Kochi

Photo of Kochi
Credit: Image by Vassos Kyriacou from
Photo of Kochi
Credit: Image by Vassos Kyriacou from
Photo of Kochi
Credit: Image by Adam Hill from Pixaba
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About Kochi

A major spice trading port for centuries, beautiful Kochi is amongst Kerala's most popular destinations. The state’s commercial capital, the vibrant city of Kochi’s modern hub, Ernakulam, is a bustling metropolis studded with skyscrapers and shopping malls, packed cinemas and buzzy restaurants. Most visitors, however, make for the more tranquil hubs of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, both of which ooze heritage charm and a fascinating cultural blend. Many of the best places to stay in Kochi are clustered within the old Fort town, where you’ll find crumbling historic homes and a thriving arts scene.

Amble around Fort Kochi on foot to marvel at sights which have dazzled travellers for over 600 years. Admire huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets in the harbour, weave your way through winding streets lined with Dutch, Portuguese and British-era mansions, and pick a perch in artsy cafes or hole-in-the-wall bars facing lively games of cricket played under the banyan trees. Delve into Kerala’s complex past at the Indo-Portuguese Museum, the Mattancherry Palace, the Kerala Folklore Museum or the 1568-built Paradesi Synagogue. St Francis Church, believed to be the oldest European-built church in India, is another stand-out.

This stretch of the Malabar Coast offers no shortage of fascinating attractions and mouth-watering cuisine. Hire bicycles to discover the area on two wheels, or hop aboard a traditional boat to glide through the famed Kerala backwaters, catching a glimpse of life in the verdant villages which line the banks of the river. The Fort Kochi Bienniale is the city’s biggest arts event — book well in advance if you’d like a room at one of the best places to stay in Kochi during the festival!

The Best Places to Stay in Kochi

For boutique bliss

  • Brunton Boatyard, overlooking the harbour, is both elegant and luxurious. A striking 26-room property with beautifully restored interiors, this is a fabulous choice for heritage buffs and romantics seeking an exceptional Fort Kochi experience. Two fantastic restaurants and a characterful bar complete the picture.
  • Malabar House, has a reputation in town for all the right reasons. Built in 1755, the property was once a Dutch residence; it now houses 17 eclectic guest rooms set around a charming candlelit courtyard. The restaurant is famed for its mouth-watering cuisine, and the spa for its soothing treatments. A real gem.

For contemporary style

  • Xandari Harbour differs from many Fort Kochi hotels in that it feels far more contemporary. Perched on the harbour, the hotel offers slick guest rooms and a very good restaurant in a restored spice warehouse, as well as a river-facing swimming pool. Chic and yet well-priced given its sense of style.

For great value

  • Fort House Hotel is a simple, family-run property with 16 guest rooms opening onto a shaded terrace. Characterful spaces ooze understated charm, the lush gardens are wonderful for unwinding, and the heritage attractions of Fort Kochi are right on your doorstep. A great-value pick for budget travellers.
  • The Old Courtyard has just nine guest rooms, many of which feature antique four-posters and dark wooden furnishings. Another historic Fort property, this spot offers flexible options for families, and the friendly hosts are full of local recommendations. Also very reasonably priced.
  • Kondai Lip Backwater Heritage Resort sits on the banks of the river near Fort Kochi. Set in 13 acres of leafy grounds studded with coconut palms, this simple retreat has waterfront rooms with modern bathrooms and private terraces. Nature lovers will adore bird watching, kayaking and boat trips, as well as the fabulous onsite butterfly garden. An appealingly inexpensive retreat.
  • Eighth Bastion is an 18th century property in the old Dutch quarter. Light-filled spaces fuse classic elements with clean modern lines and an understated sense of style. The best rooms have partial sea views, and there's a pool as well as a good restaurant blending Keralan and Dutch influences. Also great value.

For an apartment or holiday villa

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Cochin International Airport — the first solar-powered airport in the world — and travel to your destination by taxi. Alternatively, take the train to Ernakulam Town Station or Ernakulam Junction Station from other hubs across Kerala and beyond.
  • If you're confident driving in Asia, India is a beautiful destination for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Temperatures hover around 28-33°C for much of the year, with the heat reaching its peak in April and the heaviest rainfall expected between May and early September. Travel between mid-September and February for warm days and cooler nights.

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The best hotels in Kochi

Fort House Hotel

Fort House Hotel

Kochi (India)

A lovely, family-run boutique property in a great location in the historic town of Fort Kochi. Quiet, full of character and excellent value, this tranquil gem offers 16 simple guest rooms opening onto a shaded terrace overlooking lush gardens. Warm and welcoming.

  • Value chic - A simple, well-priced stay in a heritage house with lush gardens and white-washed rooms boasting antique furniture
  • Hotel boats for hire - Speak to the team about marvellous house boat tours on the famously beautiful backwaters
  • Local exploring - Brilliant for exploring the magic of Kochi and the backwaters at your own pace
  • Local markets - Pick up beautiful mementos at the popular antique markets of Mattancherry
from AU$78 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Old Courtyard

The Old Courtyard

Kochi (India)

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.

  • Great walks - Speak to the team about a guided tour of historic Fort Kochi, which brims with heritage homes and museums
  • Families - With flexible family rooms, this is a perfect spot for a family holday in the heart of Fort Kochi
  • Museums - Don't miss visiting the fascinating Indo-Portuguese Museum and the beautiful Mattancherry Palace
  • Value chic - A great value choice with plenty of period charm, friendly hosts and an intimate feel
from AU$107 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel
Kondai Lip Backwater Heritage Resort

Kondai Lip Backwater Heritage Resort

Kochi (India)

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.

  • Back to Nature - Kerala's backwaters are famously striking, and ideal for spotting flitting birds & butterflies amidst the abundance of greenery
  • Cycling - Cycle along the river banks and experience life at a different pace, passing tranquil village homes & shaded palm groves
  • Total relaxation - A tranquil hideaway on the beautiful backwaters, with soothing Ayurvedic spa treatments & plenty of space to relax
  • Fishing - The hotel can arrange day or overnight trips aboard a traditional houseboat, gliding along the scenic backwaters
from AU$125 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel
Eighth Bastion

Eighth Bastion

Kochi (India)

In a quiet corner of Fort Kochi lies this 18th Century property. Decor is chic & spacious on the inside, yet true to its roots with period artwork, antique pieces & an overriding nautical theme. Rooms enjoy private balconies & cavernous baths. East Indies Restaurant serves tasty South Asian cuisine.

  • Local exploring - Just 200m from the Chinese fishing nets & Fort Cochin Bus Station, this is a brilliant spot for exploring on foot or bicycle
  • Cycling - Speak to the team about hiring bicycles to zip around town at your own pace - or for tours of the backwaters
  • City Style - A colonial-era building with chic, spacious interiors and a more contemporary feel
  • Cooking classes - The 'Flavour' cooking class is popular for honing your South Asian cooking skills
from AU$154 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel
Xandari Harbour

Xandari Harbour

Kochi (India)

A contemporary property with unobstructed views of Kochi'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.

  • Local exploring - The hotel's spot between the bazaars & spice markets of Mattancherry & the heritage homes of Fort Kochi is ideal for exploring
  • City Style - A more contemporary hotel overlooking the harbour between Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, with swish interiors & lovely views
  • Other Activities - Witness Kerala's traditional form of dance with a fantastic performance at the Kathakali Centre
  • Cycling - Hire bicycles or join an expert-led cycling tour to discover Kochi's sights on two wheels
from AU$176 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Old Harbour Hotel

Old Harbour Hotel

Kochi (India)

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 fabulous Keralan cuisine and a relaxing pool.

  • Sailing - A visit to Kochi is not complete without a trip on Kerala's lush backwaters by boat - particularly in the late afternoon light
  • Romantic Break - Romantics will adore the hotel's timeless charm, with generous bedrooms & leafy gardens perfect for candlelit dinners
  • Total relaxation - Sleepy Fort Kochi invites guest to slow down, ambling along leafy streets or unwinding by the pool
  • Other Activities - Visit the harbour to see fishermen working the iconic Chinese fishing nets
from AU$199 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel
Le Colonial

Le Colonial

Kochi (India)

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.

  • Sights nearby - Just 25m from the Chinese fishing nets and historic St. Francis Church, the hotel is perfectly placed for discovering the Fort
  • Romantic Break - Romantics will adore the intimate nature of the hotel, along with the spacious suites, big breakfasts & refreshing pool
  • Local exploring - Brilliantly placed for exploring the wonders of historic Fort Kochi on foot, and experiencing a heritage home
  • Museums - Discover Kerala's rich folk traditions with a visit to the fantastic Folklore Museum
from AU$326 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel
Brunton Boatyard

Brunton Boatyard

Kochi (India)

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.

  • Great walks - Speak to the team about joining one of the hotel's informative group walking tours, offering a real insight into life in Kochi
  • City Style - Achingly smart interiors with a classic CGH Earth attention to detail and careful restoration make this a design haven
  • Local exploring - Occupying a prime position in this historic town, the hotel is within walking distance from many of its sights.
  • Learning - Delve into Kerala's rich oral and dance tradition at the fascinating Keralan Folklore Museum
from AU$351 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel
The Malabar House

The Malabar House

Kochi (India)

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.

  • Cycling - Hop aboard the hotel's bicycels to explore the old town on two wheels - this is a lovely way to get around
  • Romantic Break - An enormously romantic hotel, with individually designed guest rooms set around a candlelit courtyard
  • Foodies - Malabar Junction, the hotel's restaurant, is widely considered to be one of the best in town
  • Yoga - Private or group yoga classes can be arranged in the peaceful surroundings of the hotel
from AU$361 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel