Wed14Oct
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Experience Kerala - Kathakali, Kalari and Theyyam
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Things to Do in Fort Kochi & Mattancherry
5 events matching right now across Kochi — mostly dance (2), workshop (1), music (1), literature (1).
Fort Kochi and Mattancherry share the peninsula across the harbour from Ernakulam, and most of what visitors come to Kochi for is within a two-kilometre walk here. Start at Vasco da Gama Square, where the Chinese fishing nets are worked through the day, then walk to St Francis Church, first built by the Portuguese in 1503 and the place where Vasco da Gama was first buried in 1524, and on to Parade Ground and the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, consecrated in 1905. Mattancherry, a short auto ride away, has the Dutch Palace with its Ramayana murals, the Paradesi Synagogue of 1568 and the antique and spice shops of Jew Town. Evenings belong to the Kerala Kathakali Centre, which stages a daily show with a make-up session beforehand. The Kochi Biennale Foundation runs talks at Pepper House between Biennale editions, with artist presentations listed for 6 and 13 November 2026. In the last days of December the Cochin Carnival takes over, ending with the burning of the Pappanji at midnight on New Year's Eve. This page lists events in both neighbourhoods.
Today
14 October · 2 events
Sunday
18 October · 1 event
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Saturday
31 October · 1 event
Sunday
1 November · 1 event
Good to know
- Come by boat. The Water Metro runs from High Court to Fort Kochi and, since October 2025, to Mattancherry via Willingdon Island.
- The Dutch Palace is closed on Fridays and the Paradesi Synagogue on Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays, so plan Mattancherry for a Sunday to Thursday.
- Walk or hire a cycle inside Fort Kochi; the lanes are short and parking near the beach is scarce.
- Book rooms early for 20 December to 2 January. Christmas, the Cochin Carnival and New Year fill every homestay.
- Carry cash for small shops, autos and the fish stalls by the nets.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Fort Kochi from Ernakulam?
Take the Water Metro from the High Court terminal or a ferry from the Ernakulam boat jetty. By road it is a longer drive through Thevara and Thoppumpady, or a bus from the city.
What is there to do in Fort Kochi in the evening?
Watch the sunset by the Chinese fishing nets, see a Kathakali or Kalaripayattu show at the Kerala Kathakali Centre and eat at one of the cafés around Princess Street and Burgher Street.
Is the Kochi-Muziris Biennale on in 2026–27?
No. The sixth edition closed on 31 March 2026 and the seventh is announced for 2027–28. Smaller programmes continue at Pepper House.
How far is Mattancherry from Fort Kochi?
About two to three kilometres. An auto takes ten minutes, and many visitors walk or cycle between the two.
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