A Panoramic Kochi Tour

This phenomenal half-day journey begins upon spotting your name on a placard held by an English-speaking guide. After driving through Kerala's commercial capital, Ernakulam, you'll reach Tripunithura to visit the former Maharajah of Kochi' (Hill) Palace. A village selling hand-made pottery then hosts you, prior to seeing Cochin's ornate temples venerating Vishnu. Next, you'll visit the phenomenal fishing nets positioned on the seashore, left from Kublai Khan's day, before visiting the revered St. Francis Church. For travelers interested in a quality cultural expedition and the natural beauty of vintage India, this panoramic tour is it.

Driving through Ernakulam, you'll note the hustle and bustle of the commercial center of Kerala. For hundreds of years, it fostered trade focusing on spices. Soon, you'll reach Tripunithura to tour the Hill Palace. Built in 1865 by the Maharajah, today the complex consists of 49 buildings, including the largest archaeological museum in the state.

A lucrative and vital port since Roman times, Cochin feature Dutch, Portuguese, British, and Jewish influences that continue to make the city appealing today. En-route to Cochin, you'll visit a location where local villagers sell home-made pottery, snacks, and bamboo products, then see a few spectacular temples dedicated to Vishnu, one of three Hindu deities.

Thereafter, your expert guide will show you the intricate Chinese nets local fishermen have used for nearly 1,000 years since their introduction by Kubla Khan's peers. Immediately following, you'll have free time for lunch on your own at a traditional Indian restaurant.

Recharged, you'll visit the charming village nearby, noting it is laid out in the manner of an English village, resulting from English colonization during the 19th century.

Then, you'll arrive at the Church of St. Francis, originally built in 1503 by the Portuguese. It is the oldest European church in India - and perhaps one of the more quaint, yet beautiful. Missing the intricate tiling at its main passageway is impossible.

On the returning coastal drive, you'll encounter a few more inspirational temples and markets with opportunities to stop and engage. Reserve this Cochin tour if your goal is to encounter vintage Indian beauty and culture.

Please Note: A tourist visa is required to debark in India. Cruise lines do not usually provide this visa, therefore, you will need to obtain one prior to your cruise.