Kochi Darshan with Kathakali

Kochi (Cochin) is the gateway to Kerala.  Culturally rich and with a history that dates back to millennia, Kochi has diverse attractions for all. India’s oldest church, old fashioned cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a classical Indian dance performance and five hundred year old Portuguese houses as you tour the city. Cochin is an eclectic and fascinating blend of medieval Portugal, Holland, an English country village and the local tropical Malabar culture found here.

One of the most popular and spectacular dance-drama forms in India, the Kathakali dates back to the 17th century. The dance involves heavy makeup and flamboyant costumes.

The artists use gestures to convey emotions and entire stories. Usually enacting themes and stories from two of India’s best loved epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, the performance is visually arresting, extremely graceful and magnificent in execution. 

Places/Attractions Covered

Mattancherry Palace

It is also known as Dutch Palace, built the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555 AD. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out extensions and repairs in the palace. AT no time did the Portuguese or Dutch stay here. Its interiors are decorated with murals from the Ramayana and there are some lively displays of royal costumes and palanquins. Timings. 1000 hrs to 17.00 hrs. Closed on Fridays and national holidays.

Jewish Synagogue

in Mattancherry Synagogue is built in 1568 AD. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testment, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest Timing: 1000 hrs to 1200 hrs and 1500 hrs to 1700 hrs. Closed on Sundays and Jewish Holidays.

St. Francis Church

Fort Kochi The Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. It is here the remains of the inveterate traveller, Vasco da Gamma were initially buried and 14 years later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal.

Sant Cruz Baslica Church

For Kochi The Roman Catholic Church situated close to St. Francis Church and is worth visiting. Some beautiful paintings can be seen here.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Fort Kochi The Chinese Fishing net that line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi. Said to have been brought from China by traders of Kubalai Khan's Court, they are used at high tide.

Bolghatty Palace

Bolghatty Palace is situated in Boghatty Island a narrow palmfringed Island easily accessible from the. mainland. The Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744. Later, it became the seat of the British Resident and today this has been converted into a hotel run by KTDC.

Cherai Beach

This lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. There are a couple of simple cafes and guesthouses too. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.

Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithra

Ten kms away from Kochi, Hill Palace, is the official residence of the Kochi royal family. It was built in 1865 AD. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala. Surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land, the Palace also encompasses a Deer Park and horse riding facilities. A full-fledged ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala's first heritage museum are the main attractions. Displayed inside the thirteen galleries are oil paintings, 19th century paintings, Murals, sculpture in stone and plaster of paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to the Kochi royal family.

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