Kochi in 2 days: what to see, in what order

A palace the Portuguese built for the Raja of Kochi around 1555, later repaired by the Dutch, which gave it its other name. Inside are some of the finest temple murals in Kerala, scenes from the Ramayana and the Puranas, along with royal palanquins, costumes and portraits of the Kochi rajas.

Tip: Closed on Fridays. Photography is not allowed inside, and the mural rooms are dim, so give your eyes a minute.

Built in 1568, it is the oldest working synagogue in the Commonwealth. The floor is laid with hand-painted blue and white Chinese tiles, no two alike, and Belgian glass lamps hang from the ceiling. A clock tower stands beside it at the end of Jew Town.

Tip: Closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Shoes come off at the door, and shoulders and knees should be covered.

The lane that runs from the synagogue towards the old spice warehouses, lined with antique shops, spice traders and small cafes. The godowns behind it still sort and pack ginger, pepper and cardamom.

Tip: Bargain in the antique shops; the first price is high. The spice warehouses are working places, so ask before you walk in.

Built by the Portuguese in 1503, it is one of the oldest European churches in India. Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 and was buried here before his remains went back to Portugal; his gravestone is still in the floor. The punkahs, cloth fans pulled by rope, still hang over the pews.

Tip: Entry is free. It is a working church, so keep quiet and dress modestly.

A narrow beach along the harbour mouth, with a promenade shaded by old rain trees and views of ships coming into Kochi port. It is more for walking than swimming.

Tip: The currents are strong; do not swim. The promenade is busiest at sunset.

A white Gothic cathedral, rebuilt in 1905 on the site of a Portuguese church from 1505. The inside is bright with painted ceilings, stained glass and murals of the Passion.

Tip: It closes for about 90 minutes after 13:00. Mass times on Sundays mean less time to look around.

Huge cantilevered nets on teak frames along the Fort Kochi shore, lowered into the water and lifted by a team of fishermen pulling on ropes and stone weights. They have stood here for centuries and are the picture most people take home from Kochi.

Tip: The fishermen may let you help pull a net for a small tip. Fresh catch from the stalls behind can be cooked at nearby restaurants.

One of Kerala's best-known temples, about 17 km south-east of Ernakulam, dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy, worshipped as Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi at midday and Durga in the evening.

Tip: Men go in without a shirt and wear a mundu or dhoti. It is busiest on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The former palace of the Kochi royal family in Tripunithura, built in 1865: 49 buildings on a hill in wide grounds. It is now Kerala's largest archaeological museum, with the royal crown and thrones, oil paintings, weapons and old coins, and a deer park in the grounds.

Tip: Closed on Mondays. Leave time for the grounds and the deer park behind the palace.

A private museum in Thevara, built in old Kerala styles from timber and parts of old houses. Its three floors hold masks, costumes, carvings, instruments and puppets from the dance and ritual traditions of Kerala and South India.

Tip: Entry has a fee and cameras pay extra. There is a small theatre upstairs that holds evening performances on some days.

One of India's largest malls, in Edappally in the north of the city, with shops, a big food court and a cinema.

Tip: Traffic on the Edappally junction is heavy in the evening rush; go mid-afternoon.

A long walkway along the Ernakulam backwater, facing Willingdon Island and Bolgatty, with the Rainbow Bridge and the Chinese net bridge along it. Boats leave from the jetty here for harbour rides at sunset.

Tip: Harbour boat rides of about an hour run from the jetty in the evening; agree the price before you board.