A Day in Mahagoni Thottam, Kochi, Kerala

  1. 10:00AM: Mattancherry Palace
    0 minutes (at location)

    Also known as the Dutch Palace, this palace was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and gifted to the Maharaja of Kochi. It was later renovated by the Dutch. There is a small museum inside with exhibits of ancient temple art, paintings, and murals.

  2. 11:30AM: Paradesi Synagogue
    13 minutes (2.5 km) from Mattancherry Palace

    Built in 1568, the Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. This iconic landmark is worth a visit for its ornate chandeliers, hand-painted Chinese tiles, and coir-insulated roof.

  3. 1:30PM: Lunch at Dhe Puttu
    23 minutes (5.7 km) from Paradesi Synagogue

    Try the traditional puttu served with a range of accompaniments, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, at this casual restaurant that specializes in this fragrant dish made of rice and coconut.

  4. 3:00PM: St. Francis Church Fort Kochi
    3 minutes (1 km) from Dhe Puttu

    Built in 1503, St. Francis Church is one of the oldest European-built churches in India and was the first Protestant church in India. It houses a number of historical artifacts and tombstones.

  5. 4:30PM: Chinese Fishing Nets
    4 minutes (900 m) from St. Francis Church Fort Kochi

    These iconic, photogenic cantilevered fishing nets line a stretch of the harbor. The best time to see them in action is early morning or late evening, but they are a sight to watch at other times of the day as well.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, INR 5)
  • Paradesi Synagogue (1 hour, INR 5)
  • Dhe Puttu (1 hour, INR 400 for two)
  • St. Francis Church Fort Kochi (1 hour, INR 10)
  • Chinese Fishing Nets (30 minutes, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 420

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit nearby spots like the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Fort Kochi beach, or the Kerala Folklore Museum. If you have less time, you can skip the Paradesi Synagogue or St. Francis Church Fort Kochi, but these landmarks are worth visiting for their historical significance and architecture.

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