Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Kochi on this half-day tour. Explore ancient landmarks, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance, and indulge in a delicious local dinner.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Kochi on this half-day tour. Explore ancient landmarks, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance, and indulge in a delicious local dinner.
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Paradesi Synagogue - Guests will be collected from their hotel in the city center around 1:00 PM by an English-speaking local guide.
The tour begins in Jewish Town, a historic area in Kochi where Jewish refugees from Jerusalem settled during the Crusades. This area is known for its antique and handicraft shops. The main attraction is the Paradesi…
- Paradesi Synagogue - Guests will be collected from their hotel in the city center around 1:00 PM by an English-speaking local guide.
The tour begins in Jewish Town, a historic area in Kochi where Jewish refugees from Jerusalem settled during the Crusades. This area is known for its antique and handicraft shops. The main attraction is the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, making it the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. It is one of the few operational synagogues in India and features a unique architectural style influenced by native Hindu-Christian designs.
- Dutch Cemetery - The next stop is the Dutch Palace, also known as the Mattancherry Palace, constructed by the Portuguese in 1568 as a gift to the Maharaja. It has been the site of coronations for Kochi Maharajas. Visitors can see a large throne, coronation costumes, and a vast collection of royal chariots, swords, and other artifacts. The mural room showcases some of the finest mythological murals.
- Fort Kochi Beach - The tour continues to Fort Kochi, the northern part of the Peninsula, featuring neatly arranged colonial buildings, narrow, well-paved roads, Anglo-Dutch influenced structures, and large antique shops. Here, visitors can view the iconic giant Chinese fishing nets, a legacy from traders of Kublai Khan’s court in the 14th century.
- Church of Saint Francis - The next visit is to St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, and considered India’s oldest European-built church. The current structure, built in the mid-16th century, replaced the original wooden building. Explorer Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524, was buried here for 14 years before his remains were moved to Lisbon. His tombstone remains in the church.
- Kerala Kathakali Centre - After the city tour, guests will be driven to the theater for a traditional ‘Kathakali’ Dance Show in the evening (Between 05-06:30 PM).
The ‘Kathakali’ performance tells its story through remarkable footwork and expressive gestures of the face and hands, accompanied by music and vocal performance. Dancers wear elaborate and colorful makeup, unique face masks, and costumes that reflect the ancient martial arts and athletic traditions of Kerala and nearby regions. Traditionally performed by male dancers, this art form developed in the courts and theaters of Hindu regions, unlike other Indian classical dances that primarily evolved in Hindu temples and monastic schools. Although its origins are not precisely known, this classical dance form likely dates back to the 1st millennium CE, possibly earlier.
After the show, guests will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (Beverages not included).
Following dinner, guests will be driven back to their hotel in central Kochi.
- Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Dinner at a local restaurant (beverages not included).
- Guidance from a local English-speaking guide.
- Two bottles of mineral water per person.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within city center.
- Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Dinner at a local restaurant (beverages not included).
- Guidance from a local English-speaking guide.
- Two bottles of mineral water per person.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within city center.
- Food or drink Unless Specified.
- Gratuities
- Food or drink Unless Specified.
- Gratuities
The captivating city of Kochi has been shaped by numerous explorers and merchants who have frequented it over centuries. On your intimate half-day exploration, you’ll witness towering Chinese fishing nets, a synagogue dating back to 450 years, Portuguese residences, and remnants of the British Raj. Following your excursion, immerse yourself in a…
The captivating city of Kochi has been shaped by numerous explorers and merchants who have frequented it over centuries. On your intimate half-day exploration, you’ll witness towering Chinese fishing nets, a synagogue dating back to 450 years, Portuguese residences, and remnants of the British Raj. Following your excursion, immerse yourself in a Kathakali performance. Like all of India’s classical dance arts, Kathakali combines music, vocals, choreography, hand and facial expressions to narrate familiar tales from Indian culture. Hailing from the South Indian state of Kerala, it provides you an opportunity to experience the traditional and classical Kathakali Dance with its incredible costumes.
Highlights
• Dutch Palace
• Fort Kochi
• St Francis Church
• Authentic Kathakali Dance Show
• Dining at a local Restaurant
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- Consider wearing comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
- Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
