In the relaxed, laid-back fort town of Kochi/Cochin, you can unwind and de-stress from your travels around India. This beautiful town has been attracting travellers, wanderers and traders for over 600 years, and looks to continue doing so into the future. Kochi retains plenty of evidence of its colonial past: giant fishing nets, brought in by Chinese merchant sailors; old mosques, ancient Portuguese houses and the remains of the British Raj. The overall appearance of Kochi is that it is a mix between Holland, middle ages Portugal and a traditional English country village. Thus it is a fascinating place, quite distinct from the architecture you will find in the rest of India.

If you are looking to spend time here, you will want to make the most of various cultural attractions, such as art galleries, museums and theatres, or simply enjoy the cuisine at the town’s wonderful restaurants. The mainland of Ernakulam is the bustling heart of Kerala, full of neon and upmarket chain stores, but Kochi, like Mattancherry, is a unique environment full of history and a real sense of serenity. You won’t regret spending time in this wonderful town.