While India is on many travellers’ bucket lists, the city of Kochi in the country’s southwest is probably not on the top of the itinerary for many.
But it should be, especially now it has been named one of the top trending destinations of 2026 by Booking.com.
Formerly known as Cochin, the city has a slower paced, more relaxed vibe than other Indian destinations but still offers the same incredible food, hospitality, weather and shopping.
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It’s described by Booking.com as the “perfect soulful gateway to southern India’s natural beauty and cultural riches” and is easily accessed via Cochin International Airport.
So, I’m here to convince you to give Kochi a chance. Yes, you have the exciting cities of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata but Kochi deserves a spot on your itinerary too.
Here’s exactly what awaits you:
Chinese fishing nets
Huge Chinese fishing nets line Kochi’s coast and its backwaters, the impressive structures one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area
The nets are unique to Kochi and it is thought they were introduced to the area by Chinese explorer Zheng He.
They are about 10m high and made of teak wood and bamboo poles, with large stones used as a counterweight.
While most of the nets are operated manually, some have been upgraded with motors.
It’s well worth heading out to Vasco D’Gama Square in Fort Kochi, where you can check out local stalls before walking along the coastline and getting a glimpse of the impressive nets.
These Chinese fishing nets are used throughout the area by local fisherman. Credit: 7NEWS
Get an ayurvedic massage
Ayurveda, a traditional Indian holistic health practice, is huge in Kerala with massages and other treatments readily available across the region.
Ayurvedic medicine uses a range of treatments including yoga, massage, acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Meaning “the study of life”, Ayurveda began in India more than 3,000 years ago.
If you’re into holistic practises or even just in need of a relaxing massage, there are plenty of Ayurveda clinics around Kochi you can visit.
Visit one of the many art cafes
An arts and culture hub, Kochi is home to myriad beautiful art cafes where you can not only peruse impressive works of art but grab an amazing bite to eat.
Lila Art Cafe and Kashi Art Cafe in Fort Kochi are two personal favourites for a yummy meal in a beautiful spot.
Lila Art Cafe. Credit: 7NEWS
Go when the Kochi-Muziris Biennale is on
Continuing with the art theme, one of the best times to visit Kochi is during its popular contemporary art festival — the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
Held every two years from January to March, its Asia’s biggest contemporary art festival and is visited by 600,000 people.
The festival began in 2012 with the support of the Government of Kerala and showcases art from more than 400 local and international artists.
In 2025-2026 the sixth edition of the Biennale was held across multiple locations in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry and was curated by Indian artist Nikhil Chopra.
From sculptures to paintings to rotting food left in a fridge (yes, that was one of the exhibits this year), there is something for every one and every taste.
Have a walk around the main shopping districts
While Kochi is known for its relaxed, slower vibe it’s definitely worth visiting the main shopping and eating precincts of Princess St, Burger St and Bastian St in Forch Kochi and then the area of Jew Town in Mattancherry.
Both offer a more bustling feel and are terrific if you’re in the market for souvenirs, clothing, jewelry or perfume.
Jew Town (left) and Fort Kochi (left) are the places to go for shopping and eating. Credit: 7NEWS
Pick up a bottle of perfume or buy some handmade incense
Speaking of perfume, a visit to the IRS Perfume Factory in Mattancherry is a must if you’re after a new scent.
The store offers an amazing range of perfumes and oils as well as incense which they make in-house.
Along with original scents (such as the beautiful Kochi Flower) you can also try popular scents from big name brands such as YSL and Marc Jacobs.
The IRS Perfume Factory doesn’t put any alcohol in its scents, meaning they are less diluted and therefore more potent and longer lasting.
The shop is also home to the largest perfume bottle (free from alcohol) in the world standing at 3m tall and holding 3600 litres of jasmine perfume.
Here you’ll also find the world’s biggest incense stick which is 21m long.
It would take one whole month for the 412kg handmade stick to fully burn.
The IRS Perfume Factory makes its own incense in-house (left) and the largest perfume bottle in the world. Credit: 7NEWS
Visit these beautiful religious buildings
There is a rich religious history in Kochi particularly for the Jewish community, with the “Cochin Jews” one of the oldest groups of Jews in India.
It’s unclear exactly when they first settled in the region, however, there is some evidence Jewish people began arriving in Kochi around the time of King Solomon.
Their presence is why you have places such as “Jew Town” in Kochi, as well as the beautiful Paradesi Synagogue which was built in 1568.
The Paradesi Synagogue. Credit: 7NEWSSanta Cruz Cathedral Basilica. Credit: 7NEWS
As of 2026 only one Jewish person remains in Kochi but the synagogue remains open and running for them.
You also have the beautiful Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica and Saint Francis Church, believed to be one of the oldest churches built by the Europeans in India.
The famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who died in 1524 during his third visit to Kochi, was buried in the church.
His body was eventually taken back to Portugal, however, his burial spot inside the church is still marked.
The Forte Kochi hotel. Credit: 7NEWS
Go to the courtyard of Forte Kochi hotel
One of the most beautiful buildings in Fort Kochi, this heritage hotel’s yellow facade stands out as you walk down Princess St.
Once inside the building offers Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture, with the yellow exterior carried out into the stunning courtyard complete with al fresco dining and a pool.
It was originally built by the Portuguese and converted into a home in the 1800s, at one stage it was the residence of a prominent Jewish family.
A walk through the foyer and the courtyard, or a meal or drink at this stunning building, is well worth it.
The writer traveled as a guest of Booking.com.
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