Monday, April 13, 2026 – Cochin, India

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Cochin, India.

COCHIN (KOCHI), INDIA

“The Gateway to Kerala”
A hodgepodge of cultures collide on the banks of the estuary where Cochin carves out her home. Chinese
fishing nets the size of skyscrapers, boxy Dutch architecture, and pretty Portuguese palaces point to the
blend of influence here, while the Raj era remnants, soaring spires of old-world mosques, and near-abandoned
synagogues all add to the dense, varied tapestry of inspirations and imprints.

Founded by a prince in the 15th century, Cochin immediately became a favored anchorage for sailors and
traders from every far-flung corner – even taking nearby Kerala’s crown as the world’s first global port city.
Now, fragrant spice markets cut the hot air with cardamom and clove, while antique stores groan beneath
the weight of singing copper.

Hit the backstreets of Fort Kochi for a deep and dreamy Ayurvedic massage, and marvel at the Krishna murals
that adorn the bedchamber walls of the Mattancherry Palace, or admire India’s one of the oldest European-built
Christian churches – as you duck into the cool hues of St Francis.

A day can easily meander past on a backwater cruise, spreading south from Cochin, and gliding down a
lacy network of creeks, lagoons, lakes, and rivers. Surrounded by swaying palms and rice paddies – you’ll
experience rural India in her best dress. When daylight dwindles, taste the soft spicy kick of dal roti,
followed by Firni – almonds, apricots, and sweet milk crushed with pastel green pistachios for a silky light
finish.

SIGHTS

• Edappally Church Complex
• Aazhimala Shiva Statue
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Chinese Fishing Nets
• Eravikulam National Park
• Indo-Portuguese Museum
• Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
  
• SHOPPING
  Kochi offers wonderful shopping opportunities, renowned for its aromatic spices, elegant Kerala Kasavu handloom sarees, traditional coir products, and handcrafted souvenirs. Guests may also find banana chips, Ayurvedic products, antiques from Mattancherry, and Kathakali‑inspired keepsakes, perfect reminders of this culturally rich port.

Excursion – Cochin at a Glance
We experienced Cochin, old and new, during this half-day sightseeing tour of the picturesque and historic city.
Ernakulam.

We took a sightseeing tour of Emalulam, whose architecture depicts its cultural diversity and influences. It has colorful markets, shops, and temples lining Mahatma Gandhi Road, the main thoroughfare. Along the way, photo stops are made at various landmarks, including the Temple of Lord Shiva. Our sightseeing drive through Ernakulam ends at Fort Cochin.

Historic Cochin
During our guided walking tour of this historic area, note the Chinese fishing nets near the tip of Fort Cochin. These fixed, cantilevered contraptions are mainly used at high tide and operated via a system of counterweights.

A stop is then made at St. Francis Church, which is adorned with lovely floor tiles lining the main aisle. Large swinging cloth fans, or punkahs, are suspended above the congregation and manually operated from outside the church.

David Hall
Your tour concludes with a stop at David Hall. A surviving legacy of Dutch colonial rule in these parts, David Hall is a part of three houses built by the Dutch East India Company in the late-17th century. The building has since been renovated and converted into an art gallery. During a refreshment stop at David Hall’s café, you can browse through the art gallery.

2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Dr. Robin Craig: “Becoming Cyborgs: The Fusion of Human and Machine”.
From prosthetics to implants, how close are we to merging with machines? Since our beginnings, people have used tools to enhance their natural abilities.

3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Sonja Bernhardt OAM: “Beyond Reality: The Rise of Augmented and Virtual Reality”.
Step into new digital worlds and see how they’re transforming medicine, well-being, travel, and history.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant