Kochi, Kerala: Where the Humidity Hugs You and the Fish Smell is...Charming?

okay, so. kochi. kerala. wow. i’m a botanist, right? i spend my days cataloging ferns and arguing about the proper way to propagate orchids. i’m not usually the type to just…show up somewhere with a backpack and a vague plan. but here i am.

I just checked and it’s…a blanket of warm air, clinging to everything. Seriously, you walk outside and it just wraps around you. The humidity is a character in itself. I’m pretty sure my hair has achieved sentience. If you’re not a fan of feeling like you’re living inside a steamed-up greenhouse, maybe pack a dehumidifier. Or just embrace the frizz.

I landed in Kochi with a list of plants I wanted to find - some obscure medicinal herbs, a few interesting mangrove species. But honestly? I’ve spent most of my time wandering around Fort Kochi, getting delightfully lost in the backstreets. The colors! The smells! It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way.

I’ve been staying in a tiny guesthouse near the Chinese fishing nets - you know, those iconic things? They’re even more impressive in person. The whole area is buzzing with activity. Fishermen mending nets, vendors hawking spices, tourists snapping photos…it’s a constant, vibrant hum.

Someone told me that the best way to experience Fort Kochi is to just wander without a map. They were right. I stumbled upon the most incredible little spice shop the other day - the aroma alone was enough to knock me off my feet. I bought a ridiculous amount of cardamom and turmeric. My suitcase is going to weigh a ton. Check out some local spice shops here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g297632-Activities-Kochi_Kerala.html

I overheard some drunk tourists arguing about the best place to get a masala dosa. Apparently, there’s a fierce rivalry between a few different establishments. They were shouting about crispy edges and the perfect blend of spices. I haven’t tried them all yet, but the one I had yesterday was pretty phenomenal. I found it on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=masala+dosa&find_loc=Kochi%2C+Kerala

My neighbors, the locals, are incredibly welcoming. Everyone seems to have a story to tell. I spent an hour chatting with a woman who runs a small tea stall about the history of the Chinese fishing nets. She said they were originally built by Chinese traders in the 14th century! Mind. Blown.

If you’re into art, there are some really cool street art murals around Jew Town. It’s a bit more touristy than Fort Kochi, but still worth a wander. I found a forum with some local art scene updates: https://www.indiamike.com/india/kerala/kochi/kochi-street-art-t174831.html

I’m heading to Munnar next - apparently, it’s a tea lover’s paradise. I’m hoping to find some rare varieties of wild tea plants. If you get bored, Alleppey is just a short drive away for some backwater adventures.

Something a local warned me about? The auto-rickshaw drivers. Apparently, they’re notorious for overcharging tourists. Always agree on a price before you get in. Seriously. Learn from my near-panic when I realized I’d just paid double what I should have.

Okay, gotta go. The humidity is calling my name (and probably my hair). Wish me luck in the tea plantations!