Situated on India’s south-west coast, Cochin city (also known as Kochi) is an intriguing cultural melting pot and a great base from which to explore the country from. This is why it’s referred to as the ‘Gateway to Kerala’. Pick up the keys to your Avis car at Cochin International Airport and begin your road trip into this part of India.

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From Cochin International Airport you’re around a 90-minute drive from the centre of Cochin, where a variety of eclectic attractions await.

Head to the waterfront first to see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets for which Cochin is famous. Local fisherman may offer to show passers-by how they work in return for a small fee. They also sell fresh fish, which can be cooked at a nearby shack.

Mattancherry Palace is a must-see attraction; originally a gift from the Portuguese to the Raja of Kochi (Cochin) as a gesture of goodwill. Features include some incredible Hindu murals and the 1st floor portrait gallery.

The Pardesi Synagogue is another top sight where highlights include an elaborate gold pulpit and hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles. If you’re interested in religious buildings you may also want to take a look at St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi, which is believed to be the oldest European-built church in the country.

For refreshments head to Princess Street, lined with tea shops, restaurants and cafes. It’s the ideal place to sit back and watch the world go by, and also has a number of book shops, art galleries and souvenir-sellers.

Enjoy the sights of Cochin and Kerala from the comfort of your rental car.

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