Kochi, which is also known as Cochin, is the biggest city of the Indian state of Kerala and used to be the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” due to its huge importance in spice trading from the 14th century onward. It is not only Kerala’s main financial and educational hub but also the starting point for many Indian and international traveler visiting the state of Kerala. Today I want to share with you the best things to do in Kochi in one day – to get the maximum out of your visit to Kochi.
How to get to Kochi
As Kochi is an important city in Kerala there are tons of easy ways to reach Kochi. Let me quickly give you a brief overview of your options to get to Kochi:
By Plane: Cochin International Airport is well connected to major cities across India and also the world. From the airport to the city center it is 29 kilometers. There are several buses, taxis and even trains that can be used to get from the airport to the city. Fun fact: Cochin International Airport is the first airport worldwide running solely on solar energy.
By Train: You can also easily reach Kochi with the extensive Indian Railway Network. There are connections from several cities, including New Delhi to Kochi or Goa to Kochi, which is one of the most popular connections to Kochi by train.
By Road: Of course, it is also possible to drive into Kochi on the road and/or take a bus. However, I highly recommend you taking one of the first two options, as traffic in India is extremely crazy and I personally wouldn’t want to drive there.
To check for the best options I recommend checking your possible connections on 12Go.Asia, where you get an amazing overview and can book your train/plane/bus within seconds.
Getting around in Kochi
Getting around in Kochi is quite easy: I recommend using Autorickshaws (like Tuk-Tuks in Thailand) or Taxis. The rickshaws shouldn’t cost more than 30 Rupee in Fort Kochi Area, 50 Rupee around Ernakulam. To arrange transfers simply talk with drivers on the street or ask in your hotel/guest house. Be ready to bargain, as usually, the drivers will try to oversell their rides.
Another way to travel around Kochi is to hire a bicycle, scooter or even a car. Depending on your itinerary and plans this might be a good option.
Public transportation in Kochi is also available, but not really extensive. There are ferries (to connect Fort Kochi with the “mainland), Buses and even a metro line.
If you plan to just spend one day in Kochi, I definitely recommend getting around with a Rickshaw or Taxi though, as you will need much more time otherwise.