Welcome to the Cochin Cruise Port Guide. Cochin, also known as Kochi, is with over 600.000 inhabitants the largest city of the state. It is part of the Ernakulam district and the state of Kerala. It has a very vibrant atmosphere unlike any other town in India. This old maritime town has been influenced by so many cultures that is shows in the architecture and daily life. The Arab and Chinese traders have been here since the beginning of the common era. They could find a source of pepper, cinnamon, cloves and sandal wood here. Kochi was blooming on the Monsoon Market place. The Chinese were here in the 14th century and left their marks in ways we can even still see today. Even the name of the city means “like-China”. The Arabians were definitely dominating the trade here. Bringing the much desired products to Europe. But then the Europeans decided it was time to cut out the middle man and start the search for these spices themselves. In 1498 it was the Portuguese under the command of Vasco da Gama to arrive in India. Cochin was one of the first stops in this new found spice world and there were no plans of leaving anytime soon. This is the spot in India where the Portuguese made their first trading post and it still stands in the city today. The history of this place might be quite interesting, but don’t forget you have some really nice scenery in the area is well. Particularly the Kerala backwaters are known for their cultural value and scenery.
Travel information India
Official currency – Indian Rupee
Accepts Us dollars – yes
Creditcards – are not widely accepted
Drives on the – left
Timezone – UTC +5.30
About India
Inhabitants – 1 276 million
Official language – Hindi and English
Capital city – New Delhi
Republic of India
Government – Federal parliamentary constitutional republic
Cochin Cruise Port Guide: docked
In Cochin there are currently 2 cruise docks, both of them are on Wellington island. Check the map above to see where these 2 spots are exactly. Usually you dock at the cruise terminal which is only open on when the ship has a (dis)embarkation day. At both docks you are about 10 km away from the old town of Cochin.
Public Transport in Cochin
There is public transport available at the docks. One of the best ways to get around is to take the ferry across to city centre. For just a few rupee you can get all over Cochin. There is always a ferry jetty close by the ship and the best thing to do is to spot them from the ship when you are sailing in. The ferries look like the boats on the picture on the left hand side. Spot these and you’ll know where the ferry stations are. The 2 stops that you want to know about are the stop at Jewish town and Chinese fishing nets. Always double check if the ferry is going there before you step on.
Taxi and rickshaw
There is a limited amount of taxis waiting for you at the port. There is an abundance of rickshaws / tuk tuks waiting for you at the port. The rickshaws are recognisable yellow and black and they have meter although they don’t really want to use these for tourist. The rickshaws/tuk tuks can take you around for approximately 10 dollars per hours, depending on your negotiation skills. Often people say it is 20 US dollars one way to get into the city of Cochin, but you will notice it is possible to do it for 5 USD. Simply walk off the pier and start the negotiation!
Destination and distance:
Fort Cochin – 10 km west Jew town – 10 km west
Alappuzha (Kerala backwaters) – 60 km south
Lilly Street/Elephanstone Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India
Santa Cruz Rd, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India
No: XIV/1642, River Rd, Kunnumpuram, Karuvelippady, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India
Opp. Post Office, St Francis Church Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India
Synagogue Ln, Jew Town, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002, India