CLASSIC KERALA

Welcome to Kochi, the most charming city of Kerala. On arrival at airport in Kochi / railway station in Ernakulam, begin your 'Glorious Kerala with Houseboat' tour. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Later, visit the St. Francis Church, the Mattencherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue and view the Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi area.

St.Francis Church is said to be India's oldest European built church, built by Portuguese Franciscan friars. The original wooden structure was rebuilt in stone around the mid-16th century. After the occupation of Kochi by the British in 1795,it became an Anglican church and is presently being used by the Church of South India. Having passed away in Kochi in 1524, Vasco da Gama was buried here for 14 years before his remains were taken to Lisbon. His tombstone can be seen in the church.

Mattenchary Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and was presented to the raja of Kochi as a goodwill gesture. The side galleries have amazing murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends.

The synagogue was built in 1568 and destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt two years later when the Dutch took Kochi. It features hand painted willow patterned floor tiles brought from China. Inside the sanctuary is an ornate gold pulpit and an upstairs balcony for women who worship separately according to the community's orthodox rites. Overnight in Kochi - None (Meals on your own)