Excursion Explore cochin the local way tour at Cochin

Experience Cochin like a local via public transportation during this picturesque, half-day excursion via coach, tuk tuk, train and on-foot.

Cochin, Ferry-Ride to Emakulam, City Skyline, Vembanad Lake

Your tour begins with a short drive to the boat jetty. Upon arrival, embark a ferry for the short ride to Emakulam. Enjoy the quaint charm of your ride; a pleasant sea breeze, the skyline of the mainland, floating seaweed, frolicking sea gulls, and the gorgeous Vembanad Lake are sure to enchant you. Though most of the islands dotted around Cochin are accessible via roads now, there was a time when they could be reached only by boat. Frequent ferries which were the only mode of public transport until a few decades back; today, they still travel between the mainland and various islands, and also between the islands.

Tuk Tuk Rides, Broadway Market Walking Tour, Metro Train-Ride

Upon arrival at Emakulam, disembark the ferry and board a tuk tuk for a scenic, fun-filled ride to the nearby Broadway Market. Here, a guided stroll through the city's oldest and busiest shopping streets is among the highlights of the day. Contrary to its name, this narrow street attracts locals for its best buys on apparel, household items, spices and many other items available for sale. Following your visit, re-board your tuk tuk and head to the local Metro Train Station. Upon arrival, board a local Metro Train, the city's most recently-acquired mode of public transportation, for the short ride to the Kerala Museum.

Kerala Museum, Tableaus, Dioramas, Gallery of Contemporary Indian Art

During your guided walking tour of the Kerala Museum, explore Kerala's rich past through tableaus and 36 dioramas, which tell the stories of the people and events that changed the fortunes of this lush land. The Kerala Museum also houses a modern art gallery. The Gallery of Contemporary Indian Art, which features 230 works by some of India's leading artists, provides an insight into the evolution of modern art in India. A small collection of miniature paintings can be found here, too. Having experienced Kerala's sights, sounds, colours and past, your tour concludes with an approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Cochin, Ferry-Ride to Emakulam, Tuk Tuk-Rides, Broadway Market, Metro Train-Ride to the Kerala Museum, Tableaus, Dioramas, Gallery of Contemporary Indian Art

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.2 miles (about 1.9 kilometres), at times over uneven, wet and slippery surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and tuk-tuk, embark/disembark the boat and board/de-board the train, with ten steps at the boat jetties, 35 steps at Metro Station and 60 steps at the Kerala Museum. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and local currency for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The coaches utilised are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Guests will be travelling by public transport; the local ferry and tuk-tuks are extremely basic and air-cooled, the metro train stations are basic and hygiene standards are not the same as western countries. Expect crowds and traffic at the sites visited. Depending on traffic and parking conditions, it may be necessary to cross busy streets at some sites. Photography/videography is prohibited at the local Metro Train Station and Gallery of Contemporary Indian Art at the Kerala Museum. Guests are advised to follow their guides at all times during this tour. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.