Once a Portuguese, Duch and British settlement, the heritage old cities of Fort Kochi and Mattanchery are in the central part of Kerala, in the southern part of INDIA . During this tour in Fort kochi, we will discover the traditional landmarks of historical Kochi, which includes ancient Chinese fishing nets, the historical European settlements like Vasco Da Gama church and Dutch Cemetery., Dutch palace, Dhobi khana, Jewish synagogue, walking through the historical Jew Streets street etc....
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel/ Airport/cruise ship terminal
At your hotel/ Airport/cruise ship terminal
I'll meet you at your hotel/ Airport/cruise ship terminal. Please let me know your convenience.
Dutch Palace
An old palace originally built by the portuguese during the year 1555 and presented to the King of Kochi is marvellous. This wonderful palace displays royal costumes, Palanquins, weapons etc . Beautiful mural paintings depicting Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata are very attractive. Besides the architectural beauty of this palace is amazing.
Jews Street
Famous shopping destination especially among the foreigners visiting Mattanchery, once a busy spice trading centre. It is a narrow lane between the palace and Synagogue. Many shops selling antiques, sculptures, toys, clothes, flower oils, crystal fixtures, wooden furniture, spices etc. can be seen here.
Jewish Synagogue
The Jewish Synagogue in the Jew Town is the oldest Synagogue in all commonwealth nations. This synagogue was built during 1568 is also known as paradeshi Synagogue. The ark of the Synagogue contains giant scrolls of old testament which is believed to be the oldest in the world.
St. Francis Church, Fortkochi
St.Francis church is the the first European church built in India by the portuguese in the year 1503. At first it was wooden construction.
This church has witnessed the colonial conflicts and rule by three Europian powers the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. I is a functioning church
Dutch Cemetery
Dutch Cemetery situated at Fort Kochi is believed to be the oldest Dutch cemetery in India. There are 104 tombs in the cemetery which are built in Dutch architecture of that period, many are built of granite and few of red stone.
Chinese Fishing Nets
Chinese fishing nets is believed to have been introduced in Kochi by Chinese explorer Zheng He, from the court of the Kubla Khan. The fishing net established itself on the Kochi shores between 1350 and 1450 AD. It is still live at Fortkochi. These are fixed land installations, used for fishing in a unique method. These nets are fixed on bamboo and teak poles holding it horizontally by huge mechanisms so as to pull them down into the sea.
Vasco-da-Gama square & Bastion Museum
Bastion Bungalow is located in the northernmost bastion of this ancient fort. Located near Vasco Da Gama Square, the Bungalow is now a museum that houses artefacts, paintings, and infographics about the history of Cochin. The museum is constructed in a very Indo-European style with heavy Kerala and Dutch influence.
This is a sea-facing museum, you can walk outside to the terrace and get a panoramic view of the Cochin harbour.
Santacruz Basilica
The history of Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica dates back to the sixteenth century and begins with the arrival of Portuguese missionaries in 1500 CE.. Originally built during 1506, this church was demolished by the British during 1795. The present building consecrated in the year 1905.
Dhobi Khana
Dhobi Khana at Veli near Fort Kochi, is where the Tamil-speaking Vannan community carry out laundry works, the profession practiced by the community traditionally. Their ancestors were brought by the King of Kochi from Tamilnadu, near by state, to wash the army uniforms of the the Dutch colonial period. They use the traditional method of soaking the clothes in bleach and detergent water
At your hotel/ Airport/cruise ship terminal
I'll take you back to the place I picked you up.
Ending Point
At your hotel/ Airport/cruise ship terminal
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide Fee only
All other expenses like transportation fee (you and the guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee, etc...
Meeting time is flexible. Please contact me in advance and let me know the place you want me to pick you up.
Nil
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I am in the tourism industry for long years as tourist guide, tour advisor and resource person. Now joined as tour facilitator under ministry of tourism, Government of India. Guiding is my passion. I love to show my city, our heritage and life to the travelers
$50/ per group