Located in God's own country Kerala, Kochi is a major tourist destination in the south. The beautiful backwaters, luscious greenery and natural harbours attract travellers from all over the world. It's best known for being India's spice hub. Cochin's culture, ambience, and traditions are greatly influenced by Persians, Dutch, English, Jews and the Portuguese. If you'd like to enjoy a calm, relaxing getaway then hurry up and book a budget hotel in Cochin.
Cochin's streets have a vintage feel to them. Walking down these streets is truly a pleasant experience. Fort Kochi is the city's best-known tourist destination. It's a seaside neighbourhood that is filled with cafes, restaurants, and stalls. Apart from this, other most frequented destinations in Cochin are Wonderla theme park, Lulu Mall, the markets, the beaches, the backwaters, Kodanad Elephant Training Centre and museums. While walking down the streets of Cochin, magical aromas from spices are sure to treat your nose.
Things to Do in Cochin:
Explore the Queen of the Arabian Sea by visiting its best-known destination Fort Kochi. This neighbourhood is greatly influenced by the culture and architecture of the French, the Portuguese, and the Dutch. Head down to the city's most frequented heritage spot St. Francis Church. This church has undergone multiple transformations under the supervision of the Dutch, the French, the British and the Portuguese. It sure is one beautiful sight to see. One other similar place is Santa Cruz Basilica.
Next, check out Chinese fishing nets in Vasco da Gama square by Fort Kochi Beach. These are one of a kind and are exclusive to Cochin only. Drop by during fishing hours to get a glimpse at how these work. You could also spend some time by the beach while you're here. Take a quiet stroll along the pride of Kochi, the Marine Drive. It is a lovely backwater-facing promenade lined with food stalls. Head down during evening hours to get a picturesque view.
While you're at Fort Kochi, be sure to grab tickets for a Kathakali performance. Further ahead, check out sites of Jewish importance at Mattancherry. The neighbourhood has a special street dedicated to the Jewish community called the 'Jew Town'. The street has this lovely old-time charm to it. It is an antique lover's paradise. The true highlight of this neighbourhood is The Dutch Palace or the Mattancherry Palace. It is built in the Nalukettu architectural style that has a slight touch of Portuguese architecture to it. The flooring and murals of this palace are what make it so special and stand out from all the other palaces of India. Nearby the Palace is located in India's oldest synagogue. The interiors of this place are one to marvel at. However, if you're visiting here please make sure to follow the dress code put up. If you'd like to go on a fun-filled adventure check out Wonderla Amusement Park. The park has a plethora of water rides, dry rides, and 3D rides.
Spend some time bird watching at the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. Located in the heart of Cochin, the sanctuary houses about 72 species of birds. Get a glimpse at how elephants are trained at the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre. You can go on a safari, and observe these elephants from a safe distance. If you're lucky enough you might get a chance to feed them. The centre also has a deer park you can check out. If you wish to dive into the rich history of Cochin and all those who have inhabited it, spend some time at the Museum of Kerala History, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Hill Palace of Tripunithura and Folklore Museum.
Spare some time out to check out the lovely beaches of Cochin. Head down to Njarackal Arattuvazhi Beach if you're lucky enough chances are you might spot some dolphins. If you wish to spend some quiet undisturbed time check out the Kuzhupilly beach, not many tourists frequent this beach. It is more of a hidden gem. Some other beaches you can check out are our Fort Kochi beach, Cherai beach and Munambam Beach.
If you wish to get some budget shopping done, head to Cochin's vintage markets. These markets are shopaholic heaven. You could shop for some souvenirs to take back home at Jew Town and Princess street. These areas are best known for selling antique items at a good price. When in Kochi, you cannot miss out on visiting the spice market. The spice market has a wide range of options. Be sure to visit the spice market and take back enough spices to fill your pantry.
Best Areas to Book your Budget Hotel in Cochin:
Book your budget hotels in the city region of Cochin. These localities are well connected to most tourist destinations, airports and railway stations. Edapally is one such neighbourhood you can check out. It is a major commercial hub and is very convenient for tourists. The railway station is close to this area. Budget hotels you can check in this area are
Pleasant Inn,
Metro View Residency,
Hotel Kochi Crown, and TCS Suites. Similarly, other localities you can consider are Kacheripady and Nedumbassery. Cheap hotels in these neighbourhoods you can look at are Nest Inn, The Golden Suites, Jipus Galaxy, and Sapphire Inn. Locate yourself in the heart of the city, Fort Kochi. If you wish to stay somewhere with an aesthetic view, this is your place. Hotel Park Avenue, Ricci's Heritage and Hotel Sonetta Residency are cheap hotels you can consider.
Budget Hotels to Stay at in Cochin:
To enjoy Cochin in all its glory, make sure to book a budget hotel. Reach Residency, Airport Cochin Grand Residency, Kings Fort, Jippus Galaxy,
Hotel Green Dreams and Hotel Peace Palace are options you can check out. They render good service at a budget-friendly price. Most of these hotels are located in advantageous regions. Dining, indoor and outdoor entertainment and laundry services are some of the quality amenities available at these hotels. Clients can expect good service, friendly staff treatment, hygiene and a comfortable stay.
A Couple of Friendly Budget Hotels to Stay in Cochin:
Cochin is a romantic destination. If you're here with your beloved honeymooning make sure to book a budget hotel that offers comfort. Hotels you can consider that do so are Sara Hotels and Apartments, Qube Hotels,
Hotel Blue Chip,
The Reach Hotel and Noah's Ark. These hotels have a good ambience and offer In-room dining services, indoor entertainment, outdoor activities and laundry services. The staff of these hotels are very friendly and accommodating. If you'd like to have something special done for your loved one, you can request They do not compromise on the safety and comfort of their clients.
Cheap Hotels for Solo Travellers in Cochin:
Cochin is a tourist destination for one and all. If you are solo travelling to Cochin and would not like to splurge too much money on hotels. Then, Kay Kay Residency, Ceylon Bake House, Kodavath Residency, Hotel Comfy Capetown, and Shalimar Metro would best fit what you're looking for. All these hotels are located in prime and well-connected areas. Thus making it very accommodating for tourists. They have a clean and neat ambience. The safety and comfort of their clients are the hotel's top priorities. Guests are treated with great hospitality by the staff of these hotels.
Offbeat Places to Book Cheap Hotels in Cochin:
If you wish to stay somewhere quiet and serene. Opt out for budget hotels in Greater Cochin. This is more of a suburban region. Surrounded by luscious greenery, this region is sure to provide solace and relaxation to tourists. Vypin Island is one such place you can check out. Hotels you can look at here are Arpitha Tourist Home and Mare Blu Resort. Panangad simply put is a slice of heaven. Located on the skirts of Kochi bypass. It is a beautiful neighbourhood with the backdrop of the backwaters. Le Noor is a budget hotel from this locality you can consider. One other similar location is Aluva. Budget Hotels you can find here are Nature Villa, Hotel Periyar and Hotel Sunnys. If living by the riverside is what you're looking for, then this is your go-to.
Best Time to Visit Cochin:
Cochin is one such destination that can be visited throughout the year. But if one would like to see the city in all its glory, it would be best to visit during the winter season, that is anywhere from October to February. The weather is pleasant and cool. Hence making it easy for tourists to travel around. If you can handle a little temperature, visit Cochin during the summers. The weather is slightly warm but bearable. Monsoons in Cochin add charm to the city. However, commuting during this season can be a little difficult. If you are budget travelling to Cochin then this would be the best time for you to go down. During August/September the city celebrates a 10-day festival called Onam. It is one lively celebration to witness. If you're in the city during this season do not miss out on trying out the Onam Sadhya.
Couple Friendly