Discover the famous backwater canals of Kerala on a half-day tour from Fort Cochin, and immerse yourself in a quiet way of life, far from the pressures of big city life. The tour starts with a pickup from a meeting point in Fort Cochin at 8:30 AM. Drive to a village just outside Cochin City to board a traditional covered country boat. The boats have a capacity for about 20 people, allowing for an intimate experience while enjoying the serenity of the landscape. Your guide will paddle you through the sumptuous vegetation, stopping at a village to see coconut palm weaving and coir making. Then, savor a vegetarian lunch and later, a transfer to Fort Cochin. Arrive back at the meeting point at around 3:00 PM.

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.

Alleppey also called " Venice of the East" is an important tourist destination in India. The Backwaters of Alleppey are the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a delightful experience. Alappuzha is a landmark between the broad Arabian sea and a web of rivers flowing into it. It is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. In the early first decade of the 20th century the then Viceroy of the Indian Empire, Lord Curzon made a visit in the State to Alleppey, now Alappuzha. Fascinated by the scenic beauty of the place, in joy and amazement, he said, here nature has spent up on the land her richest bounties. In his exhilaration, he exclaimed, Alleppey, the Venice of the East. Itinerary : Pick-from Cochin Port or your hotel is at 9.00 am before the transfer to Aleppey (approximately 1.30 hours) to board the boat at 10:30 am. The boat will cruise slowly through the backwaters and village area of Aleppey with the main attraction during the cruise being the view of backwaters, paddy fields, coconut palms, and the villager's daily life. The cruise will finish around 1.30 pm and you get back to Cochin Port between 3.00 and 3.15 pm. 

See the Chinese fishing nets introduced in Kochi by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in the 14th century. See also the 16th-century St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the burial place of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Next on the 4-hour shore excursion is Santa Cruz Basilica. Admire the interior decorated with frescoes, murals, and paintings depicting scenes from the life of Christ. Visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese. See murals with scenes from Hindu tales. Next door is the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in South India. Admire the brass pulpit, glass chandelier, and hand-painted Chinese porcelain floor tiles.

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.

The adventure begins with pickup from your accommodation in your very own private tuk-tuk. Arrive at the first stop of the day and marvel at the city’s iconic Chinese fishing nets which were introduced by traders in the 14th century. Take a stroll along the shore to see the local fishermen who still use these nets today, then head 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. Continue the tour to the Santa Cruz Basilica, which is one of the largest and most impressive churches in India. Boasting two soaring spires and a bright, white-washed exterior, the church is a real treat for the eyes. Head inside and find the walls decorated with stunning frescoes, intricate murals, and large paintings that depict the life of Jesus. Hop back in the tuk-tuk and make your way to Mattancherry Palace, which was also built by the Portuguese in the 1500s. The palace is famous for its breathtaking murals which portray classic Hindu tales such as Ramanaya and Mahabharata. Later, take a trip to the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in South India. Admire the synagogue's ornate brass pulpit, Belgian glass chandeliers, and hand-painted Chinese porcelain floor tiles. From the synagogue, wander around the neighboring Jew Town, a central location for the spice trade. As you peruse the stalls, soak up the vibrant atmosphere of locals going about their day and be enveloped by the aroma of ginger, cardamom, turmeric, and cloves. At the end of an unforgettable experience, sit back and relax in the tuk-tuk on the return journey to your accommodation.

On your arrival in Cochin, meet your representative and later drive to Mattancherry. Visit the Jewish Quarter (Jewish street, town, synagogue and cemetery) which attracts by its glass works, Chinese titles, Belgian chandeliers and wall paintings built by Jews. You will also see Dutch palace built by the Portuguese. Drive to Fort Cochin and visit Indoprotugies Museum, Santa Cruz Basilia and St. Francis Church. Take a break for lunch at a restaurant and then later drive to Cherai Beach with its Chinese fishing nets made of teak wood and bamboo poles, famous for the way they are designed. It is one of the most alluring beaches in Cochin and a place where you can enjoy the scenic beauty. By evening, be dropped off back at your accommodation in Cochin.