Tour Details

Private Tour: Kochi City Tour and Kathakali Dance Performance

From: £30.61

Duration: 4 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Events

Immerse yourself in the rich history and fascinating culture of Kochi on a private sightseeing tour. Explore the neighborhood of Fort Kochi, and learn about the history of this trade port that was the center of the Indian spice trade for many centuries. You'll also see a dramatic Kathakali dance performance, a 17th-century classical dance drama that originated in Kerala and is famous for its elaborate costumes and makeup.

Your cultural and historical exploration of Kochi begins with a walking tour around Fort Kochi, a well-preserved historical neighborhood reflecting Kochi's colonial past. Walk down the colonial roads and beside the coastal shore. See the magnificent Chinese fishing nets, a gift to Kochi from Chinese traders during the reign of Kublai Khan.

Continue to Saint Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India and built by Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503. Next, visit Santa Cruz Basilica, an architecturally impressive Catholic church. Admire the soaring spires and white-washed exterior and the beautiful canvas murals inside. Meander around Mattancherry Palace and admire the amazing murals depicting scenes from Hindu legends.

Continue to the theater to enjoy a thrilling Kathakali dance performance. Prior to the performance, go backstage and watch the performers prepare for the show. See them apply makeup, put on colorful costumes and elaborate headpieces, and meditate into their characters. Then enjoy the lively theatrical performance, full of expressive facial movements and extravagant gestures. When the performance ends, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon