Kochi long weekend with Athirappilly Falls

Day 1: Arrive in Kochi (Fort Kochi)

Kochi (Fort Kochi)

• Kathakali performance with make-up session · 2 h. Fort Kochi's cultural centres run a nightly shortened show with an explanation of the gestures; arrive an hour early to watch the elaborate make-up being applied.
• Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura · 2 h. The former Cochin royal palace with crowns, palanquins and a deer park; closed on Mondays.

Local tip: Fort Kochi's cultural centres run a nightly shortened show with an explanation of the gestures; arrive an hour early to watch the elaborate make-up being applied.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Kochi (Fort Kochi)

Kochi (Fort Kochi)

• Fort Kochi heritage walk: fishing nets, St Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica · 2.5 h. Start at the Chinese fishing nets early, when fishermen haul them in; St Francis Church is where Vasco da Gama was first buried. Fishmongers by the nets will cook your pick at nearby stalls.
• Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue · 2.5 h. The palace has some of Kerala's finest Ramayana murals (closed Fridays); the synagogue closes on Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Jew Town's spice warehouses and antique shops fill the lanes between.

Local tip: Start at the Chinese fishing nets early, when fishermen haul them in; St Francis Church is where Vasco da Gama was first buried. Fishmongers by the nets will cook your pick at nearby stalls.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls day trip

Kochi (Fort Kochi)

• Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls day trip · 7 h. Walk the viewpoint path and, when open, the steep trail down to the base of the falls; Vazhachal is 5 km upstream. Biggest flow Jul–Oct. Forest checkpoint fees apply, and the road closes in the evening.

Local tip: Walk the viewpoint path and, when open, the steep trail down to the base of the falls; Vazhachal is 5 km upstream. Biggest flow Jul–Oct. Forest checkpoint fees apply, and the road closes in the evening.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Depart from Kochi (Fort Kochi)

Kochi (Fort Kochi)

• Kochi-Muziris Biennale or Fort Kochi galleries · 2.5 h. In Biennale years the festival runs roughly December to March at Aspinwall House and other warehouses; in between, Fort Kochi's galleries and street art fill the gap.

Local tip: In Biennale years the festival runs roughly December to March at Aspinwall House and other warehouses; in between, Fort Kochi's galleries and street art fill the gap.

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps