Kochi Holidays

Head out into Fort Cochin and Mattancherry with a local guide to discover more about the fascinating heritage of these historic regions. Learn about the importance of Fort Cochin as the entrance to the port and how the Arabic, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese settlers shaped its architecture and culture. Mattancherry is the heart of historic Cochin and is home to many of the city’s main sights such as the Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Jain Temple.

Enjoy views of the skyline of the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ from a different perspective on a two-hour sunset cruise. As the sun dips below the horizon, catch the ever-changing colours of the sea and buildings that line the shores of Lake Cochin. Keen photographers will have the opportunity to catch an iconic shot of the famous Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the vibrantly coloured skies (weather dependent).

A visit to Kochi would be incomplete without witnessing the mesmerising art form of the region – the Kathakali dance. Kathakali is a classical dance form which traces its origin to Kerala and is deeply absorbed into the culture of Kerala. This classical Indian dance performance tells stories of Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata through footwork and hand gestures.

Kochi is one of the best places to witness this heritage dance form. Kathakali artists wear elaborate, billowing costumes with intricately painted faces, flowing scarves, detailed decorations and magnificent crowns. This tour will give you the chance to see the artists applying their makeup before witnessing a performance of this traditional dance.

Start the tour of Kochi on the western side of the peninsula to soak up the early morning activity. Strolling along the promenade you will see the Chinese cantilever fishing nets and onto Saint Francis Church. Other highlights include the Dutch Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue.

You will start the tour of Kochi on the western side of the peninsula to soak up the early morning activity. Strolling along the promenade you will see the Chinese cantilever fishing nets in action and perhaps catch the fishermen mid song. A little further on is the fish auction selling everything from sardines, mackerel and bream to local prawns and lobster. Passing a dilapidated Portuguese fort, you will reach Saint Francis Church, said to be the oldest European building in India. During the course of its existence it’s been a Catholic, Protestant and Anglican church. Here, they ask you to remove your shoes due to the delicate 19th-century tiles rather than for religious reasons after which you’ll see its incredible wood ceiling resembling the hull of a ship. People come here mainly to see the tombstone of Portuguese explorer, Vasco de Gama.

You will then be driven past the Dutch Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries (1724) in the country. Then pass the southern naval headquarters and the local laundry place originally used to launder the uniforms of the Dutch army. Cross over to the eastern side of the peninsula to see the Dutch Palace, located in the Jewish quarter and gifted by the Portuguese to the King of Kochi as compensation for destroying a nearby temple. Inside you’ll see rich murals and beautiful Hindu art.

Then it’s onto the Paradesi Synagogue praised for its beauty. There are chandeliers from Belgium and Murano as well as Chinese porcelain tiles. Under the protection of the Cochin Maharaja and the Dutch, the Jews were able to grow as a community and you’ll see the distinctive architecture with pagoda-like tiled roofs - and the Star of David outside. These are interspersed with shops selling petit point embroidery and of course local spices. The perfect place to shop for a souvenir.