History · Colonial Architecture · Multicultural Heritage · Local Life

Discover Kochi’s fascinating multicultural past on a relaxed, guided walking tour through the historic neighbourhoods of Fort Kochi and Jewish Town. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this private, customizable experience combines history, architecture, local life and hidden stories that many visitors miss.

Walk through atmospheric streets where Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arab, Chinese and Jewish communities helped shape one of India’s oldest international trading ports. Explore historic landmarks, admire distinctive architecture, discover local traditions and experience the character of these remarkable neighbourhoods at a comfortable pace.

Whether you are interested in history, heritage, photography, architecture or everyday life in Kerala, this walking tour offers an engaging introduction to the cultural diversity of historic Kochi.

• 🏖️ Fort Kochi Beach and its historic waterfront
• 🎣 The iconic Chinese Fishing Nets
• ⚓ Vasco da Gama Square
• ⛪ St. Francis Church, one of India’s oldest European churches
• 🏛️ Santa Cruz Basilica — exterior visit
• ⚰️ Dutch Cemetery — view from outside
• 🏡 Bastion Bungalow and David Hall
• 🚶 Princess Street and Burger Street
• 🌳 English Village Green and Cochin Club
• 🏏 Parade Ground and its historic surroundings
• 🌶️ Local spice shops and handicraft stores
• 🕍 Jewish Town and its historic streets
• ✡️ Paradesi Synagogue — exterior visit, with an interior visit if open and an admission ticket is purchased
• 🏰 Mattancherry Palace — exterior visit, with an optional interior visit if time permits

Begin your heritage walk in Fort Kochi, a historic waterfront neighbourhood shaped by centuries of maritime trade and cultural exchange.

Explore Fort Kochi Beach, see the famous Chinese Fishing Nets and walk through Vasco da Gama Square. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the stories of the traders, sailors and communities that connected Kochi with destinations across the world.

Continue through Fort Kochi’s historic streets, discovering landmarks associated with the Portuguese, Dutch and British periods.

Visit the exterior of Santa Cruz Basilica and explore the surroundings of St. Francis Church. The walk also takes in the Dutch Cemetery from outside, Bastion Bungalow, David Hall, Princess Street and Burger Street.

As you explore the neighbourhood, your guide will share stories about the buildings, local traditions and historical influences that shaped Fort Kochi.

Discover more of Fort Kochi’s historic public spaces, including English Village Green, Cochin Club and Parade Ground.

These locations provide further insight into the neighbourhood’s changing social and cultural landscape. Enjoy a relaxed walk through the surrounding streets and observe the everyday life that continues alongside Kochi’s historic landmarks.

Take time to explore selected local spice and handicraft shops, where you can discover traditional products, souvenirs and the trading culture that has long been part of Kochi’s identity.

Shopping stops can be adjusted according to your interests and the time available.

Continue to Jewish Town in Mattancherry, an atmospheric historic neighbourhood known for its heritage streets, antique shops, spice stores and connections with Kochi’s Jewish community.

See the exterior of the Paradesi Synagogue, with an interior visit possible if it is open and you purchase the required admission ticket.

You will also see Mattancherry Palace from outside. If time permits, an interior visit can be arranged as an optional addition, subject to opening arrangements and admission requirements.

Your guide will help bring the neighbourhood’s history and multicultural character to life while allowing time to appreciate its distinctive atmosphere.

Tour type: Private, guided walking tour
Group size: 1–30 guests
Route: Fort Kochi and Jewish Town
Pace: Relaxed and customizable

The walking route and time spent at individual locations can be adjusted to suit your interests, available time and walking pace.

Please note that the synagogue and palace interior visits are not guaranteed. They depend on opening arrangements, time available and applicable admission requirements.

Private Walking Tour — Simple, Transparent Pricing

Number of GuestsTotal Tour Price1–2 guests₹2,000

3 guests₹2,500

4 guests₹3,000

5 guests₹3,500

6 guests₹4,000

7 guests₹4,500

8 guests₹5,000

9 guests₹5,500

10 guests₹6,000

15 guests₹8,500

20 guests₹11,000

25 guests₹13,500

30 guests₹16,000

Pricing formula: Minimum charge of ₹2,000 for 1–2 guests, plus ₹500 for each additional guest beyond two.

The tour is private for your party, so you can enjoy the walk with your own group and customize the experience to your interests.

• 👨‍🏫 Knowledgeable local guide
• 🚶 Guided walking tour of Fort Kochi and Jewish Town
• 🏛️ Exterior visits to the listed heritage landmarks
• 🌿 Insights into Kochi’s history, architecture, communities and local life
• 🗺️ A customizable walking experience

• Admission tickets to attractions, including the Paradesi Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace
• Interior visits where admission fees or separate arrangements are required
• Food, drinks and refreshments
• Shopping and personal expenses
• Transportation between locations, if required
• Any additional services or activities not specifically mentioned

• 🏛️ History and heritage enthusiasts
• 📸 Photography lovers
• 🏘️ Travellers interested in architecture and local life
• 🌍 Visitors curious about Kochi’s multicultural past
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families and private groups
• 🚢 Cruise passengers exploring Kochi
• 🧳 First-time visitors who want an introduction to Fort Kochi and Jewish Town

Reserve your Kochi Heritage Walking Tour in advance and pay later, according to the booking arrangements confirmed with Excel India Tours.

Cancellation: Cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour.

To arrange your private walk, please share your preferred date, number of guests and any particular historical sites or interests you would like to include.

From the waterfront and colonial-era streets of Fort Kochi to the historic lanes of Jewish Town, discover the people, places and stories that make Kochi unique.

Enjoy a relaxed walking experience with a knowledgeable local guide and explore the cultural heritage of one of Kerala’s most fascinating historic cities.

Book your private Kochi Heritage Walking Tour with Excel India Tours — Explore Fort Kochi & Jewish Town.

Local Heritage · Public Boat Cruise · Village Life · Scenic Backwaters

Experience the distinctive charm of Alappuzha (Alleppey) on a guided half-day tour combining the town’s heritage and everyday life with a scenic public boat cruise through Kerala’s famous backwaters.

Known for its network of canals, waterways, lagoons and traditional villages, Alappuzha offers a fascinating glimpse into a way of life shaped by water. Explore the town, observe its local character and then board a public boat for a relaxing journey through the backwater region, passing waterside settlements, coconut palms, green paddy fields and glimpses of everyday village life.

This experience is ideal for travellers who want to discover more than the familiar houseboat experience. The public boat provides an opportunity to see the backwaters as part of the local transport network, offering a different perspective on the waterways and the communities that depend on them.

• 🏘️ Explore the town of Alappuzha
• 🚣 Enjoy a public boat cruise through the backwater region
• 🌴 Discover scenic canals and waterways lined with coconut palms
• 🏡 Observe traditional village life along the water
• 🌾 Enjoy views of Kerala’s lush countryside and paddy fields
• 📸 Capture photographs of the backwaters and local surroundings
• 🌿 Experience the peaceful atmosphere of Kerala’s waterways
• 🛶 See how local communities use boats and canals in everyday life
• 👨‍🏫 Learn about the region’s culture, landscape and way of life
• ⏱️ Discover Alappuzha in a convenient four-hour experience

09:00 AM – Begin Your Alappuzha Experience

Meet your guide and begin exploring Alappuzha town. Discover its local character, streets and everyday activity while learning about the town’s relationship with Kerala’s waterways and backwater communities.

Enjoy a guided introduction to the town, observing its distinctive atmosphere and local life. Your guide will share insights into the town’s history, culture and importance within the backwater region.

The walking and sightseeing experience can be adapted to suit your interests and the time available.

Continue with a public boat journey into the backwater area surrounding Alappuzha.

As the boat travels through the waterways, enjoy views of coconut palms, green landscapes, waterside homes and village communities. Observe the rhythm of everyday life along the canals and see how the backwaters remain an important part of local transport and livelihood.

Unlike a private houseboat cruise, this experience uses a public boat service, allowing you to experience the waterways in a setting shared with other passengers.

During the cruise, take in the peaceful scenery and observe the villages that have developed around Kerala’s backwater network.

The experience offers opportunities for photography and a closer appreciation of the natural and cultural landscape of Alappuzha.

01:00 PM – Tour Concludes

The morning tour concludes after approximately four hours.

Prefer an afternoon experience? Join the second departure and explore Alappuzha town before enjoying the public boat cruise through the backwater villages.

The afternoon follows the same general programme, combining local town exploration, scenic waterways and glimpses of everyday village life.

02:00 PM – Tour Begins

Explore Alappuzha town with your guide, followed by a public boat cruise through the backwater area.

06:00 PM – Tour Concludes

The afternoon tour concludes after approximately four hours.

Please note: The exact sightseeing sequence and boat schedule may vary according to public boat operating times and local conditions.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours

Tour OptionDepartureApproximate FinishMorning Tour9:00 AM1:00 PMAfternoon Tour2:00 PM6:00 PM

Choose the departure that best suits your travel plans.

₹2,500 for up to 2 people
₹600 for each additional person

Number of GuestsTotal Tour Price1–2 people₹2,500

3 people₹3,100

4 people₹3,700

5 people₹4,300

6 people₹4,900

7 people₹5,500

8 people₹6,100

9 people₹6,700

10 people₹7,300

Pricing formula: ₹2,500 for the first 2 people + ₹600 for each additional participant.

The guided experience is arranged for your own party. The public boat cruise itself is shared with other passengers, as it operates as a public service.

For larger groups, please contact Excel India Tours for a quotation.

• 👨‍🏫 Guided exploration of Alappuzha town
• 🚣 Public boat cruise through the backwater region
• 🌿 Sightseeing and interpretation of local life and landscapes
• 📸 Opportunities for scenic photography
• 🗺️ A relaxed half-day introduction to Alappuzha

• Meals and refreshments
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities not specifically mentioned
• Any additional transportation not expressly confirmed in the booking
• Additional activities or services requested by guests

The public boat cruise and any applicable boat fare should be confirmed as part of the final booking arrangements.

This Alappuzha experience is particularly suitable for:

• ❤️ Couples
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families
• 🧳 Solo travellers
• 👥 Small private groups
• 🚢 Cruise passengers and day visitors
• 🌿 Nature lovers
• 📸 Photography enthusiasts
• 🏡 Travellers interested in village life and local culture
• 🚣 Visitors who want to experience the backwaters without booking a private houseboat

Planning a visit to Alappuzha? Reserve your preferred departure in advance and book now, pay later, according to the arrangements confirmed with Excel India Tours.

Cancellation policy: You may cancel your booking up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour commencement.

When enquiring, please let us know your preferred date, number of participants and whether you would like the morning or afternoon departure.

Alappuzha is more than a backwater destination. It is a living landscape of canals, villages, coconut palms and communities whose everyday lives remain closely connected to the water.

Join Excel India Tours for a relaxed exploration of the town and a public boat cruise through the backwaters, discovering the scenery and local life that make Alleppey one of Kerala’s most distinctive destinations.

Explore the town. Cruise the canals. Discover village life. Experience Alappuzha beyond the ordinary.ess here.

Temple Heritage · Traditional Streets · Local Markets · Royal Architecture · Living Culture

Explore the historic heart of Thiruvananthapuram on a four-hour guided walking tour through the traditional neighbourhoods, bustling markets and royal heritage surrounding the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Beginning near the temple, this walking experience introduces you to the distinctive Brahmin agraharams—traditional residential streets associated with the Brahmin communities who settled around the temple. Continue into the lively lanes of Chalai Bazaar, one of the city’s best-known traditional market areas, before exploring the historic character of M. G. Road.

A major highlight is Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, the remarkable royal palace associated with the Travancore royal family. Its traditional architecture, intricate wooden craftsmanship and historical associations offer a fascinating glimpse into Kerala’s royal heritage. Admission to Kuthiramalika is included in the tour price.

Designed for travellers who enjoy discovering destinations on foot, this experience reveals the contrasts between sacred traditions, historic residential streets, everyday commerce and royal architecture that give Thiruvananthapuram its distinctive character.

• 🛕 Explore the historic surroundings of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
• 🏘️ Walk through traditional Brahmin agraharams
• 🛍️ Discover the bustling lanes and local character of Chalai Bazaar
• 🚶 Explore sections of historic M. G. Road on foot
• 🏰 Visit Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
• 🪵 Admire traditional Kerala craftsmanship and royal architectural details
• 📜 Learn about the cultural and historical heritage of Travancore
• 📸 Capture the character of traditional streets, markets and heritage buildings
• 👨‍🏫 Enjoy insights from a knowledgeable local guide
• 🌿 Experience the city at street level, away from a conventional vehicle-based sightseeing tour

Begin your walking tour near the renowned Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of Thiruvananthapuram’s most important religious and cultural landmarks.

Discover the historic streets surrounding the temple and learn about its significance in the development of the city and its close relationship with the Travancore royal family.

The temple and its surroundings provide an introduction to the religious traditions, architecture and cultural life that have shaped this part of Kerala’s capital.

Please note: Entry into the temple is not included in this walking tour. Temple entry is subject to applicable dress codes, religious regulations and visitor eligibility.

Continue on foot through the traditional agraharams around the temple.

These distinctive residential streets reflect the settlement patterns and cultural traditions of Brahmin communities associated with the temple. Observe the traditional houses, street layouts and neighbourhood atmosphere while learning about the social and cultural history of these historic quarters.

This part of the walk offers an opportunity to appreciate the living heritage of Thiruvananthapuram beyond its best-known monuments.

Experience the energy and everyday activity of Chalai Bazaar, a traditional commercial district known for its busy streets, local shops and lively market atmosphere.

Walk through the market lanes, observe the variety of goods on sale and discover how traditional trading continues to form part of the city’s daily life.

Chalai offers a fascinating contrast to the quieter residential streets around the temple, revealing another dimension of Thiruvananthapuram’s history and urban culture.

Continue your walking exploration towards M. G. Road, one of Thiruvananthapuram’s principal urban thoroughfares.

Discover the changing character of the city as traditional neighbourhoods meet commercial streets and modern urban life. Your guide will help connect the different areas you explore, offering insights into the city’s growth and cultural evolution.

The route will be adapted according to walking pace, available time and local conditions.

Conclude the heritage experience with a visit to Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, associated with the Travancore royal family.

The palace is renowned for its traditional architectural character and intricate wooden craftsmanship. Its name, commonly translated as the Palace of Horses, refers to the distinctive horse-shaped wooden carvings incorporated into the building.

Explore the palace and its exhibits to gain a deeper appreciation of Travancore’s royal heritage, artistic traditions and architectural legacy.

Admission to Kuthiramalika is included in the tour price. The visit is subject to the museum’s opening hours and operating arrangements. 

Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Tour Type: Private guided walking tour

Two departure times are offered for this heritage walk:

Tour OptionStarting TimeApproximate FinishMorning Tour9:00 AM1:00 PMAfternoon Tour2:00 PM6:00 PM

Daily availability: You may request either the morning or afternoon departure for your preferred travel date. All tours are subject to guide availability and confirmation at the time of booking. The visit to Kuthiramalika Palace Museum is also subject to its opening hours and operating arrangements.

We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred time.

Choose your preferred date and departure time:

• Morning: 9:00 AM
• Afternoon: 2:00 PM

Please share your travel date, number of participants and preferred departure time with Excel India Tours. We will confirm availability before finalizing your booking.

Book now and pay later, according to the booking arrangements confirmed with us.

₹3,000 for up to 2 people
₹800 for each additional person

Number of GuestsTotal Tour Price1–2 people₹3,000

3 people₹3,800

4 people₹4,600

5 people₹5,400

6 people₹6,200

7 people₹7,000

8 people₹7,800

9 people₹8,600

10 people₹9,400

Pricing formula: ₹3,000 for the first two guests, plus ₹800 for each additional participant.

The tour is arranged for your own party, allowing you to explore at a comfortable pace and ask your guide questions throughout the walk.

For larger groups, please contact Excel India Tours for a quotation.

• 👨‍🏫 Knowledgeable local guide
• 🚶 Guided walking tour through the selected historic neighbourhoods
• 🛕 Exploration of the surroundings of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
• 🏘️ Walk through traditional Brahmin agraharams
• 🛍️ Guided exploration of Chalai Bazaar and sections of M. G. Road
• 🏰 Admission ticket to Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
• 📜 Interpretation of local history, architecture and cultural traditions

• Entry into Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
• Food, drinks and refreshments
• Personal shopping and expenses
• Transportation to or from the walking tour meeting point
• Any additional admissions or activities not specifically mentioned
• Services not expressly included in the confirmed booking

This walking tour is ideal for:

• 🏛️ History and heritage enthusiasts
• 🏰 Travellers interested in Travancore’s royal history
• 🏘️ Visitors curious about traditional neighbourhoods and agraharams
• 🛍️ Travellers who enjoy local markets and everyday city life
• 📸 Photography enthusiasts
• 🌍 First-time visitors to Thiruvananthapuram
• 👥 Couples, families and private groups
• 🚶 Travellers who prefer exploring a city on foot rather than from a vehicle

This is a four-hour walking experience through active residential, commercial and heritage areas. Some streets may be busy, and walking conditions can vary.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Carry drinking water and sun protection.
• The itinerary may be adjusted to suit local conditions and the group’s walking pace.
• The Kuthiramalika visit depends on museum opening arrangements.
• Temple entry is not included and is subject to the temple’s visitor regulations.

Reserve your preferred departure with Excel India Tours and book now, pay later, according to the booking arrangements confirmed with us.

Choose the morning departure at 9:00 AM or the afternoon departure at 2:00 PM.

When enquiring, please share your preferred date, number of participants and departure time.

Discover a side of Kerala’s capital where temple traditions, traditional agraharams, lively bazaars and royal architecture come together.

From the historic streets around Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to the colourful activity of Chalai Bazaar and the craftsmanship of Kuthiramalika Palace, this walking tour offers a closer look at the city’s cultural identity and living heritage.

Walk the historic streets. Discover local traditions. Explore Travancore’s royal heritage.