EXCURSION: Private
EXCURSION TYPE: Cultural, Scenic, Shopping
FOOD/BEVERAGE: Snacks, Bottled Water Included
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Easy
A placard with your name held by a learned guide activates this coastal journey. Upon reaching the shore, you’ll see fishing gear first introduced by Kublai Khan’s court, before observing the village nearby, designed with strong English influences. Next, the Church of St. Francis lends architectural proof of a Portuguese presence. Soon after is the Santa Cruz Cathedral, adding its Indo-Romanesque-Rococo design into the mix. Then, the Paradesi Synagogue is explored prior to visiting the shops in a Jewish enclave. Travelers with a flare for embracing the arts and culture find this Cochin tour fascinating.
A lucrative and vital port since Roman times, consequently Cochin features: Dutch, Portuguese, British and Jewish influences that continue to make the city appealing today. Unsurprisingly, Cochin’s religious structures portray the many influences. However, once seaside, your guide will first present the intricate Chinese nets, local fishermen have used for nearly 1,000 years since their introduction by Kubla Khan’s peers.
Nearby, you’ll note the village is planned in the manner of an English village, as a result of their colonization of the area. Next, the Church of St. Francis, originally built in 1503 by the Portuguese, is the oldest European church in India – and perhaps one of the more quaint, yet beautiful. It is impossible to miss the intricate tiling at the main passageway.
Thereafter, you’ll visit the Santa Cruz Cathedral, originally built in the Gothic style during the 16th century by the Portuguese. Spared by the conquering Dutch, but destroyed by the British, the Cathedral was rebuilt in 1887, and proclaimed a Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984. It remains home to a large collection of Dutch maps, royal weapons and furniture of historical significance.
Upon strolling a short distance, you’ll be privy to the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568, the oil lanterns, Cantonese ceramic tiles, and blue paintings reveal its originality. Nearby, you’ll visit the shops, and spice auctions still active in the Jewish town. Reserve this tour for an authentic look at history’s cultural melting pot in India.
• Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
• Meeting and assistance by our representative.
• Entrance fees to the monuments.
• Private guide throughout your journey.
• Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
• All Transfers, Sightseeing and Overland drive as per the itinerary by private air-conditioned Transport.
• All taxes.
• Domestic and International Flights.
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
