Things to Do in Kochi

Have you ever gone cruising in a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala? If you haven't, make sure you do. This is easily one amongst the most remarkable and unique experiences that Kerala has to offer. Present day houseboats are huge, slow moving exotic barges used for leisure trips, and are in fact a reworked version of the Kettuvallams of olden times. Cruise through the backwaters will reaffirm your faith that there is a paradise on earth, Alappuzha, a natural paradise of incomparable beauty. The miracle of soothing climate, serene milieu, the traditional mouth watering delicacies prepared in front of your eyes together with the soul lifting nature ensure that your time in Alleppey will be equally paradisiacal. Languages English. Inclusions: Lunch Transport Boat Ride Tickets Exclusions: Guide Gratuities Important Info: Most of the Museums are closed on Mondays. Passport or ID are required Children under 16 years of age cannot take part of our tours alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over. All guests under the same reservation must enter the park together. Tickets can only be used once. Re-entry is not allowed. Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Considered among the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world, Kalaripayattu was developed in Kerala. Lauded as the pride of Kerala, it is acknowledged and respected across the world. The primary aim is the ultimate coordination between mind and body. Another focus of Kalaripayattu is specialisation in indigenous medicinal practices. The training begins with an oil massage of the entire body until it is agile and supple. Feats like chattom (jumping), ottam (running) and marichil (somersault) are also integral parts of the art form. There are also lessons in using weapons like swords, daggers, spears, maces, and bows and arrows. Kalaris are also important centres of religious worship. Inclusions: Tickets Transport Boat Ride Guide Exclusions: Gratuities Important Info: Passport required Children under 16 years of age cannot take part of our tours alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over. Most of the Museums are closed on Mondays. Tickets can only be used once. Re-entry is not allowed. Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Hill Palace Museum (Remains closed on Mondays) was the official residence of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi. Built in 1865, it is now famous for being a full-fledged Ethno-Archaeological Museum and Kerala's first ever Heritage Museum. The palace complex itself comprises 49 buildings and is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. It has over 52 acres of terraced land around it. One can see oil-paintings, murals, sculptures, manuscripts and belongings of the Kochi royal family. Antique ceramics from the Far East, Kudakkallu (tombstone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), laterite memorials and wooden memorials from ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley and Harappa can also be found here. It even has a gallery housing contemporary art. It is our pride to have relics of such value and significance placed here. Kerala Folklore Museum is a cultural hub to promote and preserve the culture and heritage of South India. Museum promoted by Mrs. & Mr. George Thaliath aims to preserve, the culture, heritage and folk art education. We created this Temple of art, from 25 ancient structures of heritage, compiling in to a single structure of ancient architecture, with the help of 62 wood workers over a period of

7. 5 year's hard work.. It varies from traditional architecture to ancient sculptures, wood work, ancient terracotta, Indian bronzes, stone work, old paintings, old jewelry, old utensils, old agricultural equipment's, old coins and all other ethnic artifacts connected with the rural and tribal life of South India. Museum aims to provide art education to the young generation as well as providing opportunity to the tourist around the globe to experience the unseen Kerala under one roof. Now a days museum became a must see place of visit to the tourist as well as for the students, researchers and for anthropological studies. Inclusions: Tickets Guide Transport Exclusions: Gratuities Important Info: Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Most of the Museums are closed on Mondays. Passport required Children under 16 years of age cannot take part of our tours alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over. Tickets can only be used once. Re-entry is not allowed. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Athirapally waterfalls are one of the most popular picnic spots in Kerala. It is 60 km drive from Cochin. Chalakkudy where Athirapally waterfalls is located, is famous for its rivers, forests and numerous waterfalls. This Sholayar ranges patches is so beautifully intertwined lushes of silver cascades that sizzles and green forest that it became one of the hottest tourist spots in Kerala. Athirapally falls is the most famous among various other small ones beautiful enough to attract those interested. Languages English. Inclusions: Guide Transport Tickets Exclusions: Gratuities Important Info: Children under 16 years of age cannot take part of our tours alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over. All guests under the same reservation must enter the park together. Passport required Tickets can only be used once. Re-entry is not allowed. Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Redeem Info: PRINTED - Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Guruvayur is a pilgrim center which has its own glory and greatness, mainly because of the divinity enshrined in the Sanctum - Sanctorum (central shrine) of the temple and the unique charm of the idol installed in it. The Devaswom (Temple) maintains a unique elephant sanctuary, the only one of its kind in the World with 51 elephants. These jumbos are the offering of the devotees to the Lord. The present elephant sanctuary is in Punnathur Kotta about 3 kms north of Guruvayur temple. A large number of pilgrims and tourists visit this fascinating spot every day. In this vast compound, there are road facilities for pilgrims and tourists to go around. Inclusions: Lunch Tickets Transport Guide Exclusions: Gratuities Important Info: Most of the Museums are closed on Mondays. Children under 16 years of age cannot take part of our tours alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over. All guests under the same reservation must enter the park together. Passport required Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Cochin, which is also known as the Queen of Arabian Sea is a perfect blend of natural beauty and history! It’s a place where history stands tall amongst the sea and greenery. Out of all the places you will see here the most admirable is the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturday). Also known as Mattancherry Synagogue, it was built by Jews. What is attractive here is the Glass work, Chinese titles, Belgian Chandeliers and the wall paintings. The second place you will visit is the Dutch Palace (closed on Friday) built by Portuguese in 1557, as a gift to the then King. A 2 story building, it has a central courtyard and a number of temples inside it. Nearby is the Santa Cruz Basilia and St. Francis Church. Thereafter we will move on to see the Indian Portugese Museum, established by Dr. Kurtheera. It has got 5 sections including Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral. See Kochi’s fishermen, who still use ancient cantilevered fishing nets, which are fixed to long bamboo poles on the shore. When fishing, the poles with the nets are lowered by a primitive fulcrum mechanism. Then the pole and nets are lifted along with the catch. There is also the possibility of a visit to a coir (fibres from coconut husks) factory. Inclusions: Tickets Guide Pick up from the hotel Exclusions: Meal Gratuities Drinks Important Info: Most of the Museums are closed on Mondays. Passport required Children under 16 years of age cannot take part of our tours alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over. All guests under the same reservation must enter the park together. Redeem Info: PRINTED - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Sunset is a time when the sky is painted in vibrant colors, lending an ethereal touch to nature. Everyone will agree that the perfect place to enjoy this spectacular color show would be at a beach or any other water body. Kochi backwaters and beach are well known for a sunset cruise experince. The activity is the haunt of many people, especially couples, who sit on the cruise and enjoy a beautiful sunset. Watch the myriad colors of the sky reflected in the water and witness the sun, now a gigantic ball of red fire, slowly sink beneath the horizon. Languages English. Inclusions: Transport Boat Ride Exclusions: Gratuities Guide Important Info: Children under 16 years of age cannot take part of our tours alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over. Passport required Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Tickets can only be used once. Re-entry is not allowed. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Learn how to cook a delicious and flavourful Keralan meal with a local leading the way Discover the best way to make round Indian bread Pick up authentic local recipes that you can take home with you to share with friends and family Find out about Keralan culinary history and traditions and why the region is referred to as the ‘land of spices.’ Enjoy the meal you have cooked alongside your fellow travelers and make some new friends over the dinner table Indulge yourself in a hands-on cooking lesson in the ‘land of spices’ and learn how to cook classic Keralan cuisine with a local. Once we have prepared your feast together, we’ll sit down to enjoy the fruits of our labors and have a chat about the region’s food culture and local life in Kochi and beyond with our new friends. Put off cooking authentic Indian food back home because it looks too complicated? Well, fear no more dear friends! During this very special cookery class, we aim to teach you everything you need to know to cook up an authentic Keralan dinner in your own kitchen. Our kitchen is stocked with all the ingredients and fresh spices you’ll need to create a dinner to remember, alongside an English-speaking chef and his assistant who will help you get the most out of the class. Dishes will sometimes vary, depending on the season, but expect to create a snack/starter such as a chicken patti. Then a delicious Keralan curry for your main course, one local side dish, traditional Indian bread and an aromatic dessert to finish. It is possible to create an entirely vegetarian meal if you wish; just let us know in the additional information box when booking if you wish to do this or send us an email at info@kochiurbanadventures.com. As you cook, you will learn about the food culture of the region and the spice trade that’s been operating here for over 4, 000 years. You will also pick up some handy cooking tips from the chef to ensure that when you make your feast back home, you are doing it in the most authentic way possible. Once our meal is ready, we will sit down together to enjoy the food we have cooked and get to know one another over dinner. Before you go, we’ll share all the recipes from your cooking class with you as well as tips on what else to do and (most importantly!) eat during your stay in India. Language English Inclusions: Lunch Transport Exclusions: Gratuities Important Info: Children under 16 years of age cannot take part of our tours alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over. Passport required Tickets can only be used once. Re-entry is not allowed. Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Travel back in time to colonial Kochi with this intriguing half-day tour of the old city. Discover fascinating sights like the Mattencherry Palace, see also the local fishermen in action with their ancient techniques, the oldest Christian church in India and visit the country’s oldest synagogue. Kochi’s stunning location on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas on the southeast coast has earned it the fitting soubriquet of Queen of the Arabian Sea. Kochi blends Christian, Islamic, Hindu and Jewish traditions, and throughout the historic core you will see the influences of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architectures. Visit the restored Mattencherry Palace, which was built in the 16th century by Portuguese merchants for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets of Jew Town, which is one of the main centres of the spice trade. Scores of small firms trade in old, dilapidated buildings and the air is filled with the aroma of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves. Browse the antique and handicraft shops, and visit the Paradesi Synagogue, which is the oldest active Jewish synagogue in India. It is magnificently decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Explore the older parts of the Fort Kochi area and on Rose Street see the house near St Francis’s Church – the oldest in India – where great explorer Vasco da Gama is believed to have stayed. Watch in awe Kochi’s fishermen in action as they use ancient Chinese cantilevered fishing nets. Languages English. Inclusions: Tickets Transport Guide Exclusions: Meal Drinks Gratuities Important Info: Most of the Museums are closed on Mondays. Passport required Children under 16 years of age cannot take part of our tours alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over. Tickets can only be used once. Re-entry is not allowed. Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Nimmy and Paul have been involved in 'At Home' hospitality for more than twelve years. Nimmy, a professional cookery instructor for more than twenty years, and her stockbroker husband Paul, offers food and hospitality to foreign guests. Nimmy and Paul belong to traditional Syrian Christian community in Kerala. In keeping with the tradition of their families they enjoy having guests and serving good food. Nimmy is a food consultant to writers, chefs and magazines. Articles by her and about her have appeared in magazines and newspapers. Languages English. Inclusions: Lunch Transport Exclusions: Gratuities Important Info: Passport required Children under 16 years of age cannot take part of our tours alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over. Tickets can only be used once. Re-entry is not allowed. Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Kalamandalam or the institution of learning the performing arts (traditional Indian dance forms) is jointly promoted by the Kerala Tourism. Kerala Kalamandalam is the premiere public institution in India imparting training in and conducting performances of the classical arts of Kerala viz. Kathakali, Kutiyattam, Mohiniyaattam, Thullal and Panchavaadyam. Founded in 1930 by eminent poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon in the Cheruthuruthy village, Kalamandalam is an immortal name in the cultural map of the world. Training in art-disciplines at Kalamandalam essentially adheres to the ancient Gurukula sambradaaya (The traditional mode of education which calls for a deep bond between the teacher and the student). Kalamandalam is strictly a residential center of learning. Veteran teachers and talented students are its inestimable wealth. For art-recitals, demonstrations and workshops held in Kalamandalam and outside, artiste-teachers and students participate. Kalamandalam Kathakali, Kutiyattam, Mohiniyaatam and Thullal Troupes have travelled widely in India and abroad for programs, lecture-demonstrations and workshops. They have represented India in many an international dance and theater festival. The institute runs a special program “A Day with the masters” which is termed as a pilgrimage to the most sacred temple of arts, giving a world class experience to the visitors, with an unique menu of presentations that bring out the grandeur of the institution. Here one can watch closely the different aspects beginning from the preparation till execution. This program includes a presentation and visit to Koothambalam (Traditional Temple Theatre) followed by sneak peek into the teaching classes followed by different dance performances by the students of Kalamandalam. Founded in 1930 by renowned poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon along the banks of the river Nila in the Cheruthuruthy village of Thrissur District, Kalamandalam is an immortal name in the cultural map of the world. Kalamandalam is strictly a residential center of learning. Languages English. Inclusions: Tickets Transport Guide Exclusions: Gratuities Important Info: Children under 16 years of age cannot take part of our tours alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over. Passport required Tickets can only be used once. Re-entry is not allowed. Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.

Famous around the world, Kathakali's magnificence has won great admiration for the state of Kerala. Proud that this renowned artfrom originated, was originated from Kerala’s shores over 300 years ago. It combines devotion, drama, dance, music, costumes and make up into a divine experience for all who get to view it. It retells the great stories of the past, mostly from Indian epics, and leaves one spellbound at the various intricacies involved in the performance. Every single quiver of the lips, flicker of the eyes or a movement involving the fingers twirling, has great significance. The entire performance sees the audience unable to take their eyes away from the spectacle taking place on stage. Duration Between one-and-half hour and two hours. Languages English Inclusions: Lunch boat Tickets Transport Guide Exclusions: Gratuities Important Info: Most of the Museums are closed on Mondays. Passport required Children under 16 years of age cannot take part of our tours alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over. Tickets can only be used once. Re-entry is not allowed. Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process. Redeem Info: VOCUHERLESS - Printed voucher or E-voucher. Print and bring the voucher or show the voucher on your mobile device to enjoy the activity.