Only got 3 days in Kochi? This is how to make the most out of it

Hey! So, you’re planning to visit Kochi? Nallathu! (That’s great!). First things first, you’re visiting a place where time moves slowly but life happens fast. We Kochi people are chill, but we don’t miss out on anything fun. You can spend 3 days here like a typical tourist, or you can follow our plan and live like a proper Kochiite. Trust us, it's more fun that way.
Pack light, wear chappals, and be ready to eat like a tharakan (wealthy merchant, but we mean “no holding back” here). Let’s go!

Day 1

Morning

Start your day early, by early we mean, 9.30 am. Sip in chai in the cosy room of The Hosteller Fort Kochi, Ocean Edge. Walk along Mahatma Gandhi Beach. You’ll see locals doing yoga, chettans (uncles) fishing, and aunties gossiping. It’s a vibe.
Drive time from The Hosteller Kochi, Ocean Edge: 3 minutes (750 meters)

After a walk, have a delicious breakfast at our in-house Unbox cafe. 

The Chinese fishing nets at Mahatma Gandhi Beach

Afternoon

After breakfast, head to Mattancherry Palace, aka the Dutch Palace. Inside, you’ll find murals older than your grandma and a breeze that smells like history and old wood.
Then take a slow walk through Jew Town. Don’t forget to bring your camera or a photographer friend with you. This town is so aesthetic that you will end up clicking more than 100 pictures. No rush. Check out the antique shops, shop something to take back home, and don’t forget to bargain.
Drive time from The Hosteller Kochi, Ocean Edge: 10 minutes

Then have lunch in one of the restaurants there. Our personal recommendation is Ginger House. Try an authentic Kerala style meal.

Interior of the Paradesi Synagogue 

Evening 

Evening is for Fort Kochi Beach. The Chinese fishing nets are not for Instagram only, macha! Go, help them pull the net and see if you catch something. Let’s see if you get pearl spot fish or not. If not, no problem, it's fun anyway.
Drive time from The Hosteller Kochi, Ocean Edge: 10 minutes

By sunset, go to Kashi Art Cafe for coffee and cake. Just a minute away from our hostel, Kashi Art cafe is an experience you should not miss.

Night plans? Walk along Princess Street. If you love music, catch a live band at Pepper House or David Hall. Then come back to the hostel dorms and crash on our comfy beds at The Hosteller Kochi, Ocean Edge. End day one like a true Kochiite.
Drive time from The Hosteller Kochi, Ocean Edge: 2 minutes

Princess Street, Kochi

Day 2

On day two, leave the land behind and hop on a ferry from Fort Kochi Jetty to Vypin Island. It’s as cheap as your favorite chips packet!
Drive time from The Hosteller Kochi, Ocean Edge: 3 minutes

First stop

Once you get off at Vypin, rent a scooter for the day. A ride to Cherai Beach takes about 40 minutes. Cherai is the quieter cousin of Kerala’s popular beaches. It’s peaceful, with fewer crowds. Perfect for a morning swim or just laying on the sand listening to Chithra chechi’s old Malayalam hits. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot dolphins playing near the shore.

Take a dip in the calm waters of Cherai Beach

Lunch

On your way back, stop at one of the beachside restaurants. We suggest Lilliput Multi Cuisine Restaurant. If you are non-vegetarian, try seafood. Their curries are spicy enough to make you go “Ayyoo!”, but you’ll keep eating anyway.

Evening

As the sun starts to set, head to Kumbalangi integrated tourism village, one of India’s first eco-tourism villages. You can book a kayaking session in the backwaters or take a country boat ride. As you paddle, watch the Chinese fishing nets, birds flying home, and villagers finishing up their day.
Drive time from The Hosteller Kochi, Ocean Edge: 30 minutes

Dinner

After soaking up all those backwater vibes, head back to Fort Kochi and grab dinner at Fusion Bay. They serve delicious fresh seafood. Go for the Meen Pollichathu (fish cooked in banana leaf) and fluffy Appams.

Delicious Kerala style fish curry and Appam

Day 3

You’ve done the beaches, you’ve done the backwaters, now it’s time to explore Kochi city.

Morning 

Start your day like a true Kochikaaran, on the water! Hop on a ferry from Fort Kochi jetty. The ferries are not just budget-friendly, they give you the best views of the harbour too.
Once you hop off, make your way to Pai Dosa for breakfast. This place is a dosa paradise, 50+ types! Go for the classic ghee roast. But if you’re in an experimental mood, try the chocolate dosa. Yes, it’s a thing.
Drive time from The Hosteller Kochi, Ocean Edge: 28 minutes

Late morning

After filling your belly, let’s cool down at Lulu Mall, Asia’s largest shopping mall. Whether you’re up for bowling, ice skating (yes, ice skating in Kerala!), or just roaming around with a cold coffee in hand, Lulu is the spot.
Drive time from The Hosteller Kochi, Ocean Edge: 40 minutes

Lunch

By now, your stomach will start growling again, alle? Pop into the Lulu Food Court or any nearby restaurants. Grab some Kerala-style biryani or a plate of kappa and meen curry (tapioca and fish curry). If you’re lucky, you’ll find some parotta and beef fry too.

Afternoon

Time to put your bargaining skills to the test, macha! Head over to Broadway Market, and prepare for some serious shopping action.

Here’s what you must buy:

• Banana chips: Get them hot and crispy, fried right there in coconut oil. There are so many flavours, and you’ll go mad choosing.
• Spices: Pepper, cardamom, cinnamon… bring Kerala’s magic to your kitchen back home.
• Kasavu sarees: Traditional Kerala sarees with that classy gold border. Perfect gift for Amma or your bestie.
• Souvenirs: Wooden Kathakali masks, coir products, and nettipattam (those fancy elephant caparisons people hang on their walls).

And, don’t forget to bargain! Flash a smile and say “Kora paranjal mathi” (say the lowest price).

Spices in Broadway Market, Kochi

Evening

Wrap up the day at Marine Drive. Grab a kulukki sarbath (spicy lemon mocktail) from Shaji ikka’s cart, find a spot on the walkway, and just watch the boats go by. It’s a simple pleasure but pure beauty. This is also a great spot for sunset.

Dinner

For your last meal in Kochi, head to the Grand Hotel. If you’re lucky, they’ll have a Kerala sadhya (feast). If not, go for the prawn curry with rice. It tastes like something your grandma would make, hearty, simple, and soulful.

Conclusion

So, after three days in Kochi, you’ll probably be thinking, “How did time fly so fast?” Trust us, everyone feels the same. Kochi has this charm. Maybe now you know how to say “Ayyoo!” at the right moment. Or you’ve figured out where to get the best banana chips without getting fooled on the price. Or maybe you’ve just enjoyed walking around, feeling like a local. That’s the magic of this place.

And that's the sign for you to come here again, and we will be there waiting to host you again at The Hosteller Kochi, Ocean Edge.
Vannirikkunnu! (Come back soon!)