Cochin is one of the most fascinating cities and oldest European settlements in India. A cosmopolitan melting pot of races and culture - Portuguese, Chinese, Jewish, early Christian, Dutch and British influences can all be seen to advantage here.Visit St. Francis Church (1503) which is reputed to be the oldest European church in India. It is a plain, massive structure built by the Portuguese Franciscan friars. It was here where Vasco da Gama died and was buried in 1524. Visit Mattancherry or the Dutch Palace built in 1555 by the Portuguese and presented to the King of Cochin as goodwill to secure additional trading privileges.

The palace comprises of a two-storey building set around a central quadrangle, which contains a Hindu temple. There is an interesting exhibition of court dress and other artifacts from the palace. The spectacular 17th century frescoes in the bedchamber and other rooms are some of the finest in India, depicting scenes from the Hindu epics and legends. Visit the two synagogues one belonging to the black Jews who traced their settlement here to 567 BC and the other belonging to the white Jews who arrived much later. Also visit the Cochin museum which houses an interesting collection of oil paintings, coins, sculptures etc as well as exhibits from the Cochin palace. Along the tip of Fort Cochin are cantilevered Chinese fishing nets introduced centuries ago by traders from the court of Kublai Khan.

Backwater Cruise
The motor-launch cruise on the enchanting backwaters through the coconut groves and quiet lagoons is an exciting tour. Visit Bolghatty Palace, the beautiful Dutch Colonial mansion built in 1744, Ypan, Vallrtaom, see tiny fishing hamlets and fisherfolk in their colourful costumes.