Fort Kochi by Bike

Highlights / General details

With Portuguese, English, Dutch, and Chinese influences, Kochi is unlike anywhere else. Join this Kochi tour to cycle the coast once known for it's stranglehold on the spice trade. Old habits die hard - the smell of cinnamon and clove still spike the air. Cycle through the spice-scented streets of Kochi. Learn about the Portuguese influence on local art and architecture. Ride through the Chinese fishing nets and witness the early-morning rush at the fish market. Stroll through labyrinthine Jew Town. Visit the Dutch Cemetery and admire the mosaics adorning the Dutch Palace. Witness an traditional Indian laundry practice.

Inclusion

Local English speaking guide; Bicycle rental; All entrance fees as indicated; Tea and snack break.

Exclusion

Items of a personal nature; Tips or gratuities for drivers or guides.

Hours of operation

Available: Daily (2014); Tuesday-Friday, Sunday (2015); Start time at 8:00am.

Duration

Approximatley 4 hours.

Location Meeting Point: Outside Kashi Art Café on Burger Street, Fort Kochi 682001. Finish point: Near Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi 682001.

Itinerary Start off from Fort Kochi heading over to the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and witnessing the early-morning buzz along the waterfront. Pass by the small fish market, a chaotic place in the morning trading rush, before heading into Kochi’s main bazaar. From here you will go take a truly historic ride into the spice traders area of Bazaar Road, where you will see old streets that are lined with fragrant spice warehouses and colourful stores. Breathe in the smell of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, and cloves while walking through this atmospheric area. We will stop for a tea or a coffee at a local tea shop and take a moment to talk about the history of Kochi. We will then proceed towards Jew Town where you can take a moment to admire the frescos adorning the Dutch Palace, and see some of the amazing antique shops in the area. We’ll peek inside to see one of the famous snake boats, before exploring more parts of Mattenchery (the Muslim area) and Palace Road (the Hindu area). In the Hindu area you will see a few temples, as well as vegetable and fruit markets. If you wish, we can stop for some refreshments here, a chance to really take in all the scenery around us. You will then get back on your bike to cycle back along Kochi's waterfront, heading towards the centre of town. Call into a local laundry to see how the dhobis beat the clothes clean before making the final peddle back towards the heart of Fort Kochi. Before ending this Kochi bike tour, we will go around some of the famous churches in the area, as well as visit the Dutch Cemetery. As the oldest European cemetery in India, the 104 tombs here provide great insight into the lives lead by the Dutch and English migrants in India.

Participant restrictions

Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively and children below 6 years old are not permitted to join the tour.

Location

Meeting Point: Outside Kashi Art Café on Burger Street, Fort Kochi 682001. Finish point: Near Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi 682001.

Itinerary Start off from Fort Kochi heading over to the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and witnessing the early-morning buzz along the waterfront. Pass by the small fish market, a chaotic place in the morning trading rush, before heading into Kochi’s main bazaar. From here you will go take a truly historic ride into the spice traders area of Bazaar Road, where you will see old streets that are lined with fragrant spice warehouses and colourful stores. Breathe in the smell of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, and cloves while walking through this atmospheric area. We will stop for a tea or a coffee at a local tea shop and take a moment to talk about the history of Kochi. We will then proceed towards Jew Town where you can take a moment to admire the frescos adorning the Dutch Palace, and see some of the amazing antique shops in the area. We’ll peek inside to see one of the famous snake boats, before exploring more parts of Mattenchery (the Muslim area) and Palace Road (the Hindu area). In the Hindu area you will see a few temples, as well as vegetable and fruit markets. If you wish, we can stop for some refreshments here, a chance to really take in all the scenery around us. You will then get back on your bike to cycle back along Kochi's waterfront, heading towards the centre of town. Call into a local laundry to see how the dhobis beat the clothes clean before making the final peddle back towards the heart of Fort Kochi. Before ending this Kochi bike tour, we will go around some of the famous churches in the area, as well as visit the Dutch Cemetery. As the oldest European cemetery in India, the 104 tombs here provide great insight into the lives lead by the Dutch and English migrants in India.

Participant restrictions Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively and children below 6 years old are not permitted to join the tour.

Policies For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people. If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at your hotel for pick up. Please check your hotel details are correct on the voucher. Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation