Apart from enjoying the food and line up of curio shops, you could watch locals pulling up huge Chinese fishing nets, or take a walk along the fish market. Although prices are sky high, you could probably buy a couple of delicious Karimeen or Spotted Pearl Fish, and give it to the shack owners alongside to cook -- steamed, fried or in a curry.

Fort Kochi is mostly famous among foreign tourists for its home stays and cuisine. But, it has preserved a certain old world charm that lavish hotels and restaurants, with their sterile environment, simply cannot offer. The streets of Kochi are narrow and cobbled, lined on both sides with trees and beautifully maintained heritage houses. Most of these have been converted to part hotels or home stays, with art galleries and restaurants for tourists to enjoy seafood and a beer.

Text and photographs: Tanya Munshi