24 Hours In Fort Kochi: 10 Things To Do In Kerala's Most Picturesque Town

Some places are merely stops on a map, while others leave an indelible mark on your soul—Fort Kochi is one of them. Shaped by centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences, this charming coastal town in Kerala is an aesthetic dream. The moment I set foot on its cobbled streets, it felt like stepping into a living Pinterest board. Time seemed to slow as I wandered through Fort Kochi, capturing its colonial-era architecture, spice-scented lanes, and graffiti-covered walls—each corner telling a story of the past while blending seamlessly with the present.If you have only 24 hours in the Pinterest-perfect coastal haven that is Kochi, here’s how to make the most of these top 10 must-do experiences.What to do in Kochi?Visit Fort Kochi Beach & Chinese Fishing NetStart your day with one of Fort Kochi’s most iconic sights—the Chinese fishing nets or Cheenavala in Malayalam. These massive nets have been a cornerstone of the local fishing community for centuries. Watching fishermen cast them against the golden morning light, their movements honed over generations, felt like stepping into a postcard. While mornings here are serene, evenings are even more magical, especially as the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of amber and crimson.Jew Town: A Stroll Through Time And TreasuresAfter soaking in the tranquil beauty of the Chinese fishing nets at dawn, I wandered into Jew Town—a charming lane lined with antique shops and spice stalls. Steeped in Jewish heritage and home to one of India’s oldest Jewish communities, it’s more than just a paradise for antique lovers. The shops brim with unique finds crafted from iron, wood, copper, and brass, each piece echoing the town’s colonial past. Colourful doorknobs and wooden cow heads adorned nearly every storefront, and I found myself captivated by the fascinating stories behind each artefact shared by the shopkeepers.Explore The Paradesi SynagogueAt the far end of Jew Town Lane stood the magnificent Paradesi Synagogue. As I walked towards its iconic clock tower, I stepped inside for just INR 10 and was instantly transported to a different world—one illuminated by the warm glow of Belgian chandeliers and the elegance of blue-and-white hand-painted tiles beneath my feet. Once a vibrant hub for celebrations and weddings, the synagogue now stands as a serene testament to a bygone era, drawing in tourists and history enthusiasts who come to admire its timeless beauty and rich heritage.Walk Down Princess StreetNext on my list was Princess Street, also known as Loafers Corner. Strolling through this lively stretch, I couldn’t resist capturing its charm—European-style houses, quaint cafés, local boutiques, and vibrant street art made for picture-perfect moments. The street exudes a unique blend of culture, history, and nostalgia, making it a haven for those who love to explore, shop, and soak in the old-world charm of Fort Kochi.Get Mesmerised By The Royal Mattancherry Dutch PalaceBuilt by the Portuguese, gifted to King Veera Kerala Varma, and later renovated by the Dutch, Mattancherry Palace showcases exquisite Nalukettu (quadrangular) architecture with airy courtyards. The Pazhayannoor Bhagavati temple, intricate woodwork, and vivid murals depicting Hindu mythology transported me to another era. However, what fascinated me most was the palace floor—crafted from lime, plant extracts, and burnt coconut shells. Often mistaken for black marble, it stands as a testament to masterful craftsmanship and timeless ingenuity.Explore Fort Kochi’s Timeless ChurchesWandering through the churches of Fort Kochi, I was drawn to their old-world charm and timeless grandeur. St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, offered a glimpse into the colonial past, while the Santa Cruz Basilica—one of Kerala’s eight basilicas—left me in awe with its architectural splendour.Café HoppingAfter hours of exploring Fort Kochi’s art-filled streets, hunger struck, leading me to a café-hopping adventure. From smoothie bowls and focaccia to prawn curry and appam, I indulged while watching the world go by—locals chatting, cyclists gliding past, and tourists capturing memories. Satisfied yet eager for more, I wandered to the next cosy spot for another delightful bite. Peek Into Dhoby KhanaIn search of Fort Kochi’s untold stories, I visited Dhoby Khana, a historic public laundry run by the Tamil Vannan community, brought by the Dutch 300 years ago to launder military uniforms. Their descendants still uphold this tradition, scrubbing, rinsing, and sun-drying clothes with practised precision. Watching them at work was humbling, and before leaving, I left a small donation—a token of appreciation for their dedication to this timeless craft.Ferry Ride To Vypin IslandJust a short ferry ride away, Vypin Island offers a peaceful retreat with far fewer visitors. In under ten minutes, I traded the crowds for a quiet beach walk, the salty breeze refreshing my senses as the island’s lighthouses flickered to life. Local fishermen, in a gesture of pure hospitality, welcomed me aboard for a closer look at the Chinese fishing nets—no charges, just kindness. The ferry ride cost me only INR 3, though cars are charged INR 35. As I headed back, I was lucky enough to spot a pair of dolphins, a perfect end to my island escape.Catch Up On A Kathakali PerformanceI ended the day on a spectacular note with a Kathakali performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre. Arriving around 5 pm, I paid INR 600 for a behind-the-scenes look at the artists’ makeup process (5–6 pm) before the main act (6–7 pm). Watching them meticulously paint their faces in bold hues was fascinating, but the real magic unfolded on stage. As the performance began, the audience was captivated by the dancers’ expressive eye movements, dramatic storytelling, and elaborate costumes—an unforgettable glimpse into Kerala’s rich artistic heritage.Exploring Fort Kochi In The Monsoons