Embark on a day excursion from Cochin to uncover the secrets of Muziris, an ancient trade city with rich historical significance. Visit the Chendamangalam handloom weaving factory, Paliam Nalukettu Museum, and the first mosque in India, Cheraman Juma Masjid.
Embark on a day excursion from Cochin to uncover the secrets of Muziris, an ancient trade city with rich historical significance. Visit the Chendamangalam handloom weaving factory, Paliam Nalukettu Museum, and the first mosque in India, Cheraman Juma Masjid.
- St. Thomas Church, Palayur - Guests will be collected from their hotel in Cochin in the morning. The first destination is the Pattanam archaeological site, where excavations in search of the port of Muziris uncovered evidence of a local population from the 1st century B.C. that thrived until the 10th century A.D. Visitors can spend time viewing…
- St. Thomas Church, Palayur - Guests will be collected from their hotel in Cochin in the morning. The first destination is the Pattanam archaeological site, where excavations in search of the port of Muziris uncovered evidence of a local population from the 1st century B.C. that thrived until the 10th century A.D. Visitors can spend time viewing the artifacts recovered from these digs.
Next, travel to St. Thomas Church in Kodungallur. This is Kerala’s oldest church and is believed to be situated where St. Thomas the Apostle arrived in 52 A.D. and established his first church to spread Christianity in India. Today, it serves as a significant pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide.
- Paravur - The next stop is the spice market of Paravur, located along the backwaters. This lively market still evokes images of goods being unloaded from traditional boats called ‘vanchis’ and brought to the market. It is near the town’s Jewish quarter. Visitors can explore the Paravur Synagogue, built in 1615, which is one of the largest surviving synagogues in Kerala.
- Chendamangalam - The tour continues 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 is a 175-year-old Synagogue that has been recently restored, featuring intricate altar artwork that is truly impressive.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant (beverages not included). Guests can enjoy 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 - The next destination is the Paliam complex, where visitors can explore Paliam Nalukettu, a 400-year-old mansion showcasing a unique blend of Kerala and Dutch architectural styles. The mansion now houses a history and lifestyle museum displaying the Paliam family’s heirlooms, tracing their lineage 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. Continue to Kottapuram Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1523. Strategically located where the Periyar River meets the Arabian Sea, the fort controlled sea traffic to the Malabar coast’s interior.
- Cheraman Juma Masjid Mosque - The final stop is the Cheraman Juma Masjid, India’s first mosque, built in 629 A.D. Today, it welcomes visitors of all religions.
At the end of the tour, guests will be driven back to Cochin and returned to their hotel.
- Private English speaking guide
- Complimentary mineral water
- Lunch included (beverages extra)
- Comfortable air-conditioned transport
- Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Private English speaking guide
- Complimentary mineral water
- Lunch included (beverages extra)
- Comfortable air-conditioned transport
- Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Food & drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Food & drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
The antique port of Muziris was situated on the Malabar Coast, in what is now the South Indian state of Kerala. This key trading hub of southern India had commerce relations with civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Persians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, dating back to the 1st century B.C. Exports included spices, semi-precious stones, ivory,…
The antique port of Muziris was situated on the Malabar Coast, in what is now the South Indian state of Kerala. This key trading hub of southern India had commerce relations with civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Persians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, dating back to the 1st century B.C. Exports included spices, semi-precious stones, ivory, Chinese silk, and tortoise shells. The precise whereabouts of Muziris remain unclear, though it is thought to be approximately 18 miles from today’s Cochin, near the modern town of Kodungallur and the village of Pattanam. On this single-day journey from Cochin, discover various historical areas near the former seaport of Muziris.
Key Points:
• Handloom weaving facility in Chendamangalam
• 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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
