• Paravur - Begin by exploring the spice market of Paravur, situated along the scenic backwaters. This lively market still thrives today, and it’s easy to imagine goods being unloaded from traditional boats known as ‘vanchis’ and brought to the market. The market is near the Jewish quarter of the town. Don’t miss the Paravur Synagogue, constructed in 1615, which is one of the largest surviving synagogues in Kerala.

• Chendamangalam - Next, head to the Chendamangalam handloom factory, where traditional weaving techniques are preserved by a women’s cooperative. Many traditional looms in the state have closed due to competition from modern textiles. Nearby, you’ll find a 175-year-old Synagogue that has been recently restored, featuring intricate artwork on the altar that is truly captivating.

Take a break at a local restaurant for lunch (at your own expense). Savor a typical South Indian meal with rice, papaddam, rasam, vegetables, and chutneys. After lunch, visit the Sree Venugopala Krishna Swamy temple, a well-known Hindu temple in the area.

• Paliam Nalukettu - Continue your journey to the Paliam complex and explore Paliam Nalukettu, a 400-year-old mansion showcasing a unique blend of Kerala and Dutch architectural styles. Today, the mansion serves as a history and lifestyle museum, displaying the heirlooms of the Paliam family, whose lineage dates back a thousand years.

Drive through the Kottapuram market, a trade center influenced by both local and foreign cultures. This market operates from 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Proceed to Kottapuram Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1523. Strategically located where the river Periyar meets the Arabian Sea, the fort once controlled sea traffic to the Malabar coast’s interior.

• Cheraman Juma Masjid Mosque - Conclude your tour at the Cheraman Juma Masjid, the first mosque in India, built in 629 A.D. Today, it welcomes visitors of all faiths.

At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to Cochin and dropped off at your hotel.

• Private English-speaking guide
• Two bottles of mineral water per person
• Transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off included

• Food & drinks, unless specified
• Gratuities

Muziris, an ancient harbor situated on the Malabar Coast, is in today’s South Indian state of Kerala. This key South Indian trading center maintained economic links with the Phoenicians, Persians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Its rich history dates back to the 1st century B.C. Notable exports included spices, semi-precious gems, ivory, Chinese silks, and tortoise shells. The precise whereabouts of Muziris remain uncertain, but it is believed to be about 18 miles from today’s Cochin, in the current town of Kodungallur and Pattanam village. This day trip from Cochin covers various historical spots neighboring the ancient Muziris port.

Key points of interests:
• Chendamangalam handloom weaving center
• Paliam Nalukettu Museum
• Cheraman Juma Masjid, India’s first mosque

• A dress code is required for visiting temples and mosques. Sleeveless tops and shorts are not permitted.
• Remove footwear outside the temple. Socks are fine, you can keep wearing them.
• A moderate amount of walking is involved.
• Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
• Paliam Nalukettu Museum is closed on Mondays. Chendamangalam handloom factory remains closed on Sundays & national holidays.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.