Private tour in Kochi Joyce X

Cochin Cruise Shore Excursions: Heritage & Backwaters Experience

4.9

(18) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Joyce X.

4.8

Guide rating

77

Reviews

Tours delivered

2 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello Travelers! Greetings from Cochin ( Kochi ) Kerala. Thank you for choosing Kochi as your vacation destination. The state Kerala is known for towering Western Ghat Mountains, and a net work of 44 rivers which will definitely enchant you and will leave you with memories lingering for years after your first visit. Here you can meet people who have a special skill in hospitality and tend to invite you to their house for a tender coconut brought down from the tree just for you or a cup of home made blue mountain tea. Culture, tradition and history varies in whole south India. Ask for repository of Dravidian culture in the south of India, I can give you the popular sites at the same time surprise you with the unknown. Tours at comfortable pace, customized to your preferences are what I offer. These will be very essentially private tours in every sense. Pay me only prices for tours much less the excursion managers of cruise liners charge. My personalized tours will exceed your expectations. I am patient, flexible and always try harder. My shore excursions start from the side of the ship. You can speak about anything you want to do here. I will organize it in a perfect way. Ask me for a tour through the conventional attractions or off peg villages or towns to see how the real life in Cochin is. Ask for traditional lunch during the tour …. or a little café for great service and food on the balcony while watching daily life of the locals …any thing. . anything. . and I will let you surprise. My name is Joyce, and I am certified tour guide and hold the Red Card ( most coveted ) of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. There are a few tours listed for your consideration. These tours are specially designed for travelers who look forward to exclusive experiences. Same time options kept open for you to include your preferences. I invite you to read the feedback history of my services alongside this page. The cost of the tours I offer is most reasonable and price worthy. For transport I use Premium vehicles. But your preferences will prevail. My long experience of travels to the tourist destinations of south India with all sizes of groups have seasoned me to provide best results. I have worked for many international tour operating companies of repute. I have also offered my services to many passengers of cruise liners called at Kochi Port. My vehicles are chauffeured by most enthusiastic men and women. They are bound by attitudes to attract the entire satisfaction of the travelers. I have always loved the company of travelers and it is my passion to work as the unofficial ambassador of my country. Eminent personalities I was assigned to. 1. Mr. Richard Attenburough who came to Kerala to shoot the Oscar winning film "Gandhi. " 2. Mr. Alexander Fret of "Chasing the Monsoon" 3. Mr. Simon Winchester, of "Conte Naste, " Magazine U. S. A. , 4. Mr. P. R. S. Oberoi and his son Mr. Vikram Obreroi. 5. Duke of Kent, T R H Prince Edward (Edward George Nicholas Patrick Paul), and the Duchess of Kent, H R H The Duchess of Kent (Katharine Kent ). 6. Mr. Edward Mc Kay Hyde, USA, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs ( Leading Global Investment Banking Securities Management Company. ) 7. Mr. Gerald Eskenazi USA The New York Times. 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 8. Dr. Prof. Graeme Fogelberg, Vice Chancellor, Uneversity of Otago, Dunedin, New Zeland 1993 - 2004 and his wise Mrs. Mary Fogelberg, my guests on 16th and 17th Mar, 2011 9. Mr. Carlos Duarte Ambassador Brazil. Mar 2014 10. Mr. Harry A. Milman on Feb 2017, is the author of A DEATH AT CAMP DAVID and an international authority in toxicology 11. R. Waldbaum Professor of Urology at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine. Vice President for Physician Relations for North Well Health System, USA. Nov 2017 12. Lord Michael Levy. President of Volunteering Matters, Jewish Care, Jewish Free School (JFS) and Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade (JLGB). 13. Mr. Peter Taksøe-Jensen Danish Ambassador to India. 14. Mr. Philip Knatchbull grandson of Lord Mountbatten Dec. 2023 I am a graduate in Economics & Indian History. I have RED CARD, Tourist Guide Licence, from Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Government of India. I have obtained Diploma in German Language. I have undergone periodical refresher courses for Tourists Guides conducted by my parent department as well as the reputed institute 'KITTS' ( Kerala Institute of Tourism And Travel Studies. ) I have the approval of the Ministry of Tourism Govt.of India to guide tourists in south India. . A few temples do not allow non Hindus to enter the sanctum. I will not be able to guide the tourists there, as I am not a Hindu.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Joyce X.

Overview of your Kochi tour

Step ashore in Kochi, the vibrant gateway to Kerala, and discover a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Designed especially for cruise passengers, this shore excursion covers the city’s must-see highlights within your port time. Explore Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, home to colonial-era buildings, spice markets, and cultural landmarks. Visit St. Francis Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, before strolling through Jew Town and the historic Jewish Synagogue. Continue your journey with a serene backwater cruise on a traditional punting eco boat or motorboat, gliding past coconut palms, lush villages, and tranquil canals. Experience the peaceful rhythm of Kerala’s waterways, one of the state’s most iconic attractions. With expert local guides, comfortable transfers, and timings tailored to your ship’s schedule, this excursion is the perfect way to experience Kochi’s rich heritage and natural charm before you set sail again.

Recent Reviews

Keith W.United States
April 2026

I would highly recommend Joyce as your local Indian guide. Joyce coordinated a wonderful trip to the backwater houseboats, with an authentic Indian lunch that was amazing. We had a private boat to ourselves with no crowds to deal with. The drive was a bit long from the port, but driving through India is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. We then saw some local historical sites and then took us to an amazing shop to buy authentic Indian crafts. I would highly recommend this tour.

Maureen G.United States
February 2023

Joyce was an excellent guide and met us promptly at the ocean port terminal ( in fact he was early) and gave us a wonderful tour of Cochin. His car was comfortable and air conditioned and his English was excellent. We saw all the major sites and we were able to avoid the large crowds. We had a ver nice lunch at a local restaurant that he recommended and then went to a local market. All in all a great day and wonderful way to see Cochin. We would highly recommend Joyce as a tour guide!

Robert W.United States
November 2017

Joyce X was an experienced , professional and well informed guide. He had an in depth knowledge of Cochin.

Merdene H.United States
April 2017

Joyce was very interesting, competent, organized,and very caring for our needs. We would surely recommend him as a guide. Thank you Joyce!

John E.Botswana
January 2017

Excellent tour with Joyce. We were shown all the main points of interest of Cochin. He was interesting and helpful. He was also very patient waiting for the members of the party to fulfil their shopping requirements. We t6horoughly enjoyed our day with him. Thank you Joyce!

Larry N.Canada
December 2016

Joyce was able to find us a very good restaurant for seafood. However, there seemed to be lack of communication between Joyce and us as he was quiet most of the time (in the car or walking on the streets). The Backwater tour was very disappointing as there was not much to see and the water smelled really bad. Also, it would be interesting if Joyce explained more at the Chinese Fishing Nets site and might be arrange to have the local fisherman to show us how to operate the nets.

Your Kochi tour itinerary

Itinerary: Kochi Shore Excursion 08:30 AM – Pick-up at Cruise Port Meet your guide and drive to Fort Kochi. 09:00 AM – Fort Kochi Sights Visit the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Santa Cruz Basilica, followed by a walk through the colonial streets. 10:30 AM – Mattancherry & Spice Markets Explore the Dutch Palace, Jew Town, and the historic Jewish Synagogue. Browse spice markets and antique shops. 12:00 PM – Drive to Backwaters Travel through Kerala’s lush countryside toward the serene waterways. 01:00 PM – Backwater Cruise & Lunch Board a traditional country punting boat or motorboat for a leisurely cruise past villages, coconut groves, and canals. Stop for Kerala-style lunch at local restaurant. 03:30 PM – Return to Kochi Disembark and head back, with a short stop for shopping or photos if time allows. 04:30 PM – Drop-off at Cruise Port Rejoin your ship in time for departure.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Sedan

1. If the group size is 2 the tour is conducted in an A/C., Toyota Etios GD a large sedan with seats for 5 including driver cum guide. 2. If the group size is 3 to 4 the tour is conducted in an Airconditioned SUV. 3. If the group size is 4 to 10 the tour is conditioned in an air conditioned Van

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Public Transportation
Tickets: Entrance at Attractions
Private Transportation With Driver
Equipment: Motor Boat Hire for Backwater Cruise.
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Public Transportation
Meeting location

Kochi, Kerala, 682009, India

1. If you are arriving by Sea I will meet you at the Sagarika Cochin International Cruise Terminal. 2. If you are arriving by air I will meet you at the Cochin International Airport. 3. If you are arriving by road I will meet meet you at the hotel / resort / home stay where you booked to stay.

Other details
Tour categories
Religious Sites
City Highlights
Layover
Day Trip
Tour reference number
16447
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Kochi best suited for?

This private tour in Kochi is perfect for cruise ship passengers looking to explore the city's rich heritage and natural beauty within their port time. It's also ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local guide, Joyce X., for deeper insights into Kochi's history and culture.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Kochi suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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