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Chottanikkara Divine Darshan Package
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The Award-Winning Tour Specialist with 14 Consecutive TripAdvisor Awards
The Award-Winning Tour Specialist with 14 Consecutive TripAdvisor Awards
Cochin is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" and is one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi tourism and the tourist attractions in Cochin include Fort Cochin - famous for Chinese Fishing Nets, among others.
About Kochi
In short: Cochin is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" and is one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi tourism and the tourist attractions in Cochin include Fort Cochin - famous for Chinese Fishing Nets, among others.
Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is a historic port city in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, on India's southwestern coast. Popularly called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi has been an important centre of maritime trade for centuries, particularly for spices such as pepper and cardamom. Today, it is one of Kerala's major commercial centres and a popular destination for travellers interested in history, architecture, culture, coastal scenery, and traditional Kerala cuisine.
Located along the Arabian Sea and the interconnected waterways of Vembanad Lake, Kochi consists of mainland neighbourhoods, islands, and waterfront settlements. Its landscape includes busy commercial districts, traditional fishing communities, historic streets, and scenic backwaters.
Kochi is one of Kerala's most historically significant coastal cities. Its centuries-old spice trade, multicultural heritage, traditional fishing practices, and surviving colonial architecture distinguish it from many other urban destinations in India.
Visitors can explore historic churches and palaces, discover Jewish heritage in Mattancherry, experience traditional Kerala performing arts, and travel across the city's waterways.
Kochi also serves as a convenient starting point for journeys to other destinations in Kerala, including Munnar, Alappuzha, Thekkady, and Kumarakom.
Whether exploring Fort Kochi's historic streets, visiting the Chinese fishing nets, or enjoying the waterfront atmosphere, travellers will find a city where Kerala's maritime past and modern urban life continue to exist side by side.
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Private trips with a chauffeur-driven car and hand-picked hotels, all customisable.
Best Selling 1 Night
Starts from₹6,500US$79 · per person
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Starts from₹7,000US$94 · per person
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Sightseeing
Photos of Kochi tourist attractions like the Dutch Palace, Bolghatty Palace, St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi, Paradesi Synagogue (Cochin Jewish Synagogue), Malayattoor Church, Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithra, Cherai Beach, Chinese Fishing Nets, and Kodanad Elephant Training Center
Where is Kochi? Tourist Maps of Kochi
Plan your trip
Experiences
Kochi, the gateway of Kerala, mixes island ferry rides, classical dance and spice shopping. Our six favourite experiences:
The best way to see Vallarpadam, Willingdon and Vypeen islands, floating between sky and water.
The picturesque promenade facing the backwaters where locals and visitors meet.
See Kerala’s classical dance, famous for its colourful costumes and make-up, at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.
Kerala’s spices are known worldwide. Buy authentic spices at fair prices in Kochi’s historic trading quarter linked to the ancient port of Muziris.
An international exhibition of contemporary art where Indian and international artists show their work.
A hidden underwater world for adventure lovers.
More ideas: Best things to do in Kerala
Areas in Kochi
Choose your base by what you want to do. We hand-pick and check every hotel we suggest.
Heritage hotels and homestays within walking distance of the fishing nets, churches and cafés. Best for first-timers.
Best for: sightseeing & atmosphere
Quieter streets next to the palace, synagogue and spice and antique shops.
Best for: culture & shopping
City hotels close to the railway stations, malls and Marine Drive; easy for onward trips to Munnar.
Best for: short stays & transit
Beach resorts between the sea and the backwaters, about an hour north of Fort Kochi.
Best for: beach & relaxing
What guests say about their Kochi tours
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We had the best 4 days (3 nights) in Kerela thanks to Anthony and Iris Tours. We saw waterfalls, beaches, Fort Kochi and stayed on a houseboat, with Anthony always there to advise and safely drive us about. He reccomended optional shopping, restaurants, and pointed out interesting things along the way. The houseboat wa…
Sydney, Australia · Solo Travellers
Great organisation and communication throughout. Sara was great in tour design and support, Sanju the driver/guide was an experienced driver on the crazy roads here, making me feel quite safe. He was also flexible, suggested many things and very punctual.Thank you to these two individuals in particular who mad my trip …
We recently finished a 6-day tour with Iris Holidays, and it was such an amazing experience! We visited Cochi, Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey—each place was unique and really memorable.A big shoutout to our driver, Sanoop, who was fantastic throughout the trip. He was knowledgeable, kind, and really easy to chat to, an…
Toronto, Canada · Solo Travellers
The entire trip was very well arranged and coordinated. My tour guide Monesh was excellent in his service. He brought me to all the spots listed, allowed me sufficient time to visit, no rushing and followed my phase all the way. he gave good insights, information and recommendations which were cheaper than other places…
London, United Kingdom · Solo Travellers
I booked a 5 day tour- Kochi to Munnar, Thetkady and Kumarakom with Iris Holidays. Firstly, the communication was fantastic. George was very responsive and flexible with my requests. The itinerary he suggested was perfect. Every part of the itinerary was fulfilled. More than I imagined.
My partner and I travelled for 6 wonderful days, starting from Kochi and exploring Thekkady (National Park), Chinnakanal, Munnar, and finally ending our journey in Varkala. It was a truly enjoyable experience, made even better by our driver, Sanoop, who was absolutely fantastic. He was kind, helpful, and by the end of …
Glasgow, United Kingdom · Friends & Groups
We had an incredible trip with Iris Holidays! Everything was well organized and thoughtfully planned, making our Kerala experience truly memorable. Our guide and driver, Sinto, was exceptional—safe, highly experienced, and always going the extra mile with his planning and local recommendations. He even helped us with t…
Gothenburg, Sweden · Solo Travellers
Fantastic custom package for a solo traveler! So much variety and things to experience. Irisholidays ensured great activity suggestions and professional service, making the trip smooth, fun, and unforgettable
London, United Kingdom · Private Groups
We booked a 15-day customized Kerala tour with Mr. George, and the process was easy and flexible. Our driver, Mr. Antony, was professional, kind, and made us feel safe as a solo mum with a child. He showed us hidden gems, ensured trustworthy activities, and was very accommodating when we had to adjust plans due to illn…
Manama, Bahrain · Friends & Groups
We took a 2-night trip to Munnar in July 2025 with Iris Holidays, and it was a great experience. The package was affordable, and our driver, Mr. Monesh, was excellent—he knew the routes well, suggested good restaurants, and even recommended a relaxing massage to end our day. Highlights included the Tea Museum (loved th…
Phoenix, United States · Solo Travellers
Had an amazing tour with Iris Holidays! Our driver-guide, Mr. Monesh, was incredibly kind and made us feel safe and comfortable as two women travelers. He also took fantastic photos and videos for us! From elephant rides and tea factory visits to Kathakali shows and a peaceful houseboat cruise — every moment was a perf…
Munich, Germany · Friends & Groups
We booked a 5-day tour and were absolutely thrilled with the experience! Everything was super well planned and organized, with so many great activities included. Our driver was incredibly kind, always helpful, and really took care of all our wishes and needs. The hotels and resorts were lovely—clean, friendly, and comf…
London, United Kingdom · Senior Citizens
We had a wonderful experience on the Kerala backwater houseboat tour. Great driver who picked us up from the hotel and drove us to the houseboat. The houseboat was lovely the the driver and cook on board prepared a lovely lunch for us. Such a lovely relaxing experience. Thank you.
Our Kerala trip with Iris Holidays was simply unforgettable! George crafted a smooth, well-planned itinerary with great stays, while our guide/driver Shajeer went above and beyond—sharing local gems, offering snacks en route, and even welcoming us to his home with homemade rose milk. Their warmth and attention made the…
New York, United Kingdom · Friends & Groups
Our 5 nights, 6 days tour with Iris Holidays was fantastic! We had a 2025 AC car and a great driver, Fahad, who made our journey smooth. The hotels exceeded expectations—luxurious and comfortable. We loved the flexibility to plan our own itinerary and stops. The highlight was our stay on a private houseboat with a dedi…
We spent a month exploring South India as a family with Iris Holidays, and it was unforgettable! Arun organized everything smoothly, and our driver Anoop felt like family—safe, caring, and full of great suggestions. From Goa to Marari Beach, every stop was special.Spotting a tiger in Kabini, exploring Hampi, and enjoyi…
New York, United Kingdom · Friends & Groups
We explored Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kovalam on an 11-night tour organized by Iris Holidays. Saranya handled all the planning, making it stress-free and perfect for our busy schedules. Our driver, Shajar, was fantastic—safe, knowledgeable, and full of great local tips for food and activities we’d never have foun…
London, United Kingdom · Senior Citizens
Email communication with George Joseph at Iris Holidays was excellent—he handled every request with care. Our airport pickup was seamless, and our driver Vipin was fantastic! He shared great local insights, communicated well, and made our journey comfortable in a clean, cozy car. Kind, courteous, and knowledgeable—high…
Putrajaya, Malaysia · Families with Kids
We are a group of friends from Malaysia, visiting India for the first time, and Kerala was the perfect destination! Known as "God’s Own Country," it truly lived up to its name. Choosing Irisholidays was the best decision—Saranya planned our itinerary perfectly, and we had an amazing experience! A special shoutout to ou…
My dad and I had an incredible 21-day journey with Irisholidays, and our guide, Monesh, made it truly special! He ensured we had an amazing time, was super informative, and even helped us capture great memories with his photography skills. Coming from Canada, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience! If you’re bo…
New York City, United States · Friends & Groups
Just completed an amazing 6-day Kerala tour arranged by Kannan from Irisholidays, and it was beyond expectations! From planning a flexible itinerary with luxurious five-star hotels to ensuring a smooth experience, everything was well worth it. Our driver Sadique made us feel safe and comfortable throughout the journey.…
Leicester, United Kingdom · Senior Citizens
We are a retired couple from the UK who chose Iris Holidays for our 14-night South India trip. It was great value compared to UK-based agents, and having a personal driver made everything so convenient. A special thanks to Mr. Mohammed Shafique, who was always prompt, cheerful, and navigated safely. From arrival to dep…
London, United Kingdom · Families with Kids
Our Kerala tour was absolutely fantastic! The itinerary was well-organized, giving us a perfect blend of experiences across a nice variety of locations. From the serene backwaters to the lush tea gardens and vibrant cultural spots, everything was planned seamlessly.We highly recommend Irisholidays for anyone planning a…
Den Haag, Netherlands · Solo Travellers
Had a great tour and managed to see and do so much in just one week! Loved my stay at Spice Villa—it was cozy and relaxing. The full-day Borderline experience was absolutely amazing. Iris Holidays is an excellent travel agency; they planned everything perfectly and made the trip stress-free. Highly recommend them for a…
When to go
September - March
The best time to visit Cochin is just after monsoons from October to March when everything in the city is refreshingly green. Covered in a carpet of green, Cochin comes alive during the rains making it the best time for Kochi tourism. However Kochi is an all-season destination and you can see tourists from all over the world in Fort Kochi, which is the most popular tourist place in Kochi.
ALSO SEE - Is Kochi and Cochin the same?
The temperature in Cochin varies from 19°C to 31°C (63°F to 91°F) making the temperature suitable for a holiday in Kochi. When you visit Kochi, expect occasional rain and carry comfortable casual clothes.
Kochi tourism during the monsoon is a must for those who want to witness the perfect blend of old-world charm and electrifying beauty of the modern-day world.
Located in the Eravikulam district of Kerala, the gorgeous Kochi city is one of the most important seaports in India. An important spice trading center of India from the 14th century, Kochi is a major port city on the southwest coast of India. Tucked in the beauty of coconut palms and endless blue waters, Kochi Kerala India is rightly called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”.
Getting there
Kochi is well connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata through road, train, and flights. Kochi also has an international airport and is well connected to the Middle East, the USA, the UK, and all major countries in the world. Kochi is the gateway to major tourist places in Kerala like Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Thekkady.
Quick answers
George JosephDesigned 8000 + Tour Packages · Kerala & India Tour Specialist
Arun DevDesigned 20000 + Tour Packages · Kerala, India and International Tour Specialist
SaranyaDesigned 17000 + Tour Packages · Kerala and India Tour Specialist
Akshay VinodDesigned 8000 + Tour Packages · Kerala Tour Specialist
Sara ThomasDesigned 7500 + Tour Packages · Kerala Tour Specialist
KannanDesigned 8000 + Tour Packages · Kerala, India and International Tour Specialist
VijeeshThe Guy Who Will Welcome You in Kerala · Head of Customer Relations and Transportation
We visit and verify every resort in Kerala that we suggest, so guests like you can be warm and comfortable on an awesome holiday. We won’t suggest anywhere we haven’t been to and tried ourselves. When you book online or call us, we share the insider advice we’d give our best friends about destinations and hotels. Rest assured: when you book with us, every last detail is taken care of.
The only tour company in Kerala with 2,500+ five-star reviews on Tripadvisor over 14 years, from guests in many countries. Consistency matters!
We are approved after verification by the Govt of India and the Govt of Kerala. See certificates
Chauffeur-driven vehicle for you, 24×7.
We hand-pick our hotels and houseboats.
Our award-winning, personalised private trips bring insider tips from 15 years of crafting tours in Kerala.
Certificate of Excellence / Travellers’ Choice every year since 2014.
We visit and verify all resorts in Kerala that we suggest to you so that guests like you can have a VERY warm & comfortable about an awesome holiday. We won’t suggest anywhere that we haven’t been to and tried ourselves. When you book online or call us, we share the kind of insider low-down we'd give to our best friends about destinations and hotels. Rest assured: when you book with us, every last detail is taken care
Only Tour Company in Kerala with 2500+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews on TripAdvisor over 14 years from multiple customers from multiple countries. Consistency Matters!
We are approved after verification by Govt of India & Govt of Kerala
Chauffeur driven vehicle for you 24X7
We handpick our hotels & houseboats
Our award-winning, personalised private trips provide incredible insights and insider tips from last 15 years of experience of crafting tours in Kerala, passionately bringing alive unique and exclusive experiences for you.
Certificate of Excellence Award for the past 13 Consecutive Years from 2014 to 2026
Our tours are consistently recognized by prestigious organizations across the travel industry and TripAdvisor. We have won the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence from 2014 till 2022 consecutively for 9 consecutive years. We design our unique tours based on extensive knowledge of Kerala tourist destinations strives to offer personalized top-notch service.