VILLAGE VIBES

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.
• • Check-in to the hotel or resort.
• • After refreshment, visit well-known places in Cochin.
• • 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.

• • Then overnight stay at the hotel.

Kumbalangi is a small island village located in Ernakulam district. A model fishing village, it has now become a popular tourist destination. It is located 15 km from Kochi city. This village, located among the backwaters, is famous for its Chinese fishing nets. Kumbalangi is the first eco-tourism village in India. The place is also famous among tourists for the natural phenomenon known as bioluminescence, which is seen in the backwaters of Kumbalangi, which the locals call “Kavaru”. The main occupation of the people here is fishing. It is also a place of residence for farmers, toddy collectors, and coir workers. There are about 100 Chinese fishing nets in this village. With the aim of increasing employment opportunities for the villagers and at the same time providing a unique experience to the tourists, with the aim of making it possible to see and experience rural life, the Kerala government selected a few villages in Kumbalangi as model villages in 2003 and implemented the Integrated Tourism Village project. The mangrove forests that separate the lagoon from the land are also the habitat and breeding ground for small fish, crabs, shrimps, and oysters. The traditional fishing method using bait near the mangroves provides a different experience for tourists. An art village of artists is located here. Local handicrafts and traditional fishing equipment are displayed in the art village. The fact that there are no large resorts or structures here maintains a completely rural atmosphere in Kumbalangi. Accommodation facilities for tourists are provided in the homes of the villagers here. Completely the hospitality warms the relationship between tourists and hosts. The accommodation is provided in the homestay model. The fish species Thirutha in Kumbalangi Lake is famous. The 2019 State Award-winning film (Kumbalangi Nights) was shot here. Following the filming of the film, Kumbalangi also gained local attention. There is also a park for tourists to relax. While staying in the village, tourists have the opportunity to travel through the village and enjoy the lifestyle of the villagers and participate in the activities they engage in. There is an opportunity to participate in fishing, handicrafts, and rope making. This kind of village life also provides an opportunity to enjoy traditional fish dishes. Every moment spent in Kumbalangi is sure to be unforgettable for tourists.

• • After breakfast, check-out from the hotel.
• • Proceed to Kumbalangi. (Approx. 7.1 km, 20 minute journey)
• THINGS TO DO IN KUMBALANGI

  Engage in traditional fishing methods, participate in Chinese fishing activities, engage in handicraft making, rope making, and take a walk through the village.

• • Overnight stay in Kumbalangi will be at a homestay

• • Kumarakom

  Kumarakom is located on the Vembanad Lake. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India. Kumarakom is known for its natural beauty, including backwaters, paddy fields, coconut trees, and mangroves. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is internationally famous and is home to several species of migratory birds. It is a favourite destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. More than 180 different species of birds have been found here. The best time to visit the bird sanctuary is from June to August. Another attraction of Kumarakom is the toddy shops and the delicious food available there. Toddy is a drink extracted from the flowers of the coconut tree. Toddy, collected in clay pots, is known as sweet toddy when served fresh. After fermentation, it becomes intoxicating, but it is indispensable in some local dishes. Toddy is used in small quantities to make appam and toddy appam, backwater fish dishes and duck meat dishes prepared with coconut milk are delicious and famous. The Aruvikkuzhi waterfall and the surrounding rubber plantation are a place for photographers. The beautiful houseboat tours and overnight stays are world famous. Kumarakom is also a great honeymoon destination. Kumarakom surprises and delights tourists with all its ingredients. Therefore, Kumarakom remains one of the irresistible temptations of any traveller.

• THINGS TO DO IN KUMARAKOM

  Boating, Houseboat, Camp fire, Bird Watching, Nature Walk, Taste the toddy drink.

• • After breakfast, Check-out from home stay and proceed to Kumarakom (Approx. 42 km 1.30 hour journey)
• • Check into a house boat trip .enjoy the backwater views and village life.
• • HOUSE BOAT

  A houseboat trip and overnight stay along the backwaters is something that no traveller visiting Kerala (God's Own Country) can avoid. One of the most captivating experiences on a houseboat cruise is watching the sunset over the backwaters. Explore the natural beauty of Kerala, the paddy fields, narrow canals, coir, village’s etc. Houseboat travel and overnight stays along the backwaters provide an unforgettable experience to tourists. A houseboat cruise includes delicious meals prepared on the boat, featuring traditional Kerala cuisine. Delicious seafood, spicy curries and traditional Kerala Snacks are also available. Houseboats seen today are the modern form of the kettu vallam that were used to transport goods from one place to another through the backwaters. These include traditional kothumbu vallam, kettuvallam, shikara, houseboats, luxury houseboats, etc.
  Welcome drink, lunch, evening tea and snacks, dinner and breakfast available in houseboat. (Only applicable for Day & Night package)

• • Then overnight stay at the house boat.

• • After breakfast. Check-out from houseboat and proceed to Cochin (approx. 75 km, 2.30 hour journey).
• Before leaving, do some quick shopping (Lulu Mall / M.G. Road) / or visit Fort Cochin (if time permits)
• • Return with Memories of the Happy Moments of Your 3-Night, 4-Day Kerala Trip.