St Francis Church+Chinese Nets+Dutch Palace+Synagogue=Cochin Walk
A Walk through Cochin packs more culture, history, colors & aromas than perhaps any other Walk in the country. The diversity delivered in this Walk is unbeatable. Cochin is a pot-pourri of diverse cultures imbibed over centuries from the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Jews, British, French, etc just to name a few! Apart from being Kerala's commercial, industrial & financial capital, Cochin is the crowning jewel of the State's Tourism landscape. The Cochin Walk covers the four most important visits as mentioned in the Walk title, in about four hours. If you find the Walk distance (around 5 km) strenuous, we offer you a charming local transport to cover part of the distance. Accompanying you on the Walk would be a trained, professional & licensed Guide. He would also offer tips on various eating places and shopping, making this a wholesome experience. P.S: The Dutch Palace is closed on Friday while the Synagogue is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
Options
St Francis Church+Chinese Nets+Dutch Palace+Synagogue=Cochin Walk
What's included in St Francis Church+Chinese Nets+Dutch Palace+Synagogue=Cochin Walk
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Church of Saint Francis
St. Francis church was initially built by the Portuguese in 1503 as a Catholic church dedicated to St. Bartholomew. Later the Dutch converted this into a Protestant Church rededicating it ot St. Francis. Subsequently the British made it an Anglican Church and it remains so to this day. This Church stands mute testimony to the Eurpoean colonization and its effects on this region. Vasco da gama, the discoverer of Sea Route to India, was buried here when he died during his third visit in 1524. But later his remains were moved to Lisbon. Apart from all the tombstones gathered over centuries, the church also still retains the old hand-operated pankhas (fans) that were used earlier.
Chinese Fishing Nets
The Chinese Fishing Nets, suspended in mid air and standing on the beach, is perhaps the most photographed sights in Cochin. Especially during sunrise and sunset, silhouetted against the sky. This techniques of fishing is believed to have been introduced in Cochin by Chinese explorer Zheng He, from the court of the Kubla Khan sometime during 14th Century.
Cochin Spice Market
Though the Cochin Spice Market has lost much of its earlier glory, it has retained its status as an important centre of spice trade. The exotic odour of the finest ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric and pepper, also known as black gold, emanate from the spice warehouses lining the street and fills it. The bustling trade of spices is evidenced in the trucks going to and away from the warehouses, loads being taken in and out using pushcarts, and the sight of workers drying, sorting and packing spices. And as in the olden days, both Europeans and Arabs still come to Kochi and leave her shores with precious cargo.
Inclusions
- Entry fee at all monuments
- All Fees and Taxes
- Tips/gratuities to the guide
- Food and beverages
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- French, Italian and German speaking guides are subject to availability
- Tour involves at least two hours of walking under the sun.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- The guide will meet you at the gate of the St. Francis Church at the appointed hour
End Points
- The guide will say good bye to you. Any further services from the guide could be sought from him directly.
