Calm Kochi, India

Journey to Kochi

We took an overnight train from Madgaon (Goa) to Ernakulam which cost rs.904 each in a 3 a/c cabin. At Ernakulam train station we took a prepaid rickshaw for rs.20 to the main boat jetty. From there we jumped on a ferry to Fort Kochi for rs.2.5 each – the journey took around 15 minutes.

Accommodation

The Bell House ‘Boutique Homestay’

Location: Berger Road, Fort Kochi

How much does it cost? Rs. 600 per night (with attached bathroom & free wi-fi)

We nearly walked past this little place as we thought it looked too expensive; however we were beckoned in by the owner who showed us into the room at the front.

It was a reasonable sized room with a large clean bathroom. It appears to have been recently renovated as it is in good condition and decorated tastefully. There are two brothers that run it which are honestly the friendliest and most helpful people we have met whilst we have been in India.

Eating

Chariot Beach Restaurant

Location: At the junction of Princess Street and Tower Road

How much does it cost? Rs.60 – 250

Located on the junction this nice little place has fast and friendly service with very tasty food. For the romantics in you they have candle lit tables in the evenings.

Loafers Corner

Location: At the junction of Princess Street and Bastian Road

How much does it cost? Rs.60 - 90

This cute café has a limited menu but serves tasty food. On the menu is a variety of dosa’s, chloe batura, and if you have a sweet tooth, chocolate cake and banana splits.

Café @ Shop & Save

Location: Princess Street (located up a set of stairs in what is also an internet café)

How much does it cost? Rs.60 – 350

This café is a great spot for breakfast, it serves large bowls of delicious muesli with curd and honey and also large fruit salads. They have four tables on the balcony which are great for people watching.

Sights

Chinese Fishing Nets

Location: Fort Kochi ‘promenade’

How much does it cost? Free to watch

If you’re visiting Fort Kochi then don’t miss the Chinese fishing nets along the front of the water. Take a stroll along the front past the fish stalls selling huge red snapper and king prawns, then sit down and watch the fishermen pull in the fish. It’s actually amazing what they catch using these nets. There are also a couple of fish auctions that take place throughout the day which are worth a nosy.

Cherai Beach

Location: Vypeen Island

How much does it cost? From Fort Kochi take the ferry for rs.2 then jump on a bus immediately outside the ferry point for rs. 13. The bus will drop you at Cherai town about 3km away from the beach, so you can either walk or get a rickshaw for about rs.30.

The beach is clean and you can swim in the sea, there are also places to rent sunbeds and umbrellas from if you plan on staying for a while. The beach is mainly used by Indian tourists (i.e. groups of men) but it is worth a stroll along if you have the time. If you get peckish there is a selection of cheap local restaurants along the beach road.

Dutch Palace

Location: Mattancherry

How much does it cost? Rs.5 each

We walked from Fort Kochi to the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry which takes you through the Jew Town and past all the spice businesses. We walked past a lorry with hundreds of bags of chillies on it which literally burnt our noses!

We also walked past a very beautiful church with a couple of goats playing outside.

Mattancherry Palace is nothing special to look at, but inside it contains lots of information on the history Kochi and including old photos of the Maharajahs of Kochi. No photography is allowed inside.