5-Day Heritage Tour in Kerala, India

1. Day 1: Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
   15 minutes (5.8 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Take a stroll through the Mattancherry Palace built by Portuguese and gifted to the Raja of Cochin. The palace features Kerala murals, palanquins, portraits, and more.

2. Day 2: Fort Kochi Beach and St. Francis Church
   20 minutes (5.1 km) from Mattancherry Palace

   Head to Fort Kochi Beach, swim, or soak your feet in the shallow waters. Visit the oldest European church in India, St. Francis church, and view the old Portuguese-style architecture.

3. Day 3: Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town
   15 minutes (4.9 km) from Fort Kochi Beach

   Visit the ancient Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town. Shop for antiques, spices, and souvenirs on the historic street lined with antique shops.

4. Day 4: Backwaters of Alappuzha
   1 hour and 20 minutes (54.2 km) from Jewish Synagogue

   Take a boat ride in the backwaters of Alappuzha, also known as the Venice of the East. See the local communities and paddy fields.

5. Day 5: Hill Palace Museum
   45 minutes (17 km) from Alappuzha

   Explore Kerala's first heritage museum and see the artifacts from the Cochin royal family. Find antiques of the 19th and 20th centuries like pottery, jewelry, bronzes, masks, and more.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mattancherry Palace - 1 hour ($3.5)
• Fort Kochi Beach - 1 hour (Free)
• St. Francis Church - 1 hour ($1)
• Jewish Synagogue - 1 hour ($1.5)
• Jew Town - 1 hour (Free)
• Backwaters of Alappuzha - 2 hours ($15)
• Hill Palace Museum - 2 hours ($5)
Total Estimated Costs - $27

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, you can explore the bustling city of Cochin with its spice markets, shopping centers, and museums. Don't miss the famous Kathakali dance of Kerala, where performers wear traditional makeup and dress. If time is tight, leave out the Backwaters of Alappuzha and Jew Town antique shopping the last day.