• Paradesi Synagogue - Guests will be collected from their city center hotel 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.

• Mattancherry Palace - The next stop is the Dutch Palace, also known as Mattancherry Palace, constructed by the Portuguese in 1568 as a gift to the Maharaja. It has been the site for the coronations of Kochi Maharajas. Visitors can see a large throne, coronation costumes, and a vast collection of royal chariots, swords, and other artifacts. The mural room is renowned for its exceptional mythological murals.
• Fort Kochi Beach - The tour continues to Fort Kochi, the northern part of the Peninsula, featuring well-preserved colonial buildings, narrow paved roads, Anglo-Dutch influenced architecture, and large antique shops. Here, visitors can view the iconic giant Chinese fishing nets, a remnant of traders from 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 passed away in Kochi in 1524, was interred 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 taken to the theater for a traditional ‘Kathakali’ Dance Show in the evening (between 05:00-06:30 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, distinctive 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 even earlier.

After the show, guests may opt to dine at a local restaurant (at their own expense).

Following dinner, guests will be transported back to their hotel in central Kochi.

• Private air-conditioned transport
• Local English-speaking guide
• Two bottles of mineral water per person
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in city center

• Food or drink Unless Specified.
• Gratuities

Kochi is a city deeply embedded with the relics and cultures from the myriad of traders and explorers who visited the city over the course of numerous centuries. On a private exploration of half a day, you’ll get to observe enormous fishing nets of Chinese origin, a 450-year-old synagogue, intricately constructed Portuguese residential spaces, and vestiges of the British Rule. Upon completion of your journey, experience the enchantment of a Kathakali performance. As with every classical Indian dance form, Kathakali is a concoction of melody, vocals, dance sequences, hand and facial expressions narrating familiar tales from Indian culture. This dance drama hails from the southern state of Kerala in India. The show offers an opportunity to spectate the classical and traditional Kathakali Dance, replete with awe-inspiring costume overlays.

Notable Sites
• Dutch Palace
• Fort Kochi
• St Francis Church
• Traditional Kathakali Dance Performance

• 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.