Cochin Hotels

Kochi Hotels

Kochi is a major port city set on the southeastern Indian coast, in the jungle-rich state of Kerala. Kochi presents a sprawling metropolis of buzzing streets, where glitzy modern architecture and ancient religious buildings blend beautifully, creating a unique and colourful array of unforgettable sites. Dozens of designer shopping malls are offset by old-world antique stores, and fine-dining restaurants serve up coconut Keralite cuisine. For a holiday of endless urban excitement infused with authentic Indian culture, Kochi is ideal.

Things to see

Start off your exciting Kochi holiday by visiting some of the city’s most spectacular historic sites. Head to Fort Kochi - the oceanside old town - and amble around yellow-walled Jain temples, where you can meditate in the tranquil courtyards beneath the shade of a palm tree. After, see the 16th century Church of St Francis - India’s oldest European church. The white-washed curved facade tells of classical Spanish-style architecture, and was designed by Francisco de Almeida, the Portuguese viceroy. As the afternoon rolls on, be sure to explore the Indo-Portuguese museum, which tells of Kochi’s tumultuous relationship with Europe. Then, head back to central Kochi, where nature lovers can stroll off to Vembanad Lake, where wooden houseboats ebb across the shimmering waters, and local fisherman cast graceful lines. Meanwhile, shoppers can splurge at the many designer malls, including Lulu Mall, the largest in India.

Hotels in Kochi

Kochi’s vast size means that the city hosts hundreds of hotels suited to all tastes and budgets. For an out-of-this-world Eden-like retreat, stay in one of the 4 or 5-star spa-style hotels, which present outdoor pools surrounded by yellow-flowering copperpod trees, gardens bursting with mango groves, and palace-like king-size rooms. Central Kochi hotels present a mix of accommodation, from comfortable and inexpensive 2-star hotels - complete with air-conditioned en-suite rooms - to slightly more pricey 4-star hotel complexes, which are set in sleek modern buildings.

Where to stay

Kochi’s numerous neighbourhoods means that picking the right district is key to getting the most out of your city holiday. To be surrounded by Kochi’s ancient architecture and engrossing cultural heritage, stay in or near the tourist-friendly Fort Kochi - where you’ll also be treated to a sandy beachfront. For a romantic atmosphere adjacent to verdant green spaces, stay on the northern banks of the Vembanad lake. If you’re looking for full immersion into Kochi’s city culture, stay in the centre - known as Ernakulam - where the scent of spiced coconut and the sound of snake charmer’s flutes fill the air.

How to get to Kochi

As a key metropolitan region, Kochi is well connected to the rest of India by road, rail and air. The nearest airport is Cochin International - while it provides some international flights, none are to European destinations. Instead, catch a flight to Delhi from an array of European cities, and take a connecting 4 hour flight to Cochin. From there, either hop in an affordable pre-booked taxi or catch the once-hourly bus to Fort Kochi. Once there, travel around the city by using its reliable system of air-conditioned state and privately owned buses.