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(Tour ID KL EX 001 -1 Kochi )
This is a one day tour for the guests to have an idea of historical importance of Kochi in the colonial era. Also, included a short performance of Kathakali (Kerala's own performance art form) & Kalari Payattu (Kerala's own Martial Art)
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The Tour starts from high court water metro station. Guests are picked up from their hotel or they can reach at the water metro station by themselves. Our executive will be waiting at the metro station and accompany them for sight seeing in Fort Kochi and Mattancheri.
The team, guests and our executive, will travel to Fort Kochi by Water Metro. Water Metro Boat will pass through Vembnat Kayal, a portion of river Periyar and Wellington Island. Wellington Island is the oldest large man made Island in India and boasts one of the most stable manmade islands in the world. It holds significant historical and commercial importance. Created in the 1930s by dredging the backwaters during the development of the modern Kochi Port, it was named after Lord Willingdon, the then-Viceroy of India.
After disembarking from the metro boat at Fort Kochi water metro station, the team will visit major tourist attractions listed below. The team will be walking through the streets of great historical significance in Indian history. Each building in the walkway has great stories to tell. Total walking distance approximately 1.4K.
1. St. Francis CSI Church, St Francis Church: This historic church holds the distinction of being the oldest European churches in India. Originally built by the Portuguese in 1503, it's famous for being the original burial place of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who is the first European landed in the Indian subcontinent by sailing through the sea. The colonial era of India start from there. The originally built as a Catholic church by the Portuguese. Later Dutch conquerors converted it as a protestant church. The church showcases European architectural styles and is a testament to the region's colonial past.
2. Dutch Cemetery St Francis Church: Located near St. Francis CSI Church, the Dutch Cemetery is a poignant historical site. It contains the graves of Europeans who died in Kochi, particularly the Dutch who were prominent here during the 17th and 18th centuries. The tombstones bear inscriptions that offer insights into the lives and times of the colonial era.
3. Fort Kochi Beach, Kochi, Kerala: A popular stretch of coastline, Fort Kochi Beach is known for its serene atmosphere and the iconic Chinese fishing nets that dot its shores. It's a great place to witness the sunset, stroll along the beach, and observe the unique fishing method of the cantilevered nets.
4. Indo-Portuguese Museum: This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich Indo-Portuguese heritage of Kochi. It houses a valuable collection of artifacts including sculptures, altars, vestments, and precious metals, all reflecting the influence of Portuguese culture and art in Kerala's history.
5. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi: A magnificent and imposing structure, the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is one of the eight basilicas in India. It's a grand example of Gothic architecture with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate ceiling paintings. It serves as the cathedral of the Diocese of Cochin and is a significant religious and architectural landmark.
By the time the team finishes visiting Chinese nets on the beach by walk, the car will reach the parking lot near the beach and the team will continue visiting the places by car. After Fortkochi the team will move to Matancheri in car to visit Paradesi Synagogue, Mattancheri Palace (Dutch Palace) and Jew Town, Pepper Street etc.
A small description of places we are planning to visit in Mattancheri.
Paradesi Synagogue: Step into history at the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth. Built in 1568, this beautifully preserved synagogue is a testament to Kochi's rich Jewish heritage. Marvel at its exquisite interiors, featuring hand-painted Chinese porcelain tiles, Belgian glass chandeliers, and a grand brass-railed pulpit. Don't miss the 10th-century copper plate, a significant historical document on display.
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): A fascinating blend of Indian and European architecture, this palace was originally built by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century and later renovated by the Dutch. It served as a royal residence for the Rajas of Kochi. Inside, you'll discover stunning murals depicting Hindu epics like the Ramayana, along with a collection of royal artifacts, costumes, and elaborate palanquins, offering a glimpse into the regal past.
Jew Town: Immerse yourself in the charming ambiance of Jew Town, a narrow street nestled between the Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue. This bustling area is a treasure trove of antique shops, curio stores, and spice markets. Wander through its alleys and discover unique artifacts from various cultures, vintage photographs, handcrafted items, and the fragrant aroma of exotic spices. It's a fantastic spot for souvenir hunting and soaking in the old-world charm.
Pepper Street: While not a "street" in the traditional sense with its own distinct attractions, "Pepper Street" often refers to the historical significance of the area around Jew Town as a hub for the spice trade, particularly black pepper. As you stroll through Jew Town, you'll find numerous shops selling an array of spices, from cardamom and turmeric to cloves and, of course, pepper! It's a sensory experience that connects you to Kochi's ancient maritime trading legacy.
Coonan Cross Shrine: A significant historical site for the Christian community, where the famous "Coonan Cross Oath" took place in 1653. This is considered as the first popular revolt against a European authority in India. This resistance initiated by a section of local christians who were following Syrian Orthodox christianity mixed with upper class local customs. They tied a rope of multiple kilometer length on the cross of this church and pulled it to another town. Then they took oath to continue and protect their way of Christian practising.
Depending upon the time of the starting and spending time in each destination, the tour of Fortkochi and Mattancheri will be completed by late afternoon.
In the evening Guests can go for Kathakali and Kalarippayattu performance or opt for a back water cruise.
Normal timing of these performing arts
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM Chamayam (Makeup preparation of Kathkali artists), 6PM to 7 PM Kathakali Stage Performance,
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Kalarippayattu & Theyyam
Kathakali is a traditional Indian classical dance-drama from Kerala that combines storytelling, dance, music, and drama with elaborate costumes and makeup. It is a "story-play" in which performers use facial expressions, eye movements, and hand gestures (mudras) to convey narratives from Hindu epics without spoken words. The art form is known for its vivid makeup, which differentiates characters like divine heroes, villains, and human figures
Kalaripayattu is an ancient Indian martial art originating from Kerala, believed to be one of the oldest in the world. The name combines "Kalari," meaning training ground, and "Payattu," meaning rigorous practice or fight. It is a holistic art form that combines physical combat techniques with mental and spiritual training, often involving specific sequences of movements and a unique system of weapons.
Theyyam is an ancient ritualistic art form from the North Malabar region of Kerala, India, that combines dance, music, and drama to represent deities. Performed from December to April, it is a sacred act of worship where male performers embody gods and spirits through elaborate costumes, makeup, and trance-like dances to seek blessings for prosperity