Turning Pages of Memories - By Private Boat
Monuments closed in Kochi
Dutch Palace: Closed on Fridays & National Holidays
Jewish Synagogue: Closed on Fridays afternoon, Saturdays and Jweish Holidays
Paravoor & Chendamangalam Synagogue: Closed on Mondays & Jewish Holidays
Paliath Museum: Closed on Mondays
Dutch Palace: Closed on Fridays & National Holidays
Jewish Synagogue: Closed on Fridays afternoon, Saturdays and Jweish Holidays
Paravoor & Chendamangalam Synagogue: Closed on Mondays & Jewish Holidays
Paliath Museum: Closed on Mondays
Duration of Tour - 6 hours
Kochi (Cochin), a trading port since Roman times, Cochin is on the main route between Europe and China. Today's excursion gives you the distinctive chance to experience the bustle of commerce that continues to keep Cochin one of the world's most lively destinations.
Depart from pier by motor coach to a nearby tourist area called Mattancherry to enjoy the heritage sites.
Walk a short distance to the Jewish settlement of Mattancherry. A short walk leads to the Jewish Quarter and the synagogue. The history of the Jewish community in Cochin is a fascinating one, for there are several versions of the timing of their arrival. One theory holds that the Jews first arrived around 72 BC after the sacking of the Temple in Jerusalem. A series of paintings in an anteroom tells this story. In itself very small, the Paradesi Synagogue showcases a floor of 18th century blue and white Cantonese tiles, each individually handmade and unique. When the synagogue is closed to the public for Sabbath you have time to walk in Jew Town, on its own a fascinating mix of antique shops, warehouses, spice auction rooms.
Next you walk over and visit Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, an oriental-style structure built by the Portuguese in 1555 AD. Inhabited neither by the Portuguese nor the Dutch over the ensuing centuries, "Dutch Palace" may seem a bit of a misnomer. But certainly the description of "remarkable" is apt, as you will discover on entering the palace's wooden interior, which is decorated with a series of murals. In the royal bedroom alone there are 45 murals depicting the great Indian epic, the Ramayana. The palace also boasts an interesting collection of Dutch maps, coronation robes belonging to the maharajas, along with royal palanquins, weapons and furniture.
Spend some time independently exploring the surrounding neighborhood with its mix of antique shops, warehouses and spice auction rooms, before we walk to board a motor boat journey from Mattancherry to Colonial area of Fortkochi.
On the neighborhood of Mattancherry lies picture-perfect seaside called Fort Kochi. Its delightful cobblestoned lanes filled with influences from different parts of the world hint at a long, eventful history that began with Kerala’s flourishing spice trade. It is believed that the coast of Kerala was an important center of spice trade since at least 3000 BC, and had commercial links with important kingdoms in West Asia and beyond. Arriving from Portugal with six ships bearing five friars and a group of settlers, Alfonzo de Albuquerque founded the town. He also built the first European church in India, which you also visit.
Continuing your pleasant walk through town, stroll along leafy streets to a typical English village green. In one corner stands the Church of St. Francis, the first European church built in India. It is a beautifully simple structure, adorned only by handsome floor tiles lining the interior's main aisle. Another nod to architectural simplicity is the church's punkahs, or large cloth fans. Suspended above the congregation and operated manually from outside the church, the fans are a holdover from colonial times.
In striking contrast to St. Francis is the flamboyant 20th-century Santa Cruz Cathedral. Situated on the same square, the cathedral is splendidly outfitted in Indo-Romano-Rococo style and from the church we will walk to the Chinese fishing nets area.
Perhaps the most iconic feature of Fort Cochin is the Chinese fishing nets. Said to have been introduced between 1350 and 1450 by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, the nets are strung on wooden forms and dramatically cantilevered over the harbor. The ingenious system utilizes weights and levers, allowing fisherman to raise the nets periodically to check the catch.
After the visit have a sumptuous lunch from Fort kochi and after the lunch return back to the pier by motor coach.
Kochi (Cochin), a trading port since Roman times, Cochin is on the main route between Europe and China. Today's excursion gives you the distinctive chance to experience the bustle of commerce that continues to keep Cochin one of the world's most lively destinations.
Depart from pier by motor coach to a nearby tourist area called Mattancherry to enjoy the heritage sites.
Walk a short distance to the Jewish settlement of Mattancherry. A short walk leads to the Jewish Quarter and the synagogue. The history of the Jewish community in Cochin is a fascinating one, for there are several versions of the timing of their arrival. One theory holds that the Jews first arrived around 72 BC after the sacking of the Temple in Jerusalem. A series of paintings in an anteroom tells this story. In itself very small, the Paradesi Synagogue showcases a floor of 18th century blue and white Cantonese tiles, each individually handmade and unique. When the synagogue is closed to the public for Sabbath you have time to walk in Jew Town, on its own a fascinating mix of antique shops, warehouses, spice auction rooms.
Next you walk over and visit Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, an oriental-style structure built by the Portuguese in 1555 AD. Inhabited neither by the Portuguese nor the Dutch over the ensuing centuries, "Dutch Palace" may seem a bit of a misnomer. But certainly the description of "remarkable" is apt, as you will discover on entering the palace's wooden interior, which is decorated with a series of murals. In the royal bedroom alone there are 45 murals depicting the great Indian epic, the Ramayana. The palace also boasts an interesting collection of Dutch maps, coronation robes belonging to the maharajas, along with royal palanquins, weapons and furniture.
Spend some time independently exploring the surrounding neighborhood with its mix of antique shops, warehouses and spice auction rooms, before we walk to board a motor boat journey from Mattancherry to Colonial area of Fortkochi.
On the neighborhood of Mattancherry lies picture-perfect seaside called Fort Kochi. Its delightful cobblestoned lanes filled with influences from different parts of the world hint at a long, eventful history that began with Kerala’s flourishing spice trade. It is believed that the coast of Kerala was an important center of spice trade since at least 3000 BC, and had commercial links with important kingdoms in West Asia and beyond. Arriving from Portugal with six ships bearing five friars and a group of settlers, Alfonzo de Albuquerque founded the town. He also built the first European church in India, which you also visit.
Continuing your pleasant walk through town, stroll along leafy streets to a typical English village green. In one corner stands the Church of St. Francis, the first European church built in India. It is a beautifully simple structure, adorned only by handsome floor tiles lining the interior's main aisle. Another nod to architectural simplicity is the church's punkahs, or large cloth fans. Suspended above the congregation and operated manually from outside the church, the fans are a holdover from colonial times.
In striking contrast to St. Francis is the flamboyant 20th-century Santa Cruz Cathedral. Situated on the same square, the cathedral is splendidly outfitted in Indo-Romano-Rococo style and from the church we will walk to the Chinese fishing nets area.
Perhaps the most iconic feature of Fort Cochin is the Chinese fishing nets. Said to have been introduced between 1350 and 1450 by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, the nets are strung on wooden forms and dramatically cantilevered over the harbor. The ingenious system utilizes weights and levers, allowing fisherman to raise the nets periodically to check the catch.
After the visit have a sumptuous lunch from Fort kochi and after the lunch return back to the pier by motor coach.
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Price
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Inclusions
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Exclusions
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Rates applicable for 2018 till 2019
In American Dollars - Per Person cost Up to 2 paying guests US$ 192 Up to 4 paying guests US$ 142 For 5 till 8 paying guests US$ 98 For 9 till 15 paying guests US$ 86 For 16 till 25 paying guests US$ 70 |
Rates applicable for 2018 till 2019
In Canadian Dollars - Per Person cost Up to 2 paying guests CAD 264 Up to 4 paying guests CAD 193 For 5 till 8 paying guests CAD 133 For 9 till 15 paying guests CAD 117 For 16 till 25 paying guests CAD 95 |
- Welcome at Pier with garland
- Transport will be provided by latest model air-conditioned vehicle
- Private Boat journey
- Experienced and knowledgeable English speaking local guide
- Soft drinks, bottled water, chocolates and snacks during the tour
- Lunch at a local Restaurant
- Port entry fees for vehicle and assistant
- Entrance fees
- All applicable government taxes
- Personal expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities for Guide, Driver & Assistant driver
