Silversea Luxury Cruises To COCHIN

Experience the pristine natural beauty, teeming waters and local lifestyle of rural Kerala during this memorable excursion to Kumbalanghi and Kallancherry Island.

Kumbalanghi

Depart the pier for the approximately 30-minute drive west towards Kumbalanghi, a small, six-square-mile (15.5-square-kilometre) island-village surrounded by backwaters and lush green paddy fields. An abundance of mangroves separates land from water, and provides a breeding ground for prawns, crabs, oysters and small fish. A ring of Chinese fishing nets encircling Kumbalanghi bears witness to its rich aquatic life.

Backwater Ride to Kallancherry Island

Upon arrival at the Kumbalanghi Bridge, leave your vehicle, walk across to the jetty and embark your awaiting boat. Ride through the backwaters en route to Kallancherry Island, and see fisherman plying the waters en route. After disembarking your boat at the island, you are served a refreshing welcome drink.

Kallancherry Island Walking Tour

Next, explore village life during a guided walking tour. View weavers at work on coir, watch local ladies weave coconut leaves, and see how traditional Chinese fishing nets operate through a system of weights and levers. You can also observe ladies move in a row and 'grope' for fish with their bare hands. The village is also home to a crab farm, where you can try your hand at catching a crab.

Following your visit, embark a motorised rickshaw for the ride back to your coach, then commence the approximately 30-minute ride back to the pier.

Discover the many influences of explorers on the ancient port city of Cochin during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Cochin, Chinese Fishing Nets, Special Viewing and Demonstration

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to a local village to visit the large, graceful Chinese Fishing Nets, probably the single most familiar image of Kerala. The nets are said to have originated during the reign of Kublai Khan. Zheng He, explorer and fleet admiral from China's early-Ming Dynasty, brought them to this area. They cantilever over the harbour, and operate by a system of weights and levers. The nets, on wooden frames, are raised periodically to check the catch. During your visit, a special viewing and demonstration has been arranged by a local expert to learn more about this unique and fascinating system, still in use even after hundreds of years.

Fort Cochin, Historic Buildings, Church of St. Francis

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to Fort Cochin, site of Cochin's historic buildings. The main influence is that of the Portuguese and Alfonzo de Albuquerque from 1500. Albuquerque arrived with six ships bearing settlers and five friars, and built the first European church in India. Visit the Church of St. Francis, its simple style enhanced only by the handsome floor tiles that line the main aisle. The church reflects Dutch and Portuguese influences, and is, in fact, an architectural marvel. This is also where the famous explorer, Vasco da Gama, was originally buried. Your guide briefly talks about Vasco da Gama, who actually came to India 50 years after Zheng He.

Brunton Boatyard, Kalaripavattu Demonstration, Mattancherry, Paradesi Synagogue, Jew Town

Leaving Fort Cochin, re-board your coach and head to the Brunton Boatyard Hotel, a restored period building, for a demonstration of Kalaripayattu, the oldest martial art form in the world. Believed to be a synergy of art, science and medicine, the practice originated 3,000 years ago in the state of Kerala and is thought to be connected to Chinese Kung Fu. Kalaripavattu is characterised by the use of weapons such as short sticks, spears, daggers, swords and shields; performances have a distinctive, rhythmic quality to them, and are mesmerizing to watch. Afterward, head to Mattancherry for a stop at the Paradesi Synagogue, followed by some free time at your leisure in Jew Town. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Embrace the spectacular natural beauty of Alappuzha in a unique new way during this scenic houseboat ride along the Kerala backwaters, with lunch at the Marari Beach Resort.

Scenic Drive to Alappuzha

Depart Cochin for the scenic, approximately 1.45-hour drive to Alappuzha. En route pass through a rural riverine expanse of verdant coconut groves and rice paddies, one of India's most beautiful and serene landscapes. In Malayalam, the language of Kerala, this region is known as Kuttanad, the land of the short people. This reference is attributed to the fact that the farmers are often seen working knee-deep in the paddy fields.

Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Ride

Alappuzha, previously called Alleppey, is nestled amidst a thick tangle of lush tropical waterways. Upon arrival, embark a houseboat and begin your idyllic journey through majestic forests and palm-shaded backwaters of the city and surroundings. This extensive network of rivers, lakes, canals and lagoons lace together the coast and interior south of Cochin. For centuries, these canals have provided a safe and efficient means of transportation for goods and people moving between the heartland and the port towns along the coast.

As you glide along shimmering waterways lined with dense tropical vegetation, observe rural Kerala lifestyles you would never see from the road. Your surroundings range from narrow canals lined with thick greenery to open vistas of brilliant green paddy fields. Papaya, mango, jackfruit and cassava grow along palm-lined banks. Along the way, see coconut harvesting and 'coir' factories, along with churches, mosques, temples and native bird species. Villagers bathe and wash their clothes, and sometimes their buffaloes, at the water's edge.

After your cruise you will return to Cochin by road, stopping along the way at Marari Beach Resort en route for lunch and some leisure time in the tropics. The resort is property built in the style of a traditional fishing village, with thatched villas that fit perfectly into the surroundings. Twenty-five acres of coconut palm groves lead down to a vast and unspoiled expanse of white sand beach.

Experience Cochin, old and new, during this half-day sightseeing tour of the picturesque and historic city.

Ernakulam

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Ernakulam. Upon arrival, take a sightseeing tour of the city, whose architecture depicts its cultural diversity and influences. See the colourful markets, shops and temples lining Mahatma Gandhi Road, the main thoroughfare. Along the way, photo stops are made at various landmarks, including the Temple of Lord Shiva. Your sightseeing drive through Ernakulam ends at Fort Cochin.

Historic Cochin

During a guided walking tour of this historic area, note the Chinese fishing nets near the tip of Fort Cochin. These fixed, cantilevered contraptions are mainly used at high tide and operated via a system of counterweights. A stop is then made at St. Francis Church, which is adorned with lovely floor tiles lining the main aisle. Large swinging cloth fans, or punkahs, are suspended above the congregation and manually operated from outside the church.

David Hall

Your tour concludes with a stop at David Hall. A surviving legacy of Dutch colonial rule in these parts, David Hall is a part of three houses built by the Dutch East India Company in the late-17th century. The building has since been renovated and converted into an art gallery. During a refreshment stop at David Hall's café, you can browse through the art gallery. Depending upon the current exhibits, some artwork may be available for sale.

Following your visit, commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the enchantment, culture, traditions and flavours of Kochi during this memorable harbour cruise, Kathakali performance and dinner at the Taj Malabar Hotel.

Cochin Harbour Cruise

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the boat jetty of the Taj Malabar Hotel, then embark a small boat for a picturesque ride through the waters of the city. The network of rivers and canals lace together through the coast and interior south of Cochin. For centuries, these canals have provided a safe and efficient means of transportation for goods and people moving between the heartland and port towns along the coast.

Glide along shimmering waterways past the Gundu and Vypeen islands. Along the way, see the large, traditional Chinese fishing nets that line the shore of Fort Cochin and are probably the single-most familiar image of Kerala. They cantilever over the harbour, and operate by a system of weights and levers. The nets, on wooden frames, are raised periodically to check the catch. Observe rural Kerala lifestyles as your boat drifts past old harbour buildings and private homes. Following your cruise, return to the jetty and disembark your boat.

Kathakali Performance

Next, view a Kathakali performance accompanied by light refreshments. One of the world's oldest forms of theatre, Kathakali originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. During Kathakali, actors depict characters from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Kathakali dance performance is very dramatic, and enacted with elaborate masks and costumes.

Dinner at Taj Malabar

This delightful outing concludes with a seafood dinner at the renowned Rice Boat restaurant at Taj Malabar. The seafood is hauled from the backwaters and displayed in a show kitchen where guests can interact with the chefs. After dinner, commence the brief transfer back to the pier.

Experience Cochin like a local via public transportation during this picturesque, half-day excursion via coach, tuk tuk, train and on-foot.

Cochin, Ferry-Ride to Emakulam, City Skyline, Vembanad Lake

Your tour begins with a short drive to the boat jetty. Upon arrival, embark a ferry for the short ride to Emakulam. Enjoy the quaint charm of your ride; a pleasant sea breeze, the skyline of the mainland, floating seaweed, frolicking sea gulls, and the gorgeous Vembanad Lake are sure to enchant you. Though most of the islands dotted around Cochin are accessible via roads now, there was a time when they could be reached only by boat. Frequent ferries which were the only mode of public transport until a few decades back; today, they still travel between the mainland and various islands, and also between the islands.

Tuk Tuk Rides, Broadway Market Walking Tour, Metro Train-Ride

Upon arrival at Emakulam, disembark the ferry and board a tuk tuk for a scenic, fun-filled ride to the nearby Broadway Market. Here, a guided stroll through the city's oldest and busiest shopping streets is among the highlights of the day. Contrary to its name, this narrow street attracts locals for its best buys on apparel, household items, spices and many other items available for sale. Following your visit, re-board your tuk tuk and head to the local Metro Train Station. Upon arrival, board a local Metro Train, the city's most recently-acquired mode of public transportation, for the short ride to the Kerala Museum.

Kerala Museum, Tableaus, Dioramas, Gallery of Contemporary Indian Art

During your guided walking tour of the Kerala Museum, explore Kerala's rich past through tableaus and 36 dioramas, which tell the stories of the people and events that changed the fortunes of this lush land. The Kerala Museum also houses a modern art gallery. The Gallery of Contemporary Indian Art, which features 230 works by some of India's leading artists, provides an insight into the evolution of modern art in India. A small collection of miniature paintings can be found here, too. Having experienced Kerala's sights, sounds, colours and past, your tour concludes with an approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the splendid beauty, culture and traditions of Cochin during this scenic harbour cruise, and a memorable Kathakali performance at the Taj Malabar Hotel.

Cochin Harbour Cruise

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the boat jetty of the Taj Malabar Hotel, then embark a small boat for a picturesque ride through the waters of the city. The extensive network of rivers and canals lace together through the coast and interior south of Cochin. For centuries, these canals have provided a safe and efficient means of transportation for goods and people moving between the heartland and the port towns along the coast.

Glide along shimmering waterways past the Gundu and Vypeen islands. Along the way, see the large, traditional Chinese fishing nets that line the shore of Fort Cochin and are probably the single-most familiar image of Kerala. They cantilever over the harbour, and operate by a system of weights and levers. The nets, on wooden frames, are raised periodically to check the catch. Observe rural Kerala lifestyles as your boat drifts past old harbour buildings and private homes. Following your cruise, return to the jetty and disembark your boat.

Kathakali Performance

Next, view a Kathakali performance accompanied by light refreshments. One of the world's oldest forms of theatre; Kathakali originated in the area of south-western India now known as the state of Kerala. During Kathakali, actors depict characters from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Kathakali dance performance is very dramatic, and enacted with elaborate masks and costumes.

This delightful outing concludes with a brief drive back to the pier.

Explore the splendid history, architecture and local lifestyles of Kerala during this scenic, half-day excursion to colourful Cochin.

Cochin

Depart the pier for the short drive to the local market. En route, marvel at the beauty of tropical Cochin, an historic port city nestled between the Arabian Sea and its backwaters, and spread across coconut-covered islands and headlands. Cochin's unique history of foreign influence is reflected in a variety of architectural styles, including fine Colonial houses built by wealthy British traders, Dutch cottages with split farmhouse doors, and narrow streets where dwellings hide behind yellow walls.

Ernakulam, Local Market and Dhobi Khana

Your drive continues through the city of Ernakulam and drive along Mahatma Gandhi Road, the main thoroughfare filled with markets, shops and temples. Upon arrival at the bustling local market, take a guided stroll past colourful shops abounding with fragrant, exotic spices such betel nuts, ginger, peppercorns, cinnamon, and cardamom. From here, re-board your coach and head to the Dhobi Khana, or local laundry, for a fascinating look at local life in this part of the world, then continue on for a visit to the 'Dutch Palace' located in the Mattancherry area.

Dutch Palace, Jew Town and Ginger House Restaurant

The plain, squat walls surrounding this two-storey structure belie a delightful wooden interior adorned with a remarkable series of murals. In the Royal Bedroom alone are 45 paintings illustrating the Ramayana; every inch of space is covered with rich colour, and painstaking detail. In addition, view an interesting collection of Dutch maps of Old Cochin, coronation robes belonging to the maharajas, royal palanquins, weapons, and furniture. Afterward, some free time is made available to explore the surrounding area, Jew Town. Here, see a fascinating blend of antique shops, warehouses, spice auction rooms, and other landmarks that serve as a reminder of this once-thriving Jewish community. Following a refreshment stop, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the unique flavours of Kerala during this memorable, half-day cooking excursion with lunch at the home of renowned culinary instructor Nimmy Paul.

Cochin, Kerala

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the home of renowned culinary instructor Nimmy Paul. Author of Kitchens of Kerala, she has been teaching traditional Kerala cooking for the past 15 years. Nimmy is famous in India, the U.S. and Europe, and was the only amateur from among nearly 60 chefs from Asia and India to be invited to the seventh-annual Worlds of Flavour International Conference and Festival in California. She has garnered accolades from R.W. Apple of The New York Times and Greg Drescher of the Culinary Institute of America, as well as cookbook authors Maya Kaimal and Linda Bladholm, and James Beard Award-winners Fred and Linda Griffith.

Local Home of Nimmy Paul, Cooking Demonstration, Lunch or Dinner

Upon arrival at her local home, meet Nimmy and begin your insightful, instructional cooking demonstration. Learn about the world of Kerala cuisine, and the vegetables, meat, seafood, curries, and spices utilised in its preparation. Next, Nimmy teaches you the basics of preparing Kerala cuisine with easy-to-follow recipes. Following her cooking demonstration, you are served a buffet lunch or dinner consisting of the entrees she has prepared. Your meal is accompanied by mineral water (still or sparkling), soft drinks, coffee or tea. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Cochin at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Cochin at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Cochin at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Cochin at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Discover a unique blend of diverse cultures, traditions and architecture during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion to Cochin.

Fort Cochin & St. Francis Church

Depart the pier for the approximately 30-minute drive to Fort Cochin. Located in a relatively small area along the southern peninsula of the tropical Malabar Coast, the older parts of Fort Cochin are home to an eclectic blend of Medieval Portuguese churches, Dutch buildings, and English country villages. Note the Chinese fishing nets near the tip of Fort Cochin. These fixed, cantilevered contraptions are mainly used at high tide and operated via a system of counterweights.

Next, a visit is made to the St. Francis Church. Also known as the 'Church of South India' it is Cochin's oldest European-built church. A tombstone inside the church marks the place where Vasco da Gama was interred in 1524. His remains were later transferred to Lisbon.

Dutch Palace & Jewish Town

From here, proceed for a visit to the Dutch Palace, built as a gift for the Chochin Rajah in the late-17th century. The upper rooms display fine murals and items once found in the maharajah's household.

Your tour concludes with a visit to the Jewish Town. This area, located next to the Royal Palace in Mattancherry, was presented to the Jews by the Raja of Kochi.

During your visit, some free time is made available to browse the fascinating mix of antique and speciality shops, old houses, warehouses and spice auction rooms before commencing the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Your journey today takes you through the story of the Cochin Royal Family.

Cochin Royal Family, Hill Palace

One amongst three major royal dynasties of Kerala, the Cochin Royal Family played a significant role in shaping Kerala's history, both past and present. Your base for this learning is the Hill Palace - once the last seat of power of the Kings of Kochi, it is now Kerala's first heritage museum. Constructed in 1865, it was the official residence of the erstwhile rulers. Built in traditional Kerala-style, which is more restrained than palaces in northern India, it comprises of 49 buildings with 52 acres of terraced land surrounding it.

Residential Quarters

As you walk past murals, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and belongings of the royal family your anecdotist will regale you with fascinating tales associated with them. This trail will explore the origin of the royals, rise and fall in their fortunes under Europeans and their eventual merger with the Indian Union. Learn about their role in developing the modern city of Kochi and their contributions in the field of art, culture, language, education and medicine. As it's taking place in any other city deep-rooted in heritage, you'll learn of the unfortunate and alarming pace at which both the royal family and the city are losing their heritage.

Family Private Residence, Refreshment

Move next to the residential quarters of the royal family. Radiating around the family temple it showcases some of the best in traditional and colonial architecture. Your trail ends with a visit to the extremely modest private residence of some of the present-day members. Enjoy an informal interaction and some light refreshments with them.

Experience the traditions and flavours of Cochin during this immersive, half-day World Cruise Collection sightseeing excursion via boat.

Cochin, Boat Jetty, Boat-Ride, Brunton Boatyard, Kalaripayattu Performance

Newly-designed especially for our valued World Cruise guests, your World Cruise Collection tour begins with a short walk to the boat jetty. Upon arrival, embark a local motorboat for a scenic, 30-minute ride to the nearby Brunton Boatyard boat jetty, and proceed to the venue for a Kalaripayattu performance. It is believed that in Sanskrit, the word 'Khaloorika' denotes a place where weapons training is practiced. It is from this term that the word 'Kalari' came into use in Malayalam to mean an institution (gymnasium, dojo, etc.) for imparting knowledge of, and training in, martial arts. The 'Kalari' was the first educational centre in Kerala. From early times until the middle of the 20th century, it was the place for all types of education, and, after the temple, the most important establishment anywhere in Kerala.

Hindu Rituals, Altar, Ganapathy Platform

Included in the Kalaripayattu performances are rituals such as the worship of certain Hindu Gods inside the Kalari. The arena has to be in the area of God. Inside the arena, in the southwest corner, an altar is built for the presiding deity; a solemn concept. Alongside the altar is a platform constructed for Ganapathy, the remover of obstacles.

Mopilah Lunch, Return Boat-Ride, Boat Jetty

Following the Kalaripayattu performances, proceed to the courtyard of the hotel for an exclusive, themed Mopilah lunch with Indian beer, wine and refreshments. Mopilah's are Muslims from the Malabar region of Kerala, and renowned for their food. After lunch, return to the hotel's boat jetty, embark your boat and commence the approximately 30-minute ride back to the boat jetty. Upon arrival, disembark your boat and commence the short walk back to the pier.