Kochi, also known as Cochin, blends coastal charm with a rich trading past. Set along Kerala's Arabian Sea shoreline and backwaters, the city offers a relaxed pace, leafy streets, and a waterfront framed by historic warehouses and fishing nets. It is an easy place to slow down after a long journey from Auckland.
The city is spread across a cluster of islands and peninsulas, with Ernakulam as the modern commercial hub and Fort Kochi and Mattancherry offering a more historic feel. You will find contemporary cafes beside centuries-old architecture, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes exploring on foot or by ferry particularly rewarding.
Kochi is also a base for discovering wider Kerala. From here, you can head inland to the hill stations, unwind on palm-lined beaches, or glide along the famous backwaters. Yet many travellers choose to linger in the city itself, enjoying its arts scene, coastal breezes, and distinctive local culture.