Kochi, also recognized as Cochin, is one of the most scenic destinations on the southwest coastline of Kerala. It is a modern city where cinema complexes, shopping markets, industrial buildings, amusement parks, marine drive, etc are situated. Cochin is also the commercial and IT hub of Kerala. From ancient times, Dutch, British, Arabs, Chinese, and Portuguese sea-farers trailed the sea route to Cochin and left their imprints on the town. The Chinese fishing nettings swaying in the gust over the backwaters, the Dutch Palace, the Bolghatty Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, and Portuguese architecture in Kochi enrich the inheritance of Kerala.
Originally, Kochi was an ambiguous fishing village that later on developed the first European township in India. The town was shaped by the Dutch, Portuguese, and later the British. The result of these cultural influences is seen in the many instances of Indo-European architecture that still exist here. Few of the well-known tourist attractions here are the Cochin Club, Jew town, Cherai beach, Vasco House, Parade grounds, Chinese fishing nets, etc.
No holiday in Cochin is complete without a trip to the famous Mattancherry Palace which was built by the Portuguese. The near Jew town districts with its synagogue, antique shops, narrow lanes, and spice auction houses is another famous place to wander. Tourists cannot miss taking a stroll on the beautiful Cochin beach to see the traditional fishing nets scattered all around the waterfront.
Make sure to book your stay in one of the best budget-friendly hotels in Kochi and get ready for a trip through the city. Tourists exploring Kochi can revel in regular Kathakali dance performances along with numerous other shows while maneuvering around the city. For those tourists who want to dig deep into the history of Kochi, they must go for a backwater homestay! Situated on the outer borders of the city limits; mostly around Alappuzha, these homestays are the doorways to Kerala’s rural cultures and traditions. Few highlights of Cochin are Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Ruins of Fort Cochin, Museum of Kerala, Hill Palace Museum, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica Cathedral, Willington & Bolghatty Islands, etc.
For shopping rosewood, jewelry, sandalwood carvings, grass mats, coconut shells, saris, sandalwood oil, and other famous handicrafts are worth buying. The main shopping centers in Cochin are M.G Road and Marine Drive. You can also check out Broadway Market, where you can shop for clothes, food, electronics, and furniture. If you like malls, then Lulu Mall is the biggest in South India.
Cochin International Airport, which is located around 25 km north of Kochi city, has both domestic and international flights. One can fly to the Middle East, Singapore, and Malaysia, and major Indian cities. Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Indian Airlines operate regular flights.
Cochin is well-connected to adjoining metropolises and states. The NH47 highway passes through Cochin and joins the city to Kozhikode, Mangalore, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Goa. There are also Volvo and comfortable transports available from Kochi to other cities such as Mangalore, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore.
Cochin has two major railway stations i.e. Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction. There are usually trains from cities like Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai Bangalore, Mangalore, and Trivandrum. However, reservation services are available only at the Ernakulam Junction and that too only from Monday - Saturday 8 AM - 8 PM, and on Sundays 8 AM - 2 PM).
Cochin is a brilliant place that houses a stimulating society, astounding shorelines, and excellent backwaters. Cochin guarantees a relaxing experience for everyone. This city stays hot and moist all-round the year. Hence, the best time to visit this place is from October to March when the climate is cool and pleasant for sightseeing
Sprinkled with zesty spices of Malabari, British, Portuguese, and Dutch inspirations that would make a traveler forget their country of origin is the city of Cochin! The city is recognized to bring together countless delicacies from around the world that go effortlessly well on a banana leaf. With a range of top-notch spices sprinkled with curries, you would give your taste palettes a tour.
Take a look at these must-try and mouthwatering dishes from Kochi that will blow your mind. Pazham Pori and Beef curry, Thattu Dosa, Kulukki Sarbath, Puttu Kadala, Parotta, and Beef Fry, Meen Molagita Curry, Kappa Boti, Ellum Kappayum, Erachi Pidi, Beef Vindaloo, Naadan Biriyani, Fish Molly, Breudher Bread, Kurukku Kalan, and Appam and Stew are few of the delicious meals that you can try!
Thai Soul, Tharavadu Restaurant, Trilogi, Mosaic, Malabar Café, Arca Nova, Sky Grill Lounge, Ginger House, Kashi Art Café, Fusion Bay, Malabar Junction, Solar Cafe are a few of the famous restaurants that you can try in Cochin.
Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Dhyaan Retreat, Taj Malabar Resort, Bolgatty Palace & Island Resort are all popular resorts for travelers staying in Cochin.
Kochi Marriott Hotel, Novotel Kochi Infopark, Radisson Blu Kochi, Hotel PGS Vedanta, The Blooms Cochin, The Avenue Regent, Oak Field Inn are a few of the famous hotels in Cochin.
Alfa Inn, Sapphire Inn, Surabhi Inn, Gems 9 Airport, Princess Residency, Port Muziris, Thomson Regency, Ebenezer Plaza are a few hotels close to the Cochin International Airport.
Happy Living, Ahlan Luxury Rooms, Adam’s Cottage, David Homes, Anupam Residency, Sealine Beach Resort, Fort House are a few budget-friendly hotels in Wayanad.
With Akbar Travels you can easily find your perfect hotel in Kochi and compare prices from different websites. Just select where you wish to go with your preferred travel dates, and let our hotel search engine match accommodation prices for you. From budget hostels to luxury suites, Akbar Travels makes it easy to book the best hotels in Kochi online. You can search from a large diversity of rooms and locations across India, like Munnar and Goa to popular cities and holiday destinations abroad!
The Cochin hotels on the Akbar Travels site cater to travelers with all kinds of budgets. You can find 5-star, 4-star, or even budget hotels in Cochin on browsing the website. However, if you want to get the best discounts on your hotel booking in Kochi, then make your bookings in advance. The hotels are swarming with people in the peak season. Therefore, to avoid displeasure, you must book hotels in Cochin a few weeks before your visit..