Day 01: ———- TO COCHIN
Drive to Cochin known as “The Queen of Arabian Sea” and a place which ranks amongst the world’s finest harbors. An amalgamation of the old and the new, the laidback town Fort Cochin gives every appearance of still being in an era gone by and is now a picturesque reminder of what it was. Bustling with life and in the throes of evolving into a cosmopolitan metropolis, Ernakulam is where the buzz of modern day Cochin exists.
In the evening,
OPTIONS:
- Attend a performance of the Kathakali dance drama, the riveting 400 year old drama of Kerala that narrates sequences from Indian religious epic, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
- Attend a performance of Kalaripayattu– a martial art, considered to be one of the oldest fighting systems in existence, originally practiced in northern and central parts of Kerala and southern parts of Tamil Nadu.
- Witness the Common cultural dance show – Kaleidoscope of Kerala – a cultural art performance which comprises of different art forms. The program begins with the make – up section; followed by the performance of mainly three to four types of dance forms including Kathakali. They also have the Martial Art Performance (Kalaripayattu) in the show.
- Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Cochin harbor in an exclusive motor boat. This two hour journey starts at different timings based on the sunset time of the year.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 02: FULL DAY AT COCHIN
After breakfast, proceed for full day Cochin sightseeing –
Morning proceed to visit Kochi’s oldest centre of merchandise, the Ernakulam Market which retains its link to the past. About 150 years ago, it had merchants converging from all the important trade centers of the State. The tradition of observing Mondays and Fridays as Market Days continues to this day, but the frenzy has died down a bit. The history of Ernakulam Market is inextricably linked to the city’s present.
Later proceed to visit the – Dutch Palace also known as the Mattancherry Palace (Closed on Fridays). This Portuguese Palace – built in Nālukettu style with European influence features Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi,
Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Friday afternoons & Saturdays) – this Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue constructed in 1567, and is one of seven synagogues of the Cochin Jewish community located in the quarter of Old Cochin known as Jew Town.
St. Francis Church – one of the oldest European churches in India; where the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried,
Santa Cruz Basilica – one of the eight Basilicas in India, counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala and one of the finest and most impressive churches in India, endowed with architectural and artistic grandeur and colors of the gothic style;
Chinese Fishing Nets – distinctly unique to Cochin, it is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China from which many fishermen still earn their livelihood.
Later proceed for shopping….. Overnight in Cochin.
Day 03: FULL DAY EXCURSION TO KODUNGALLUR & BACK
After breakfast, drive from Cochin to Kodungalloor (60 Kms, 1.5Hrs) to visit the Muziris Heritage Project (Closed on Mondays & Public Holidays)
The archaeological and historical data gathering on ‘Muziris’ provides evidence to show that it was a veritable business and cultural centre, with far reaching international associations dating back more than 2000 years.
Out here one can visit the following: –
Kerala History Museum in the Paliam Kovilakam – the traditional home of the Paliathu Achans, it came to be called ’Kovilakam’ or palace after the then Paliath Achan hid the King in his home, when the royal house was threatened by the Portuguese. In appreciation of the Paliath Achan’s services, the Dutch renovated the home in Chendamangalam. The architectural style of Paliam Kovilakam is a hybrid of Kerala and Dutch styles.
Kerala Lifestyle Museum in Paliam Nalukettu – Built more than four hundred years ago, it was in this Nalukettu that the Paliam family settled after shifting from Vanneri to Chendamangalam. The design and construction pattern are closely linked to the life cycle of women in the family, their rituals, beliefs and celebrations. This structure is also an epitome of the traditional housing architecture of Kerala. Nalukettu museum presents to the visitor, the architectural model of Nalukettu and various social-cultural and economic practices from the feudal era.
Kerala Jews Historical Museum in Paravur Synagogue – one of the most expansive and complete among synagogues in Kerala, presents the history of Jews and their Synagogues along the Kerala coast, their modes of worship and so on from the point of view of the Jews. Located in the former Jewish Street of the Paravur region, it served as the place of worship for the Jewish community that settled very close to the Paravur Market.
Kerala Jews Lifestyle Museum in Chendamangalam Synagogue – This showcases the lives and rituals of Kerala Jews who were firm believers and lived in close contact with the local society. The synagogue stands as testament to India’s rich Jewish heritage and atmosphere of tolerance.
Also visit the Paravur Market which comes active on Tuesdays and Fridays.
After visits, drive back to Cochin. Overnight in Cochin.
