Itinerary for Day 1 Cochin Sigtseeing Tour Package

About Cochin

Like most cities in India, Kochi has a very long and illustrious history. But, the origin of the name is still shrouded in mystery. Many theories exist, but none are strong enough to be conclusive. Some historians believe that Kochi is a modified form of the word ‘Cochazhi’ which in Malayalam means ‘small sea’. Others are of the opinion that ‘Kochi’ was named so by the Chinese. According to them, traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan, gave Kochi the name of their homeland. The peculiar Chinese fishing nets found here, the only place outside China where it has been spotted, can possibly be attributed to the heavy Chinese influence the city has had in the past. Still another theory is that Kochi is derived from the word ‘Kaci’ meaning ‘harbour’.

DAY 1 PICKUP FROM COCHIN: Hotel / Railway Station / Airport / Bus Station and proceed to Cochin Local Sightseeing places including:

WILLINGDON ISLAND

Willingdon Island is among the most beautiful locations in the Kochi area. This man-made island, named after a former Viceroy, is among the biggest of its kind in India. It is a major commercial centre and has some of the best hotels in the city. It is also home to the Kochi Naval Base of the Indian Navy, the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and the Port of Kochi. It handles millions of tonnes of freight every year. The island is connected to the mainland by the Venduruthy Bridge. The ferry ride is loved by all and boat trips around the island give one a spectacular view of the place.

CHINESE FISHING NETS

Legend has it that the famous Chinese explorer, Zheng He, introduced the Chinese Fishing Nets to the fishermen in Kochi over 500 years ago. Even though he would leave, these would become staple sights in these parts. The Chinese fishing nets,or Cheenvala for the locals, have attracted visitors in the Fort Kochi area for centuries. Most tour guides swear that the Vasco da Gama Square is the best spot to get the perfect view of these massive structures.

MARINE DRIVE

Marine is a beautiful and picturesque promenade in Kochi which faces towards the backwaters of Kochi. It’s one of the famous must-visit places for tourists and local populace. It’s 140 m walkway that stretches from the Jankar Jetty (north) to the Emakulam Boat Jetty (South). It is situated along the edge of backwaters that begins behind the Children’s Park ending at the Shanmugham Road. It is surfaced with black-dotted, red-carpet ultra tiles. Wooden benches, cast-ironed, weather-proof seating on ash grey tiles offers utmost relaxation.

VEERANPUZHA LAKE AND BACKWATER

Veeranpuzha is located in Cochin, Kerala, south India.It is the northern extension of Vembanad Lake. From Kochi Azhi to Munambam Azhi, the serene backwaters popularly known in this name Veeranpuzha. Veeranpuzha is the name of Vembanadu Lake at Vypeen Island. In early 80’s there were regular ferry services from Munambam to Ernakulam. Though it stretches from Ernakulam to Munambam, Veeranpuzha’s Nayarmbalam part is the most scintillating landscape. You can never forget the sight in your lifetime.Most of the people are fishermen and agrarians. The people are very co-operative and innocent. They are cultured and educated too. Local people can be very dependable in case of any emergency.Still now very few tourists visit Veeranpuzha. Most of them do not aware about it. Very recently some resorts are being made in the banks of it.

MANGALAVANAM BIRD SANCTUARY

Administered and controlled by the Assistant Conservator of Forest and Wildlife Warden Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary of Nature Study Center Kalady, the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a wonderful place to visit with your friends and family. One is likely to feel relaxed around all the greenery in addition to explore numerous new species of plants and animals which you never even knew existed. It is a perfect getaway away from the busy life of the city paving the way for the exciting adventure.

VASCO DA GAMA SQUARE

Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, the last port of Vasco Da Gama, where you will find synagogues, mosques, churches and temples side by side, is a place with a fascinating history. The huge cantilevered fishing net, the Chinese fishing nets, seen here is a legacy of its spellbinding past. The nets, set up on teak and bamboo poles, were brought by one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast, the traders from the court of Kublai Khan.An ideal place to watch fishermen use these nets is the Vasco da Gama square, a narrow promenade along the beach. The square, which has numerous stalls serving fresh delicious seafood, tender coconut and so on, is also perfect for a nice, relaxed evening.

Drop at Cochin Hotel / Over Night Stay In Cochin End of a One Day Cochin Local Sightseeing Tour…

Itinerary for Day 2 Cochin Local Sigtseeing Tour

DAY 2 PICKUP FROM COCHIN: Hotel / After Brakefast and proceed Cochin Local Sightseeing places including:

KERALA KATHAKALI CENTER

Elements of the art of Kathakali are found in the ancient ritual plays of Hindu temples and various dance forms that are believed to have been gradually developed in Kerala from as early as the 2nd Century until the end of the 16th Century. Many of its characteristics are very much older than its literature, as they are a continuation of older traditions, but these did not crystallize until the 17th Century when the Rajah of Kottarakkara, a small principality in central Travancore, wrote plays based on the Hindu epic “Ramayana” in sanskritized Malayam, which could be understood by ordinary people. Before this, the stories were enacted in pure Sanskrit, which was known only to the learned few.

HILL PALACE

The enormous palace complex is famous for being a full-fledged ethnoarchaeological museum and the first ever heritage museum of the state. Upon visiting, one can see the oil paintings, murals, sculptures, swords, crowns, coins, manuscripts and various other belongings of the Kochi royal family. Apart from that, antique ceramics from the Far East, Kudakkallu (tombstone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), laterite memorials, contemporary art and wooden memorials from ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley and Harada are also kept for display here. The main highlight among the above is the Gold crown which is embedded with precious stones. The rooms in here are also huge, declaring the lavish lifestyle of former kings and his household.

FOLKLORE MUSEUM

Step into this three-storied edifice and take a stroll down history where every waft that you encounter is scented with times gone by, its culture and heritage. This is Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum at Thevara, Ernakulam – a unique venture to preserve the splendid folklore wealth of the State.Opened in the year 2009 as a non-profit organization, the museum is truly a treasure trove that showcases the rich heritage that Kerala exudes through its numerous art and dance forms. Artifacts that bear the scent of bygone era like masks, sculptures, in wood, stone and bronze, costumes of traditional and ritual art forms, musical instruments, traditional jewelry, manuscripts of rare medicinal and astrological secrets, and Stone-Age utensils are all preserved in this museum with utmost care.

ST. FRANCIS CHURCH

The St. Francis Church, well-known for its beautiful structural design and ambience, has an important place in history. It is here that the famous explorer, Vasco-da-Gama, was originally buried. His remains would be taken back 14 years later but to this day, the exact spot is clearly marked. The place is known for its deep Dutch and Portuguese influences and is an architectural marvel in itself.The credit for its construction goes to the Portuguese Franciscan Friars in 1503. Originally made with mud and wood, it went under a lot of work with the Portuguese, Dutch and the British leaving their imprints on the place. Eventually it would come under the control of the Church of South India in 1949.

THE FORT BEACH

The Fort Kochi beach, with its clean premises and tranquil atmosphere, is frequented by tourists as well as the local people.There are many factors that differentiate the beach from the other beaches of Kerala. The presence of the Chinese fishing nets is probably the most easily identifiable one. The trees and the greenery on the walkway to the beach add to the serene atmosphere there. It is on these beaches that the famous Cochin Carvinal is conducted on New Year’s Eve.

PUTHUVYPE BEACH

Puthuvype is a 3 kms long beach situated in Puthuvype near the lighthouse in Kochi, Kerala. One among the least explored beaches of Kochi, the highlight of the beach is also a lighthouse. Still unexploited by tourists, the beach is crowded by the fisherfolks at work. You can visit on a weekend for a perfect break from the city in peace and solitude.The first oceanarium of the country, which will showcase an aquarium alley, deep sea tunnel, polar pavilion, shark tank, touch tank and other entertainment facilities, is all set to be built at the Puthuvype entrance of the beach. Shops are found at the Puthuvype main junction.

LULU MALL

Lulu Mall is the largest mall in India regarding total retail space of 1.7 million square feet. Situated in Edapally, Kochi, the mall sprawls over an extensive area of 17 acres with 215 outlets of restaurants, multiplex, food courts, entertainment zones, bowling alley, money exchange centres, arcade games and 5D cinema.

Drop at Cochin Hotel / Railway Station / Airport / Bus Station. End of a 2 days Cochin Local Sightseeing Tour…

[Two Day Tour Car Rental Tariffs]

Sl.No. Cab Type Per Day           Non Ac Per Day  A/c Add Km Add Hrs Parking Extra
1 Indica Rs 1,400/- Rs 1,600/- Rs 08/- Rs 150/- Yes
2 Toyota Etios Rs 1,800/- Rs 2,100/- Rs 10/- Rs 200/- Yes
3 Tavera Rs 2,100/- Rs 2,400/- Rs 12/- Rs 250/- Yes
4 Innova Rs 2,600/- Rs 2,900/- Rs 14/- Rs 300/- Yes
5 Tempo Traveller 12 + 1 Seater Rs 4,200/- Rs 4,600/- Rs 16/- Rs 400/- Yes
6 Mini Bus 20 + 1 seater Rs 5,200/- Rs 5,600/- Rs 26/- Rs 400/- Yes

Guests are requested to follow the itinerary provided in the 2 Days Cochin Local Sightseeing tour package. This 2 days Cochin tour package can not be customized, however if guests prefer to visit different set of places in Cochin and around, they can create their own itinerary and request for a custom quote from cab providers.