Cochin, India

Dutch Palace

The Dutch Palace is also known as the Mattancheri Palace. The palace building was constructed by the Portuguese in 1557 for Raja Veera Kerala Varma Koti. The most beautiful part of the palace is the coronation hall, previously used by the rulers of Kochi. The palace is notable for its interior décor, luxurious halls, and antique 17th-century frescoes. They are devoted to religious and mythological themes, partly erotic. The mythological paintings depict scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Other relics kept in the palace include royal costumes, turbans, weapons, and other valuable antique items of the royal family. On both sides of the palace there are temples dedicated to Krishna and Shiva.

St. Francis Church

The history of the temple reflects 500 years of colonial struggle by European powers for dominance in India. The oldest European settlement in India was in Cochin, so this is where the first European temple in India stands. Inside the church is the tombstone of Vasco da Gama, who is buried here. He died in Cochin in 1524, and 14 years later his remains were transported to Portugal, yet the gravestone still remains here. Over the course of its long history, the Church of St. Francis has been altered many times. This simple building features a vaulted wooden ceiling, an old rope-based ventilation system, and-surrounding it-tropical landscapes. Since April 1923, the church has been under state protection.

Cherai Beach

Strolling along the beach, you can simply relax, listening to the sound of the waves and enjoying nature. Surrounded by water, you can forget everyday worries and enjoy the sea and the sun. Cherai is perfect for this. The beach is located 30 kilometers from Kochi. Its length is about 10 kilometers, and it is practically deserted. It is often called “the Prince of the Arabian Sea” as well as “the Golden Beach of Kerala.” Along the entire shoreline, coconut palms grow, and tourists look content and happy. This is a very quiet and clean place with plenty of greenery and coconut palms, which makes it even more attractive.

Markets in Kochi

Markets in Kochi - a special place. Here you can find goods of heavenly beauty, because the people of Kerala are very talented craftsmen. You can discover metalwork, carved pieces made of camel bone or wood, products made from coconut shells, bamboo and cane, dozens of types of embroidered mats, and other exclusive handmade items. In addition, you can buy antiques, unique jewelry, clothing, and traditional handcrafted textiles. The region is also famous for its perfumery shops, where they deal exclusively in natural products. Be sure to purchase something from the perfumery - jasmine, rose, sandalwood, and an endless variety of natural scents to suit every taste.

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is a charming district with narrow lanes, home to the city’s most vibrant sights. Other names for this historic area are Old Kochi and West Kochi. Along the shore, to the left of the ferry crossing on Vypeen Lake, you’ll see unusual sails in the air-Chinese fishing nets (cheena-vala), built as far back as the 14th century. To manage these enormous contraptions, just 3-4 people are enough. Along the waterfront, there are seafood restaurants and stalls with raw fish and seafood, which vendors can prepare for you right on the spot. Strolling through the lanes of Fort and admiring the old houses and beautiful churches is a great way to spend your time.

Kumbalangi Tourist Village

A picturesque village, surrounded by quiet coves and shady palm groves. Tourists will be able to see the traditional way of life of the local residents: watch the processing of coconut fiber, the work of crab farms and fishing with Chinese nets, prepare palm leaves for roofs, and visit a farm where, on more than 6 hectares, palms, betel, breadfruit, mango, teak, nutmeg, pepper, orchids and much more are grown. A wide variety of activities will keep both young tourists and adult travelers entertained for an entire day. As is traditional, all guests are welcomed with delicious cool coconut milk.

A Canal Tour of Kerala

The entire flat part of Kerala up to the very foothills is crisscrossed by an extensive network of canals, the so-called “backwaters.” In days past, these expanded and fortified natural waterways were used as roads through the impenetrable jungle. Busiest traffic in the canals has not subsided even now: everywhere you’ll see boats that are “buses,” boats that are “trucks,” and boats that are “cars,” and some Kerala locals even live right on the water. Yes, it’s true-many people to this day live right on the water in their houseboats. Many of these boats have been converted into hotels, where you can spend a few tranquil days, traveling along the canals or drifting across a lotus-covered lake.

Kochi City Tour

Cochin is often called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”. The excursion begins with a visit to Fort Cochin. At Fort Cochin, you will see Chinese fishing nets-an inheritance from the earliest guests of the Malabar coast, the Chinese. Made from teak wood and bamboo poles, they work on the principle of a lever balance weight. Not far away is St. Francis Church (the first church built by the Portuguese in India). Vasco da Gama, who died in Cochin, was buried here; his remains were transported to Portugal 14 years later. Next, you will enjoy a guided tour of the Mattancherry Palace (the Dutch Palace). Beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata will be on display for your viewing. At the end of the excursion, you will visit the wonderfully beautiful Santa Cruz Basilica and the oldest Synagogue, built in 1568.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view it after booking the cruise in your “Customer Personal Account”.