We have cruise stops in these two ports. If we don't want to take the ship's excursions, what would you recommend seeing in each place. We have about 6 hours in each place...what are the highlights.

I was just in Cochin last month..We went to Fort Cochin to see the Chinese fishing nets, went shopping, Jewish Synagogue, and took a boat cruise around the harbour.Make sure to take a tuk tuk around. We also saw the Kathakali Dancing..It's really nice there..Don't know about Goa, but am going there in March!!

TracyB,
Thanks for the suggestions. How did you get around? Did you have a guide? Oh, and one more question...what is the shopping like? I appreciate any help you can give me.

We did have a guide for awhile and then went on our own..We got to Fort Cochin from where we were staying by Ferry..I don't know where the cruise ships dock, but i am sure someone can help you with that..Once we got to Fort Cochin, we walked and used the tuk tuk to get around.It is beneficial to have someone tell you what there is to do, where to eat and where to shop, but you can easily do it on your own..But i will recommend the Art Cafe for eating..You can get there by tuk tuk from the fishing nets..It is a very cool restaurant..As for shopping, there is everything from Spices to clothes, purses, jewelry, etc..Honestly, all i bought was 2 cool Indian purses and a skirt, so it just depends what you are looking for..

Hi
Best way to get around is to hire a car for the day. Will be a whole lot cheaper and fun
Suggest you get in touch with a person I know in Cochin. He has a fleet of cars and his drivers are pretty helpful and speak English. You could contact him, (Ivor Collis of Rhema Passage) at [email protected]

Cheers
Bibiana