Kochi (Cochin)

Originally built by the Portuguese, Kochi (Cochin) has a natural harbour with lagoons and canals and fishing hamlets. Kochi (Cochin), the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is situated on the west coast of India in the beautiful state of Kerala. Kochi can be regarded as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Kochi is the most important city in Kerala. It is the second most important city (after Mumbai) on the western coast of India .

Sightseeing at Kochi (Cochin) -

Bolghatty Palace : This Dutch palace is situated on the Bolghatty island. At present it is being used as hotel. The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.

Chinese Fishing Nets : The chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.

Dutch Palace : The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portugese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

Fort Kochi beach : A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline.

Jewish Synagogue : The synagogue ,magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers ,was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace.

St. Francis Church : It is the oldest church built by European in India.On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portugese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church

Best Season to Visit : Through out the Year

Reaching Kochi (Cochin) -

Air : Connected to Aggati, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Trivandrum by Air.
Rail : Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Delhi, Madras, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Varanasi are well connected to Cochin by rail.

Back water cruise : the motor launch cruise on the enchanting backwaters through the coconut grovers and quiet lagoons is an exciting tour. Visit Bolghatty Palace,the beautiful Dutch colonial mansionbuilt in the 1744 vypean, Vallarpadom, see tiny fishing hamlets and the fisherfolk in the colourful costumes.

Shopping in Kochi -

Kochi, has been over years, the shoppers paradise. In Kochi almost anything can be bought. Antiques, coir products and handicrafts are good souvenirs. The main shopping areas for the tourists inside Kochi city are as follows.

The Major Market Places in Kochi (Cochin) are - Durbar Hall Road - Jos Jn. - South Railway Station Areas; Jew Town, Mattancherry; Marine Drive - Park Avenue; M.G. Road North End - Pallimukku; New Road, Mattancherry; Princess Street', Fort Kochi.