Cochin (or Cochi, Kochi or Konchin – you’ll see it spelt all kinds of ways) acts as a sort of gateway to southern India, marking the beginning of Kerala’s magnificent backwaters. But there’s something about this place. The city’s the home of an ancient fishing culture, some serious colonial history, and an ever-growing cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it undeniably cool.
Take Fort Cochin, for example. The harbour-side area of the city boasts extraordinary-looking fishing contraptions dating back to 1400 AD, and is the setting for an anonymous street artist, GuessWho. This artist has peppered Fort Cochin’s walls with modern and politically aware artwork, Banksy-style. Seems incongruous, but it works.
Another pull-factor of Cochin is the food. The city is known for its role in the spice trade, so push the boat out and experiment with exotic flavours if that’s your style. On our Foodie tour of Cochin you’ll be able to take part in an Anglo Indian cooking lesson and be introduced to some classic dishes: think saffron coconut rice and mince ball curry. A bit like the city itself, both these dishes combine flavours from India and Europe.
There’s lots to do here, but the distinctively south Indian chilled out atmosphere won’t leave you feeling rushed off your feet. So take your time, wander round wide, spacious streets and see for yourself.