One of India’s most interesting towns, a principle port and the centre of the spice trade on the Malabar Coast Kochi is rich in history and retains a relaxed and quiet atmosphere. The first European settlement in India, Kochi was founded by Vasco da Gama in 1502, however it was the British who influenced this colourful city the most with it being under direct British political control from 1795 up until India’s independence. 

Visit St Francis Church the oldest European church in India before walking down to the waterfront to witness the fascinating Chinese fishing nets and peruse the market stalls. Also you may be interested to visit the Dutch Cemetery situated at Fort Kochi in Ernakulam was consecrated in 1724 and is today managed by the Church of South India.Afterwards, return to your car to visit Mattancherry Palace (also known as Dutch Palace), the nearby merchant houses and a fine synagogue (closed on Friday &Saturday). Dutch Palace (closed on Friday) was built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift to the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights and today houses exhibits of clothes, weapons and furniture as well as having numerous remarkable murals painted on the wooden walls. Continue to the synagogue, adorned with beautiful Cantonese ceramic tiles, before stepping out and exploring the local streets which still teem with traders who selling varieties of rice, ginger, garlic, chilli and antiques from street side warehouses.