You can’t visit Fort Kochi and not go for a boat ride! This is, after all, a port, and boats aren’t just a tourist attraction, but a normal means of transport for the locals. You have many options to try out:

• Take one of the many boats which ferry tourists. This is the most expensive option, but the one which gives you the freedom of time as well as comfort. The boats are the usual fishing boats, but provided with space for seating. These can be hired by the hour, at Mattancherry Jetty.

• Join the locals on a ferry from Ernakulam to Fort Kochi, or the other way around. These run through the day, and you can catch one either from Mattancherry or the main ferry point.

• Climb onto an auto or your own/hired vehicle, and take the transport ferry to Vypin. This is from the Junkar Jetty near the beach. There is a passenger ferry too, but the transport version is more fun!

• Visit Bolgatty Palace and Museum, taking a ferry from the Ernakulam Jetty. Ferries are also available from Vypin, so you can do that too.

• Visit Willingdon Island, again by ferry from Mattancherry Jetty, and roam around the old Customs house and other buildings. You can even visit the old, abandoned railway station here.

While on any of these boats/ferries, enjoy the sight of the Chinese fishing nets. They are best seen at sunset. The boat ride also gives you a glimpse into Fort Kochi’s erstwhile colonial past. The stately mansions and old industries which line the coast are a sharp contrast to the bustling port on the other side.

Fishermen are the only constant here, and the many varieties of fishing boats and fishing techniques are an interesting sight. Besides, there are also a large variety of water birds which can be spotted, if you are a birdwatcher at heart! Whatever your interest is, a boat ride is the perfect way to end a day at Fort Kochi!