INDIA · DESTINATION
India’s standout days.
Our pick of the 15 best kochi tours in India: what you actually see, how long each one runs, and what you can expect to pay.
Quiet non-mechanized Cochin backwaters cruise with a coir village stop and vegetarian banana-leaf lunch, plus pickup options from Fort Cochin.
Most Popular“cruise and the local guide were very good , enjoying the peaceful and quite time. lunch was very tasty local food. The journey to the start of the cruise was long and not mentioned before”
Private 4-hour tuk-tuk tour of Kochi’s Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, with colonial landmarks, spice markets, Jewish Town, and hotel pickup.
“A fabulous Tuk Tul tour of Kochi. Riyas our driver and guide was prompt, well paced and fun. He was also safety conscious when we were getting in and out of his comfy Tuk Tuk because the roads in Kochi are crazy!! He took us to a varied collection of sights from the Synagogue to…”
See Kathakali makeup, Kalaripayattu combat, and Theyyam ritual dance in Kochi with hotel round-trip transfers around $11.
“Fantastic communication. Good drivers in clean, cool (air conditioned) cars. The show was spectacular. Kathakali, Theyyam and martial arts (Kalaripayattu) are all very different and equally fascinating. Not to be missed! Some of these performances cannot be seen anywhere else in India. They are wonderful. Loved being able to watch make up application/preparation and the…”
Cochin to Alleppey shikara cruise: 3 hours gliding through Kerala backwaters with villages, palms, and paddy fields, with port pickup.
“The trip was fantastic, highly recommended. Maybe it’s better in two to split the expenses of Taxi and Boat.”
Cruise Fort Kochi by tuk-tuk with an English-speaking driver, Chinese fishing nets, palaces, synagogue, spice markets, and flexible stops.
“We had a lovely time with Zakki, who knows his town well and was showing us all the nice places. The tour was well organized and we would definitely do this one more time...”
A 4-hour Fort Kochi port tour packed with Chinese Fishing Nets, Portuguese churches, Dhobi Khanna, Jew Town, and Paradesi Synagogue.
“Very knowledgable guide, Jude who lived locally. Lots of history explained in humourous banter. Very enjoyable, educational day.”
Private overnight houseboat cruise from Kochi to Alappuzha backwaters, with AC cabin, 3 Kerala meals, scenic village cruising, and easy transfers.
“Driver was on time and the guide Sam provided us with a lot of information and showed us places we would not found by ourselves. Overall great experience!”
A 2-hour Kochi street-food walk with vetted tastings, sweet-making stops, and chai in a clay pot with strong local context.
“Our guide Satish was wonderful. Walking around town with him was like being with a local celebrity. Everyone knew and liked him. We started at a local restaurant for tastes of 5-10 items. Then we walked around town. We tried numerous fruits and vegetables at a local produce market. Custard Apples were the best. We…”
A private Fort Kochi tuk-tuk day tour with an English local guide, 10+ stops, skip-the-line entry, and flexible pacing for $10.
Private Cochin–Alleppey houseboat cruise with a slow backwater ride, Keralan lunch, pickup service, and a $85 per person price.
“Everything starting pickup from the hotel, the ambiance, cleanliness, the behavior and services in boat , specially the food has been exceptional. I have not seen such an extraordinary service in recent past. Thanks a lot once again all the parties involved here.”
Pedal through Fort Kochi on a 3-hour heritage route with Chinese Fishing Nets, forts, palace murals, Dhobi Khana laundry, and more for $27.
Kochi backwaters by bamboo-pole shikara, village craft stops, and a traditional Kerala Sadya lunch with hotel pickup and drop.
“Very beautiful and natural landscapes in a remote area highly traditional, the team was smiling and close to us at all time”
2-hour guided walk in Kochi’s Jewish Town: churches, Royal Mattancherry Palace, cemetery, Paradesi Synagogue, plus markets.
“I had an amazing experience with Satish who guided the Jewish quarter of Kochi, he is full of knowledge and goes the extra mile to make sure everyone sees what they are interested in. He made my stay in Kochi be full of meaning and history and I highly recommend him!!!”
Private Kochi tuk-tuk shore tour with cruise pickup to Fort Kochi and Mattancherry highlights, led by an English guide.
“Our driver was Nisha. He made the whole trip fun and was really knowledgeable. I’d recommend asking for him if you get the opportunity as he’s really prepared to tailor the tour to what you want to do though you’ll still get the obligatory spice shops etc.”
Fort Kochi heritage walk with Biju: spice trade stories, ginger warehouses, papadam and candle-making, Chinese nets, Jew Town and more.
“Bijus was a brilliant guide! He was very friendly and knowledgeable and took us to some off the beaten path places. It was fabulous. I am so sorry that I did not get the Tuk Tuk drivers name but he was also lovely. It was a wonderful part of our day and I highly recommend…”
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