Discover Kochi’s Heritage, Culture, Markets & Waterfront
Duration: 8 Hours · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Private Shore Excursion · 1–25 Guests

Make the most of your time in Cochin with a comprehensive private shore excursion designed especially for cruise passengers.

From the historic streets of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry to magnificent churches, royal palaces, the historic Jewish Quarter, bustling spice markets and the modern waterfront of Ernakulam, this tour brings together the many faces of Cochin in one memorable day.

Your licensed, skilled and experienced local guide will accompany you throughout the excursion, providing fascinating insights into the history, culture, traditions and everyday life of Kerala.

• 🚢 Convenient pickup & drop-off at Cochin Port
• 🏛️ Explore historic Fort Kochi
• 🎣 See the famous Chinese Fishing Nets
• ⛪ Visit historic St. Francis Church
• ✝️ Admire the magnificent Santa Cruz Basilica
• 👑 Discover the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry
• 🕍 Explore Jewish Town & Jew Street
• 🛍️ Experience the old spice and trading districts
• 🌴 See the contrasting modern side of Ernakulam
• 👨‍🏫 Travel with a licensed and experienced local guide
• 🚐 Comfortable private air-conditioned transportation
• 💧 Bottled drinking water provided

Fort Kochi – Colonial Heritage

Begin your exploration in Fort Kochi, one of Kerala's most fascinating historic neighbourhoods. Walk through streets shaped by centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British influence and see some of the city's most iconic landmarks.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Stop beside Cochin's famous Chinese Fishing Nets, an enduring symbol of the city's maritime heritage. Your guide will explain how these traditional fishing installations work and their importance to local fishermen.

St. Francis Church & Santa Cruz Basilica

Discover two of Fort Kochi's most important Christian landmarks, reflecting the city's long history of European connections and religious diversity.

Mattancherry & Dutch Palace

Continue to Mattancherry, the historic trading centre of Cochin. Visit the Dutch Palace and learn about Kerala's royal traditions, architecture and remarkable mural art.

Jewish Town & Jew Street

Explore the atmospheric lanes of historic Jew Town, once an important centre of Cochin's international spice trade. Discover its antique shops, traditional warehouses and distinctive architecture.

Markets & Spice Quarter

Experience the sights, sounds and aromas of old Cochin as you pass through its traditional markets and spice-trading areas—an excellent opportunity to see everyday local life.

Ernakulam Waterfront

Complete your Cochin experience by seeing the modern face of the city, with time around the waterfront and other points of interest according to the group's interests and available time.

Transportation is arranged according to your group size:

Group SizeVehicle1–2 guestsA/C Sedan3–4 guestsA/C SUV such as Toyota Crysta5–25 guestsA/C Van such as Force Traveller

All transportation is private and air-conditioned.

A licensed, skilled and experienced guide will accompany your group throughout the excursion.

Rather than simply showing you monuments, your guide will help you understand the stories behind Cochin—its maritime trade, colonial history, religions, communities, traditions and contemporary way of life.

Number of GuestsPrivate Tour Price

1–4 guests₹20,000 / US$210 total

5–25 guests₹2,000 / US$20 per person

• Private A/C transportation
• Pickup and drop-off at Cochin Port
• Licensed, skilled and experienced guide
• Bottled drinking water
• 8 hours of private sightseeing

• Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
• Meals and refreshments
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities
• Any service not specifically mentioned under Included

The sightseeing programme may be adjusted according to your ship's arrival/departure schedule, traffic conditions, monument opening hours and local circumstances.

We always aim to ensure that guests return to the Cochin Port well before the ship's required boarding time.

The itinerary can also be adapted to suit the group's interests, mobility and preferred pace.

Step ashore and discover the many stories of Cochin—from ancient spice routes and royal palaces to colonial streets, fishing traditions and vibrant local life.

Reserve your private Cochin shore excursion and make your day in Kerala truly memorable.

Discover Kochi’s Heritage, Culture, Markets & Waterfront
09:00 AM – 01:00 PM · 4 Hours
Private Shore Excursion · 1–25 Guests

Make the most of your morning in Cochin with a carefully planned private shore excursion covering the city's most important historic and cultural highlights.

Designed especially for cruise passengers with limited time ashore, this four-hour experience takes you through the fascinating heritage areas of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, combining historic monuments, colonial architecture, traditional fishing, spice-trading districts and vibrant local life.

Your licensed, skilled and experienced local guide will accompany you throughout the tour, bringing Cochin's history and culture to life.

• 🚢 Convenient pickup at Cochin Port
• 🏛️ Explore historic Fort Kochi
• 🎣 See the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets
• ⛪ Visit historic St. Francis Church
• ✝️ Admire Santa Cruz Basilica
• 👑 Discover Mattancherry & the Dutch Palace
• 🕍 Explore Jewish Town & Jew Street
• 🌶️ Experience Cochin's historic spice and trading quarter
• 👨‍🏫 Travel with a licensed and experienced local guide
• 🚐 Comfortable private A/C transportation
• 💧 Bottled drinking water provided
• 🍛 Time for lunch at a local restaurant after the tour

09:00 AM – Pickup at Cochin Port

Meet your guide and driver at the cruise terminal and begin your private exploration of Cochin.

Fort Kochi – Colonial Heritage

Drive into historic Fort Kochi and discover its fascinating streets, shaped by centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British influence.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Stop at the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, one of Cochin's most recognizable landmarks. Learn about this traditional fishing technique and its continuing role in the lives of local fishermen.

St. Francis Church & Santa Cruz Basilica

Visit two of Fort Kochi's historic churches and discover the fascinating religious and colonial history of the area.

Mattancherry & Dutch Palace

Continue to Mattancherry, the old trading heart of Cochin. See the historic Dutch Palace and learn about Kerala's royal heritage and traditional art.

Jewish Town & Jew Street

Explore the atmospheric old Jewish Quarter, with its historic buildings, antique shops, traditional warehouses and connections to Cochin's centuries-old international spice trade.

Spice & Market District

Pass through the colourful trading areas of Mattancherry, where the aromas of spices and the activity of local markets provide an authentic glimpse of everyday Cochin.

01:00 PM – Tour Concludes

Return towards the port area after completing the sightseeing programme.

After the sightseeing tour, time will be provided for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the cruise terminal.

This provides an opportunity to enjoy authentic Kerala or Indian cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Lunch is not included in the tour price.

The restaurant can be selected according to the group's preferences, dietary requirements and available time.

Transportation is arranged according to your group size:

Group SizeVehicle1–2 guestsA/C Sedan3–4 guestsA/C SUV such as Toyota Crysta5–25 guestsA/C Van such as Force Traveller

All transportation is private and air-conditioned.

A licensed, skilled and experienced guide will accompany your group throughout the sightseeing programme.

Your guide will not only introduce you to the monuments but also explain the stories behind Cochin's maritime trade, colonial history, religious communities, spice routes, architecture and local traditions.

Number of GuestsPrivate Tour Price

1–4 guests ₹17,000 / US$180 total

5–25 guests 

₹1,700 / US$18 per person

• Private A/
• C transportation
• Pickup from Cochin Port
• Licensed, skilled and experienced guide
• Bottled drinking water
• 4 hours of private sightseeing
• Time allowance for lunch after the sightseeing tour

• Lunch and refreshments
• Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities
• Any service not specifically mentioned under Included

The sightseeing sequence may be adjusted according to your ship's arrival schedule, traffic conditions, monument opening hours and local circumstances.

We carefully plan the excursion to ensure that guests have sufficient time to return to the Cochin Port before the ship's required boarding time.

The programme can also be adapted to suit the group's interests, mobility and preferred pace.

Step ashore and experience the essential highlights of Cochin—from historic Fort Kochi and traditional fishing nets to royal Mattancherry, Jewish Town and the legendary spice trade.

Reserve your private morning shore excursion and discover Cochin with a knowledgeable local guide.

Discover Kochi’s Heritage, Culture, Markets, Kathakali & Waterfront
01:00 PM – Evening · Private Shore Excursion · 1–25 Guests

Make the most of your afternoon and evening in Cochin with a private shore excursion designed especially for cruise passengers who would like to combine sightseeing with Kerala’s famous Kathakali dance tradition.

Explore the historic neighbourhoods of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, discover centuries of maritime and spice-trading history, admire remarkable churches and heritage buildings, and attend a traditional Kathakali dance programme before enjoying an optional dinner at a local restaurant.

Your licensed, skilled and experienced local guide will accompany you throughout the excursion, providing fascinating stories and insights into Cochin’s history, culture, communities and traditions.

• 🚢 Convenient pickup at Cochin Port
• 🏛️ Explore historic Fort Kochi
• 🎣 See the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets
• ⛪ Visit historic St. Francis Church
• ✝️ Admire Santa Cruz Basilica
• 👑 Discover Mattancherry & the Dutch Palace
• 🕍 Explore Jewish Town & Jew Street
• 🌶️ Experience the historic spice and trading quarter
• 🛍️ See traditional markets and local life
• 🎭 Attend a traditional Kathakali dance programme
• 🎟️ Kathakali entrance tickets included
• 🍽️ Optional dinner at a local restaurant
• 👨‍🏫 Travel with a licensed and experienced local guide
• 🚐 Comfortable private A/C transportation
• 💧 Bottled drinking water provided

01:00 PM – Pickup at Cochin Port

Meet your guide and driver at the cruise terminal and begin your private exploration of Cochin.

Fort Kochi – A Living Heritage District

Begin in historic Fort Kochi, where Portuguese, Dutch and British influences have left their mark on the architecture, streets and traditions of the city.

Take a relaxed drive through the heritage area and stop at its most interesting landmarks.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Visit Cochin’s famous Chinese Fishing Nets along the waterfront. Your guide will explain this remarkable traditional fishing system and its connection with the city’s maritime heritage.

St. Francis Church & Santa Cruz Basilica

Discover two of Fort Kochi’s most significant historic churches, each reflecting a different chapter in the city’s fascinating religious and colonial history.

Mattancherry – The Old Trading Quarter

Continue to Mattancherry, historically one of Cochin’s most important centres of international trade.

Visit or view the Dutch Palace and learn about Kerala’s royal traditions, architecture and magnificent mural heritage.

Jewish Town & Jew Street

Explore the atmospheric streets of historic Jewish Town, once an important centre of Cochin’s international trading community.

See its old buildings, traditional shops, antique stores and historic warehouses while learning about the diverse communities that helped shape Cochin.

Spice & Market Experience

Continue through the traditional spice and market districts of Mattancherry.

The aromas of pepper, cardamom, cloves and other spices provide a wonderful reminder of Cochin’s historic position on the ancient spice route.

Kathakali Dance Programme

Before dinner, attend a traditional Kathakali dance programme and experience one of Kerala’s most distinctive performing arts.

Kathakali combines expressive facial movements, elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, hand gestures, music and storytelling. The programme offers an unforgettable introduction to Kerala’s classical cultural heritage.

Kathakali entrance tickets are included in the tour price.

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

After the Kathakali programme, the group will be taken to a local restaurant for dinner.

Dinner is optional and may be arranged according to the group’s preference. The cost of dinner, food, drinks and refreshments is not included in the tour price and will be paid separately by the guests directly at the restaurant.

Return to Cochin Port

After dinner, your private vehicle will return the group towards Cochin Port, subject to the ship’s required boarding time and the agreed programme schedule.

Transportation is arranged according to your group size:

Group SizeVehicle

1–2 guestsA/C Sedan

3–4 guestsA/C SUV such as Toyota Crysta

5–25 guestsA/C Van such as Force Traveller

All transportation is private and air-conditioned.

A licensed, skilled and experienced local guide will accompany your group throughout the sightseeing programme and assist with the Kathakali experience and restaurant arrangements.

Your guide will introduce you not only to the major landmarks but also to the stories of Cochin’s spice trade, maritime connections, colonial past, royal traditions, religious communities, performing arts and contemporary local life.

Number of GuestsPrivate Tour Price

1–4 guests ₹17,000 / US$180 total

5–25 guests ₹1,700 / US$18 per person

Kathakali entrance tickets are included in the above price.

• Private A/C transportation
• Pickup from Cochin Port
• Licensed, skilled and experienced guide
• Bottled drinking water
• Private sightseeing programme
• Kathakali dance programme
• Kathakali entrance tickets

• Dinner, food, drinks or refreshments at the local restaurant
• Entrance fees to monuments and attractions other than the included Kathakali programme
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities
• Any service not specifically mentioned under Included

The sightseeing sequence and Kathakali programme timing may be adjusted according to your ship’s arrival and departure schedule, traffic conditions, monument opening hours, Kathakali performance timings and local circumstances.

Dinner will be arranged at a suitable local restaurant after the Kathakali programme. The restaurant bill will be paid separately by the guests.

We carefully plan the excursion according to the ship’s required boarding time. However, the final programme and return time may vary depending on the ship’s schedule, traffic and the duration of the Kathakali performance and dinner.

The programme can also be adapted to suit the group’s interests, mobility and preferred pace.

From the historic waterfront of Fort Kochi and the spice-filled lanes of Mattancherry to the dramatic colours and expressions of Kathakali, experience the heritage, diversity and living traditions that make Cochin unique.

Step ashore. Discover the stories. Watch Kathakali. Experience Cochin with a local.