CHINESE FISHING NETS: The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE:The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portuguese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jew town.
Two-storey Mattancherry or “Dutch Palace”, 20th century Santa Cruz Cathedral – in an Indo-Romano-Rococo style, the first European church in India, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, David Hall, a surviving legacy of the Dutch colonial rule, now renovated and converted into an art gallery etc. are also nice for sightseeing.
Take a boat ride and visit BOLGATTY PALACE and VYPPIN ISLAND.
FOLKLORE MUSEUM: Kerala Folklore Museum is the key place to experience the whole of Kerala, her people, art, culture and heritage. This is the biggest biennale and best life style museum in India. It is basically an architectural museum, combining three architectural schools of Kerala - Cochin, Malabar and Travancore architecture. To provide art education to the society, the museum is adorned with 5000 ethnic artifacts, to project the vibrant tradition of Kerala and other parts of south India. British government selected this museum as the venue to visit and experience the culture and heritage of Kerala for Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall in last Nov'13.
In the evening proceed for a CULTURAL EVENING – Kerala's best known dance drama Kathakali, its martial art form Kalaripayattu, semi – classical dance form Mohiniattam, Theyyam - a ritual dance performed as a surrealistic representation of the Gods & classical Indian music. You can also go into the green room to see how dancers dress up, do make up and get ready as per the different dance forms.
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