COCHIN CARNIVAL

Kochi is a wonderful city. Apart from being a historical and cultural city, the lifestyle in Kochi is enjoyable. The city tour is meant to bring the sights of Kochi city and its surroundings to the tourists in a unique way. The purpose is to learn about the rich history of Kochi. For centuries, Kochi was a fishing port city. For centuries, Kochi has been a center of the spice trade in India. The city tour is organized in such a way that tourists can see and understand the highlights of Kochi in one or two days.
Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is a major port city located in the Laccadive Sea, a part of the Arabian Sea in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Since ancient times, Kochi has been a major spice trading centre. Kochi is known as the financial, commercial, and industrial capital of Kerala. Kochi is the first city in the country to have an electric water metro system. Kochi International Airport is the first airport in the world to operate solely on solar energy. Kochi's rich cultural heritage attracts tourists to the city. The city ranks first in Kerala and sixth in India in terms of tourist arrivals. Several international agencies have included Kochi in their lists of top tourism destinations. The many historical structures, Mattancherry palace, Santa Cruz Cathedral, Paradesi Synagogue, Hill Palace Museum, Fort Kochi, Jew Town, including the Chinese Net introduced by the Chinese, also highlight the charm and importance of Kochi. There is no doubt that Kochi and its sights will transport tourists to a wonderful world. The major sights of Kochi and their features are listed below.

• Things to do in Cochin

  Boating, Water Metro Ride, Chinese Fishing Net, Shopping.

• Arrival at Cochin airport or railway station
• Meet our representative and transfer to the hotel or resort.
• After some hotel rest, we set off to explore Kochi.
• Fort Kochi

  Fort Kochi is rich in culture and heritage. It is also a major tourist destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. It consists of a main land and several islands. It is also known as west Kochi or old Kochi. The name Kochi is believed to have originated from the Malayalam word Kochu Azhi, meaning 'small lake'. Fort Kochi is a remnant of several conquests. The Portuguese built the St. Francis church as a catholic church. This church, which is one of the national monuments, was once the tomb of Vasco Da Gama. Kochi continues to be a major centre for the export of spices. Spices such as pepper and cardamom, as well as traditional kerala handicrafts and coir products can be purchased in Kochi. The streets are a blend of architectural styles from the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial periods. Fort Kochi and its surroundings are a must-see for tourists.

• Mattancherry Palace / Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays)

  Mattancherry Palace is also known as the Dutch Palace. Built by the Portuguese and renovated by the Dutch, this palace is an important historical monument in Kochi. This palace was the residence of the kings of Kochi. One of the specialties here is the traditional Kerala floor construction method. (The floor is made of black stone, burnt charcoal, stone, ash and egg white). Beautiful Kerala murals (based on the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Kumarasambhava) are displayed here. In addition, portraits of the kings of Kochi, crowns and swords can also be seen here.

• Paradesi Jewish Synagogue Mattancherry

  The mattancherry synagogue, also known as the Paradesi synagogue, is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. It is a fine example of historical craftsmanship, excellent material knowledge, and a diverse cultural heritage. It was built in 1568. It is located in the valley of old Kochi, known as the Jewish city. The mattancherry palace temple and the synagogue share a border. Famed for its hand-painted Chinese tiles and antique chandeliers. The synagogue's 400th anniversary was celebrated in 1968 with a ceremony attended by the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Paradesi synagogue has separate seating for men and women. As a historical structure, entry is by ticket. As of April 2016, only 5 Jews live in fort Kochi. It is run by john Jacob, one of the oldest Jews in kerala, who lives in Thiruvalla. Please note, the synagogue remains closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays.

• Jew town

  Fort Kochi is a historic area known for its Jewish heritage. Shops line both sides of the Jewish street. Antiques, curiosities, carved furniture, sculptures, remains of traditional houses, and jewellery are all available for purchase. The Jewish city, also known as the Jewish street, is located between the mattancherry palace and the Paradesi synagogue. The three main communities of Jews in India are the Cochinis, the Bene Israel, and the Baghdadis. Only 14 Malabar Jews and one Paradesi Jew remain in kerala today.

• St. Francis church

  this is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. This church, built of earth and wood, is located in the middle of a fort built by the Portuguese. It is also a church that has witnessed many invasions. The church is under the administration and protection of the CSI church. The high roof made of wood is covered with architectural tiles. The beauty and grandeur of antiquity are evident in all the construction methods of the church. A mausoleum is located in the middle of the lawn, built in 1920 in memory of the people of Kochi who sacrificed their lives in the First World War. Vasco da Gama died in 1524 during his third visit to Kochi. He was buried in this church. After 14 years, his body was taken to Portugal. His burial place inside the church is clearly marked, and these features alone make this a church that attracts the attention of history students, tourists, and believers.

• Santa Cruz Basilica

  The famous Santa Cruz basilica is a blend of Portuguese, Dutch and Indo-European architectural styles. It is one of the nine Basilicas in Kerala. It is said to be over 500 years old. When the Dutch conquered Cochin, all but one or two catholic monuments were destroyed, but the Santa Cruz cathedral, which was the Dutch arsenal, was not damaged. Originally built by the Portuguese, this heritage site is known for its impressive stained glass windows and vibrant frescoes that enhance its spiritual and architectural grandeur. However, it was damaged during the British occupation. One of the decorative granite pillars of the destroyed church is kept as a relic in the basilica. The cathedral was elevated to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul ii in 1984.

• After breakfast, proceed to the sightseeing of Kochi on the second day.
• Hill palace museum

  Kerala's first heritage museum. It is located on a green hill in Tripunithura, Kochi. Built in 1865, this building was the palace of the rulers of Cochin. Spread over an area of 52 acres, this palace is built in the kerala architectural style. It also houses centuries-old antiques, sculptures, rare manuscripts, and a botanical garden. . In addition, the 1.75 kg crown of the kings of the Cochin dynasty, decorated with emeralds, diamonds, and rubies, can still be seen here. In addition, Kupkallu (horse stone), Toppikallu (Toppikallu), laterite monuments, ancient Hindu riverbeds, remains of Harappan cultures, Thanjavur paintings, and Ravi Varma paintings are exhibited here. Crowns, sculptures, ivory objects, jewellery, and old weapons collected from various places are kept here. The hill palace museum also has a deer park, a children's park, and a prehistoric park. Moreover, you can also see many priceless collections here. This is a historical monument and its treasure, which can never be missed.

• Bolgatty palace

  Located on an island in Kochi, bolgatty palace is the oldest Dutch palace outside the Netherlands. Set on eight acres of greenery, bolgatty palace fort is one of the major landmarks of Kochi. A masterpiece of architecture, the palace is adorned with wooden windows, large pillars, and tiled roofs. A golf course is located around the palace. Overlooking Vembanad Lake, this palace is a must-see for any nature lover. The Kochi international marina, located on Bolgatty Island, is the only marina in India that can accommodate 34 yachts. It is currently a well-known hotel and resort under the ktdc and is also a popular venue for various events (exhibitions, international conferences, and weddings). Bolgatty palace has a swimming pool, a 9-hole golf course, an ayurvedic centre, daily kathakali performances, and is a holiday destination for tourists.

• Marine drive

  It is a confluence of a beautiful backwater, a port, and a bustling city. Marine drive or APJ Abdul Kalam Marg is a 3-km-long walkway along the backwaters. It was built taking inspiration from the marine drive in Mumbai. From here, you can take a boat safari on the backwaters, enjoy delicious cuisine, and see the reflection of the city's night view in the backwater waters. Additionally, this boat ride will take you to the nearby Cochin port, Bolgatty Bridge, Mattancherry Bridge, Jewish street, and the Jewish synagogue. Marine drive has three bridges: Rainbow Bridge, Chinese fishing net bridge, and Houseboat Bridge. Each of these has its own unique construction methods and attractions. It is also a good place to watch the sunset. The arched rainbow bridge is decorated with rainbow-colored lights. These give it a stunning experience. The Chinese fishing net bridge is located above the water. These sights are sure to be new to you. This is a place that locals and tourists alike enjoy.

• Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheenavala)

  Chinese fishing nets or China nets are a specialty of Kochi and one of the main attractions of Kochi. It is said that these nets were brought here by merchants from the palace of the Chinese ruler. These are nets that hang in the shape of a bowl attached to a large bamboo frame. They are found in the backwaters and rivers of Kochi. Such Chinese nets have become a symbol of Kochi. The cantilevered fishing nets create a beautiful sight, especially at sunset. The effort of about 6 people is required to operate such nets. Tourists also get the opportunity to engage in such activities. Such Chinese nets are one of the most photographed images of Kochi, with the sunrise and sunset in the background. Images of Chinese nets are also used as a symbol of Kochi's tourism map.

• Lulu Mall

  Lulu Mall in Kochi is one of the largest shopping malls in India, offering a world-class retail experience with hundreds of international and domestic brands, a massive food court, and an entertainment zone. It's a popular destination and see and understand the highlights of Kochi in one or two days.

• Then overnight stay at the hotel.

• After breakfast.
• Check out the hotel.
• Then proceed to airport or railway station.
• After completing a two-day tour in Kochi, we returned home with unforgettable sights in our memories