What are the must-see attractions during the first days of tours starting in Kochi (Cochin)?

Tours in Kochi begin with key cultural landmarks that showcase the port city's rich colonial past. Visitors explore Fort Kochi's historic district where St. Francis Church stands as India's oldest European church. The Dutch Palace houses detailed murals that tell stories of Hindu mythology while the 16th-century Paradesi Synagogue reflects the city's Jewish heritage. Along the waterfront the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets remain in daily use. Most tours include an evening at a Kathakali performance where dancers tell stories through precise movements and elaborate costumes. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The English guide in Cochin was very good and had excellent knowledge and showed us all the historic sites with great explanations."

What's the typical duration of tours starting from Kochi (Cochin)?

Most visitors choose 7-8 day itineraries though options range from 6-9 days. The standard format dedicates the first two days to Kochi before continuing to the tea fields of Munnar the wildlife sanctuaries of Thekkady and the backwaters of Alleppey. Popular accommodation stops include the beachfront Sagara Resort in Kovalam and the centrally located Abad Plaza in Kochi. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The 7-day Kerala tour was perfectly paced giving us enough time to explore each destination thoroughly."

What kind of accommodations can I expect in Kochi (Cochin) at the start of the tour?

Kochi's accommodation options center around reliable 3-4 star properties. The Abad Plaza Casino Hotel and The Fern Ecotel offer convenient city center locations with modern rooms and authentic Kerala hospitality. Travelers seeking luxury can upgrade to 5-star properties with enhanced amenities. A TourRadar guest observed: "The accommodations were well chosen especially the Abad Plaza in Cochin which offered great comfort and perfect location for exploring the city."

What's the best time of year to start a tour from Kochi (Cochin)?

The most favorable window for Kochi tours runs from October through March when temperatures hover between 23-32°C with minimal rain. The historic Fort Kochi district sees peak visitor numbers during December and January. One TourRadar traveler reported: "We visited in January and the weather was perfect for sightseeing in Kochi and exploring the nearby tea plantations."

How far is Kochi from other major destinations on Kerala tours?

Kochi serves as a central hub for Kerala exploration. Munnar's tea estates lie 130km away (4 hours) while Thekkady's wildlife reserves are 128km distant (3.5 hours). The backwater town of Alleppey is a short 50km journey (1 hour) and Kumarakom can be reached in 2 hours. TourRadar travelers confirm: "The distances between destinations were comfortable with scenic routes through spice plantations and tea estates making the journeys enjoyable."

What unique cultural experiences are available in Kochi?

The Kerala Kathakali Centre presents nightly performances of the region's classical dance. Local homes and cooking schools like Nimmy Paul's offer hands-on lessons in Kerala's distinctive cuisine. Mattancherry's spice markets provide an authentic glimpse into the trade that shaped the port city. At sunset visitors gather along Fort Kochi's shore to watch fishing net operators at work. A TourRadar participant shared: "The evening Kathakali performance was a highlight of our Kochi experience."

India Tours from Kochi (Cochin)

Ever thought about exploring historic Fort Kochi and its colonial architecture, witnessing the traditional Kathakali dance in Cochin, or strolling through the aromatic Munnar tea estates? Spot wildlife on a Periyar Lake boat ride, and relax on a scenic houseboat ride in Alleppey. Kerala's backwaters are genuinely peaceful and truly stunning.

10 best India tour packages from Kochi (Cochin)

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Explorer
7 Days Tour to Kerala
4.7 (6 traveler reviews)
"The backwaters tour was a great experience. Definitely value for money."
Natalie, traveled in March
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Thekkady,Alleppey,Thiruvananthapuram,Kanyakumari+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Southern IndiaKeralaWestern Ghats+2 more
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch,Russian+6 more
Operator
Golden Triangle India Tours
65% Off
From $2,082
US$729per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Backwaters of Kerala - An authentic tour of Kerala
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"It was very informative, and everyone was very friendly. We would highly recommend our driver Gurusamy."
sha, traveled in July
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey,Kumarakom+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Southern IndiaKeralaWestern Ghats+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
MTA Destination Management Company
30% Off
From $1,444
US$1,011per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Rejuvenating Kerala - India By Car and Driver
4.5 (4 traveler reviews)
"Its possible to see the best Sightseeings. Munnar and the backwaters of Kerale are beautiful."
Jennifer, traveled in March
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IndiaKerala+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
MTA Destination Management Company
30% Off
From $394
US$276per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Private Kerala Tour from Cochin to Kovalam: Backwaters, Hills & Beaches
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The things that stood out as exceptional were: the Boatyard Hotel in Kochi, the food and crew on the Alleppy boat, and the Leela Hotel in Kovalam Beach."
Premjit, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey,Kovalam+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IndiaKerala+1 more
Operated in
English, French,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Brahmlaxmi Tours and Travel
50% Off
From $2,144
US$1,072per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Magical Kerala with Mumbai and Goa
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey,Mumbai,Goa+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IndiaKerala+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
GeTS Holidays
70% Off
From $3,503
US$1,051per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Active
Bird Watching & Trekking in Kerala
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Suryanelli
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Southern IndiaKeralaWestern Ghats+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel XS
70% Off
From
US$473per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Romantic Kerala Tour
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Overall beautiful tour and would recommend it. Nishad was also instrumental in helping my partner get her phone back."
Thomas, traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park,Periyar National Park,Kottayam,Kumarakom,Alleppey+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Southern IndiaKeralaWestern Ghats+2 more
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
World Travel Experiences
50% Off
From $1,320
US$660per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Essence of Idyllic South India
4.8 (11 traveler reviews)
"A very well thought out tour of Southern India to include lots of cultural sites and wilde life."
Clive, traveled in January
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Alleppey, Munnar, Kumily,Periyar National Park,Madurai,Thanjavur,Puducherry,Mahabalipuram,Chennai (Madras)+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern India
Operated in
English
Operator
Payless tours india
50% Off
From $2,194
US$1,097per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
South India : Backwaters, Tea Plantations, Temples & Beach Stay W/Private Guide & Chauffer
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The accommodation was varied from good to excellent and the service and hospitality everywhere was incredible."
John, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Madurai, Thekkady,Periyar National Park,Alleppey,Mararikulam+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IndiaKerala+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
20% Off
From $2,399
US$1,919per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Highlights of Kerala
4.4 (7 traveler reviews)
"Hotels were comfortable with good service, especially in Munnar, where the views were stunning."
Winnie, traveled in May
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park,Periyar National Park,Thekkady,Kumily,Kumarakom,Alleppey,Mararikulam+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Southern IndiaKeralaWestern Ghats+2 more
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch,Russian+6 more
Operator
Golden Triangle India Tours
60% Off
From $3,019
US$1,208per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Kerala Tour - 8 Days
4.7 (40 traveler reviews)
"Would highly recommend for a first time to India, definitely took the stress out of having to plan accomodation and activities."
Isobel, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park,Periyar National Park,Kumily,Alleppey,Kumarakom+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Southern IndiaKeralaWestern Ghats+2 more
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch,Russian+6 more
Operator
Golden Triangle India Tours
60% Off
From $1,869
US$748per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Amazing Kerala Tour from Cochin - 6 Days
4.8 (32 traveler reviews)
"The warm hospitality was apparent. The hotels provided were all top-notch, especially the one in Munnar, which had a view of the tea gardens."
Lucia, traveled in June
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IndiaKerala+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Memorable India Journeys
35% Off
From $587
US$382per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Best of Kerala
4.5 (22 traveler reviews)
"This guided tour was a lot of fun! The tour went by very fast, proving how much fun we had."
Pauline, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Alleppey
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Southern IndiaKeralaWestern Ghats+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
GeTS Holidays
70% Off
From $1,991
US$597per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Active
Exotic Kerala Tour (Coconut Holiday Of India)
4.4 (22 traveler reviews)
"The hotels were all lovely and we really enjoyed the houseboat."
Karen, traveled in December
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park,Periyar National Park,Kottayam,Kumarakom,Alleppey,Kovalam,Thiruvananthapuram+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Southern IndiaKeralaWestern Ghats+2 more
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
World Travel Experiences
50% Off
From $1,510
US$755per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Health, Spa & Wellness
10-Day Kerala Cultural and Wellness Tour : Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, Alleppey, Kovalam
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"This was an excellent adventure! The local hotels were good, looked after us well."
Gladys, traveled in March
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey,Kovalam,Thiruvananthapuram+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern India
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
SafeHands Travels
70% Off
From $2,719
US$816per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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