AUTO-RICKSHAW TOUR OF THE CITY

Here's an interesting guided tour to discover the secrets of Fort Kochi. Although the tour of the city is not set in stone,auto-rickshaw drivers all offer pretty much the same route. So don't hesitate to ask for details of the tour before you set off, so you can tailor it to your tastes and desires. The tour is generally punctuated by anecdotes about Kochi's colonial and religious history, which the drivers will tell you in more or less good English. They'll take you through various picturesque neighborhoods.

Tours usually start at the Chinese checkpoints. Take a look at the 500-year-old Banyan Tree on Parade Ground, then head for Vannar Sangam. Like Mumbai'sDhobi Ghat , this is where all hotel and private linen is washed, dried and ironed: the sight of hundreds of sheets and clothes drying in the sun is breathtaking. The ironing technique is interesting: here, old irons heated by coconut embers are used. From here, it's on to the architecturally stunning Thirumala Devaswom Temple, dedicated to Vishnu. Unfortunately, its entrance is reserved exclusively for Hindus. A sacred pool adjoins it, and you may catch a glimpse of the temple elephant. You'll then visit the Jain Temple. Entrance is permitted between 11:30 and 12:30 (shorts not allowed), and its special feature is that the monks feed the birds, which come to eat directly from their hands! Jain hospitality is such that they'll invite you to do the same! Another Jain temple can be found on Gujarathi Road on the way to Mattancherry. This is where you'll find the Dutch Palace and its magnificent frescoes. Don't miss the Hindu temple next door. A little further on, the tour continues with Jew Town, its spice merchants, synagogue and Jewish cemetery. Finally, there's the Ginger Palace (Bazar Road), an old building where the Dutch dried ginger before shipping it by sea. It now houses a women's cooperative selling their products: ginger tea, cardamom tea, stevia tea, saffron tea... Opposite is the magnificent Our Lady Of Life's Church, an old church with typical Portuguese architecture. Back to the Chinese tidal flats (not without taking you to various craft stores - something you can refuse!).