Your Slow & Soulful Guide to Kerala’s Coastal Gem | Wanderstylelife
Some cities move fast, and some flow like a breeze Kochi is the latter. Tucked on the southwestern coast of India, this historic port town isn’t loud or flashy, but it has a rhythm that’s deeply enriching.
Whether it’s the scent of freshly ground spices, the sight of Chinese fishing nets swaying over sunset waters, or the calm of a centuries-old synagogue tucked in a colourful street Kochi is all about moments that linger.
And if you’ve got just 48 hours, we at Wanderstylelife have mapped out the perfect blend of art, culture, and cuisine to help you soak it all in slowly and soulfully.
When to Travel to Kochi
Kochi is blessed with tropical weather, but timing still matters.
- Best Time to Visit:
October to March is ideal. Temperatures stay in the 22–32°C range, and there’s a gentle coastal breeze that makes walking around a delight. - Avoid:
April to June tends to be hot and humid. Monsoon (July–September) is lush but unpredictable, especially for walking tours.
Wanderstylelife Tip: If you’re into contemporary art, plan your visit during the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (held every two years between December and March) Asia’s biggest art festival!
How to Travel in Kochi
Getting to and around Kochi is relatively easy and full of charm:
- By Air:
Cochin International Airport (COK) is 45 km from Fort Kochi. It’s well connected to major Indian and international cities. - By Train:
Trains arrive at Ernakulam Junction, just a short cab or ferry ride to Fort Kochi. - Getting Around Locally:
- Ferries are a unique and cheap way to hop between islands and mainland spots.
- Autos and local taxis work well for short trips.
- Bicycles and scooters are available for rent if you want to explore like a local.
Why Travel to Kochi?
Because Kochi is a city that doesn’t try to impress it just invites you in.
Here’s why we love it:
- A fusion of cultures Portuguese, Dutch, British, Jewish, and Malabari all in one place.
- A heaven for slow travelers and art lovers.
- Authentic Kerala cuisine in both street stalls and heritage cafés.
- Historic walks, beach sunsets, spice-scented lanes, and zero travel stress.
It’s a city that embraces its past and presents it with grace.
Kochi in 48 Hours – The Perfect Itinerary
Day 1: Fort Kochi – Art, Alleys & Atmosphere
Morning
Start your day in Fort Kochi, the heart of Kochi’s colonial charm.
- Walk or cycle through lanes with Dutch-style houses, Portuguese churches, and moss-covered walls.
- Visit St. Francis Church—India’s oldest European-built church and once the resting place of Vasco da Gama.
- Head to the Chinese Fishing Nets just as fishermen start lifting their iconic frames—it’s calm, slow, and hypnotic.
Grab breakfast at Kashi Art Café—a leafy courtyard with French-press coffee and homemade banana pancakes.
Afternoon
Art and history await!
- Explore David Hall Art Gallery or Pepper House contemporary art spaces with cafés and courtyards perfect for a break.
- Visit Jew Town and Parades Synagogue a serene spot with intricate blue tiles and antique chandeliers.
- Wander through spice markets where cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves fill the air.
Lunch stop? Seagull Restaurant, overlooking the sea. Order a cold lime soda and a plate of Kerala-style prawn curry.
Evening
- Catch a Kathakali performance at Kerala Kathakali Centre. Come early to watch the actors apply makeup—it’s an art in itself!
- End the day with a walk along the beach promenade as the sun dips behind the fishing nets.
Dinner at Fusion Bay or The Asian Kitchen by Tokyo Bay for something creative yet rooted in local Flavors.
Day 2: Mattancherry, Markets & Backwaters
Morning
Start Day 2 in Matta cherry, the old trading district.
- Visit Matta cherry Palace (Dutch Palace) to see vibrant murals of Hindu epics and old royal exhibits.
- Stroll around the antique shops for brass lamps, wooden carvings, and vintage treasures.
Breakfast? Try Teapot Café for eggs, toast, and a cozy setting filled with vintage kettles.
Afternoon
No visit to Kochi is complete without a backwater experience.
- Head to Vembanad Lake or Kumba Langi village for a half-day canoe ride or houseboat cruise through serene waters, coconut trees, and quiet village life.
- Some boats offer lunch onboard enjoy Kerala sadya (a traditional meal served on banana leaves) while drifting on water.
Evening
- Head back to Fort Kochi for sunset.
- Explore Princess Street lined with colourful cafés, bohemian boutiques, and heritage bookshops.
Pick up a souvenir—maybe a handwoven scarf, local tea, or miniature Chinese fishing net for your shelf back home.
Wrap up your 48 hours with dinner at Qissa Café try their Middle Eastern platters or cardamom-flavored cakes.
Final Thoughts from Wanderstylelife
In just 48 hours, Kochi doesn’t overwhelm it enchants.
It tells stories through stone churches, handwoven sarees, turmeric-scented kitchens, and sunset-drenched waterlines.
Whether you’re a culture buff, a foodie, or a traveler just looking for peace Kochi slows you down and fills you up.
And that, we believe, is the best kind of travel.
So next time you crave a break, choose a place that doesn’t just entertain you, but speaks to your soul.
Because with every alley turned and every meal shared, Kochi becomes a part of you.
— Wanderstylelife