Fort Kochi Ethnic City Tour

Your day begins with a pick up from the hotel/railway station. Start off your Kochi City tour with a visit to the famous Chinese fishing nets, almost synonymous with Kochi. The dropping fishing nets have become a hallmark of the city and attracts a lot of attention. Then, head towards the Kochi beach and take a closer look at the Steam boilers, used to push a ship across the ocean in Cochin Dry Dock since 1956. These boilers, which can be easily spotted at one end of the beach side ran on coke, coal and fire wood.

Afterwards, visit the nearby Fort Immanuel, constructed in 1503 as a symbol of the alliance between the Monarch of Portugal and Maharaja of Kochi. Most of the parts of the fort were destroyed by the Dutch in 1806, but you can still find the remains of the edifice along the beach. Then, pay a call to the St.Francis CSI Church. Built in 1503, it is the oldest European church in India and also the burial place of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama. Drive past the Santa cruz Basilica, an impressive church considered one of the heritage edifices of the state of Kerala.

Then, take a tuk tuk ride- the most common means of transportation and reach the Dhobi Khana (laundry station). Stop at the Dhobi Khana, which was established in the year 1720 by the Dutch to wash the uniforms of their army. You can find a group of washermen busy with their daily routine. Later, continue through the streets of Mattanchery and reach the fruit market located on the Palace Road. The market is famous for its fresh and organic variety of fruits at great prices. Then, visit the Spice market famous for exotic spices including ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric and pepper emanate perfectly lined up for buyers. Then, stop over and enjoy the famous ‘meter tea’ - a local specialty (on direct payment basis).

Afterwards, take an opportunity to have an interaction with a local Brahmin family. The Brahmins are considered the highest of the four Hindu castes of priests and scholars of Vedic literature. The traditional occupation of the Brahmins is to conduct rites at births, marriages, and other auspicious occasions. Observe a Kolam demonstration and get to know about the traditional custom of drawing patterns using sparkling powders or fresh flowers at the entrance. The pattern is believed to invite Goddess Laxmi to bring luck and prosperity. You will be invited to a Konkan family and try drawing out some lines.

As your tour ends, you will be driven back to your Hotel / Railway Station.