Cochin Stopover

Day 1: Cochin

Transfer from Airport to Hotel.

Today you will arrive Cochin. Our representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel. Kochi, or more familiarly, Cochin is a city of many parts. Around for a long, long time, Kochi played a pivotal role in the development of shipping and trade in the region. Kochi's prime location on the west coast, its fine bay and protected harbor made it popular with seafarers and merchant ships who made frequent stops to stock up on spices, coffee and wood enroute to the rich markets of Europe and West Asia. And so down the ages, Kochi prospered as a busy port city and commercial centre. Its seafront is still extremely relevant to Cochin and to India: it houses a Naval Base and one of India’s busiest ports. It’s twin city, Ernakulam, is an important railhead and industrial centre. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be accorded with a Traditional Welcome. Welcoming guest is an age-old tradition. ‘Atithi Devobhava’ - treat your guest as if he were God. Indian hospitality can be savored immediately as one arrives at the hotel. The guest’s forehead is anointed with the traditional red ‘tika’ which is considered auspicious along with garlanding. Relax with a non-alcoholic welcome drink following which proceed to check in at your room.

Day 2: Cochin

Full day city tour of Cochin.

You will first proceed to Mattancherry and visit the oldest Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Fridays Saturdays & All the Jewish holidays) in India, built in 1568; it was destroyed by the Portuguese and rebuilt by the Dutch a century later. You will also visit The Dutch Palace (Closed on Fridays)- which was built in 1555 and its coronation hall and murals at Ramayana are noteworthy features. Continue your drive to Chinese fishing nets. The cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. Chinese traders are believed to have originally introduced them in the 14th century although, today parts of the nets are known by Portuguese names. Your next stop will be St. Francis Church, originally named after Santo Antonio and dedicated to him as the Patron Saint of Portugal, St. Francis Church is the first church to have been in the new European influenced tradition. Originally a wooden building was replaced by the present stone building. Vasco De Gamma died on the site in 1524 and was originally buried in the cemetery. 14 years later his body was removed to Portugal. The church was renamed St. Francis in 1663. In the evening, you will be taken to a Kathakali dance centre where you will witness the most elaborate of the dance forms in southern India. Here you will witness the artists readying themselves up with the make up for the final performance. Kerala owes its transnational fame to this nearly 300 years old classical dance form, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. It is said to have evolved from other performing arts like Kootiyattam, Krishnanattam and Kalarippayattu. Kathakali explicates ideas and stories from the Indian epics and Puranas. Presented in the temple precincts after dusk falls Kathakali is heralded by the Kelikottu or the beating of drums in accompaniment of the Chengila (gong).

Evening Kathakali dance show.

Reach the Greenix Centre for Cultural Tourism at 5 pm. In the beginning, you can indulge yourself in watching the make-up application on the artists. Of all classical Indian dances, Kathakali has the most elaborate costuming consisting of headdresses, face masks, and vividly painted faces. It typically takes an hour to prepare a Kathakali troupe to get ready for a play. Then experience the magic of storytelling as the artists perform in a classical way. A Kathakali performance synthesizes music, vocal performers, choreography, and hand and facial gestures together to express ideas. It also incorporates movements from ancient Indian martial arts and athletic traditions of South India

Day 3: Cochin

Transfer from Hotel to Domestic airport.

Today our representative will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to International airport to board your flight.

If you find this icon against any service, it means that services of local tourist guide will be provided during those sightseeing trips/ other activities, as mentioned.