Half-day guided tour of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry

Enjoy a guided tour of the heritage Zone, this will include the below: Chinese Fishing Nets These nets believed to be introduced by the traders from the Courts of the Chinese ruler, Kublai Khan are unique to Cochin. The numerous nets that dot Fort Kochi and Vypeen Island can be seen only in Cochin outside China. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Each installation is operated by a team of up to six fishermen. St. Francis Church: Started in 1503 and completed in 1516 by the Portuguese this is the oldest European church in India. It gained prominence as it housed the remains of Vasco Da Gama the Great Portuguese Explorer who first came to Calicut, Kerala in 1498 and died during his third visit in 1524 in Cochin. His remains were exhumed and taken to Lisbon in 1539. The present structure of European architecture is a Protected Monument under the Archaeological survey of India but owned by the North Kerala Diocese of Church of South India. Dutch Palace: Built in 1557, the Mattancherry Palace was a gift from the Portuguese to Raja Veera Kerala Varma. After its renovation by the Dutch in 1663, it became popular as the Dutch Palace. The palace has medieval charm and comprises a quadrangular structure built in Nalukettu style, the traditional Kerala style of Architecture with a courtyard in the middle. It has three temples that blend beautifully with the European arches. It houses rich murals based on the Indian epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The ornate wooden ceiling and the Kerala flooring, which looks like polished black marble but is actually a mixture of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites leaves all the visitors intrigued. Timing: 1000 Hrs- 1700 Hrs Closed on Fridays. Paradesi Synagogue: One of the oldest and very few functional synagogues, this was built by the European and Middle Eastern Jews in 1568. It is located in Jew Town, adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace temple. Unlike normal Synagogue practice this does not have a Rabbi and is lead by the elders of the community. The main highlights of this place are the Scrolls of the Law, several Gold Crowns, Belgian Glass Chandeliers and a brass-railed pulpit and the floor that has hundreds of 18th century Chinese hand-painted porcelain tiles. The Clock- tower stands top above all. Timing: 1000 Hrs- 1200 Hrs and 1500 Hrs- 1700 Hrs; Closed on Fridays & Saturdays. The Spice Market and Jew Town: The area in between the Synagogue and the Dutch Palace used to the place where most of the spices were traded. Until recent times they even had an old fashioned Pepper Exchange where it was traded. The old spice shops are sadly all but gone but it is still interesting to browse around these narrow lanes. It is dotted with ‘antique’ shops.