Itineraries for Your Trip to Kochi
3 Days in Kochi for Foodies
I thought I knew a lot about Indian food before my first trip to Kochi. After all, I’d been living in India for nearly a year and had spent plenty of time visiting other parts of South India. But all of my preconceived notions about South Indian food flew out the window on my first day in the city.
Sure, you can get North Indian staples such as dal and rice in Kochi or have your fill of South Indian delights such as dosas and idlis, but there are also all sorts of special dishes unique to the kitchens of Kerala. Here’s how to immerse yourself in Kochi’s culinary scene in three days.
Bring an umbrella to protect yourself from Kochi’s powerful sun and frequent rain.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Fort Kochi.
Spend your first day in Kochi visiting the sights of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, including the Chinese fishing nets and the Dutch Palace, with a stop for lunch in one of Fort Kochi's many cafés.
In the early evening, join a guided walking tour that focuses on the region's spice trade and includes a visit to a spice market and a hosted dinner at Mattancherry's celebrated Kayees Rahmathulla Cafe, known for its biryani.
On your second day, take a day trip out to Alleppey to get a taste of the famous Kerala backwaters. Your best bet is to book a tour that includes transportation from your hotel as well as an included lunch served on board.
You may want to stick around Alleppey after your cruise to try out the local cuisine on a food walk, led by a guide who will show you the best spots to eat in town.
Spend your second day trying out local specialties around Kochi with a guided food walk, where you'll get to learn about (and sample) at least seven different local treats.
Just save room for dinner—while there are plenty of great places to eat around town, you may want to take the opportunity to learn how to cook Malayali fare yourself at a small-group cooking class held at a local homestay.
