Cochin Royal Heritage Trail

Tour Overview

The story of Cochin is also the story of the Cochin Royal Family. One among three major royal dynasties of Kerala, the Cochin Royal Family played a significant role in shaping Kerala’s history, both past, and present. Alongside narrating the fascinating story of the royal family, the trail also aims to create awareness, both within the family and among locals, the alarming pace at which the family and the City is losing its heritage. On this trail we explore the origins of this royal dynasty and the rise and fall in their fortunes under the Europeans before their eventual merger with the Indian Union. We also look at their role in developing the modern city of Kochi and their contributions to the field of art, culture, language, education and medicine. We start with the Hill Palace, the last seat of power of the Rajahs, now a Museum, before moving to the residential quarters of the royal family that radiates around the family temple and showcases some of the best in traditional and colonial architecture. High-tea with present-day members of the family, a very informal interaction, at their private residence is how we bring the trail to an end.

Note: “Palace” in a Kerala context is very different from what you would see in Mysore or Rajasthan. The Palace and the family homes are very simplistic in nature, just like the family members who themselves lead simple lives and are part of mainstream society today.

The Tour is organized by The Traveling Gecko and Green Earth Trails is primarily coordinating the tour.