Book Trivandrum to Kochi Car Rental

Option 1: via MC Road

• Route: Trivandrum – MC Road – Cochin
• Distance: 214 km
• Travel Time: 5 hours 50 minutes

Option 2: via MC Road and Cherthala – Arookutty Road

• Route: Trivandrum – MC Road – Cherthala – Arookutty Road – Cochin
• Distance: 209 km
• Travel Time: 6 hours 6 minutes

Option 3: via MC Road and NH 66

• Travel Time: 5 hours 57 minutes
• Route: Trivandrum – MC Road – NH 66 – Cochin
• Distance: 207 km

Your first stop should be Fort Kochi, where Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influences blend with local Kerala culture. Stroll past the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront – they’re incredibly photogenic at sunset. These massive cantilever nets have been in use since the 14th century, and local fishermen often demonstrate how they work on request.

In Mattancherry, the Jewish Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth. Its hand-painted Chinese tiles, Belgian chandeliers, and ancient scrolls tell stories of Kochi’s diverse heritage. Just a short walk away, the Dutch Palace (actually built by the Portuguese) houses remarkable murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

For a taste of contemporary Kochi, head to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale venues scattered throughout Fort Kochi. Even when the art festival isn’t running, these renovated warehouses and heritage buildings host rotating exhibitions and cafes.

Spice trading made Kochi wealthy, and you can still experience this legacy at the Spice Market in Ernakulam. Watch merchants trade cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon in a tradition unchanged for centuries. The nearby Marine Drive waterfront promenade offers views of Kochi’s modern skyline and the busy harbor.

Start your morning watching the sunrise over the Chinese fishing nets, then take a leisurely ferry ride across the harbor. Join a cooking class to learn the secrets of Kerala’s spice-rich cuisine, or catch a mesmerizing Kathakali performance in the evening. For a unique experience, book a sunset harbor cruise to watch container ships and naval vessels glide past the golden horizon.

October through March offers perfect weather for exploring Kochi, with temperatures hovering around 75-85°F (24-29°C) and minimal rain. The cool sea breeze makes walking tours comfortable. Avoid June to September when monsoon rains can be intense. December brings the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, turning the whole city into an art gallery.

Your options range from heritage hotels in restored colonial mansions in Fort Kochi to modern high-rises in Ernakulam. Mid-range travelers will find comfortable stays in boutique hotels near Princess Street. For a splurge, book a room in one of the waterfront hotels along Marine Drive, offering spectacular harbor views.

Jew Town’s antique shops overflow with colonial-era furniture, brass work, and vintage items. M.G. Road in Ernakulam is your stop for modern shopping malls and local textiles. Don’t miss Broadway Market’s narrow lanes for spices and local handicrafts at better prices than tourist areas.

Sample fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurants in Fort Kochi, where the catch arrives daily from those iconic fishing nets. Try traditional Kerala sadya (feast) served on banana leaves at local restaurants in Ernakulam. For fusion cuisine that blends Kerala flavors with international techniques, check out the cafes around Princess Street.