Things To Do
in Kochi

Dress modestly when visiting temples, mosques and churches—cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes when entering temples and some homes.

A polite greeting is 'Namaskaram' or a simple handshake in urban settings. Show respect to elders and ask permission before photographing people, especially inside religious premises.

If invited into a local home, accept water and small offerings; use your right hand for eating and giving/receiving items when possible, as the left is considered unclean.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon in many areas. Be mindful of local conservative norms, especially in Muslim-majority neighborhoods and places of worship.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% in restaurants if no service charge is added is common. Tip hotel porters (₹20–100), taxi/auto drivers small amounts for short trips, and boat guides depending on service quality.

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used, especially for markets and small vendors. Credit/debit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and shops; UPI and mobile wallets (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) are common. ATMs are plentiful but can run out during busy periods—carry some cash for small purchases.

March–May are hot and humid with temperatures often 30–35°C (86–95°F); plan outdoor activities in mornings or late afternoons, stay hydrated and wear light, breathable clothing.

June–September bring heavy rains and occasional flooding; the landscape is lush and dramatic—ideal for photography if you don’t mind rain, but check travel disruptions and book indoor options.

October–November offer pleasant weather with clearer skies and festivals (Onam season spills into September), making it a great time for touring and cultural experiences.

December–February are mild and comfortable (24–30°C / 75–86°F), the most popular tourist months—book accommodations in advance and expect lively cultural events and good beach weather.

About 4–5 hours drive from Kochi; tea estate trails, rolling hills and the Eravikulam National Park with walks to spot endemic species and panoramic viewpoints.

Roughly 1.5–2 hours from Kochi, offers gentler forest trails focused on birdwatching—excellent for nature lovers and photographers.

Waterfall region about 2–3 hours away with short hikes to viewpoints, scenic falls and dense forest stretches—best visited outside peak monsoon for safety.

Further afield but accessible for multi-day trips: forested hill trails, viewpoints and tea/coffee plantations for moderate hiking and nature walks.

Main international airport serving Kochi (approx. 25–35 km from city center). Good domestic and international connectivity, taxis and prepaid cabs available; airport-to-city travel takes about 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Located in Thiruvananthapuram about 200–220 km away; an option if combining Kochi with the southern Kerala itinerary. Travel by road or rail connects to Kochi in several hours.

Vegetarian options are plentiful—South Indian vegetarian dishes, dosas, idlis and thali meals are easy to find. Ask for coconut oil vs. ghee if required and clarify if dishes contain fish or meat stock.

Vegan choices are growing: many coconut-based curries and vegetable dishes are naturally vegan or can be adjusted. Confirm dairy in gravies and sweets; request coconut milk instead of ghee.

Rice-based staples (appam, puttu, idiyappam, dosas made from rice/urad dal) are usually gluten-free. Verify batter composition in restaurants for cross-contamination or wheat additives.

Seafood is central to Kochi’s cuisine—always declare allergies clearly. Some gravies may use fish stock, so ask about preparation even for seemingly vegetarian dishes.