A Perfect 3-Day Kochi Itinerary - Budget, Tips, and Highlights
Itinerary
A Complete 3-Day Itinerary for Kochi: Budget, Tips, and Highlights
Introduction
An elegant coastal city in the state of Kerala, India, Kochi is referred to by its locals as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." Kochi, one of the principal trade centers for centuries, exudes a culture that brings together the Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences within the contours of traditional Keralite customs. We will be including in this travel guide a packed detailed itinerary of 3 days along with some practical tips on accommodations, activities, meals, and transportation within a reasonable budget. Whether you travel with your family member, partner, or even individually, this guide will help you make the most out of Kochi during your visit.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Fort Kochi
Morning: Arrival and Check-in
Budget: Mid-range stay: ₹1,500-2,500 per night
Accommodation: The Fort Bungalow, Kochi, or Old Harbour Hotel for a more upscale accommodation option
You will end up in Fort Kochi as soon as you step into Kochi. The old town will usher you into the quaint boutique hotels or homestays that resonate with the colonial demeanor of the city. Most of the accommodations in Fort Kochi, Kerala give you a cozy and traditional feel with all the modern trappings.
Late Morning: Fort Kochi Walk and Cafes
Activity Cost: Free
Meals: ₹200-₹500 per person (Cafe meal)
Start your Kochi tour by just walking through those quaint streets of Fort Kochi. The area is steeped in history and is replete with European-style buildings, old churches, and street arts. Absolutely the right location to watch the local life, talk to friendly vendors, and much more at Vasco da Gama Square.
Do not miss visiting the St. Francis Church, which happens to be one of the oldest European Churches in India. It is also the original burial site of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.
Take a break for brunch at Kashi Art Café or Loafer's Corner Café. Both these cafes serve a mix of local and continental dishes accompanied with super coffee which makes them perfect to just unwind at the laid back joint.
Afternoon: Fort Kochi Touristic Attractions
Activity Fee: ₹10-₹50 to attend
Dinner: ₹500 lunch at a local restaurant
Santa Cruz Basilica it is, one of the magnificent Gothic wonders steeped in utmost fineness, finest paintings on the ceiling and walls. Next to it would be the Chinese Fishing Nets at the coast, probably one of the oldest fishing nets in the world. Added to the silhouette they make against sunset, it is certainly one of the prized tourist attractions.
Lunch around: Savor authentic Kerala cuisine at any small eatery, like Kayees Rahmathullah Café, which is known for yummy biryani.
Evening: Kathakali performance and dinner
Activity Cost: Kathakali ₹300-₹500
Food: ₹800-₹1,200 at a decent restaurant
If you're too full after lunch, take it easy, or you could end with a traditional Kathakali show at Kerala Kathakali Centre. That's one of the most popular classical dance forms in Kerala; the intricate makeup and costumes of the performers are interesting to look at.
Later, you can head over to Dal Roti for some great North Indian or at Oceanos Restaurant for authentic seafood and Kerala preparations.
Total Day 1 Budget: ₹2,000-₹4,000
Explore Mattancherry and Jewish Town, Day 2 - Culture, History
Morning: Mattancherry Palace
Activity Cost: Entry fee of ₹10
Food: ₹200-₹400 for breakfast.
Start your second day with breakfast at Teapot Café, famous for its cozy warm setting and varieties of teas. Then go to Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch. The palace houses very beautiful murals illustrating scenes from the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Late Morning: Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town
Activity Cost: ₹5-₹10 entry fee
Paradesi Synagogue
One of the oldest, operating Commonwealth synagogues, this is a place set in the heart of old Jew Town with an elegant display of Belgian chandeliers, hand-painted tiles imported from China, and much more to show Kochi's Jewish legacy. Enjoy walking through the narrow streets of Jew Town as they teem with antique shops, spice markets, and handicrafts.
Afternoon: Spice Market and Shopping
Activity Cost: Free (shopping varies based on purchase)
Lunch: ₹500-₹700
Go to the synagogue, and take a walk down to the vibrant Mattancherry Spice Market, and do your spice, home-made goods, and curios shopping. Don't forget to grab some of that famous Kerala cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Have a finger-licking Kerala thali for lunch at Rapsy Restaurant which comes with rice, vegetable curries, pickles, and fried fish or chicken.
Evening: Sunset Cruise
Activity Cost: ₹500 to ₹800 for a sunset cruise
Dinner at a restaurant: ₹1,000 to ₹1,500
Sunset Cruise in Kochi
When the day is proceeding towards the sunset, then get a sunset cruise of the Kochi backwaters. These cruises are just superb for water-body views of the skyline of the city, its harbor, and the exclusive sun-dried fishing nets.
To end your day, try dining at Malabar Junction or The Rice Boat, very trendy restaurants for fine dining with all fresh seafood and mouthwatering Kerala dishes.
Total Day 2 Expense: ₹2,500-₹5,000
Day 3: Day outing at Alleppey or Cherai Beach
Option 1: Day outing at Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Transport: ₹1,500-₹2,000 in private taxi or ₹300-₹400 in bus
Food: ₹800-₹1,200
On your last day, take the one-day trip to Alleppey - about an hour and half from Kochi - and have an authentic Kerala experience: a houseboat cruise on the backwaters. You can book a cruise that lasts around 4 to 5 hours, inclusive of lunch on a houseboat. What you witness during this dream cruise will include serene views of vast paddy fields, coconut groves, and traditional village life.
Or if you do not have that much time, take a ride in a shikara, which takes approximately 2-3 hours, but costs less and gives almost the same backwater experience.
Option 2: Cherai Beach
Transportation Cost: ₹500-₹800 for a taxi ride
Food: ₹1,000-₹1,500 for food along the beachside.
Cherai Beach is a good option for those more interested in the beach than in the backwaters. About 45 minutes from Fort Kochi, this place boasts of clean sands, calm waters, and water sports. You can swim or sunbathe or even spot some dolphins.
For lunch, you could dine at one of the beachside restaurants: Chilliout Café or Lilliput Café. These are known for their fresh seafood and laid-back environs.
Evening: Back to Kochi and Farewell Dinner
For your return from Alleppey or Cherai your last dinner in Kochi could be at Fusion Bay or Pepper House Café. They offer a good mix of continental and Kerala dishes, all in a relaxed, yet very enjoyable ambiance for the journey.
Total Day 3 Budget: ₹2,500-₹5,000 (depending on activity)
Transportation Around Kochi
Kochi offers connectivity through a range of transport options. The local conveyance options range from affordable auto-rickshaws, taxis, Uber, and Ola for getting around and ferry services for the trips from Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, to Ernakulam.
Estimated Transportation Budget for 3 Days: ₹1,500-₹3,000
THEMES AFFILIATION
Accommodation Recommendations
1. Budget Options:
Good Karma Inn – ₹1,200-₹1,800 per night
Adam's Old Inn – ₹1,000-₹1,500 per night
2. Mid-range Options:
Fort House Hotel – ₹2,500-₹4,000 per night
Elphinstone Residency – ₹2,000-₹3,500 per night
3. Luxury Options:
Brunton Boatyard – ₹8,000-₹12,000 per night
Fragrant Nature Kochi – ₹7,000-₹10,000 per night
Total Estimated Budget for a 3-Day Kochi Trip
Accommodation: ₹3,000-₹15,000 (for 3 nights, depending on choice)
Food and Beverages: ₹2,500-₹5,000 per day
Activities and Entry Fees: ₹1,500-₹3,000 total
Transport: ₹1,500-₹3,000 for 3 days
Estimated Total Budget for 3 Days: ₹12,500-₹30,000
Conclusion
Kochi, the magic will cast upon you with its mix of history, culture, art, and nature. Whether in the heritage lanes of Fort Kochi, backwater cruises, or just gorging on some delectable Kerala delights, this 3-day itinerary will make sure that you experience the best Kochi has in store for you, all without burning a hole in your pocket. And so, whether you are a shoestring backpacker or a luxury traveler, Koch
0 Comments