Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi

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.

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. 

Discover all of Kochi's gorgeous and iconic landmarks, such as Fort Kochi, Jew Town, and the Ernakulam Shiva Temple. Taste local specialties on this great 4-hour trip in an air-conditioned car with a personal guide. If you are short on time or simply want to see tourist attractions in and around the city, a half-day city trip is the perfect alternative. Highlights: Explore the city's ancient ruins, magnificent structures, vibrant marketplaces, and beaches. We created this lovely garland of all the locations in our Trails of Kochi trip, an unrivalled history experience with amazing anecdotes to help you grasp a city's existence, culture, and local knowledge. 1. Explore the gorgeous & beautiful historic fort Kochi side, beaches, and learn about the city's history,culture & life. 2. Visit the famed Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, Kochi's bazaar, old lanes, twisting avenues, & so forth. 3. Finish the journey with a big smile on your face & wonderful moments to treasure in your photos.

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.

"Experience the best of Fort Kochi and its enchanting surroundings with our full-day private shore excursion, a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty. This immersive journey begins with a thrilling Tuk-Tuk tour around Fort Kochi, taking you through its historic streets and iconic landmarks. You'll get to explore Fort Kochi Beach, where the famous Chinese fishing nets dot the shoreline, adding a touch of charm to your coastal visit. As you continue your Tuk-Tuk adventure, you'll also visit Dhobi Khana, the traditional laundry spot of Fort Kochi, and stroll through Jew Street, leading you to the historic Jewish Synagogue. The Dutch Palace and Mattancherry Palace will transport you back in time with their rich architecture and heritage. The tour also includes a visit to St. Francis Church, a significant religious site with a captivating history. Finally, as the day concludes, we'll drop you off at your hotel or resort, leaving you with cherished memories of a day filled with cultural discoveries and natural splendour.

Experience real Kochi with our fun and fascinating storytellers on an amazing walking tour of the old town. This walking tour will provide you a superb introduction to the city, its history, dynamic culture, and people through a variety of wonderful anecdotes, fun facts, and must-do activities. Our walks are filled with a combination of historical explanations and odd anecdotes, mixed with mildly slanderous remarks about current and former celebrities and royals. During the tour, we will see some of the city's landmarks as well as secret spots and forgotten nooks of the old city.

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.

You will be met by our Manager at the Cruise Terminal with a Pager Board with your name. You will be escorted to the waiting Car/SUV/Van Coach. The English Speaking Guide and Driver will receive you and you commence tour. It is to Fort Kochi you go first. There are Chinese Fishing Nets, Church of St. Francis ( where you visit the first tomb of Vasco Da Gama ), Bastion Bungalow (The Dutch Museum), Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica ( One of the heritage edifices of Kochi), Dhobi Khana,( The washer men's community engaged in washing clothes), etc visited. Then you proceed to Mattancherry, where you visit Dutch Palace, Jewish Town, and Paradesi Synagogue, and walk around Jewish Town for shopping for spices, handicrafts, Silk, Pashmina, and antiquities. At the end of 5 hours you will return to your ship.

See Kochi’s top attractions independently, in your own private tuk-tuk, with this private shore excursion, which includes round-trip transfers from the cruise ship dock. You'll have plenty of flexibility to explore at your leisure, with time to stop at key attractions such as Fort Kochi Beach and its Chinese Fishing Nets, the Dutch Cemetery, the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, and Mattancherry Palace, to name a few. Our tuk-tuk driver will be waiting outside the port with your name placard to receive you on time.

Explore all of Kochi's gorgeous and popular sights that retain the essence of a bygone era and become acquainted with their legacy and rustic appeal. On this excellent 8-hour journey with a personal guide in an air-conditioned car, discover the gorgeous places that are great examples of architectural brilliance such as Mattancherry Palace, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, St. Francis Csi Church, and other prominent monuments. Highlights : 1. Explore the gorgeous and beautiful historic fort Kochi side, beaches, and learn about the city's history, culture, and life. 2. Tour the famed Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, Kochi's bazaar, old lanes, twisting avenues, and so forth. 3. Finish the journey with a big smile on your face and wonderful moments to treasure in your photos. 4. Enjoy local delicacies and conclude the tour with a huge Smile on your face and unforgettable memories to capture in photos.