A SMALL JEWISH COMMUNITY IN INDIA

Muziris, a thriving port in the first century BC, served as a gateway for various religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Cargo vessels from West Asia, the Mediterranean, and East Africa dropped anchor at its port. The Cochini Jews, the second Jewish community in India, originated in Kodungallur (formerly Cranganore) before settling in Cochin. Unlike the Bene Israels, their exact arrival time is uncertain. However, it's clear that the Cochini Jews were not a single emigration, with Jews arriving and settling in South India at Kodungallur at different times.

Duration : 07 hours (Full Day)
Start Time : 9.00 am and back by 5:00 pm

Price :
INR 2500 per person for 9-15 persons
INR 3200 per person for 5-8 persons
INR 4000 per person for 3-4 persons
INR 5000 per person for 2 persons
INR 7500 for a solo traveler

Note : The price mentioned above does not apply to shore excursions, The pricing for shore excursions may vary and will be provided separately.

Tour Description :

The tour will start at 9:00 a.m. with a drive to Kondungallur, which takes about 1.5 hours from Cochin through the countryside. This tour offers a glimpse into rural Kerala and the historical Jewish sites in the old settlement, as well as other significant sites in Cochin.

The Malabar Jews had a strong presence in the region, with seven synagogues. Two of these synagogues, located in Chennamangalam and Parur, have been restored and are now accessible to tourists. Following the formation of Israel in 1948, many Cochin Jews migrated to the Promised Land. Although only a handful of Jews remain in Kerala today, their synagogues, cemeteries, houses, and streets still stand as testament to their 2000-year association with India.

Muziris, a nearby historical site, is believed to be where St. Thomas the Apostle first landed in 52 AD, introducing Christianity to India. It is home to India's first church, Mar Thoma Church, and the first mosque, Cheraman Juma Masjid. The city was once a thriving trading hub for spices, silk, and precious stones, with exports to Rome, Greece, Egypt, and other regions. The earliest Jewish settlers in India landed on the Malabar Coast and flourished in Muziris.

The ancient Muziris Port, located 30 kilometers north of Cochin, was operational until it was destroyed by floods in the nearby Periyar River. After this catastrophe, people fled south and established Cochin as a natural harbor, leading to the formation of the city we know today.

Itinerary :

	Depart from Kochi 09:00 am - Arrive Parur or Paravur town at 10.00
	Visit Chendamangalam Synagogue, India’s first Portuguese Seminary, Paliam Nallukettu Museum
	Thiruvanjikulam Siva Temple, Bhagavathi Temple
	Cherman Juma Masjid (The first mosque in India)
	Kottakavu church and Local bazaar
	5:00 - Drive back to Cochin / Cruise terminalt

Highlights of the Tour - Visit 04 synagogues

	Paravoor / Paravur synagogue
	Chendamangalam Synagogue
	Kadavum Bagam Synagogue (optional and will be visited if time available )
	Mattancherry Paradesi Synagogue
	JewTtown visit

Note:
Paravoor / Paravur synagogue ,Chendamangalam Synagogue will be closed on Monday
Mattancherry Paradesi Synagogue will be closed on Friday ,Saturday and other Jewish holidays

Included:
Pick-up and drop off at Cochin / Ernakulam / Cruise Terminal, English-speaking Guide with cell phone, Transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, 01 Bottle of water per person, All taxes

Excluded :
All Entrances, Tips & Personal expenses

We can also pick up/drop from/to other nearby locations, or the airport. When you write in, please tell us which hotel you are at, so that we can advise you on travel time and price the tour correctly.