Kochi, Kerala’s cultural and commercial capital, delivers rich experiences for travelers watching their wallets. Whether you're visiting during Flipkart’s Big Billion Days or escaping on a weekend break, there's something for every budget. With SavePlus India, you’ll unlock top promo codes, offers, and smart savings hacks to explore Kochi affordably.

Ride the Kochi Ferry for Scenic Views

For less than ₹10, enjoy a tranquil ride over the backwaters with scenic views of the city. These ferries are part of Kochi’s public transport network, yet offer an experience better than most paid boat rides. Ideal for photographers, couples, and families, the ferry route lets you see Kochi from the water. It’s cool, clean, and very local. A hidden gem that’s both fun and functional.

• Location: Ernakulam Boat Jetty to Fort Kochi, Vypin
  
  
• How to Reach:
  By Bus: Direct buses to the Boat Jetty from major city stops
  By Train: 2 km from Ernakulam Town Station
  By Air: 35 km from Cochin International Airport
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Fort Kochi waterfront, Vembanad backwaters
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹4–₹10
  
  
• Trip Duration: 30–45 mins
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Spiced peanuts, local ice cream near the jetties
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Thrissur, Aluva

Pro Tip: Recharge your Mobikwik wallet with SavePlus coupons and pay digitally.

Roam Around Fort Kochi for Free

Fort Kochi welcomes travelers with cobbled streets, colonial churches, murals, and sea breezes—all at zero cost. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or someone who loves slow travel, this place lets you time-travel without spending. Walk through history as you explore sites that blend Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage. It’s also a hotspot for local artists and photographers. Even a stroll here turns into a cultural experience.

• Location: Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala
  
  
• How to Reach:
  By Bus: KSRTC buses from Ernakulam bus stand to Fort Kochi
  By Train: Nearest station is Ernakulam Junction (13 km)
  By Air: Cochin International Airport (44 km away)
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Vasco da Gama Square
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹0–₹50
  
  
• Trip Duration: Half Day
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Pazhampori (banana fritters), Kerala tea, Fish Fry
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Alappuzha, Kottayam

Pro Tip: Use PhonePe cashback while buying from tea stalls or local vendors.

Shop at MG Road’s Affordable Markets

MG Road is Kochi’s bustling retail stretch where you’ll find trendy kurtis, accessories, electronics, and spices at rock-bottom prices. During Onam and Diwali, expect deep discounts and mega sales. Bargaining is common and often rewarding. It’s where locals shop, so you know prices aren’t inflated. For souvenir hunters and fashionistas alike, this is the real deal.

• Location: MG Road, Ernakulam, Kochi
  
  
• How to Reach:
  By Bus: Direct buses and autos from Ernakulam city
  By Train: 2 km from Ernakulam South Station
  By Air: 32 km from Cochin Airport
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Market stalls, branded outlets, spice shops
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹100–₹500
  
  
• Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Vada-pav, masala dosa, ice gola
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Thrippunithura, Kalady

Pro Tip: Use Flipkart coupon codes to compare online rates and avoid overpaying.

Watch Kathakali on a Budget

Kathakali isn’t just a performance—it’s Kerala’s storytelling tradition through dance and expression. Local centers offer shows for budget-conscious travelers, complete with insights into makeup rituals and mythological tales. The visuals are stunning, and the music adds to the charm. If you want culture on a dime, this is the place to start.

• Location: Kerala Kathakali Centre, Fort Kochi
  
  
• How to Reach:
  By Bus: Take a Fort Kochi-bound bus
  By Train: 15 km from Ernakulam Junction
  By Air: 45 km from Cochin Airport
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Evening Kathakali shows, makeup sessions
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹250–₹300
  
  
• Trip Duration: 1.5 hours
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Appam, fish curry at nearby restaurants
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Cherai, Kodungallur

Pro Tip: Grab BookMyShow deals on SavePlus for discounted show tickets.

Visit the Mattancherry Palace

A must-visit for history lovers, this Dutch Palace offers a glimpse into Kochi’s royal past. It showcases vibrant murals, artifacts, and architectural nuances. Entry is extremely affordable, making it perfect for students and families. Even the surrounding lanes—filled with antique shops—are a treat.

• Location: Mattancherry, Kochi
  
  
• How to Reach:
  By Bus: Regular buses to Mattancherry from the city center
  By Train: 10 km from Ernakulam Town
  By Air: 42 km from the airport
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Murals, Kochi royal family portraits, Dutch-style courtyard
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹5
  
  
• Trip Duration: 1 hour
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Kozhikode biryani, mango pickle
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Eramalloor, Alappuzha

Pro Tip: Use Paytm UPI for tickets and score cashback offers.

Explore Art and Books at Pepper House

Pepper House is an open cultural space that combines art exhibitions, book collections, and a café. It’s quiet, cozy, and perfect for reflection or digital work. Artists often exhibit their work here even outside the Biennale season.

• Location: Kalvathy Road, Fort Kochi
  
  
• How to Reach:
  By Bus: Fort Kochi-bound buses
  By Train: 15 km from Ernakulam South
  By Air: 44 km from the airport
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Art exhibits, library, book café
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹0–₹150
  
  
• Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Cold coffee, banana cake
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Vypin, Aluva

Pro Tip: Pay with HDFC cards during festivals to get cashback at the café.

Chill at Cherai Beach

Golden sands, gentle waves, and budget seafood make Cherai Beach a popular getaway for frugal travelers. Located slightly away from the city buzz, it offers a clean and calm environment. Activities like beach cycling and kite flying add extra fun. Early risers may even spot dolphins close to the shore!

• Location: Cherai, Vypin Island
  
  
• How to Reach:
  By Bus: City buses to Vypin, followed by an auto
  By Train: 26 km from Ernakulam Town
  By Air: 28 km from Cochin Airport
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Dolphin sighting, water sports, beach walks
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹0–₹100
  
  
• Trip Duration: Half Day
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Fried prawns, toddy, masala omelet
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Paravoor, Kodungallur

Pro Tip: Book cab rides using MMT promo codes from SavePlus to save travel costs.

Visit Temples and Enjoy Free Prasadam

Kochi temples are spiritually enriching and cost nothing to enter. Many serve prasadam (free food) during festivals and daily rituals. These temples reflect centuries of tradition and architecture.

• Location: Ernakulam Shiva Temple, Thrikkakara Temple
  
  
• How to Reach:
  By Bus: Well-connected from all parts of the city
  By Train: Close to Ernakulam Town and South Stations
  By Air: 30–35 km from the airport
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Attend aarti, festivals, and prasadam feasts
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹0
  
  
• Trip Duration: 1 hour
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Temple payasam, rice prasadam
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Muvattupuzha, Angamaly

Pro Tip: Swipe your SBI card at the pooja item stalls to unlock discounts.

Eat Traditional Kerala Meals for Less

Nothing beats an authentic banana leaf meal when in Kerala. Served with love and flavor, these meals are as filling as they are affordable. Many eateries offer unlimited refills for just ₹60–₹100. You’ll get rice, veggies, curries, and dessert, all on one plate.

• Location: Available in Fort Kochi, MG Road, and Kaloor
  
  
• How to Reach:
  By Bus: Local city buses or an auto
  By Train: Varies by eatery
  By Air: Kochi Airport – 30–40 mins away
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Enjoy Kerala thalis at local messes
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹60–₹100
  
  
• Trip Duration: 1 hour meal break
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Avial, sambar, payasam
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Edappally, Perumbavoor

Pro Tip: Use Swiggy or Zomato SavePlus codes to get discounts on online orders.

Shop at Broadway Spice Market

Broadway in Kochi is where you'll get authentic Kerala spices at prices far below supermarkets. From black pepper to nutmeg, everything is fresh, aromatic, and often negotiable. It's a great place for foodies and home cooks.

• Location: Broadway Market, Ernakulam
  
  
• How to Reach:
  By Bus: Direct buses to Broadway from city points
  By Train: 2 km from Ernakulam South Station
  By Air: 33 km from Cochin Airport
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Spice stalls, local grocery stores, wholesale markets
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹100–₹300
  
  
• Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Nannari syrup, jackfruit chips
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Kolenchery, Thrippunithura

Pro Tip: Use GPay or PhonePe QR codes to earn cashback during purchase.

Walk Along Marine Drive

Marine Drive offers stunning views of the backwaters, making it ideal for sunrise jogs, evening strolls, or peaceful relaxation. A hotspot for students and locals, it’s free to access and filled with inexpensive street eats.

• Location: Marine Drive, Ernakulam
  
  
• How to Reach:
  By Bus: Easily reachable from all city areas
  By Train: Just 2 km from Ernakulam South Station
  By Air: Around 32 km from the airport
  
  
• Things to Do / Places to Visit: Rainbow Bridge, GCDA shopping complex
  
  
• Estimated Budget: ₹0–₹50
  
  
• Trip Duration: 1 hour
  
  
• Must Try Foods: Masala corn, ice cream, fried bananas
  
  
• Nearby Cities: Angamaly, Piravom

Pro Tip: Buy snacks with Jio Money and unlock scratch card bonuses.

Conclusion

Kochi proves that travel doesn’t have to be expensive. From free temple visits to ₹10 ferry rides and delicious ₹60 meals, there’s value in every corner. At SavePlus India, we help you unlock local savings through promo codes, cashback tools, and budget-friendly travel insights. Save smart, travel deeper, and let your journey be unforgettable.

FAQ

Is Kochi a good city for budget travel?
Yes, Kochi offers low-cost transport, affordable food, and plenty of free attractions.

What is the best way to move around the city?
Ferries and city buses are cheap and reliable. Use UPI for fast payments.

When should I visit Kochi for the best discounts?
Try off-season months (June–August) or festival periods with online travel sales.

Can I use Indian digital wallets in local Kochi markets?
Yes, PhonePe, GPay, and Paytm are accepted almost everywhere.

Where do I find verified Kochi travel offers?
Visit SavePlus India for real-time offers, coupons, and merchant discounts.