✨🆕 Kochi After Dark: A Night Food Trail | Ernakulam

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• Sunset to Nightfall: Experience the dynamic shift in Kochi's energy, starting with twilight tea at a local peedika where the young and old meet and and closing with the quiet sweetness of payasam as the city shifts into night.
• Hidden Heritage Eateries: Feast your way through seven neighbourhood spots—tasting the authentic, everyday flavours that locals fiercely protect.
• Mainland Institutions: Savour curated tastings at Ernakulam's most legendary culinary landmarks, including the old-world elegance of the Grand Hotel and the iconic, honoured biriyani at Kayees.
• Research-Driven Storytelling: Uncover the layered history of trade, migrations, and the stories that shaped Kerala's modern palate.

• A TKHP Storyteller: Expert guidance and immersive historical narrative from a dedicated local researcher.
• The Complete Feast: All food and beverage tastings across our 7 heritage stops. The tastings are carefully curated and equivalent to a very heavy dinner—come hungry!
• Seamless Logistics: All local vendor taxes, tips, and gratuities are covered. We handle the cash and the queues so you can simply enjoy the walk.

• This is a walking trail, and we do not use vehicles.
• Hotel pickups and drops.
• Food stops that fall outside of the curated route.
• Personal shopping.
• Any alcoholic beverages outside of our specifically curated tastings, if any.
• We do not provide umbrellas, raincoats, hats/caps or face-masks.

The Kochi Heritage Project is a social enterprise committed to responsible tourism. By joining the Kochi After Dark trail, your ticket directly supports local ecosystems and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth): We channel tourism revenue directly into the city's hyper-local economy, supporting legacy shops, family-run establishments, and heritage restaurants.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities): By spotlighting generationally-owned culinary landmarks, we help safeguard Kochi's intangible cultural heritage from rapid urbanisation.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption): Our standardised ordering guide ensures zero food waste, while our walking format keeps our carbon footprint minimal.

• Is it safe to walk in Ernakulam at night? Absolutely. While Ernakulam is a bustling commercial center, our route is well-lit, highly populated, and completely safe. You will be guided the entire time by your TKHP Storyteller, who intimately knows the neighbourhoods and local shop owners. The evening transition is actually when the city is at its most vibrant and welcoming.
• Are the street food and local stops hygienic? Yes. As a premium heritage enterprise, we take food safety very seriously. We do not stop at random carts; every vendor on this trail is a rigorously vetted, generationally-owned establishment with exceptional turnover and hygiene standards. You can taste the local flavors with complete peace of mind.
• I have dietary restrictions. Can I still join the food trail? This specific trail celebrates the legacy dishes that define Kerala's culinary history, Because the core storytelling and tastings are deeply tied to kerala cuisine, Kochi After Dark is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. If you have other specific food allergies but do consume meat and seafood, please reach out to us before booking so we can confirm if we can safely accommodate your needs.
• How much walking is involved? Is it suitable for older parents or young kids?The trail covers a leisurely 2 kilometers over three hours, with plenty of stops to sit, eat, and listen to stories. It is paced comfortably for multi-generational families. However, please note that some footpaths can be uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are a must, and it may be difficult for wheelchairs or strollers.
• I am staying in Fort Kochi. How do I get to the tour? The tour takes place on the mainland in Ernakulam. The quickest and most scenic way to cross over from Fort Kochi is by taking the ferry (about 20 minutes) to the Ernakulam boat jetty, or you can take a taxi. You can also take the Water Metro. Whatever the mode keep a note of the timings and availability. We will provide the exact starting location and travel tips in your booking confirmation.
• What happens if it rains? Our tours run rain or shine! Kochi’s weather can be unpredictable, but navigating the monsoon is part of the authentic coastal experience. We recommend bringing an umbrella or raincoat. If extreme weather poses a safety risk, we will proactively reach out to reschedule or refund your booking.
• Do I need to bring any cash? No. Your ticket is all-inclusive of the food, beverages, and vendor tips. You only need cash if you plan to purchase personal souvenirs, extra food, spices, or take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi back to your hotel afterward.

• Please carry your own water bottle.
• We recommend wearing comfortable footwear and using sunscreen.
• Please also carry your own umbrella/raincoat or cap/hat/sunglasses (as the weather dictates).
• Since this also a food tour and we would be trying out a wide range of food, it’s advised to eat light before joining the walk to have a good experience. We'd advice to skip breakfast.

• Photography is permitted. Videography is not permitted. If you are a researcher, guide, a travel writer, or a blogger, kindly request consent from the Organizer before the tour.
• You will be served refreshments / meals (if applicable) in places that follow hygiene and sanitary guidelines approved by The Kochi Heritage Project.
• Inform the storyteller of any food restrictions that may affect you before starting the tour, including, without limitation, food allergies, dietary restrictions and any other health concerns.
• Due to the nature of our thoughtfully curated gastronomic experiences, we are unable to accommodate all dietary restrictions. If you have specific dietary needs, please contact us before booking to confirm whether we can accommodate your request.
• Items not expressly included in the tour, such as additional food, beverages, or personal purchases, must be paid for separately by the guest.
• In respect to all participants, we kindly ask that guests are able to maintain the group’s walking pace. Unfortunately, we are unable to slow down the tour for individual guests on group or public tours.

• The Kochi Heritage Project works on a 100% advance payment before the walk. Tour bookings shall be confirmed only once The Kochi Heritage Project receives full payment.
• Tour can be cancelled up to 7 days before their start for a full refund. Tour cancellation made between 7 to 3 days of the tour incur a 50% cancellation fee and within 3 days of the tour date incur a 100% cancellation fee, though they can be rescheduled for no additional fees.
• No refunds will be issued in case an attendee/attendees fail to turn up for the tour.
• All of our tours are rain or shine, and will only be cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. If a guest chooses to cancel a tour due to weather, the above policy stands.
• Cancellation of a tour due to circumstances beyond the control of The Kochi Heritage Project including but not limited to an act of God, riots, war, strikes, civil unrest, terrorism, governmental regulations, floods, earthquakes, fire, extreme weather and other natural disasters, shall be made at The Kochi Heritage Project's sole discretion without notice. Actual costs incurred on special arrangements made for the tour (if any), including cancellation charges on vehicles booked shall be deducted.
• The Kochi Heritage Project shall at its discretion be entitled to cancel any tour on a full refund of the fees to the guest for any reason that the company may deem fit with or without prior notice to the guest.
• Payment of refund shall be made within 15 days of walk cancellation. (subject to the above cancellation policy)