Login

Kochi

Today
31°C

Photo of Kochi

About Kochi

Kochi is a wonderful mix of cultures, a melting pot of medieval Portugal, the Netherlands and the last days of the British Raj with a fishing industry that has much in common with old China. The best places to stay in Kochi incorporate these different styles while practicing the laid-backed Keralan way of life.

The old parts of town, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry are serene and historic, linked to the other islands via ferries and bridges. Home to some of the best places to stay in Kochi and some of India’s best heritage accommodation. The modern part of town, Ernakulam, is on the mainland and is also the local transport hub.

Each of these areas is worth exploring and some of Kochi’s highlights are the Pardesi Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, the Maritime Museum, the Indo-Portuguese Museum and St. Francis Church - India’s oldest European built church, constructed by the Portuguese in 1503.

What not to miss

  • Watch fisherman manipulating the enormous Chinese fishing nets (particularly atmospheric at sunset)
  • Visit the Mattancherry Palace that beautifully blends Portuguese and Keralan architecture
  • Catch a Kathakali dance well known for its colourful and fascinating costume
  • Indulge in an Ayuvedic treatment

As you can imagine there is a huge range of accommodation on offer and the best places to stay in Kochi offer something for every possible taste and budget.

Best places to stay in Kochi

For boutique style

  • Fort House Hotel is a lovely, boutique-y, family-run property in a great spot within the historic fort. These 16 rooms are full of character but also represent great value for money.

  • Housing just three bedrooms, Trinity is a haven of modern tranquility.

On a budget

Complete tranquility

Colonial charm

  • Charming and serene, Eighth Bastion, is an18th century property in the old Dutch quarter boasting light rooms decorated with delicate antiques.
  • One of Kochi's finest The Old Harbour Hotel has been lovingly restored and offers up both fabulous harbour views alongside some old world style.
  • Le Colonial, like all Neemrana properties, is rich in history and strong on heritage.
  • The fabulously placed, harbour side, Brunton Boatyard, is both elegant and luxurious.
  • The 18th century former Dutch residence, Malabar House, has a reputation in town for all the right reasons.

Contemporary design

  • Stunning modern design and enormous terraces overlooking the harbour make Xandari Harbour a standout choice.

For an apartment or villa

  • If you've decided that a self catering property would be more suitable for your holiday, then we recommend you visit our online booking partner Booking.com where they have a wide selection for all tastes and budgets.

Travel information

  • Fly to the well connected Cochin International Airport or if travelling overland take a train to Ernakulam Town Station or Ernakulam Junction Station.
  • Best time to visit - is from September to early February when the weather is moderate with warm days and cooler nights. The monsoon season sees heavy rains between May and early September.
  • If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars for the best prices.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Kochi

Best Hotels in Kochi

  • The Old Courtyard Kochi (Fort Cochin) 8 rooms from £24

    Full of character
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the nearby Santacruz Basilica Kochi.
    Air conditioningGardenParkingNo pets

    A delightfully calm, timeless oasis well located in this bustling and vibrant old harbour town. For travellers who favour good value, historical architecture with a story and a whiff of the colonial. See More

    Check Availability
  • Fort House Hotel Fort Kochi 16 rooms from £37

    Other Activities  -  Front desk will order a variety of tours, including elephant rides
    Restaurant  -  Waterfront restaurant,seafood dishes one of the specialities
    Birdwatching  -  Good birding near the hotel.
    Traditional
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenParkingNo pets

    A lovely family-run boutique property in a great location in the historical town of Fort Kochi. Quiet, full of character and excellent value See More

    Check Availability
  • Kondai Lip Backwater Heritage Resort Kochi (Kerala) 11 rooms from £49

    Cooking classes  -  Learn the art of Keralan cuisine or embark on a food tour - both fun and tasty activities!
    Fishing  -  The hotel can arrange day or even overnight trips aboard a traditional houseboat.
    Back to Nature  -  Located directly on the Keralan backwaters all rooms enjoy river views.
    Sights nearby  -  Fort Cochin is a day trip away and certainly worth a visit.
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenViewsNo pets

    A no-nonsense, easy-going pit stop in a quiet, isolated backwater location, not far from Fort Kochi. Good for a night or two - for groups and families. Boats to borrow and birds to watch. Also home to a small butterfly garden. See More

    Check Availability
  • Eighth Bastion Kochi (Kerala) 18 rooms from £81

    Cooking classes  -  'Flavour' cooking class is popular for learning those famous South Indian dishes.
    Local markets  -  Antique lovers should pay a visit to the markets of 'Jew Town'.
    Sights nearby  -  The resplendent Paradesi Synagogue is just 2km away.
    Great walks  -  The 200m to the iconic Chinese fishing nets.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenNo pets

    In a quiet corner of Dutch Cochin lies this 18th century property. Decor is chic and spacious on the inside yet true to its roots with period artwork, antique pieces and an overriding nautical theme. Rooms enjoy private balconies and cavernous baths. East Indies serves up tasty South Asian cuisine. See More

    Check Availability
  • Xandari Harbour Kochi (Kerala) 16 rooms from £90

    Fishing  -  A visit to the Chinese fishing nets is truly interesting and a mandatory Keralan photo opp.
    Sights nearby  -  When visiting Kochi you must see Vasco Da Gama Church and Paradesi Synagogue.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A contemporary property with unobstructed views of Cochin's famous harbour. Rooms are light and spacious all featuring separate lounge areas, some with private balconies and huge egg shaped baths. Restaurant 51 serves a fusion menu of Malabar and Mediterranean. The infinity pool has enviable views. See More

    Check Availability
  • Old Harbour Hotel Kochi (Fort Cochin) 13 rooms from £91

    Sights nearby  -  The guileded Paradesi Synagogue is an interesting insight into India's melting pot of religions.
    Cooking classes  -  Keralan cuisine is one of the most popular in the country. Learn the art with Nimmy Paul.
    Sailing  -  A visit to Kochi is not complete without a trip along Kerala's lush backwaters.
    Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParking
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    In the sleepy colonial town of Fort Cochin lies this meticulously restored hotel. Cool verandas lead on to airy rooms where linen curtains billow. Rooms are furnished with dark wood four poster beds and Indian artworks. There is a restaurant serving that famous Keralan cuisine and a relaxing pool. See More

    Check Availability
  • Trinity Kochi (Cochin) 3 rooms from £112

    Fishing  -  The Chinese fishing nets are nearby. Try your hand at this traditional style of fishing or just opt for an iconic photo.
    Sights nearby  -  Historic Mattancherry Palace was a most generous present given to the then Raja and still impressive today.
    Spa  -  At sister hotel, Malabar House. Just a two minute walk away.
    Restaurant  -  Lunch and dinner can be taken at sister hotel Malabar House.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParking
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    A truly boutique, three bed offering. Do not be fooled by the colonial exteriors - inside it is a haven of modern tranquility. Rooms are spacious with clean lines and chic interiors, peppered with antique pieces. There is a small plunge pool and guests can use nearby Malabar House's facilities. See More

    Check Availability
  • Le Colonial Kochi (Kerala) 7 rooms from £140

    Cooking classes  -  Take home the traditional Keralan 'Flavours' from this popular cooking school.
    Sailing  -  A day or overnight trip along Kerala's famous backwaters is a must.
    Sights nearby  -  Just 25m from the Chinese fishing nets and St. Francis Church.
    Four poster beds  -  For romantics.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    As with all Neemrana hotels Le Colonial is rich in history and strong on heritage. Packed with antiques and walls covered in original art, rooms are spacious with ornate four posters, bright silks and hand woven rugs. There is a small garden with inviting pool plus it is metres from Kochi's sights. See More

    Check Availability
  • Brunton Boatyard Kochi (Kerala) 26 rooms from £180

    Great walks  -  The hotel arranges group walking tours which a certainly worth taking part in.
    Local markets  -  Hoarders and antique lovers will love the markets of 'Jewtown'.
    Sights nearby  -  Santa Cruz Basilica is a scenic ten minute walk away.
    Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Fodors

    All 26 rooms enjoy unobstructed harbour views and are decorated with capacious four posters, antique rattan furnishings and white bathroom suites with dark wood shutters. Excellent dining options include The History restaurant, The Terrace and The Armoury Bar as well as high tea at Quadrangle. See More

    Check Availability
  • The Malabar House Kochi (Kerala) 17 rooms from £185

    Local markets  -  You will be sure to find treasures in the antique markets of Jewtown.
    Cooking classes  -  Check for timings.
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Full of character
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape

    This 18th century former Dutch residence has a reputation in town for all the right reasons. Boasting colonial architecture and works of art, rooms are decorated in comforting palettes of yellows and turquoise. The restaurant is famed for its fusion cuisine and the spa for its excellent treatments. See More

    Check Availability
  • The Oberoi Vrinda Kochi (Willingdon Island) 8 rooms from £528

    Fishing  -  Visit the iconic Chinese fishing nets for a mandatory Keralan photo opportunity.
    Sights nearby  -  The historic Mattancherry Palace houses an excellent Indian art collection.
    Cooking classes  -  Either embark on a food tour or take part in a cooking class.
    Restrictions on children  -  Chlidren above the age of 12 are welcome.
    Air conditioningRestaurantViewsNo pets

    An unusual offering from the Oberoi chain in the form of a luxurious houseboat. The same five star service one would expect and rooms are smartly decorated and feature views across the lake. There is an Indian and Continental restaurant, bar and sun terrace. Experience Kerala's backwaters in style. See More

    Check Availability