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Half Day Kochi Tuk Tuk Tour: Explore the Hidden History of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry

5.0

95 Ratings

Kochi (Cochin)

Immerse yourself in the hidden history of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry on a half-day tuk-tuk tour. Discover the unknown face of these historic places and experience the vibrant culture of Kochi.

Duration: 5 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Chinese Fishing Nets - These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the Vasco da Gama Square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach. The Square is an ideal place to idle, with stalls serving fresh delicious seafood, tender coconut etc.
Jew Town - The Maharaja of Travancore and Cochin gave shelter to the Jewish community here after the Moorish Arabs attacked them in 1524 due to their trade monopoly. They were given an area right opposite the MaharajahÃ¢â¬â¢s palace, which subsequently became known as Jew Town. It was here, at the end of a narrow cobbled road that they built the Pardesi synagogue in 1568.
Princess Street - One of the earliest streets to be constructed in Fort Kochi, Princess Street with its European style residences still retains its old world charm. The best view of this quaint street can be had from Loafers Corner, the traditional meeting place and hangout of the jovial fun loving people of the area.
Mattancherry Palace - Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beautiful murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, and some of the Puranic Hindu legends. The palace also houses Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins, coronation robes of former Maharajas of Kochi as well as period furniture.
Pierce Leslie Bungalow - This charming mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. Characteristic features are wood panels that form the roof of the ground floor, arched doorways, carved doors and sprawling rooms. Waterfront verandahs are an added attraction.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica - This historic church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1795 it fell into the hands of the British when they took over Kochi, and was demolished. About a hundred years later Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site in 1887. The church was proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.
Church of Saint Francis - Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, this is IndiaÃ¢â¬â¢s oldest European church. This was initially built of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. It was restored in 1779 by the Protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican church by the British in 1795 and is at present governed by the Church of South India. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal. The tombstone still remains.
Paradesi Synagogue - Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch. Known for mid 18th century hand painted, willow patterned floor tiles from Canton in China, a clock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, great scrolls of the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc.
Dutch Cemetery - The tomb stones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires and changed the course of history of this land. The cemetery was consecrated in 1724 and is today managed by the Church of South India.

What's Included

Complimentary pick-up service included.
All parking fees covered.

Additional Information

Choosing this tour package will reveal the undiscovered aspects of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry to you, filled with immense historical value. Our package will also grant you an insight into the authentic culture of Kochi.

Just like our Half Day Tour Packages, we offer Full Day Tour Packages as well. Our 8-hour package is priced at 2500 for two individuals.

Location

Chinese Fishing Nets

Fort Kochi Beach, Kochi-682001 Kerala India

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

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(95 Ratings)

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379hjalteg

Apr 13, 2024

What to do in Kochi! - Great way to get around in Kochi, to see the best local places! If you are short on time, I recommend taking the tour, it will save you a lot of time to have a guide and for a very small price too! If you have plenty of time in Kochi, it will still be worth it as you will get to know some good and cheap places fast. Our guide Joseph were very friendly and useful!