Overview

Experience Cochin like a true local with our Cochin Heritage Tour by TUK TUK, a perfect 3–4 hour shore excursion designed especially for cruise passengers. With port pickup, a private guide, and a curated route through Fort Kochi’s historical landmarks, this tour blends culture, history, and local charm into a memorable experience.

Your journey begins as a Shore Trips India representative welcomes you at the port. A comfortable private cab transfers you to Fort Kochi, where your exclusive Tuk Tuk adventure begins. Ride through narrow heritage streets, colonial buildings, spice markets, and vibrant waterfront scenes while your driver–guide shares fascinating stories from Kochi’s multicultural past.

Why Choose This Cochin Heritage Shore Excursion?

• Private Tuk Tuk for your group

• Expert local driver/guide

• Designed specially for cruise travelers

• Covers top heritage sites in 3–4 hours

• Port pickup & drop included

• Authentic cultural experience

• Safe, smooth-paced, and photography-friendly

What You Will See on the Cochin Heritage Tour by Tuk Tuk

Your Tuk Tuk route covers some of the most iconic heritage landmarks of Cochin:

🔹 Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace)

Built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch, the palace is famous for exquisite mural paintings in traditional Hindu temple art. (Closed on Fridays)

🔹 Jewish Synagogue

Established in 1568 A.D., this historic synagogue showcases ancient copper plates with Hebrew inscriptions and The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament. (Closed Friday noon & Saturday)

🔹 Dutch Cemetery

Constructed in 1724, this is among India’s oldest European cemeteries and reflects Cochin’s Dutch colonial era.

🔹 Indo-Portuguese Museum

Located within the Bishop's House gardens, the museum highlights the Portuguese influence and India’s earliest Catholic community.

🔹 St. Francis Church

Built in 1510, it is India’s oldest European church and the original burial site of Vasco da Gama.

🔹 Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

First built by the Portuguese in 1505, this magnificent basilica was later restored by the British.

🔹 Chinese Fishing Nets

Symbolic of Cochin’s coastline, these massive cantilevered nets demonstrate an ancient and unique fishing method still used today.

Why choose this tour?

• Local expertise: Every route is narrated by a local driver who grew up in Kochi — real stories, not generic scripts.

• Compact & efficient: Perfect for shore visitors with limited time — major highlights in one relaxed Tuk Tuk ride.

• Photography friendly: Best vantage points for classic Fort Kochi photos — Chinese nets, colonial façades, and harbor sunsets.

ITINERARY — Cochin Heritage Tour by TUK TUK

Port Pickup & Transfer to Fort Kochi

Your Shore Trips India representative meets you at the port arrival gate. Enjoy a comfortable private cab ride to Fort Kochi.

Begin Your Tuk Tuk Adventure

Meet your local Tuk Tuk driver/guide and start your heritage ride.

Dutch Palace Visit

Explore ancient murals and learn the history of Cochin under Portuguese and Dutch influences.

Visit the Jewish Synagogue

Admire the unique architecture and timeless artifacts preserved inside.

Stop at Dutch Cemetery

Learn the colonial past of Fort Kochi with a brief walking visit.

Indo-Portuguese Museum

Gain deeper insights into Cochin’s Catholic heritage and Indo-European culture.

Visit St. Francis Church & Santa Cruz Basilica

Discover centuries-old architecture and historic religious masterpieces.

Chinese Fishing Nets Experience

Watch fishermen operate these massive nets along the waterfront.

Return Transfer to Port

Your driver escorts you back comfortably to the cruise terminal on time.

Important Notes

• Dutch Palace closed on Fridays

• Jewish Synagogue closed Friday noon & Saturdays

• Alternative sites will be arranged during closures

• Dress modestly for religious places

• Easy-walking tour with short breaks