Excursion Cochin cultural & historical highlights tour at Cochin

Explore Cochin, a spice-filled port city of southern India located in the state of Kerala. Because of the location between China and Europe and the spice trade the port and town with the easy access to the sea used to be called "Queen of the Arabian Sea."

Following breakfast onboard, depart the ship on foot and after a short walk reach the jetty and board a local cruise boats to reach the Fort Cochin for a heritage walking tour. Walk down tree- lined streets to the Chinese fishing nets, brought from the court of Kublai Khan by a Chinese explorer. These cantilevered fishing nets are the symbol of the Cochin Sea trade and are not found anywhere else in India.

Walk through this ancient city to see the wonderful array of architectural styles dating back to the Portuguese, British and Dutch periods, before the East India Company took over in 1814. During the walk visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum and see the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India and the original location of Vasco da Gama's grave.

After discovering Fort Cochin, proceed to the nearby lunch venue in Fort Cochin for lunch with Kathakali performance.

Kathakali is one of the main forms of classical dance-drama of India. It is indigenous to southwestern India (Kerala) and is a dance-drama based on subject matter from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and stories from Saiva literature. During the action, voices chant the story as mimed by dancers; incidental dances, accompanied by ear-splitting drumbeats, enrich the performance. Traditionally, kathakali is performed exclusively by men and young boys who play the parts of both males and females. The dancers are dedicated to its practice throughout their lives. Faces are made up to look like painted masks. The costume consists of a full skirt, a heavy jacket, numerous garlands and necklaces, and a towering headdress.

After lunch and local performance, board tuk- tuk’s for a short ride to Mattancherry Palace, built by the Raja of Kochi. Enroute, you will pass through the spice’s warehouses and the narrow Market bazaar. In Mattancherry you will visit the Dutch palace, Jewish Synagogue and Jew town. Mattancherry palace to see some beautiful mural paintings and learn about the history of the Fort Cochin kings.

Enjoy some leisure time to wander around Jew town, which is full of souvenir and antique shops before returning to the vessel.

Note

Please note: There is approximately 90 minutes of walking during the Fort Cochin tour over flat terrain, and additional 90 minutes of walking throughout the rest of the tour, making this excursion tour unsuitable for those with walking difficulties. As this tour includes a stop at a place of worship, guests are advised to cover from shoulders to knees.