Kochi, India

• Kochi spreads across islands and mainland on Kerala's coast. Fort Kochi and Mattancherry are the historic islands with colonial buildings and those Chinese fishing nets from the 1400s - most tourists stay here. The mainland Ernakulam side has the metro, shopping malls, and office buildings. They're connected by bridges and frequent ferries.
• Kerala has a better reputation for safety than most Indian states. In Kochi's tourist areas, you'll see women eating alone at cafes without anyone thinking twice about it. English works fine in Fort Kochi, hotels, and tourist restaurants. On the mainland and in local areas, basic Malayalam helps but isn't essential.
• Getting around takes some planning. The metro runs on the mainland but doesn't reach the islands where most attractions are. You'll use Uber or Ola for auto-rickshaws, ferries between islands, or walk within Fort Kochi. The islands feel less intense than Delhi or Mumbai - things move slower here. Emergency number is 112 for police, medical, and fire services.
• Dress conservatively. Kerala is more traditional than Goa - cover shoulders and knees outside beach areas, bring a scarf for temples. The laid-back pace here can be easier to handle than bigger Indian cities, but it's still India with all the staring and occasional harassment that comes with that.

Malayalam is the local language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and upscale restaurants. The emergency service 112 has English-speaking operators. Tourist Police and Kerala Tourism Helpline (1800-425-4747) can assist in English. In local neighborhoods and markets, basic Malayalam is helpful but not essential.

• Kerala is more conservative than Goa. Cover shoulders and knees outside beach areas - tank tops and shorts will get you stared at. Bring a scarf for temples.
• English works in Fort Kochi, hotels, and tourist restaurants. On the mainland, basic Malayalam helps: 'namaskaram' (hello), 'nanni' (thank you), 'illa' (no). Google Translate works for menus.
• You'll get stared at, catcalled, and hear inappropriate comments - this happens to foreign women in India. Don't engage, move to busier areas if uncomfortable. Tourist Police is 1800-425-4747, Women's Helpline is 1091.
• Take your shoes off before entering homes, temples, and some traditional restaurants. If you eat with your hands, use your right hand only. Lunch is 12-2 PM, dinner after 7 PM, though tourist areas serve food all day.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services (Integrated): 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The metro runs on the mainland from Aluva to Palarivattom - trains every 7-8 minutes during rush hour, modern and air-conditioned. But it doesn't go to the islands where the tourist stuff is.
• Use Uber or Ola for auto-rickshaws. Don't negotiate with drivers on the street - they'll charge you 2-3x the normal rate, especially at train stations and tourist spots. Book through the app.
• Ferries between Fort Kochi, Vypeen Island, and the mainland run frequently and cost just a few rupees. They get packed during rush hours. The Ro-Ro ferry to Vypeen takes 7-10 minutes.
• You can walk around Fort Kochi - everything's near Princess Street and Burger Street. On the mainland you need transport. Don't walk alone in poorly lit areas after 10 PM, even in Fort Kochi.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, book a private car with a driver rather than driving yourself.

Explore Kochi with local guides and curated experiences.