Cochin Heritage Tour

You will be welcomed by Globes Travel representative & your private guide at the pier & will be taken to Old Cochin for Cochin Heritage tour. Your tour comprises of visit to the Dutch Palace (closed on Friday). It was built by the Portuguese, and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555. Though built by the Portuguese, it is popularly known as the 'Dutch Palace', as the Dutch renovated it during their brief reign here. The glory of the Palace lies in the murals which are in the traditions of Hindu Temple Art. You will continue with a visit to the Jewish synagogue (closed on Friday noon & Saturday). Built in 1568 A.D, it includes The Great Scrolls of Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in the Hebrew Script, and are still preserved in the Synagogue. Dutch cemetery which was constructed in the year 1724 and considered as one of the oldest cemeteries in India. Indo-Portuguese museum located in the garden of Bishop’s house is the best place to gain insights into the Portuguese culture and India’s first Catholic communityThe next stop on your tour will be a visit to St Francis Church. Built by the Portuguese in 1510 A.D, it is believed to be the oldest European Church built in India. Vasco-da-Gama was buried here, and fourteen years later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica was constructed by the Portuguese during the year 1505 and is one among the two churches which the Dutch refrained to demolish. The current structure of the church as we see it today was renovated by the British in the year 1887. You will have the opportunity to also see the Chinese fishing nets at the entrance to the harbor, and the mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi. At the end of your tour you will be returned to the port.