Day Excursion To The Secrets Of Muziris From Cochin

You will be picked up from your hotel in Cochin in the morning. Your first stop will be at the Pattanam archaeological site where excavations carried out for the search of the port of Muziris revealed the existence of an indigenous population in the 1st century B.C. that continued to thrive till the 10th century A.D. Spend some time looking at the artifacts that were recovered from these excavations.

Next drive to St. Thomas Church in the town of Kodungallur. This is the oldest church of Kerala and is believed to be located at the site where St. Thomas the Apostle landed in 52 A.D. and built his first church to spread Christianity in India. Today it is a major pilgrimage centre for Christians around the world.

Next visit the spice market of Paravur located on the banks of the backwaters. A vibrant market even today, it is not difficult to visualize goods being unloaded from the traditional boats called ‘vanchis’ and brought to the market. This market is close to the Jewish quarter of the town. Visit the Paravur Synagogue that was built in 1615 and is amongst the largest surviving synagogues in Kerala.

Your next stop will be at Chendamangalam handloom factory where the traditional weaving techniques are still kept alive by a women’s cooperative. Today most of the traditional looms of the state have been forced to shut down in the face of competition from modern textiles. Located nearby is a 175 year old Synagogue that has been recently restored. The intricate artwork of the altar here is a sight to behold.

Stop at a nearby local restaurant for lunch (own expense). Enjoy a typical South Indian meal with rice, papaddam, rasam, vegetables and chutneys. After lunch visit the Sree Venugopala Krishna Swamy temple, a popular Hindu temple of the area.

Drive next to the Paliam complex and visit Paliam Nalukettu, a 400 years old mansion that is built in an unique mixture of Kerala and Dutch architectural styles. Today the mansion houses a history and lifestyle museum that displays the heirlooms of the Paliam family that can trace its lineage back a thousand years.

Drive through the Kottapuram market. The market was a trade center that bears the stamp of both local and foreign influences. This market operates from 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Drive on to Kottapuram Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1523 . Situated strategically at the point where the river Periyar joins the Arabian Sea, the Fort was able to control sea traffic to the interior of the Malabar coast.

Your last stop will be the Cheraman Juma Masjid, the first mosque in India that was built in 629 A.D. Today people of all religions visit this mosque.

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