Kochin

Kochi (Cochin) is a vibrant city located in the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtaking scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as “Gods own Country”. Heralded as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, Kochi has emerged as the Economic and Commercial capital of Kerala.
From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Kochi is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities around the globe. This lovely sea side city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate.
Kochi has outgrown its original bounds and is now the general name to much of the adjoining the original town, which now includes, Cochin, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Ernakulum and many other nearby towns and villages. Kochi is the arguably ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographical Traveler’s 50 greatest places of a lifetime.

Tourist spots in Cochin

Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi
The Chinese fishing nets (cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China. Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.

St Francis Church
The St Francis Church may be the oldest European church on Indian soil. The Portuguese Franciscans built it in wood in 1503, but it now stands in stone after having been rebuilt some years later.
Depending on who was the temporal lord, this church has been through a gamut of association from Franciscans to (Dutch) Protestants to Anglican. It is presently under church of South India. Vasco Da Gama’s remains were buried here in 1524 and later moved to Lisbon, Portugal but his tombstone is still here.

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese in 1557. Later in 17th century, the Dutch renovated it and presented it to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Cochin where held here. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. The palace also houses Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins and the furniture belonging to that period.

Bolghatty Palace
This Dutch palace built in 1744AD, is situated on Bolghatty Island which is first a short boat ride away from the mainland. The palace has been converted to a hotel run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). The island has a tiny golf course and the panoramic views of the port and harbor, makes it an alternative picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.

Hill Palace, Tripunithura
Built in the 19th century in the tradition Kerala Architectural style, by the Raja of Kochi, this palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles showing the wealth and splendor of Rajas of Kochi, including the throne and crown. The museum also houses a large collection of archaeological findings. Hill Palace is located 16 Km east of Cochin. It has got collection of oil paintings, 19th century paintings, murals, sculptures, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to the Cochin royal family.

Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi
The original church situated in Fort Kochi, was built by Portuguese in 1505 and named as Cathedral in 1558. The British colonist destroyed the cathedral in 1795. The current structure was built in 1905 and raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984. It has beautiful paintings on ceiling and striking pasted coloured interior.

Cherai Beach
This lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. There are a couple of simple cafes and guesthouses too. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.

Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry
The synagogue dates back to the 17th century and has pretty patterned floor tiles that were brought in from China. The thick aroma of spices hangs in the air and the street is dotted with tiny stalls selling curios. The Synagogue is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry. The Synagogue and Jew Town in Mattancherry is home for the 20 odd Jews who still live in India, mostly old timers; they chose to stay on even after the creation of Israel and the immigration by most of the younger generation of Jews to the Promised Land.