When your cruise to Cochin docks, shore excursions that explore the Kerala city nicknamed “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, based on its importance over centuries as a center of trade for Arab, Chinese, British, Dutch and Portuguese commerce, are fascinating and fun, not to mention diverse and delicious.
To fully explore the city, book Cochin shore excursions that take you to its most exciting and historic landmarks, where you’ll see and appreciate the many cultures that have contributed to the city’s vibrant beauty. Visit Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555, and renovated by the Dutch. See the murals and portraits of the rajas of Kochi. Enjoy the simplicity of the Church of St. Francis, India’s first European church. Take in the hustle and bustle of the seaport and see the Chinese Fishing Nets. Walk through Jew Town and see the Paradesi synagogue, built in 1568, antique stores, and spice-auction rooms.
Discover the natural wonders of Kerala and the surrounding waterways of Alappuzha while gliding along in a traditional, modernized Kettuvallam (houseboat) on popular Cochin shore excursions. Watch locals fishing in the river or harvesting coconuts as you pass through palm-shaded canals lush with tropical fruit trees like papaya, mango, and jackfruit. Dock at Marari Beach Resort, where you’ll savor a lovely, leisurely lunch of fresh local fish and produce from the resort’s organic gardens. There, you can stroll on the white-sand beach or take in the sumptuous and tranquil green spaces.
One of the most popular things to do in Cochin, India from a cruise is to take multi-day shore excursions to see the “jewels of India”, Fort Agra and the Taj Mahal. Air and rail travel, as well as hotel accommodations, are included in these once-in-a-lifetime trips while on your India cruise. Once you’ve arrived in Agra, you’ll enjoy an exclusive tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is acclaimed as an architectural wonder and the jewel of Muslim art in India. You’ll hear how the world’s most opulent mausoleum, in all its white marble glory, came to be. See the amazing array of decorative elements and walk along the reflective pool and lush gardens. Then, visit its sister site Fort Agra, founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. The red sandstone fortress, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the citadel and palaces of Khas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal.
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