Cochin Heritage Trail: A Guided City Tour
Why we love it?
The Cochin Heritage Trail is a comprehensive 7-hour and 30-minute guided city tour that explores the rich cultural tapestry of Fort Kochi, India. This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking an in-depth understanding of the region's colonial past and vibrant local traditions. Participants will enjoy comfortable transportation in a private AC car or van, with options for an English-speaking local guide and meals included. Distinctive features of the tour include visits to significant monuments, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the unique blend of Indian, Portuguese, and Dutch influences that characterize Kochi's heritage.
Inclusions
- Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
- English speaking local guide, if option selected.
- Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
- Lunch, if option selected.
- Bottled water in the car.
- Government Taxes.
Exclusions
- Camera charges at monuments.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Itinerary
Step 1
Pick up from your hotel for guided city tour of Cochin. Visit:-
Step 2
9:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi, a popular tourist attraction. These nets were brought to Kochi by Chinese traders and are now operated by local fishermen. You can watch the nets being lowered into the water and pulled back up, with the catch of the day.
Step 3
10:00 AM: Walk over to the nearby St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, built by the Portuguese in 1503. The church has a rich history and is the burial place of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama.
Step 4
11:00 AM: Next, visit the Santa Cruz Basilica, a stunning Catholic church with a beautiful interior and exterior. It was originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and was later destroyed by the British, who rebuilt it in the 19th century.
Step 5
12:00 PM: Head to the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, which was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later renovated by the Dutch. The palace features a unique blend of traditional Kerala and European architectural styles and houses a museum that showcases various exhibits related to the history and culture of the region.
1:00 PM: Lunch at local restaurant.
Step 6
2:30 PM: Visit the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the world, built in the 16th century by the Jewish community in Kochi. The synagogue is famous for its exquisite hand-painted Chinese tiles and antique chandeliers.
Step 7
3:30 PM: Explore the nearby Jew Town, a vibrant neighborhood that has a unique mix of Indian, Jewish, and Portuguese cultures. You can find shops selling antiques, spices, and handicrafts, and also visit the nearby spice market.
Step 8
4:30 PM: End your day with a visit to the Kerala Folklore Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts, costumes, and other exhibits related to the folklore and cultural heritage of Kerala.
Step 9
After sightseeing drop off to your hotel.
Please Note
- Stroller or pram accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Please provide up pick up information atleaset one day before the tour
- Please provide your hotel name and address at the time of booking or at least 3 days prior to the trip date. Our guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby at the scheduled time. Contact details will be shared one day prior to the tour.
Know Before You Go
- Public transportation nearby
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
Cancellation Policy
Fully refundable until 1 day before start
Non-refundable after 1 day before start
