Cochin

Cochin-Kochi means different things to different people. To some, it is a world-famous port, while to others it is a business center and a glamorous mirror to Kerala's vivid multifaceted personality. To many travelers, however, this natural harbor is synonymous with its famous geographical hallmark-the underwater mud banks of Malabar.

Kochi is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with the backwaters of Kottayam and Allepuzha to the South, the wildlife sanctuaries and hill stations of Idduki to the East, and the cultural heartlands of Thrissur to the North. Centrally located, Kochi is your obvious choice as a base from which to explore the many tourist attractions in Kerala. The city of Cochi has been an important trading port since ancient times. Today, the land of spices that attracted the European traders is a quaint blend of the old and the new, the Indian and the Western. Popularly referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is today the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Alluring Places
Bolghatty Island
The Bolghatty island in the Cochin bay is famous for the Dutch Palace. Of late, the palace is being used as hotel. The island also boasts of a fine golf course and has long been considered an ideal retreat spot near Cochin.

Chinese Fishing Nets
The fishing nets found here are not found anywhere else in India. These nets were introduced in the region by Chinese traders. Fishermen carrying daily catch in these nets is a common sight in Cochin.

Coonan Kurishu Shrine
Located in the heart of the busy Mattancherry is the Coonan Kurishu Shrine.This shrine was the venue when about 25,000 Syrian Christians in 1653, assembled at the ancient cross in Mattancherry and tied long ropes to it. Pulling the ropes they took a solemn oath that they would never obey the Latin Archbishops or be under the Jesuits. Image not available

Mattanchery Palace (Dutch Palace )
Originally built by the Portugese , the Dutch Palace was modified by the Dutch in the 17th century and presented to the Raja of Kochi. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

Fort Kochi Beach
The beach at Fort Kochi extends from Kamalakada to the harbour entrance. A stroll along the beach at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background is an experience to cherish. Hill Palace
The palace of Rajas of Kochi in the 19th century, the palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi besides many archaeological findings. It is located at Tripunittura, 6 km from the city.

Jewish Synagogue
Located near the Dutch Palace is the magnificent Jewish Synagogue, exquisitely decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. It was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament and copper plates depicting the privileges granted by the Rajas of Kochi are the star attractions.

Mangalavana Bird Sanctuary
Image not available This bird sanctuary is situated right in the heart of Kochi city. It is the transit home of many exotic and rare varieties of migratory birds all around the year.

St. Francis Church
Located in Kamalakada, near Fort Cochin beach is the oldest church built by European in India.It is the only church spared by the Dutch. It possesses the "Doob Book", a register of all baptisms and marriages from 1751 to 1804. The old clock on the top of the church is of vintage value.

Vypin Island
Vypin Island is one of the most densely populated islands of the country.It is accessible only by the boat service - another unique feature in Kochi.The top of the lighthouse of Vypin provides a breathtaking view of Kochi city and Aluva. Image not available

Willingdon Island
Image not available Named after Lord Willingdon ,this is where the ships entering Kochi port berth.It is a man made island and was created while developing Kochi Port.The island is reachable by all means of transport.It hosts the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command , the Cochin Harbour Railway Terminus and other important institutions.
Shopping in Cochin
Among Kochi's best buy are metalware, camel-bone carvings, wood carvings, articles made of coconut shels, baboo cane, embroidered screwpine mats; grass mats; and several other types of handicrafts. Kochi also has several antique dealers. Jewellery, readymade garments, and ethnic hand-woven textiles follow closely.


Accommodation in Cochin :
» Casino Hotel
» Le Meridien Resort
» Taj Malabar
» Taj Residency
» The Renaissance
» The International Hotel
» Hotel Wyte Fort
» Riviera Suites
» Gokulam Park Inn
» Park Royale
» Bolghatty Palace
» Chancellor Suites
» Noel Palmdale Villa
» Jos Bungalow
» Kavya's Castle
» Plackatt House
» Greenwoods Bethleham
» Vembanad Lake Villas
» Rose Gardens
» The Trident