Cochin | The Queen of the Arabian Sea

Highlights

The Old Town of Fort Kochi is one of the more picturesque strolls to take, casually walking along the shore and seeing the gently lapping waves as the local fishermen ply the sea to reap its bounty. It is here that you will find one of the more iconic sights of Kochi, the Chinese Fishing Nets. These enormous, yet spindly, structures dot the entrance to the harbor and can be seen dipping back and forth like huge water birds, pulling up a catch of fresh fish in their snares every few moments.

European Colonial influences are very apparent throughout Kochi, as it was occupied by the Portuguese beginning in 1503. Being one of the oldest European colonies in India, the Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture can be readily seen in the Mattancherry District. The Dutch Palace is a beautiful example of colonial architecture to be explored. Although the British left India in 1947, the area in and around Kochi has kept its colonial buildings for the sake of history, while the surrounding area is certainly becoming more modern in style and infrastructure.

With a great history of Jewish residents, the Kochi area has many sites to visit including the Paradesi Synagogue with its fine crystal chandeliers that fill the room with light. The streets of the Jew Town area twist and turn amid historic shops and market stalls, and the waterfront areas offer sights of boat building and furniture carving vendors.

Saint Francis Church was originally built in 1503, and is one of the oldest European churches in India. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 and his body was originally buried in this church, but eventually was reinterred at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal.

Add-ons

For those looking for a performance of local cultural significance, a Kathikali Dance show can be a fascinating after-dinner experience. The art form is all about story-telling, enlisting traditional characters to share historical sagas and amusing tales. Both male and female parts are played by male actors in colorful make-up and vibrantly colorful costumes, using a vocabulary of traditional facial expressions and accompanied by a live percussion section. Visitors can come early and see the performers mixing their colorful make-up by hand from natural ingredients and applying it in front of the audience.

For those looking for a little art a food together in one stop, the Kashi Art Gallery and Café will hit the spot. Hosting a changing array of local and imported art, the café can allow visitors to fill their bellies while surveying the artistic ambiance.

If an energetic show of historical martial arts intrigues you, then a Kalarippayattu Show should be on your list. This ancient art form combines traditional techniques of physical activity, cultural symbolism, self-defense, and martial arts, which has the primary aim of achieving the ultimate coordination between mind and body.

Recommended Optionals

* Cooking class with Lunch /dinner: If you are lover of food and have a little interest in cooking then this activity is for you. Get ready to have an experience of local cuisine from scratch to table. Let’s enjoy the making of local cuisine of Cochin and take a part in it to know more about India spices and its flavor.

* Kumbalangi village: Kumbalangi village visit with Lunch ( 10am to 1:00pm). Kumbalanghi has been designated as India's first fisheries and tourist model village because of its unique traditions and culture.