Your
Kerala escapade begins at Cochin, where our representatives will be
waiting to assist you upon arrival. Transfer and check in at the hotel.
With its wealth of historical attractions and ideal setting on a
cluster of tiny islands, Cochin is one of the most picturesque and
interesting cities in India. It reflects the gist of Kerala perfectly.
Here you can witness the oldest church in the country, labyrinthine
streets lined with centuries old Portuguese houses and a link with the
colonial past in every aspect of the people's lifestyle.
Cochin's past has been
extremely eventful, which began in AD 1341, when a flood transmuted it
into a harbour paving the way for visitors and traders from around the
world. Portuguese were the first people to settle here in the 15th
century. The Dutch won fort Kochi in 1663 and later the British took
over the town in 1795. Since then, Cochin has remained a prime
attraction for trade and religion seekers from around the globe.
A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing
nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis
Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc.
Apart
from these architectural splendors, an array of restaurants serving
fresh seafood are also popular amongst the tourists. The Chinese fishing
nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of
balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and
1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the
beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out
of the sea.
Afternoon proceed for a city tour of Cochin entailing the Jewish
Synagogue - built in 1568, the structure displays a collection of
quondam copper plates in which grants of privilege made by the ruler of
Cochin were recorded, Mattancherry Palace - The opulent palace built by
the Portuguese was presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555, St. Francis
Church - The oldest European church in India built by the Portuguese.
Overnight at Hotel.
