Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Kochi (COK)

About Kochi

Discover Kochi

Why visit Kochi?
Kochi, on Kerala's lush Arabian Sea coast, blends a busy port city with tranquil backwaters and leafy neighbourhoods. You will find historic quarters, bayside promenades, and a relaxed pace that encourages slow exploration between the sea and the lagoons.

What to expect
You can wander past centuries-old warehouses in Fort Kochi, admire waterfront views lined with Chinese fishing nets, and step into art galleries and cafés in converted spice depots. Modern Kochi grows around the metro corridor, with shopping districts, business hubs, and residential enclaves spread across islands and peninsulas.

Plan your trip
Kochi works well as both a first stop in Kerala and a base for day trips into the hills, beaches, and backwaters. From here you can reach destinations such as Munnar, Alappuzha, and Thekkady by road, turning your Shanghai–Kochi journey into a wider exploration of southern India.

Top sights in Kochi

Fort Kochi

Stroll through tree-lined streets, heritage bungalows, and art-filled cafés in this historic seaside quarter.

Chinese fishing nets

Watch the iconic cantilevered nets along the Fort Kochi waterfront, especially atmospheric at sunset.

Mattancherry Palace

Explore this 16th-century riverside palace known for its detailed murals and views over busy waterways.

Jew Town and spice warehouses

Browse antique shops and spice stores in narrow lanes surrounded by old warehouses and storied buildings.

Marine Drive promenade

Walk along the backwater-facing promenade in Ernakulam with skyline views and evening boat cruises.

Kochi backwater cruises

Take a short cruise from the city to experience coconut-lined canals and village life on the water's edge.

Hill Palace Museum

Visit this former royal estate on a hilltop outside the city, set within gardens and leafy grounds.

Lulu Mall Kochi

Spend time in one of India’s largest malls, with international brands, food courts, and family entertainment.

Experience Kochi's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Most visitors rely on taxis, app-based rides, and auto-rickshaws to move between the islands and city districts. The Kochi Metro is useful for crossing busy corridors, while ferries give you a scenic perspective of the harbour and backwaters. For short distances, walking in early morning or late afternoon is pleasant.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Kochi centres on its waterfront, markets, and small neighbourhood junctions lined with shops and cafés. You may notice a creative energy in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, where galleries and festivals bring art into streets and courtyards. Residential areas feel calm, with greenery, local schools, and small parks setting the tone.

Where to unwind
When you want a break from the bustle, Kochi offers seaside promenades, shady parks, and quiet backwater inlets. Early mornings are ideal for walks along the shore, while evenings bring cooler air and soft light over the harbour. You can also book spa treatments in city hotels or resorts on the outskirts for a restful pause.

A taste of Kochi

Street food & local specialties
Kochi is known for fresh seafood, fragrant rice dishes, and coastal snacks served in small eateries and family-run cafés. Around Fort Kochi and Mattancherry you will find simple spots serving fish curries, fried seafood, and local breakfasts that introduce you to Kerala flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In Ernakulam and along main roads near the metro, you will find casual restaurants, bakeries, and cafés offering local, Indian, and international dishes. Food courts in larger malls make it easy to try a variety of flavours in one place, with smaller portions that let you sample several items in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a more memorable setting, look for rooftop terraces and waterfront restaurants facing the harbour or backwaters. Many hotels also offer refined dining rooms where you can enjoy regional cuisine in a calm atmosphere. Evening meals by the water, with lights reflecting on the waves, give your day in Kochi a gentle finish.

Retail therapy in Kochi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Kochi’s modern side comes through in its large shopping centres and lifestyle complexes, especially in Ernakulam. Here you will find international brands, local fashion, cinemas, and family activities, making them convenient places to combine shopping with dining and entertainment.

Markets & local crafts
For local character, head to streets around Broadway, MG Road, and Mattancherry, where you can browse textiles, spices, and handcrafted items. Smaller boutiques in Fort Kochi highlight handmade accessories, homeware, and design pieces that reflect coastal Kerala’s colours and materials.

Evening retail scene
As evening falls, shopfronts and malls light up and streets feel livelier, especially on weekends. You can pair a visit to a night-time promenade or café with a quick stop at nearby shops. Public transport, taxis, and app-based rides make it straightforward to reach the main shopping districts after dark.

Best time to visit Kochi

Winter season (December to February, peak season)
During Kochi's winter, temperatures usually range from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F), with lower humidity and clearer skies. This is considered peak season, ideal for sightseeing, harbour walks, and backwater trips in more comfortable conditions.

Southwest monsoon (June to September, shoulder season)
The southwest monsoon brings frequent showers and dramatic clouds, with temperatures around 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). As a shoulder season, it offers lush landscapes and quieter streets, making city walks and short drives into the countryside particularly scenic between rain spells.

Pre- and post-monsoon months (March to May, and October to November, low season)
These months tend to be warmer and more humid, with daytime temperatures from about 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F). Classified as low season, they reward early-morning and evening explorations, softer light over the backwaters, and a calmer atmosphere at many main sights.

Frequently Asked Questions