Kochi, formerly known as Cochin in English, is the most densely populated city in the Indian state of Kerala. Part of the district of Ernakulam, this port city sits on the Malabar Coast of India bordering the Laccadive Sea, making it a popular destination for tourists who want to lounge out on the beach. But Kochi has far more to offer than serene beaches in island settings; this city is a microcosm of India’s colonial history and a great place to learn about the country and its long, tumultuous past.
Sometimes referred to as the “Gateway to Kerala,” the city of Kochi is the perfect introduction to India’s most popular tourist state. For travelers who don’t like spending too much time on buses or trains, you can get pretty much anywhere in Kochi on foot or with a bicycle. However, if you want to make absolutely sure that you get to all of the major sites during your time in Kochi, the best way to do so is by hiring a motorcycle and zipping around the city.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Kochi. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motor scooter. This guide includes:
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motorcycle in India
- The price of motorcycle rental in Kochi
- The best places to rent a motorbike in Kochi
- Whether it’s safe to hire a motorbike in Kochi as a foreigner
- The best things to do in Kochi by motorcycle
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Motorcycle in India?
If you’re not a citizen of India with a valid Indian driver’s license, you’ll need to get an international driving permit to legally hire a motorbike in India. Foreign drivers who cannot present an international driving permit to Indian police will be subject to a fine. And while a lot of tourists in India elect not to get an international driving permit and risk getting fined, it’s always better to obey the laws, especially when in a foreign country.
If you want to apply for an international driving permit, you should do so before you depart for India. You can apply online here and it typically takes about two weeks for your permit to arrive in the mail. There is a $20 application fee but, once you get your permit, it will be valid for one full year.
What Is the Cost of Motorcycle Hire in Kochi?
Pretty much everything in India is inexpensive when compared to the United States and Europe, and motorcycle rental is no different. You can find a perfectly good motorbike like a Royal Enfield Classic 500 for as little as €23 per day. If you want to go even cheaper, you can probably find a motor scooter at an even lower price point. If you have a little more room in your budget, you can find an awesome off-road motorcycle like a Royal Enfield Himalayan for around €30 per day.
Whatever type of vehicle you choose to rent, you should always make absolutely sure that insurance is included in the stated rental price. You don’t want to get caught up in an accident in a foreign country without insurance. You should also make sure that the price of a helmet is included with the rental as well.
Where Can You Find Motorcycle Hire in Kochi?
If you plan on flying into Cochin International Airport, the main airport serving the city of Kochi, you probably won’t be able to find motorcycle hire at the airport. Instead, you’re better off going to the Fort Cochin area and searching for a motorcycle hire shop there, especially since you’ll probably end up there during your trip to Kochi anyway.
If you’re taking a taxi from Cochin International Airport to the city of Kochi, you’ll inevitably pass through the city of Ernakulam, which is right on the border of Kochi and also has a ton of motorbike rental shops.
Is It Safe to Hire a Motorcycle in Kochi as a Foreigner?
Unlike in some other areas of India, the roads in Kerala in general are in very good condition and shouldn’t present much of a problem for foreign drivers. However, you should avoid driving late at night or early in the morning if possible, as fog can make seeing the road rather difficult at these times.
Occasionally, you will encounter reckless drivers around the city of Kochi, particularly on the road to Munnar. So, if you’re not used to driving in India, it’s better to take it slow and always drive defensively. Maybe avoid driving in congested areas of the city and driving at night if you don’t feel comfortable.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Kochi by Motorcycle?
Now that you know everything you need to know about how to rent a motorbike in Kochi, here are some of the best places in the city to get you started on your itinerary:
Chinese Fishing Nets
One of the most popular things to do in Kochi is to see the traditional Chinese fishing nets that represent the interesting history of Chinese influence in Kerala. According to legend, the nets were originally brought over by the court of Chinese emperor Kublai Khan and were introduced to the local fishermen in the 14th century by Zheng He, a famous Chinese explorer. Apparently, they’ve been in use ever since and, indeed, the local fishermen of Kochi still use them today.
The best place to view the fishing nets is by going to Vasco da Gama Square and walking the narrow pathway that goes along Fort Kochi beach. If you go in the morning, you can actually see them being used to catch fish. And if you stop by again a little later, you can buy a fish, have it cooked up for you, and enjoy it while watching the sunset.
Mattancherry Palace
Also known as the Dutch Palace because it was renovated and extended by the Dutch in 1663, the Mattancherry Palace was originally built as a gift in 1555 from the Portuguese to the Raja of Kochi, Verra Kerala Varma. The two-story palace is a feast for the eyes with its unique combination of Portuguese architectural elements and traditional elements of Kerala temple architecture.
The Mattancherry Palace is located in the Anavathil section of the city in the Dutch Palace Grounds, which is home to several other interesting cultural sites. Today, the palace is home to an amazing art gallery featuring fine works from Indian and international artists. It’s a great place to see visual representations of some of traditional Indian folklore.
Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum
Perhaps the best place in all of Kochi to get a taste of authentic local culture is at the Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum. The building itself showcases three separate architectural styles that represent some of the prominent cultures of the region: Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore. The museum also contains over 4,000 artifacts that were collected from temples and old houses in the region.
If you plan on going to the Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum, make sure that you check the theatre schedule beforehand. The wood-trimmed theatre inside the museum is one of the best places in the world to see the Kathakali style of dance, a traditional dance native to Kerala. You’ll get to see vibrantly colored costumes, hear some wonderful music, and witness some incredible dance moves.
Ride Around Kochi on a Motorcycle
While the main tourist area of Kochi is definitely one of the more walkable destinations in India, there’s nothing like the experience of driving around the city and its surrounding areas on a rental motorbike. You’ll have the freedom and the flexibility to see everything in the city and then hit the backroads and explore the surrounding areas.
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