Kochi Weekend Tour | Short Trip To Cochin

OVERVIEW- Also known as Cochin or Ernakulam, Kochi is one of the most well-known cities in the south Indian state of Kerala, thus, making is the right weekend getaway. Bordered by the Arabian Sea on the West and the Western Ghatson the East, this city is known for its rich historical past. A delightful place, Kochi boasts a culture that is an amazing mix of the old and the new.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM- Trivandrum now called Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient seaside city built on seven hills. It is one of the major business centre and busiest harbor in the country. Capital of Gods Own Land, Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most beautiful and greenest cities of India. The city features long stretches of serene backwaters, beautiful palm fringed beaches, historic monuments and revered shrines.

KOCHI (COCHIN) - Kochi is the commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi along with its mainland part, Ernakulum is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. With one of the finest natural harbors in the world, Kochi is the most modern city of Kerala where the best shopping markets are located.

Tour Destination: Thiruvananthapuram - Kochi - Thiruvananthapuram

Travel Duration: 02 Nights/03 Days

DAY 1: THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - KOCHI

After breakfast drive to The Queen of Arabian Sea- Kochi. Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: KOCHI

After breakfast, full day city tour of The Queen of Arabian Sea- Kochi

CHINESE FISHING NETS, FORT KOCHI- The Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.

FORT KOCHI BEACH- A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a memorable experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. The coastal stretch has loads of small stalls, which make on demand mouth-watering traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish.

ST. FRANCIS CHURCH- It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal.

DUTCH PALACE- The Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.

JEWISH SYNAGOGUE- The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.

BOLGHATTY PALACE- This Dutch palace is situated on Bolghatty Island which is just a short boat ride away from the mainland. The island has a tiny golf course and the panoramic views of the port and the harbor, makes it an attractive picnic spot.

MARINE DRIVE- A stroll along the long tree-lined coastal pathway that lines the backwater is well worth the time spent, especially late afternoon or dusk. The bustling backwaters, dotted with fishing boats, speedboats, ships, tankers and passenger boats, can be observed from this walkway that lines the coast.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: KOCHI - THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Day free for leisure and later, drive back to Thiruvananthapuram to catch your flights/train towards onward destination.

Distance & Time (Approx)