Kochi is a laid-back and vibrant city on the tropical Malabar Coast, and the best way to discover it is by bike! Join your local guide for this Kochi bike tour that will take in the colonial sights and local hotspots, and leave you completely smitten with the city. 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.
Notes:
Tipping
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.