1 day

Private

About this activity

At 9am, you will be picked up at the Kochi Port ships berth and transferred to Marin Drive for approximately 30 minutes. Upon arrival, board the motorboat to cruise the city and some surrounding areas for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The cruise will finish in Fort Cochin.

You will then Jew Town and the Jewish Synagogue, a central location for the spice trade. Inhale the aromas of ginger, cardamom, turmeric, and cloves. Visit the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch 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. Please note: The Jewish Synagogue is closed on Friday, Saturday and on Jewish holidays. The Dutch Palace is closed on Friday and government holidays.

If your schedule allows, shop for spices, handicrafts, and antiques or stop to enjoy lunch (at own expense).

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.

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.

Finally, visit the Chinese fishing nets that were introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in the 14th century. Kochi fishermen still use the fishing nets to earn their livelihoods.

You will be transferred back to the port at the end of tour with an approximate arrival of 2:30 to 3pm.

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Included

Port pickup and drop-off
Private English-speaking local guide
Transport by AC private vehicle
Non-AC City motorboat cruise
Bottled water

Not included

Food and drinks
Gratuities

Additional

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Please note : The Jewish Synagogue is closed on Friday, Saturday and on Jewish holidays. The Dutch Palace is closed on Friday and government holidays.
A valid Indian tourist visa is required to visit the port of Cochin.
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums (Male: Shirt /pants; Female: Full sleeve top/shirt and Knee-covered skirt or pants)
Minimum age is 10 years
Children must be accompanied by an adult
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship

Features

Tourism

100%

Cultural

55%

Aquatic

30%

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