Kochi & Alappuzha

Fort Kochi's Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial heritage and its Chinese fishing nets, plus a night on a Alappuzha backwater houseboat: the classic starting point for a Kerala trip.

Kochi & Alappuzha lies on the central coast of Kerala in southwestern India and is where most Kerala journeys begin. Kochi is made up of the modern mainland city of Ernakulam and, on the peninsula to the west, the old quarters of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. The Portuguese, Dutch and British each left their churches, palaces and warehouses here, alongside Chinese fishing nets, a synagogue and a spice market street, and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, held every two years, has made the old town a major hub for contemporary art in South Asia. About 55 km to the south, Alappuzha (Alleppey) is the gateway to the backwaters, and spending a night on a houseboat among canals and lagoons is the signature experience. Kumarakom to the east is quieter, while Marari and Cherai to the north are relaxed beach spots. Climate: October–March is dry and pleasant, the peak season; April–May is hot and humid; June–September brings heavy southwest monsoon rain, but houseboat prices are low and the waterfalls are at their fullest. Getting there: Kochi International Airport has flights to Southeast Asia and the Middle East; from the city center you can reach Fort Kochi by ferry or taxi, and Kochi to Alappuzha takes about 1 hour by train or about 1.5 hours by private car. We suggest 3–5 days: 1–2 days in Fort Kochi, 1 night on a houseboat in Alappuzha, then add a beach or Kumarakom. Notes: cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and the synagogue, choose only licensed houseboats, and use sunscreen and mosquito repellent in the heat.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries