Excursion Cochin at a glance tour at Cochin

Experience Cochin, old and new, during this half-day sightseeing tour of the picturesque and historic city.

Ernakulam

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Ernakulam. Upon arrival, take a sightseeing tour of the city, whose architecture depicts its cultural diversity and influences. See the colourful markets, shops and temples lining Mahatma Gandhi Road, the main thoroughfare. Along the way, photo stops are made at various landmarks, including the Temple of Lord Shiva. Your sightseeing drive through Ernakulam ends at Fort Cochin.

Historic Cochin

During a guided walking tour of this historic area, note the Chinese fishing nets near the tip of Fort Cochin. These fixed, cantilevered contraptions are mainly used at high tide and operated via a system of counterweights. A photo stop is then made at St. Francis Church, which is adorned with lovely floor tiles lining the main aisle. Large swinging cloth fans, or punkahs, are suspended above the congregation and manually operated from outside the church.

David Hall

Your tour concludes with a stop at David Hall. A surviving legacy of Dutch colonial rule in these parts, David Hall is a part of three houses built by the Dutch East India Company in the late-17th century. The building has since been renovated and converted into an art gallery. During a refreshment stop at David Hall's café, you can browse through the art gallery. Depending upon the current exhibits, some artwork may be available for sale.

Following your visit, commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Cochin, Emakulam, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Temple of Lord Shiva, Fort Cochin, Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, David Hall Art Gallery, Café

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, for approximately 15 minutes in the historic area of Fort Cochin, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, two steps at St. Francis Church and four steps at David Hall. At the St. Francis Church, visitors must remove their shoes prior to walking down the central tiled aisle. If mass is taking place at the St. Francis Church, your guide cannot provide narration inside. Guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair can be seated at David Hall while the other guests walk through Fort Cochin. David Hall is not air-conditioned. Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing covering the knees and shoulders, and bring sun protection. Expect crowds at the sites visited. Bring local currency for purchases.