Surrounded by lush green hills, the city of Kochi (its colonial name was Cochin) is host to a variety of cultures which stem from its extensive history.
Since the 14th century, China, Britain, Holland and Portugal are just some of the countries which have left their mark on Kochi's architecture and ambience.
Many buildings have been influenced by European design, such as Vasco Da Gama Square (now site of a busy market), which is named after the 15th-century Portuguese explorer who formed many trade links along the coast.
The vibrant colours of both the natural landscape and the man-made structures create a city of great visual interest.
Best of Kochi by Boat
After a short coach transfer, you will taken on a guided walk around the Fort Kochi area taking in such sights as the Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Immanuel and Vasco House.
You will see the Chinese Fishing nets, which were traded in this coastal town by Roman traders for spices and adjacent to this is the local fish market and also some stalls, selling handicrafts, shells, etc.
You will make a short stop at St. Francis Church, which bears a striking contrast to the colourful, flamboyant interior of Santa Cruz Cathedral built in 1557. Thereafter, re-board your boat to proceed to Mattancherry, where you will visit the famous Palace, popularly known as Dutch Palace, which was actually built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch.
Lastly, walk across to visit the oldest Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 then destroyed by the Portuguese and rebuilt by the Dutch a century later.
Continue on foot through the Jew Town area passing by various spice export shops, handicraft and antique shops along your way. From here, you will be transferred by boat and then coach back to the ship.
Included excursion
Duration: 4¾ hours
City Sights of Kochi
Depart the pier by coach to visit Fort Cochin, which is believed to be the oldest European Settlement in India. Firstly, you will see the Chinese Fishing nets, which were traded in this coastal town by Roman traders for spices.
Adjacent to the nets there is a local fish market and also some make-shift stalls, selling handicrafts and shells. Next, take a look at St. Francis Church, the first European Church to be built in India. The history of this Church reflects the colonial struggle of European powers in India, from the 15th to 20th Centuries.
Depart for the Santa Cruz Basilica before visiting the Mattancherry Palace, popularly known as Dutch Palace and the old Jewish Synagogue, both buildings were either re-built, or renovated by the Dutch. Continue on foot through the Jew Town area past various spice export, handicraft and antique shops before re-boarding your coach and being transferred back to the port.
Included excursion
Duration: 4½ hours
Cultural Extravaganza
Kerala owes its fame to the old classical dance and the oldest art form, which combines facets of ballet, opera and martial arts. You depart the pier by coach for a local theatre (Cochin Cultural centre) where you get to witness, Kathakali - dance drama in which the actors depict characters from the famous epics of the Ramayana & Mahabharata.
An elaborate make-up ritual forms an integral part of the performance. You will get to see the artists readying themselves up with make up for the final performance. The costume is elaborate with face painted up. The characters are categorized according to their nature and this is determined in the colours used in the make-up.
The faces of noble male characters, such as virtuous kings, the divine hero Rama, etc, are predominantly green. Characters of high birth who have an evil streak, such as the demon king Ravana, are allotted a similar green make-up, slashed with red marks on the cheeks.
Extremely angry or excessively evil characters wear predominantly red make-up and a flowing red beard. Forest dwellers such as hunters are represented with a predominantly black make-up base. Women and ascetics have lustrous, yellowish faces.
The pomp and magnificence of Kathakali is partly due to its decor part of which is a huge headgear and the over sized jackets, and a long skirt worn over a thick padding of cushions. The identity of the actor is completely mutilated to create a super human being of larger-than-life proportion.
At the end of the tour depart back to the pier en-route an orientation tour of Fort Cochin area drive past via St Francis Church and make a brief photo stop at the Chinese fishing nets. Arrive at the pier and embark ship
Optional excursion
Duration: 2 3/4 hours
Kathakali
The Kerala region is famed for the Kathakali, a traditional ‘story play’ which can be traced back to the 17th century.
Combining elaborate costumes and striking makeup (known as ‘vesham’) with masque, poetry and pantomime, Kathakali uses a unique ‘language’ of yogic gestures to tell the stories of great Indian epics.
Journey by coach to the Cochin Cultural Centre, where you can watch the actors in preparation. You can then enjoy the short performance before heading back to Kochi port.
Included excursion
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Tranquil Backwaters of Alleppey
Sure to be a memorable experience, travel by coach to one of Kochi's main highlights, the Keralan backwaters which are full of life and colour.
After you arrive at Alleppey jetty, board a traditional rice boat for a cruise along the network of serene waterways, past villages, markets, churches and paddy fields watching the local life as you pass by.
Your on-board guide will give you cultural and historical insights into this unique area and a traditional Keralan lunch will be served on board. At the end of your cruise board the coaches for your return journey back to the pier.
Optional excursion
Duration: 7¼ hours