Microcosm of the World | Mattancherry

A tour of old Cochin, its culture, people and culinary traditions

Mattancherry is a fascinating blend of cultures, shaped by traders, travelers, and over three dozen communities from across the country. For centuries, these groups coexisted peacefully within a small 3-kilometer radius, creating a unique model of unity in diversity.

Thanks to the region's thriving trade routes and the support of benevolent rulers, Mattancherry flourished as the capital and royal seat of the Cochin Kingdom until Ernakulam took its place.

On this tour, you'll explore the rich history of these communities — their traditions, stories, and culinary practices that reflect influences from across the world. From spice-laden kitchens to the bustling markets that once connected Kochi to global trade networks, this journey will reveal how Mattancherry’s heritage continues to shape the city’s identity today.

Quick facts

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

Duration: ~3 Hours

Distance: ~3 Kms

Tour Time slots: 4:00 pm Mon-Fri, 7:00 am on Sundays

For Private Tour enquiries, please send us a WhatsApp message or drop us a line through our Contact Us page

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Good to know

✪ Highlights

Discover the rich history and enduring ideals of the Cochin Royal family.
Learn about Kochi's largest migrant communities and their lasting impact on the city's culture and development.
Hear inspiring stories of iconic migrants who shaped Kochi’s growth and became key figures in its progress.
Explore the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Mattancherry into a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub.

✪ What's included

Tour led by a knowledgeable local storyteller.
Witness the bustling lifestyle and vibe of the old town.
Refreshments

✪ What's excluded

This is a walking trail, and we do not use vehicles.
Hotel pickups and drops.
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.
You will be served 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)

Microcosm of the World | Mattancherry

A tour of old Cochin, its culture, people and culinary traditions

Quick facts

Good to know

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