You will be picked from the Cochin Port and after a scenic drive you will visit the old synagogues of the Malabar Jews. Paravur Synagogue and Chennamangalam Synagogue were built according to Kerala traditions but they were adapted to meet the liturgical requirements of the Jews. Earlier the Synagogue functioned as a house to pray but now it has been turned to a museum as part of the Muziris Heritage project operated by the State Kerala government. You can also find the first Christian seminary and the first printing press of India near the Chennamangalam Synagogue. Later, we will visit Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, a Hindu temple venerating Goddess Bhadrakali since ancient times. The temple is known for its powerful myths and legends and hence it has attracted many pilgrims for daily worship and festivals. Next we will visit the Kottakavu church, one of the seven original church of the Syrian Christian community of Kerala established by the apostle St.Thomas. The other attractions of the tour include a visit to Paliam Palace and Cheraman Juma Masjid. Paliam Palace was a traditional home of Paliath Achans who were the Prime Ministers to the kings of Kochi. Cheraman Juma Masjid is the first mosque in India which was built after the Chera King met the prophet Muhammad and embraced Islam. The grandeur of the Masjid is still kept intact even after undergoing many renovations. Next we will visit a small archeological site, Pattanam, which contain many artifacts that were traded between Muziris and the rest of the world.

Next we head to the Handloom Weaving Factory. It is a traditional cotton weaving village where six hundred Brahmin families strive hard to produce some of the most exotic sarees, famous for its ‘Kasavu.’ This is truly a unique sight where an entire community puts away their differences and come together for a specific purpose working with sheer hard work and passion. Kuthampully Handloom Industrial Cooperative Society was established in 1972 with 102 enthusiastic supporters who aim to preserve their traditional culture in their weavings. However, modern weaving techniques have seeped into the arena to meet the current trends and hence helped in producing designer clothes.

You will be next taken for your half-day excursion with a visit to the Dutch Palace (which will be closed on Fridays) which was built by the Portuguese, but was later renovated by the Dutch, and hence the name. It was presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555 and since then the glory of the Palace has spread owing to its murals instilled in the traditions of Hindu Temple Art. You will next visit the Jewish Synagogue (which will be closed on Friday noon and Saturday). It was built in 1568 A.D and the Synagogue still stands as a testimony for communal harmony. You can also see some of The Great Scrolls of Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in the Hebrew Script still preserved in the Synagogue. Afterwards, we move to visit St. Francis Church. It is believed to be the oldest European Church built by the Portuguese in 1510 A.D. After the death of Vasco-Da-Gama, the Portuguese explorer, he was buried here in this church and fourteen years later, his remains were taken to Portugal. You are allowed to enter the church but only barefoot. You will also witness the various methods used by the local fishermen to catch fish and you will also be able to see the Chinese fishing nets. Afterwards, you will be taken back to the port.