Just a short ferry ride from the bustling heart of Kochi lies the island of Vypin. Connected to the mainland by a series of bridges and the iconic Goshree Bridge, the island is renowned for its stunning beaches like Cherai, where dolphins occasionally play near the shore. Beyond its natural beauty, Vypin boasts historic lighthouses, charming fishing villages, and the intriguing remnants of Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture.

The Western Wall is the only part remaining of Solomon's Temple, built in the 10th century BC and destroyed twice. Praying here carries a lot of meaning for Jewish believers, who mumble hymns and insert prayers written on small pieces of paper between the bricks — every visitor is allowed to partake. The Temple was said to contain the Ark of the Covenant, a biblical golden chest. Moreover, Jesus reportedly visited the Temple as a child and left an impression on the wise men inside with his knowledge of the Bible. There are separate entrances for men and women leading to different parts of the wall. Friday evenings are particularly crowded, as Jewish people celebrate the arrival of Shabbat, the day of rest. Bar Mitzvah ceremonies take place in the morning on Monday, Thursday and Saturday: it's a great time to visit, as the place comes alive with Jewish song and dance.

Built in 1963 to commemorate Tunisia's first president Habib Bourguiba, this colourful mosque demonstrates typical Tunisian religious architecture complete with pink marble pillars and golden mosaics which are exquisitely preserved. The impressive prayer room which is the focal point of the mosque can take up to one thousand visitors and is often busy with locals and tourists meandering through. It is worth noting that, although admittance to the mosque is free of charge, opening times may vary. To get the most out of the experience a guided tour from one of the private tour operators in the area might be helpful.