Discover the highlights of Kochi from a local’s perspective as you ride around in a traditional tuk-tuk. See the city’s historical monuments, learn about its colonial past, and benefit from a convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. Travel to the spice markets and learn about Kochi’s central role in the Indian spice trade for many centuries and its popularity by foreign traders.  See the old buildings that most clearly reveal this deep-rooted colonial influence. Kochi was the first European colony for Portugal in India from the year 1500-1663, followed by the Dutch and later the British.  Explore the fishing village’s ancient Chinese fishing nets, historical European settlements like the Vasco de Gama church, and the Dutch cemetery and towards the Dutch palace. Stop by a museum under ASI and spend time walking through the historical Jewish district and visit the Jewish synagogue.

You will be picked up from Kochi Port Ships Berth and transfered to Fort Kochi to visit your first stop, the Chinese Fishing Nets. Introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in the 14th century, Kochi fishermen still use the fishing nets to earn their livelihoods. Continue your stroll down to St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The church was constructed in 1503 by Portuguese friars and is now the burial place of Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer who led the first ships that sailed directly from Europe to India. Next you will visit Santa Cruz Basilica, one the largest and most impressive churches in India. The church has two soaring spires and a bright, white-washed exterior. Inside, you will find walls decorated with frescoes, murals, and large paintings depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. Stop at Local Laundry or Dhobi Khanna. Later, visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555. The palace is famous for its stunning murals portraying scenes from Hindu tales, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Next door is the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in South India. Admire the ornate brass pulpit, the Belgian glass chandelier, and hand-painted Chinese porcelain floor tiles. Before the tour is concluded, you can wander around Jew Town and Jewish Synagogue, a central location for the spice trade and inhale the aroma of ginger, cardamom, turmeric, and cloves. If your schedule allows, you can also do some shopping for spices, handicrafts, and antiques, or have a casual lunch. When the tour ends, you will be transferred back to Kochi Port to board your cruise on time.

Start your private walking tour at Fort Kochi visiting Chinese fishing nets, which were introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in the 14th century. Kochi fishermen still use these fishing nets to earn their livelihoods. Continue your stroll down to St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The church was constructed in 1503 by Portuguese friars and is now the burial place of Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer who led the first ships that sailed directly from Europe to India. The church has a large cemetery that serves as a resting ground for many Portuguese army officials and soldiers.  Next, see Santa Cruz Basilica, one the largest and most impressive churches in India. The church has two soaring spires and a bright, white-washed exterior. Inside, find walls decorated with frescoes, murals, and large paintings depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ.  Visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555. The palace is famous for its stunning murals portraying scenes from Hindu tales, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Next door is the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in South India. Admire the ornate brass pulpit, the Belgian glass chandelier, and hand-painted Chinese porcelain floor tiles. Finish by wandering around the neighboring Jew Town, a central location for the spice trade, and inhale the aroma of ginger, cardamom, turmeric, and cloves. 

Day 1: Arrive Cochin – Munnar by Road [135 kms / 4 hours] On your arrival in Cochin your driver will pick you up from Cochin airport or your other pre-arranged meeting point. Take a scenic drive to Hill Station in Munnar where you will enjoy your tree house stay. Check-in at the treehouse and take in the beautiful forest scenery. In the afternoon you will have the chance to do some sightseeing at major tourist hotspots such as: Eravikulam National park, Tea Museum, Mettupatty and Echo Point. You will have the evening to do your own exploring before you spend the night in your treehouse room which is fitted with modern amenities.  Day 2: Munnar – Thekkady by Road [95 kms / approx. 3 hours] After a delicious breakfast, head towards Thekkady in an air-conditioned car with your driver. You will be taken to your accomodation upon reaching the destination. From your accomodation you will be taken to some of the most important sightseeing locations in the area, such as: Thekkady Lake, Periyar Tiger reserve, Vandanmedu, Plantations (tea, coffee, etc), Pullumadu, etc. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you ride a boat in the tranquility of Periyar Lake. After this you will be directed back to the hotel in Thekkady for an overnight stay. Day 3: Thekkady – Alleppey by Road [135 kms / approx. 4 hours] After breakfast you will be ready to leave for Alleppey, taken by your chauffeur in an air-conditioned car. You will be taken to your houseboat upon reaching Alleppey. Board your houseboat fitted with all modern facilities and enjoy an overnight ride gliding along the backwater toward your next destination, Kumarkom. All meals will be cooked and served on board. Enjoy an amazing meal and relax onboard for the rest of the evening.  Day 4: Kumarakom – Cochin [55 kms / approx. 1 ½ hours] – Departure Wake up to a delicious breakfast on board in Kumarkom. Kumarkom is where you will deboard the houseboat. Your driver will be present to receive and take you to Cochin city. Cochin also called Kochi, is a major port city of Kerala with a surreal mix of English, Dutch and Portuguese architectures. Enjoy the day sightseeing and visiting: Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, Bolgatty Palace, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue and Chinese Fishing Nets. Your tour will finish after the city tour of Cochin and you will be safely dropped at the Cochin airport or other pre-arranged drop-off point.

Experience Cochin on this full day tour with a professional guide. Meet at the Cochin Port cruise terminal or your Hotel at Cochin and transfer to to the vibrant Mattancherry to visit the Pardesi Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, the spice market and later visit Fort Kochi Chinese Nets ,Santa Cruz Basilica ,St Francis Church etc and various other must-see attractions. This fun and eclectic tour will show you the diversity that India and Cochin has to offer, exploring various cultures and traditions Your local guide will be able to teach you some of the fun facts and hidden gems of the area.

See the Chinese fishing nets introduced in Kochi by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in the 14th century. See also the 16th-century St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the burial place of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Next on the 4-hour shore excursion is Santa Cruz Basilica. Admire the interior decorated with frescoes, murals, and paintings depicting scenes from the life of Christ. Visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese. See murals with scenes from Hindu tales. Next door is the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in South India. Admire the brass pulpit, glass chandelier, and hand-painted Chinese porcelain floor tiles.

Book yourself a private walking tour of the best highlights of Fort Kochi. This area displays a unique heritage from its Portuguese, Dutch, British and Malabar roots. Enjoy an engaging walking tour with a local guide - the best way to explore everything this area has to offer. Guests residing in Fort Kochi can meet their guide at the hotel lobby, while other guests can meet the guide at the convenient meeting point, or can request a hotel pickup and drop off service. Visit the oldest church in India, the St. Francis Church, built in 1503. Find out how Vasco Da Gama, the first European explorer to discover the sea route to India, was initially buried here before his remains were taken to Lisbon. The impressive Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, also built in the 1500s, has beautiful paintings and murals inside. Keep your cameras ready for the Chinese Fishing Nets, a traditional method of fishing from the beach introduced by Chinese explorers. Take a brief tuk-tuk ride to Matancherry and Jew Town. Learn about how The Matancherry Palace was gifted to the King of Kochi by the Portuguese and is home to beautiful murals from Hindu epics. Explore the Pardesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active Jewish place of worship in the world. After exploring the ornate interiors, spend time walking around the antique and spice shops in Jew Town before ending the tour.