Cochin city tour

Travel back in time to colonial Kochi with this intriguing half-day tour of the old city. Discover fascinating sights like the Mattencherry Palace, see also the local fishermen in action with their ancient techniques, the oldest Christian church in India and visit the country’s oldest synagogue. Kochi’s stunning location on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas on the southeast coast has earned it the fitting soubriquet of Queen of the Arabian Sea.

Kochi blends Christian, Islamic, Hindu and Jewish traditions, and throughout the historic core you will see the influences of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architectures. Visit the restored Mattencherry Palace, which was built in the 16th century by Portuguese merchants for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights.

Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets of Jew Town, which is one of the main centres of the spice trade. Scores of small firms trade in old, dilapidated buildings and the air is filled with the aroma of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves. Browse the antique and handicraft shops, and visit the Paradesi Synagogue, which is the oldest active Jewish synagogue in India. It is magnificently decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Explore the older parts of the Fort Kochi area and on Rose Street see the house near St Francis’s Church – the oldest in India – where great explorer Vasco da Gama is believed to have stayed. Watch in awe Kochi’s fishermen in action as they use ancient Chinese cantilevered fishing nets.

Languages

English.