Fort Cochin: A Queen's Story

A perfect introduction to the Queen of the Arabian Sea

Our flagship tour, a favorite for the inquisitive traveller who wants to do more than the usual. This tour is a must-do for anyone who wants to understand the history of Cochin from scratch. From being called the 'Emporium of the World', Cochin received the rare distinction as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' and in modern times the city transformed itself to become one of India's major tourist hubs and a contemporary art capital still bringing travellers from far and wide. The walk will take you along the remnants of the old European fort town, some of its streets rich with fables of yore and the iconic people who left a mark and changed the course of history as we know it. We sift through 3000 years of the city's past through stories, anecdotes, architecture, culture, food and the people who made an impact in the growth of the town.

The tour can be ended with a sumptuous curated meal at a local eatery. See Lila Fort Kochi Food Connection.

Quick facts

Focus: History, art, architecture, culture, cuisine, people, places

Duration: ~2.5 Hours

Distance: ~1.5 Kms

Tour Timings: 8:00am, 4:00pm, Mon-Fri

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Highlights

Learn about the Kochi-Muziris connection and the geography of Kochi.
See the historical entrypoint to the Fort town, you will get introduced to the Chinese fishing nets and the Chinese influences in Kerala that still lasts to this day.
Walk along the picturesque tree-lined streets, European bungalows and how the Portuguese influenced the language, religion, cuisine and culture of Kerala.
Visit a Dutch colonial building that has lasted for more than 300 years and speaks of a Dutch Commander and his love for the flora and fauna of Malabar.
Take a break at a Dutch themed hotel with stories of Kochi's food influences from bakeries to tea auctions.
Get introduced to the post-independence era and the cultural imprints that has transformed the town from being the spice capital to an art capital.

What's included

Tour led by a knowledgeable local storyteller.
Tasting of traditional Anglo-Indian delicacy & a refreshing beverage.
Visit Indo-Dutch heritage structures and establishments including its modern day adaptations.
Visit a local from Fort Kochi.

What's excluded

This is a walking trail, and we do not use vehicles.
Hotel pickups and drops.
Meals (can be added, see Lila Fort Kochi Connection)
Sightseeing points that fall outside of the curated route.
We do not provide umbrellas, raincoats, hats/caps, face-masks or sanitizers.
We do not enter any heritage monuments except what is mentioned in the inclusions.

Traveller Tips

Please carry your own water bottle.
We recommend wearing comfortable footwear and using sunscreen.
Please also carry your own umbrella/raincoat or cap/hat/sunglasses (as the weather dictates).

Mandates

Photography is permitted. Videography is not permitted. If you are a researcher, guide, a travel writer, or a blogger, kindly request consent from the Organizer before the tour.
We will be serving refreshments / meals (if applicable) in places that follow hygiene and sanitary guidelines approved by The Kochi Heritage Project.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

The Kochi Heritage Project works on a 100% advance payment before the walk. Tour bookings shall be confirmed only once The Kochi Heritage Project receives full payment.
Tour can be cancelled up to 7 days before their start for a full refund. Tour cancellation made between 7 to 3 days of the tour incur a 50% cancellation fee and within 3 days of the tour date incur a 100% cancellation fee, though they can be rescheduled for no additional fees.
No refunds will be issued in case an attendee/attendees fail to turn up for the tour.
All of our tours are rain or shine, and will only be cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. If a guest chooses to cancel a tour due to weather, the above policy stands.
Cancellation of a tour due to circumstances beyond the control of The Kochi Heritage Project including but not limited to an act of God, riots, war, strikes, civil unrest, terrorism, governmental regulations, floods, earthquakes, fire, extreme weather and other natural disasters, shall be made at The Kochi Heritage Project's sole discretion without notice. Actual costs incurred on special arrangements made for the tour (if any), including cancellation charges on vehicles booked shall be deducted.
The Kochi Heritage Project shall at its discretion be entitled to cancel any tour on a full refund of the fees to the guest for any reason that the company may deem fit with or without prior notice to the guest.
Payment of refund shall be made within 15 days of walk cancellation. (subject to the above cancellation policy)

Fort Cochin: A Queen's Story

A perfect introduction to the Queen of the Arabian Sea

Quick facts

Good to know

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