Diamond Princess
27 April 2020
0700/1800
MUZIRIS TOUR WITH BACK WATER CRUISE
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. Afterwards, you will be taken back to the port.
85$
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