Kochi Jewish & Muziris Heritage Tour | Explore History & Culture

Kochi Jewish and Muziris Heritage Tour

Old Kochi

7 Hours
Guided
Pickup offered
Private Tour
Skip-the-Line Entry
Free Cancellation

Step Back in Time at Muziris
Once a bustling port in the 1st century BC, Muziris welcomed ships from West Asia, the Mediterranean, and East Africa, making it a vibrant crossroads of trade and culture. It was here that new faiths like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam first reached the shores of India.

Among its most fascinating stories is that of the Cochini Jews—the second Jewish community in India—who first settled in Kodungallur (then known as Cranganore) before moving to Cochin. Their arrival wasn’t from a single migration; instead, Jews came to South India at different times, each wave adding to the community’s rich heritage. Today, their legacy lives on through historic synagogues, traditions, and tales that span over 2,000 years.

Your journey begins at 9:00 a.m. with a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Cochin to Kodungallur, passing through the lush countryside of Kerala. This immersive tour offers a rare glimpse into rural life and the historic Jewish settlements of the Malabar Coast.

The Malabar Jews once thrived here, with seven synagogues in the region. You’ll visit two beautifully restored examples — Chennamangalam Synagogue and Parur Synagogue — both open to visitors. Following the creation of Israel in 1948, many Cochin Jews migrated, but their synagogues, cemeteries, homes, and streets remain as a 2,000-year-old testament to their deep connection with India.

Nearby lies Muziris, a legendary ancient port believed to be the landing site of St. Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD, introducing Christianity to India. Here you’ll see Mar Thoma Church (India’s first church) and Cheraman Juma Masjid (India’s first mosque). Once a bustling hub for the spice, silk, and gemstone trade with Rome, Greece, and Egypt, Muziris was home to some of the earliest Jewish settlers in India.

The Muziris Port, 30 km north of Cochin, remained active until catastrophic floods in the Periyar River buried it, forcing settlers to move south. This led to the rise of Cochin as a natural harbor and the vibrant port city it is today.

Tour Highlights:

Scenic countryside drive from Cochin to Kodungallur
Restored Chennamangalam & Parur Synagogues
Historic Jewish heritage sites, cemeteries, and streets
Mar Thoma Church – India’s first church
Cheraman Juma Masjid – India’s first mosque
Ancient port of Muziris & its global trade history

Note:

Paravoor (Paravur) Synagogue and Chendamangalam Synagogue are closed on Mondays.
Mattancherry Paradesi Synagogue is closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and on Jewish holidays.

What's Included

Pick-up and drop-off at Cochin, Ernakulam, or Cruise Terminal
English-speaking guide with mobile phone
Transfers by air-conditioned vehicle
One bottle of water per person
All applicable taxes

What's Excluded

Monuments entrance fees
Personal expenses
Tips and Gratuities

Tour Plan

09:00 AM – Depart from Kochi

Your day begins with a comfortable drive from Kochi, heading through the lush green countryside towards the historic town of Parur (Paravur).

10:00 AM – Arrive at Parur (Paravur) Town

Step back in time as you arrive at one of Kerala’s most culturally rich regions, home to a unique blend of Jewish, Christian, Hindu, and Muslim heritage.

Additional Information

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.
Not wheelchair accessible.
Dress code is smart casual. Please be advised that shorts or sleeveless tops are not recommended in the temples.
A moderate amount of walking is involved. Please wear comfortable shoes.
No heart problems or other severe medical conditions, most travellers can participate.

Terms and Conditions

Transaction fee 15% will be charged if the cancellation is made within 45 days and more then 30 days from the scheduled booking.
50 % cancellation will be charged on cancellation within last 30 days.
100% cancellation will be charged on NO SHOW.
Also be informed that cancellation has to be made on +91- 992915 2946 / 91 8905631046 or on the corresponding email ID: jaipurjanu@gmail.com / januprivatetoursjaipur@gmail.com ONLY otherwise no cancellation will be entertained.
Our 24 hours phone number and helpline is +91 9929152946
In case on any increase in cost of Hotel, Airfare, Transport, govt. tax, fuel etc we are bound to augment the same.
Any Hotel/ Package Booking would be tentative unless you pay in advance and book on guarantee basis.

Our liabilities & limitations:

Please note that after the finalization of the tour/service cost, if there are any hikes in entrance fees of monuments/museums, taxes, fuel cost or guide charges by the Govt of India and Rajasthan state government the same would be charged as extra.