Aboard, you can relax with a drink, watching the Arab dhows in the foreground. And behind, the tree-shaded buildings of spice-traders and merchants, the descendants of the families who sold gold, ivory, timber and peacock to King Solomon 19 centuries ago. 

Giant Chinese fishing nets that billow from massive teak and bamboo poles dot the entrance to the harbour. Silhouetted against the setting sun, they present a magnificent sight of the waterfront. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Recording a history of visitors who came, saw and stayed for hundreds of years. Layered impressions - Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese are contained within its environment.

SIDELIGHTS :

• The 2000 year old Jew Town. Built in 1568, it synagogue is the oldest is the commonwealth.  Adorned by exquisite hand painted.  Chinese tiles in blue and white.  No two are identical.  The great scrolls of the Old Testament are preserved here.

• The historic St. Francis Church.  Originally built out of wood in 1503 and thus earning fame as the oldest European church in India.  Interestingly, one of the world's greatest explorers, Vasco-da-gama was buried here.

• The stone Dutch Palace gifted to the Raja of Cochin by foreign settlers.

ADDED ATTRACTION : (Rates on request)

• Exclusively for tour groups, a performance of 'Kathakali' (classical dance form of Kerala) at the hotel.

• Boat cruise by a luxury boat "Pathira Manal' on the backwaters of Cochin. Upto 20 pax can be served dinner on board.

• Cruise on the Vembanad lake on newly created houseboats (Kettuvalyam) in Kumarakom area (near Kottayam).

HOW TO GET THERE :