The Oberoi Vrinda, Luxury Kerala Cruiser

The fantastic Sakthan Thampuran Palace was built in 1555, modified by the Dutch in the 17th century and presented to the Raja of Kochi as a gesture of goodwill. It features vast murals depicting scenes from the ancient epic Ramayana and Mahabharata.

• Distance from the hotel 47 kms
• Driving time1 hour

St Francis' Church (1503) in Fort Kochi is believed to be the oldest European-built church in India. It was the original resting place of the Portuguese trader Vasco de Gama, before his remains were returned to Portugal. His empty tomb sits in eerie testimony to his memory.

• Distance from the hotel 50 kms
• Driving time1 hour

From the main waterway on Vembanad Lake to the busy network of canals around Alleppey and quieter, narrow waterways that can only be accessed in traditional rice boats. Visitors can spots locals fishing for "karimeen", or "pearl spot", visit the half-statue of Lord Buddha, St. Mary’s Church (established by St. Thomas in 1721) and Sree Bhagavathy Kshetram, a 100-year old Hindu temple to the Mother Goddess, or explore the Chambakulam snake boat yard, which is home to a traditional racing boat (130 feet long).

The Jewish Synagogue (1568) is well worth a visit to see the Old Testament scrolls written in the original Hebrew, as well as the synagogue’s amazing decor; it features nearly two hundred, blue, hand painted tiles, not one of which resembles any other.

• Distance from the hotel 47 kms
• Driving time1 hour