Cochin, India - Feb 08, 2013

Cochin, also known as Kochi is both a city and former state (known as the Princely State) in southwest India on the Arabian Sea. After Vasco de Gama visited the city in 1502, the Portuguese established a settlement here. The Dutch captured it in 1663 and then the British in 1795. Our organized private our with driver and guide took us out of Cochin to Alleppey, also know as the “Venice of the East”. On a private houseboat with a Captain, mate and chef we headed out navigating about 20 kilometers of the waterways meandering past villages, schools and temples as we watched the daily life of these friendly and welcoming people, a great tour including an authentic Indian lunch. Back into town we toured a bit more including stopping at the traditional chinese fishing net area and a stop in a carpet factory, yes we did pick a little 3 by 5 foot silk handmade Bengal carpet, beautiful. Arrived back at the ship just in time for all aboard. Great guide and great tour made for another great day. Some pictures...