"Essentials" Shore Excursion of Kochi. Free Pick & Drop.

Kochi , India

"Essentials" Shore Excursion of Kochi. Free Pick & Drop.

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Hello! 'Celebrity' Passengers!

Skip the expensive shore excursions ! Book a thrifty group tour !

You are met at the ship with "Viator"sign and pager board of Your Name..

Comfortable transportation, entertaining and enriching travel experience, and travelling sustainably.

The tours are customized to suit the arrival and departure schedule of your ship to ensure you have a worry free Shore Excursion. We ensure your timely return after the tour.

Following attractions are included in the tours.

Tour #1. Glimpses of Kochi. Fort Kochi, Jew Town, Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace. Sit for tea in a boutique restaurant at spice market / lunch in a fish specialty restaurant / shopping in Jew town.

Duration 5 hours

Tour #2. Tranquil Backwaters. Houseboat cruise with lunch on board the houseboat. After the houseboat cruise you are given an orientation to Kochi heritage for photo stops at attractions there.

Duration 7 hours.

Available options

Shore Excursion for cruise

Pickup included

What's included

Entrance fee

Air-conditioned vehicle

Port pickup and drop-off

Local Guide

Detailed itinerary

Tour #1. Glimpses of Kochi.
Staff of Excel India Tours will meet you at the ship. You can see him holding the pager board with the name of lead traveler of your group. The staff will escort you to waiting Van /Car / Coach.

The group travels to Fort Kochi (30 minutes) At Fort Kochi, the group will be transferred to the waiting Tuk Tuks (two people in one)

Stop 3

Ride in Tuk Tuk to Church of St. Francis. Visit the church and pay homage to Vasco de Gama who had his first burial in this church before taking him to Portugal. (30 minutes)

Stop 4

Then do a soft walk (5 minutes) to Chinese Fishing nets. Watch the operation of these. Interact with the fisher men and try your hand in operating the nets. (20 minutes)

A community of washermen and women are seen engaged in their job of Washing and ironing clothes is on of the the old world life style still practised here.

Stop 6

At the end of the Jewish town visit the Paradesi Synagogue belonged to the European Jews who still use this synagogue on Sabbath. (Three resident Jews and visiting Jews from other countries form minion.)

You can wander around the area for hunting gifts in the shops. (30 minutes)

Stop 7

Return to waiting Tuk Tuks and ride in it to Jewish Town.

Walk around Jewish town along the ancient streets of the Jewish community studded with the fascinating Jewish houses once occupied by the European Jews before they leaving for Israel after the state Israel formed. (30 minutes)

What's not included

Gratuities

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Entrance Fee for foriegn nationals at Bastion Bunglaw Museum. This is INR 350

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking:, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time

Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship

Important notes

• Dress code is smart - no casual clothes (i.e. jeans, sportswear, joggers or sneakers)
• If you have not already specified, you MUST advise supplier as soon as possible your, docking time, disembarkation time and departure time so that appropriate arrangements can be made
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler

Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port

Valid from the time of first use, for the duration selected.

About Kochi

Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is a vibrant port city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It's a captivating blend of historical architecture, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique experience.

Top Attractions

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is a historic area known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Historical Half day to full day Free to visit most attractions

Mattancherry Palace

Also known as the Dutch Palace, this 16th-century palace is a fine example of colonial architecture and houses a museum with artifacts from the era.

Historical 1-2 hours INR 5 (USD 0.07) for Indians, INR 100 (USD 1.30) for foreigners

Jew Town

A historic area known for its Jewish heritage, vibrant markets, and antique shops. It's a great place to explore the city's multicultural past.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, shopping expenses vary

Marine Drive

A picturesque promenade along the backwaters, offering stunning views of the sunset and the city's skyline. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

A small but beautiful bird sanctuary located in the heart of the city. It's a peaceful retreat for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Appam with Stew

Appam is a soft, lacy pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, served with a mild and creamy vegetable or meat stew.

Breakfast Vegetarian (if stew is vegetarian), Vegan (if stew is vegan)

Karimeen Pollichathu

A popular Kerala dish made with pearl spot fish, marinated in spices, and fried to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish

Kerala Parippu Curry

A comforting dal made with yellow lentils, coconut, and spices, served with rice or appam.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian, Vegan

Thalassery Biryani

A fragrant and flavorful biryani made with basmati rice, meat (chicken, mutton, or fish), and a blend of spices.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat (chicken, mutton, or fish)

Popular Activities

Backwater cruises Kayaking Trekking in Munnar Beach relaxation in Kovalam Ayurvedic massages Houseboat stays in Alleppey Exploring Fort Kochi Visiting Mattancherry Palace

Best Time to Visit

October to February

This is the best time to visit Kochi, with pleasant weather and lower humidity. It's ideal for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities.

25°C to 32°C 77°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Malayalam
Widely spoken: English, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kochi is generally safe for travelers, but it's always important to stay vigilant and take common-sense precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Use trusted transportation services, such as app-based cabs or reputable taxi companies.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Cochin International Airport • 29 km (18 miles) from city center

By train

Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town

By bus

KSRTC Bus Station, Private Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable mode of transport in Kochi. They cover most parts of the city and its suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fort Kochi Mattancherry Ernakulam Vypeen Island

Day trips

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

55 km (34 miles) • Full day

Alleppey is famous for its backwaters, houseboat stays, and serene landscapes. It's a perfect day trip for those looking to experience the tranquility of Kerala's waterways.

Munnar

130 km (81 miles) • Full day or overnight

Munnar is a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Kovalam

16 km (10 miles) • Full day

Kovalam is a popular beach destination known for its beautiful beaches, lighthouse, and Ayurvedic treatment centers. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand.

Festivals

Onam • August-September (dates vary based on the Malayalam calendar) Kochi-Muziris Biennale • December to March (biennial, next edition in 2023) Easter Celebrations • March-April (dates vary based on the Christian calendar)

Pro tips

Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi early in the morning to see the fishermen at work.
Try local street food, such as banana chips and Kathi rolls, for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the backwaters of Kochi by taking a ferry or a houseboat tour for a unique and scenic experience.
Learn a few basic phrases in Malayalam to connect with locals and enhance your cultural experience.
Attend a Kathakali performance or a Kalaripayattu demonstration to immerse yourself in Kerala's rich cultural heritage.