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Jew Town in Mattancherry... The winding roads and old houses of Fort Cochin... An old fashioned ayurvedic oil massage... A performance of Kerala's classical dance -- Kathakali... And a taste of the ethnic cuisine.

Jew Town's charm is its history. Every narrow lane and ramshackle structure has a tale to tell.

Hectic trading that goes on in its cobbled lanes. In sharp contrast is the other worldly existence of its present day residents, the dwindling and aging community of Cochin Jews. It's worth walking around Jew Town and breathing in its sights and smells.

Fort Cochin is another place you can take a walking tour. The area's buildings reflect Kerala's colonial era. Towards the end of the 15^th century, the Portuguese took over the princely state of Cochin and not only indulged in trade but also set up their empire, thus pushing Kochi into political prominence. Their influence, as well that of the Dutch, is evident all over Fort Cochin.

Besides aesthetic structures and peaceful bylanes, Fort Cochin also has a long expanses of beach where -- if you are adventurous -- you can savour mouth tingling seafood at down to earth prices.

Kerala is the land of Ayurveda and experiencing an Ayurvedic massage is a must. But you could end up in some sleazy joint if you do not know where to go, since massages no longer mean what they once used to. While some of the luxury hotels like the Taj and Casino groups offer a traditional massage administered by trained masseurs, you could also go Kerala Ayurveda Pharmacy (tel # 0484-361202) situated in Warriom lane off MG road, or Kottakal Arya Vaidyasala (tel # 0484-360083) at a busy intersection on MG road for a wonderfully relaxing oil massage at better prices.

It is unthinkable to leave Kochi without having witnessed the traditional dance form of Kerala. Contract: Cochin Cultural Centre at 368153/380366/373162 or Art Kerala at 366238 or Devan's See India Foundation at 369471/371759. Besides the performance on stage, these troupes also let you take a look at what goes on behind the scenes. It's a great experience to watch the artistes put on their intricate make up and costumes.

Tasting Kerala cuisine and specifically Kochi's seafood is another un-missable experience. Every small eatery in Kochi offers ethnic food and almost all five star hotel restaurants give you a fair idea of the diversity of local fare (check Where to eat). However, if you are on a limited budget and restricted time, we suggest a one-day eating tour. Start off with some lovely snacky fare at Ceylon Bake House in Ernakulam, meander over to Mattancherry and zero in on Rahamthulla Hotel for some lip smacking Biriyani, and thereafter back to the mainland for a sample of the diversity of ethnic non vegetarian food at Travancore Restaurant. (Directions to all the places are given in Where to eat).