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KochiCulture & history

Our most recommended Kochi Culture & history

Kochi: Private Tuk-Tuk City Tour with Hotel Pickup

1. Kochi: Private Tuk-Tuk City Tour with Hotel Pickup

Discover the highlights of Kochi from a local’s perspective as you ride around in a traditional tuk-tuk. See the city’s historical monuments, learn about its colonial past, and benefit from a convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. Travel to the spice markets and learn about Kochi’s central role in the Indian spice trade for many centuries and its popularity by foreign traders.  See the old buildings that most clearly reveal this deep-rooted colonial influence. Kochi was the first European colony for Portugal in India from the year 1500-1663, followed by the Dutch and later the British.  Explore the fishing village’s ancient Chinese fishing nets, historical European settlements like the Vasco de Gama church, and the Dutch cemetery and towards the Dutch palace. Stop by a museum under ASI and spend time walking through the historical Jewish district and visit the Jewish synagogue.

Kerala Full-Day Tour from Kochi with Lunch

2. Kerala Full-Day Tour from Kochi with Lunch

Head out from Kochi on a tour of Kerala that will cover many of the must-see sights in this beautiful region of South West India. Start by visiting the first Christian church in India, St. Thomas, home to many important relics. Then continue on to see the Pariyanempatta Bhagavathi Temple and the first mosque in India, followed by a trip to an excavation site. Next up, head to the Shiva Temple and the Guruvayoor Temple. The former is more than 2,000 years old, and the latter is a place where Hindu marriages are regularly performed. Your next stop of the day will be at an elephant sanctuary, home to more than 68 elephants. Then board a country boat for a village backwater tour. This will be followed up by a visit to a fishing harbor and market, a stop at the Mahadeva Temple, and a stroll along Cherai Beach. At some point during the day, you will also get to enjoy a lovely seafood lunch at Vedic Village Resort.

Fort Kochi & Mattanchery 3-Hour Walking Tour

3. Fort Kochi & Mattanchery 3-Hour Walking Tour

Start your private walking tour at Fort Kochi visiting Chinese fishing nets, which were introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in the 14th century. Kochi fishermen still use these fishing nets to earn their livelihoods. Continue your stroll down to St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The church was constructed in 1503 by Portuguese friars and is now the burial place of Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer who led the first ships that sailed directly from Europe to India. The church has a large cemetery that serves as a resting ground for many Portuguese army officials and soldiers.  Next, see Santa Cruz Basilica, one the largest and most impressive churches in India. The church has two soaring spires and a bright, white-washed exterior. Inside, find walls decorated with frescoes, murals, and large paintings depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ.  Visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555. The palace is famous for its stunning murals portraying scenes from Hindu tales, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Next door is the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in South India. Admire the ornate brass pulpit, the Belgian glass chandelier, and hand-painted Chinese porcelain floor tiles. Finish by wandering around the neighboring Jew Town, a central location for the spice trade, and inhale the aroma of ginger, cardamom, turmeric, and cloves. 

Highlights of Cochin: Group Tour from Cochin Port

4. Highlights of Cochin: Group Tour from Cochin Port

You will be picked up from Kochi Port Ships Berth and transfered to Fort Kochi to visit your first stop, the Chinese Fishing Nets. Introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in the 14th century, Kochi fishermen still use the fishing nets to earn their livelihoods. Continue your stroll down to St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The church was constructed in 1503 by Portuguese friars and is now the burial place of Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer who led the first ships that sailed directly from Europe to India. Next you will visit Santa Cruz Basilica, one the largest and most impressive churches in India. The church has two soaring spires and a bright, white-washed exterior. Inside, you will find walls decorated with frescoes, murals, and large paintings depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. Stop at Local Laundry or Dhobi Khanna. Later, visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555. The palace is famous for its stunning murals portraying scenes from Hindu tales, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Next door is the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in South India. Admire the ornate brass pulpit, the Belgian glass chandelier, and hand-painted Chinese porcelain floor tiles. Before the tour is concluded, you can wander around Jew Town and Jewish Synagogue, a central location for the spice trade and inhale the aroma of ginger, cardamom, turmeric, and cloves. If your schedule allows, you can also do some shopping for spices, handicrafts, and antiques, or have a casual lunch. When the tour ends, you will be transferred back to Kochi Port to board your cruise on time.

Fort Cochin & Kathakali Dance Performance

5. Fort Cochin & Kathakali Dance Performance

Your sightseeing at Fort Kochi will take you on a tour of the center of Old Cochin, an area that now the city’s heritage zone. See the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, and the many preserved heritage houses. During this 4-hour activity, you’ll see these sites on a walking tour. At the end of the tour you’ll head to the Kathakali center, where you’ll enjoy a performance of traditional Kathakali dance. Before the performance you’ll see the preparation and dressing of the artists, which is an experience in itself. Kathakali is one of the most complex and highly stylized Indian art forms. It is basically a dance drama, noted for its heavy and attractive larger-than-life make up, elaborate costumes, detailed body movements, synchronized eye-hand movements, and thematic presentation of stories. Kathakali’s popularity traditionally was confined to palace dance halls, the courtyards of Nair noble households, and temple festivals.

Golden Triangle with Exotic Kerala Tour

6. Golden Triangle with Exotic Kerala Tour

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Golden Triangle and unwind in the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. This unique tour guarantees a perfect harmony of ancient treasures and idyllic retreats. Day 1. Arrival at Delhi: Arrive Delhi International airport. our representative will welcome you with warm greetings, then transfer to prebooked hotel check-in relax to overcome jet leg of the long flight & to recuperate to our weather conditions. overnight at hotel. Day 2. Delhi Sightseeing: Morning after breakfast, your Full Day City tour of Delhi you will explore Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Bangla Sahib Temple, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, India Gate, Tuk Tuk ride in Chandni Chowk, overnight at hotel. Day 3. Delhi – Agra (230 kms): Today morning, enjoy the breakfast after that you will be driven to Agra. Agra city is also famous with the name city of marbles. On your arrival at Agra, check-in at the hotel and then leave to explore Matehtab Bagh. After that enjoy lunch also visit Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (known as baby Taj). Later, enjoy shopping and then dinner at Mughali restaurant. After dinner, overnight at the hotel. Day 4. Agra Sightseeing: The fourth-day visit world-famous Taj Mahal. After breakfast, Morning Skip the line Sunrise tour of Taj Mahal, then visit Red Fort after then have lunch in the Mugali restaurant then explore Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula (Known as Baby Taj). In the evening, you can explore the local markets of Agra & buy some wonderful Souvenirs for your family & friends. Later enjoy dinner and overnight at the hotel. Day 5. Agra - Jaipur (245 kms): Today, our representative will drive you to Jaipur city. You will visit Fatehpur Sikri en-route towards Pink city. On your arrival at Jaipur, check-in at the hotel and get freshen up or else relax for some-time. In the evening you can enjoy shopping where you will like shopping wide range of handicraft products. Also enjoy dinner at one of the best restaurant in the city where you can find some great Rajput Ana taste. After dinner, overnight at the hotel. Day 6. Jaipur Sightseeing: After breakfast, you will visit Amer fort. After that, visit Jaigarh Fort where you will get to witness the largest canon on Wheels. then visit Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and other famous attractions of the city. In the evening, visit Jal Mahal palace. Later Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing process. overnight at hotel. Day 7. Jaipur- Delhi - Cochin (By Flight): Today after breakfast, transfer to Delhi and from Delhi board a flight for cochin, on arrival check-in, overnight at hotel. Day 8. Cochin Sightseeing: Day 9. Cochin - Munnar (127 km): Day 10. Munnar sightseeing: Day 11. Munnar - Thekkady (85 km): Day 12. Thekkady - Alleppey (140 km): Day 13. Alleppey - Kovalam (160 km): Day 14. Kovalam - Trivandrum – Kovalam Day 15. Kovalam - Trivandrum (20 km)

Glimpse of Cochin: Guided Tour

7. Glimpse of Cochin: Guided Tour

Experience Cochin on this full day tour with a professional guide. Meet at the Cochin Port cruise terminal or your Hotel at Cochin and transfer to to the vibrant Mattancherry to visit the Pardesi Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, the spice market and later visit Fort Kochi Chinese Nets ,Santa Cruz Basilica ,St Francis Church etc and various other must-see attractions. This fun and eclectic tour will show you the diversity that India and Cochin has to offer, exploring various cultures and traditions Your local guide will be able to teach you some of the fun facts and hidden gems of the area.

4-Hour Fort Cochin Sightseeing Tour

8. 4-Hour Fort Cochin Sightseeing Tour

Cochin is the jewel in the crown of Kerala with its European heritage and true cosmopolitan temperament. Take a leisurely walk through its streets and discover all that the city has to offer, from its natural harbor to its historic sites. The sightseeing of Fort Cochin excursion tours all the most important attractions of Cochin, including Fort Kochi, the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church. Fort Kochi was founded in 1503, and is a place where history, like a friendly phantom, still stalks the lonely streets. One can see many remains of Indo-European architecture that still exist here. One of the fascinating sights on the Kochi shoreline is the huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets which were brought here by traders from the court of Kubla Khan. Visit the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry. It was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555. The palace acquired its present name in 1663 when the Dutch carried out some extensions and repairs to it. The main attractions of the palace lie in its wall murals that depict the scenes from the Ramayana. Continue to the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called Jew Town. The synagogue of the white Jews near Mattancherry palace is now a fascinating mixture of shops, warehouses and spice auction rooms. At St. Francis Church you will discover the oldest European church in India. St. Francis Church was built in the early 16th-Century and it was here that the great explorer Vasco da Gama was first buried in 1562, before his mortal remains were taken back to Portugal by his son 16 years later. You will also visit Santa Cruz Basilica. Originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Santa Cruz Basilica was used as a warehouse by the British in the 18th-Century. The Basilica, with its beautiful carved wooden panels and pulpit, was rebuilt in the early 20th-Century.

Private Jaipur Full Day Tour with Hotel Pickup

9. Private Jaipur Full Day Tour with Hotel Pickup

Jaipur tour starting from your desire place like New Delhi or agra or jaipur or Mumbai or goa or bangalore or hyderabad or kochi. This itinerary assumes you're traveling by air and will provide a glimpse of the highlights in Jaipur city. Day 1: You transfer from Desire Location to New Delhi Our driver pickup you from your hotel, to catch your Delhi flight, Our driver transfer from airport to Delhi Hotel, check-in into your hotel and relax. india's one of best Tour of Jaipur, often called the "Pink City" and one of India's most vibrant and historical cities. This itinerary covers some of the major attractions and experiences that Jaipur has to offer Amber Fort (Amer Fort): Start your day by visiting the magnificent Amber Fort, located about 11 kilometers from the city center. Explore the impressive architecture, intricate carvings, and beautiful courtyards. You can choose to either walk uphill, take a jeep ride, or even an elephant ride to reach the fort. Sheesh Mahal: Within Amber Fort, don't miss the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace). This stunning hall is famous for its intricate mirror work that creates a dazzling effect when light falls on it. Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani meal at a local restaurant. Daal Baati Churma and other Rajasthani specialties are a must-try. City Palace: Head back to the city and visit the City Palace, a beautiful blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Explore its museums, courtyards, and the Chandra Mahal within the complex. Jantar Mantar: Just a short walk from the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the 18th century. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses a collection of unique astronomical instruments. Hawa Mahal: Also known as the "Palace of Winds," the Hawa Mahal is an iconic five-story palace with a unique façade designed to allow royal women to observe street festivities without being seen. Shopping in Local Markets: Jaipur is renowned for its vibrant markets. Spend some time shopping for traditional textiles, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs at places like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar. Dinner: Indulge in a dinner at a local restaurant, savoring more Rajasthani dishes or exploring other cuisines if you prefer. Optional Night Activity: Light and Sound Show at Amber Fort: If you're interested, consider attending the evening light and sound show at Amber Fort. The show narrates the history of the fort and the city in an engaging way. Please Note:- Depart from Delhi to return to your desire Location Tourist of Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi will be provide flight tickets Tourist of delhi, jaipur or agra will be provide Private Tour car for Pickup Or dropoff. Flight is available only when from Mumbai or Goa or Bengaluru or Hyderabad or Kochi or we do not need flight from Delhi Agra and Jaipur. End tour

Fort Kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets Private Walking Tour

10. Fort Kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets Private Walking Tour

Book yourself a private walking tour of the best highlights of Fort Kochi. This area displays a unique heritage from its Portuguese, Dutch, British and Malabar roots. Enjoy an engaging walking tour with a local guide - the best way to explore everything this area has to offer. Guests residing in Fort Kochi can meet their guide at the hotel lobby, while other guests can meet the guide at the convenient meeting point, or can request a hotel pickup and drop off service. Visit the oldest church in India, the St. Francis Church, built in 1503. Find out how Vasco Da Gama, the first European explorer to discover the sea route to India, was initially buried here before his remains were taken to Lisbon. The impressive Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, also built in the 1500s, has beautiful paintings and murals inside. Keep your cameras ready for the Chinese Fishing Nets, a traditional method of fishing from the beach introduced by Chinese explorers. Take a brief tuk-tuk ride to Matancherry and Jew Town. Learn about how The Matancherry Palace was gifted to the King of Kochi by the Portuguese and is home to beautiful murals from Hindu epics. Explore the Pardesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active Jewish place of worship in the world. After exploring the ornate interiors, spend time walking around the antique and spice shops in Jew Town before ending the tour.

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What people are saying about Kochi

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 28 reviews

Everything worked out great, although we booked at relatively short notice (a few hours in advance). Our guide knew the city very well, told and showed us interesting things that we would not have discovered ourselves and took the time to answer our questions. Was a very nice and interesting tour, highly recommended!

I really enjoyed the tour. Guide had knowledge About the monuments and the history it self. Friendly,well spoken in english I can only recommend him. Thank your for the tour

Tommy was a wonderful guide for our family, teaching and showing us the rich history of Kochi. We all loved the experience.

It was amazing. He took his time to explain and find the right spots. Couldn’t be more happier. Must do if you are in Kochi

Driver was very good and taken us to the places we wanted to go and recommended many others. Very good tour.