Kochi: Biennale, Architecture and Coastal Views

Kochi combines cultural events with historic sites and a network that connects islands with the mainland. If you are looking for a hotel in Kochi, you can shape your trip around what interests you most: art and related programmes, the history of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, or views of the Chinese fishing nets. These themes offer different ways to plan a stay—from event dates to architecture and coastal views.

Include waterways in your plans

The Kochi Water Metro operates services on 15 routes and connects ten islands with the mainland. This gives an idea of the network’s scale; for a specific journey, the relevant route matters. Since the number of routes may change, check the current routes if you are planning individual trips on the Water Metro.

The Biennale and events in Kochi

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale was founded in 2010 by the Kochi Biennale Foundation, an artists’ collective. It takes place every two years in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Alongside the main exhibition, its programme includes talks, film programmes, workshops, residencies and educational projects. The exhibited works use a range of media and disciplines. When planning your trip, you can therefore take both the exhibitions and the accompanying events into account. If the Biennale is one of the reasons for your trip, check the dates of the relevant edition.

The Fort Kochi Carnival follows a different schedule: it celebrates New Year’s Eve every year. Unlike the Biennale, which takes place every two years, it is an annual event around the turn of the year.

Fishing nets and coastal views in Fort Kochi

The Chinese fishing nets are called Cheenavala in Malayalam. They are said to have been brought to Kochi by the Chinese explorer Zheng He, from the court of Kublai Khan; they became established on Kochi’s coast between 1350 and 1450. This account places the nets in their historical context, while Vasco da Gama Square offers a specific view of them: it is a narrow walkway along Fort Kochi Beach.

Architecture and Jew Town in Mattancherry

Mattancherry Palace is a historic monument featuring Kerala and colonial architectural styles. If you are interested in architecture, it offers a point of reference where these two styles meet. Jew Town, also called Jew Street, lies between Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue. The Mattancherry Synagogue, also called the Pardesi Synagogue, was built in 1568.

The antique shops in Jew Town are also cultural attractions: they offer jewellery, wood carvings, oil lamps, spice containers, antiques and books. The selection at individual shops may change. In Mattancherry, architectural and historical points of interest sit alongside a practical glimpse of the street’s merchandise.

Discover more destinations: Muvattupuzha, Karayamparambu, Kothamangalam, Aluva, Kuruppampady, Keezhillam, Angamaly, Chellanam.

For the broader travel overview: Ernakulam.