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Cochin, india

Cochin

india

About Cochin

Also known as Kochi, Cochin is a buzzing, cosmopolitan city, once a major port for India's spice trade. Over the years, Arab, Chinese and European merchants all left their mark, with Portuguese and Dutch architecture sprinkled through the streets. Head along the waterfront in the evening and you'll see Chinese-style fishing nets silhouetted against the ocean on bamboo poles. Rich in culture, the city is also a launchpad for exploring Kerala's winding backwaters. These are fringed with green jungle and navigated by slow-moving houseboats.

Hostels in Cochin (Kochi) are mostly clustered around pretty Fort Cochin, within walking distance of many of the city's attractions. You can choose a renovated ancestral house, a homestay with a roof terrace for stargazing or lodgings set on an organic farm. Cochin hostels offer sociable activities like yoga workshops or evening entertainment and most have communal spaces where you can relax. Expect free Wi-Fi and friendly staff, who can help you to arrange backwater trips, bike hire and tickets for Kathakali dance shows. 

Cochin has a few distinct areas to explore. Fort Kochi is a popular spot with visitors and here you can discover chic art galleries and restaurants as well as watching fishermen at work on Fort Kochi beach. The area also has historic buildings to visit, such as Portuguese-built Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica. Jew Town (named for its historical Jewish community) has the city's biggest spice market and quirky antique shops in heritage buildings. Vypeen Island is known for its long stretches of golden sand – if you're lucky, you might see dolphins at Cherai Beach.

As a hub for Keralan arts, Cochin is one of the best places to see dramatic Kathakali​ dance. Other attractions include the vast Hill Palace Museum (once home to the Maharajah) and Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, a calm spot in the urban hubbub. You can see the city's diverse heritage in its places of worship, which range from the Paradesi synagogue, the oldest still in use in India (built in 1568) to colourful sculptures and walls of lanterns at the Chottanikkara Devi Temple. Stroll down Princess Street to pick up locally made souvenirs. 

From Cochin International Airport, you can catch a bus into town (it takes around an hour and 45 minutes) or take a pre-paid taxi (an hour's drive). Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction are Cochin's two major railway stations. Long-distance trains from all over India stop here. Within the city, there's a reliable local bus system and you'll always be able to find an auto-rickshaw.

City Info

Countryindia
Hostels8
Country CodeIN

8 Hostels in Cochin

Back Packers Cochin Villa
Back Packers Cochin Villa

Located in Cochin

9.9 (20 reviews)

Back Packers Cochin Villa is providing great service.

From Rs550
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Kochill
Kochill

Located in Cochin

9.7 (88 reviews)

Ideally set in the Fort Kochi district of Cochin, Kochill is situated 1.9 km from Kochi Biennale, 15 km from Aster Medcity and 10 km from Cochin Shipyard.

From Rs424.5
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The Chill House
The Chill House

Located in Cochin

9.3 (34 reviews)

Nestled in Cochin, just 1.1 km from Fort Kochi Beach, The Chill House provides guests with air-conditioned lodging and a welcoming terrace.

From Rs550
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The Hosteller Fort Kochi
The Hosteller Fort Kochi

Located in Cochin

8.5 (129 reviews)

The Hosteller Fort Kochi offer cozy bed in Fort Kochi.

From Rs1199.5
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Zostel Kochi (Ernakulam)
Zostel Kochi (Ernakulam)

Located in Cochin

8.4 (67 reviews)

Just ~1.7 km from the city centre, Zostel Kochi (Ernakulam) is a vision with its artsy vibe, aesthetic interiors, eccentric wall art, and monochrome colour scheme broken by splashes of bright colours.

From Rs1649.5
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Zostel Kochi (Fort Kochi)
Zostel Kochi (Fort Kochi)

Located in Cochin

8.1 (430 reviews)

Zostel Kochi near to the composite culture of this beautiful coastal city. Our cosy backpacker hostel is nestled among Portuguese houses in Fort Kochi with all popular spots closeby.

From Rs749.5
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Bunk House Fortkochi
Bunk House Fortkochi

Located in Cochin

6.9 (15 reviews)

Conveniently set in the Fort Kochi district of Cochin, Bunk House Fortkochi is located 400 metres from Fort Kochi Beach, 600 metres from Kochi Biennale and 10 km from Cochin Shipyard.

From Rs1000
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goSTOPS Lite Kochi
goSTOPS Lite Kochi

Located in Cochin

6.7 (69 reviews)

goSTOPS Lite Kochi is located in Fort Cochin.

From Rs1175
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Backpacking in Cochin

Cochin is a fantastic destination for backpackers offering a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and affordability. Whether you're planning a short trip or making it part of a longer backpacking journey, this city should definitely be included in your travel itinerary. When looking for accommodation in Cochin, hostels provide the best value and opportunity to meet fellow travelers.

Whether you're looking for a social party hostel, a quiet retreat, a centrally located base for exploring the city, or something in between, Cochin has options for every type of traveler. Many hostels in Cochin offer additional amenities like free breakfast, communal kitchens, outdoor spaces, and organized activities.

When visiting Cochin, don't miss the opportunity to:

  • Explore the local cuisine and nightlife
  • Visit historical landmarks and cultural sites
  • Connect with other travelers at hostel events
  • Discover hidden gems off the tourist path in Cochin