restaurant in Jew Town. (Premium Pricing).

Top Rated Alternatives (4.5★+):

• Mocha Art Cafe: 400-year-old Dutch building with great steak & coffee.
• Cafe Crafters: Balcony seating overlooking the street & spice shops.
• Kayees Rahmathulla: (Mattancherry) Legendary budget spot for authentic Mutton Biryani.