Location:
Ernakulam, Kerala
Also Known
As: Cochin
Languages:
Malayalam, English, Hindi |
Tourism in
Kochi
KOCHI / COCHIN - A CITY OF PENINSULAS AND
ISLANDS
One of the finest natural harbours on the
Arabian Sea coast, Kochi, earlier known as
Cochin has been a port of call for foreign
traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan
character is reflected in the buildings and
structures representing different regions of
the world. A city of peninsulas and islands,
today it is Kerala's commercial hub.
Kochi, the commercial and industrial capital
of Kerala, has one of the finest natural
harbours in the world. Ancient mariners from
Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal
have all left their mark on this beautiful
island city.
Kerala's prime tourist destination, it
spreads across islands and promontories in a
stunning location between the Arabian Sea
and Backwaters. Its main sections: modern
Ernakulam in the east and the old districts
of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin on a
peninsula in the west are linked by a
complex system of ferries.
QUEEN OF THE
ARABIAN SEA
More popular as the Queen of the Arabian
Sea, Cochin is a cluster of islands on the
vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Some of
these picturesque islands are Bolgatty,
Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam.The lake opens
out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of
the finest natural harbours in the world. It
is this natural advantage that has made
Cochin a fascinating blend of the cultures
and influences of the explorers and traders
who visited this wealthy land.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
IN KOCHI ( TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KOCHI)
CHURCHES
Santa Cruz Basilica: This monumental
church dates back to 1558 and has beautiful
paintings on the ceiling. more...
St. Francis Church: Built in 1503 by
Portuguese Francisan Friars, this is the
India's oldest European church. It was
restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch,
converted to an Anglican Church by the
British in 1795, and is presently used by
the church of South India. Vasco da Gama's
remains were buried here in 1524 and later
moved to Lisbon, Portugal but his tombstone
still remains. more...
FORTS & PALACES
Mattancherry Palace ( Dutch Palace):
Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and
presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of
Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by
the Dutch. On display here are beautiful
Murals depicting scenes from the epics,
Ramayana and Mahabharata and some of the
puranic Hindu legends. Them palace is open
for public viewing from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
all week days except Fridays.
Bolghatty Palace: A Scenic island near the
city of Ernakulam, Bolghatty is famous for
the Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in
1744 AD. This palace, once the residence of
the British resident of Kochi, is now a KTDC
(Kerala Tourism Development Corporation)
hotel.
CITIES
Jew Town: The area around the
Synagogue is a centre of spice trade and
curio shops.
BEACHES
Cherai Beach: This lovely beach bordering
Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming.
Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A
typical Kerala village with paddy fields and
coconut groves nearby is an added attraction
of this beach.
MUSEUMS
Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithra: 10 km from
Kochi, Hill Palace, the official residence
of the Kochi royal family, was built in 1865
AD. The palace complex consists of 49
buildings built in the Traditional
Architectural Style of Kerala and is
surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with
a Deer Park and facilities for horse riding.
The palace museum is open all days except
Mondays from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm
to 4:30 pm. A full-fledged
ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala's
first every heritage museum are the main
attractions.
Displayed inside the thirteen galleries are
oil paintings, 19th century paintings,
Murals, sculpture in stone and plaster of
paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins
belonging to the Kochi royal family. more...
Pareekshith Thampuran Museum: This
sprawling, traditional Kerala style building
previously called the Durbar Hall, houses
19th century oil paintings, a collection of
old coins, sculptures and Mughal paintings.
The museum remains open from 10:00 am to
12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. all
weekdays except Mondays.
OTHER SIGHTSEEING
IN KOCHI
Chinese Fishing Nets: These huge
cantilevered fishing nets were brought here
by traders from the court of Kublai Khan.
Willingdon Island: Named after Lord
Willingdon, a British viceroy to India, this
man-made island is surrounded by beautiful
backwaters. The island is the site of the
city's best hotels, customs and trading
centres, the port trust and the headquarters
of the Southern Naval Command.
Jewish Synagogue: Constructed in
1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the
commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during
the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt
two years later by the Dutch. Known for mid
18th century hand printed, willow pattern
floor tiles from Canton in China, a dock
tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs,
ancient scripts on copper plates etc., the
Synagogue is open from 10:00 am to 12:00
noon and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. It is closed on
Saturdays and Jewish holidays. more...
Vypeen Island: There is a magnificent
lighthouse at Ochanthuruth, which remains
open from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily.
Gundu Island: Here is the magnificent
16th century Pallipuram Fort that is open
only on Thursdays.
EXCURSIONS KOCHI
CITIES
Alappuzha (70 km): Also known as the
Venice of the East, Alappuzha is famous for
its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches,
marine products and coir industry. A
singular characteristic of this land is the
region called Kuttanad. The granary of
Kerala, Kuttanad is one of the few places in
the world where farming is done below sea
level.
Kalady: Located on the banks of the
river Periyar, this is the birthplace of the
8th century Advaita philosopher, Sri
Shankaracharya. The town is famous for its
many temples.
Aluva (20 km): Just north of Kochi,
this town is situated on the banks of the
river Periyar. In February- March, this town
celebrates the famous Sivarathri festival,
attended by thousands of devotees.
WILDLIFE
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady (190
km): Rolling hills, tea and cardamom
plantations welcome you to Thekkady. One of
the largest wildlife reserves in India, the
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is more popular
as a tiger reserve. A boat ride on the
splendid waters of the Periyar Lake provides
the perfect recreation. more...
BACKWATERS
Kumarakom (88 km): This unique backwater
destination situated on the banks of the
Vembanad Lake is considered the gateway to
the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Kumarakom
Bird Sanctuary is a favourite haunt of
migratory birds from across the world, which
makes it a renowned bird watching centre.
Kumarakom is also a centre for houseboat
cruises.
HILLSTATIONS KOCHI
Munnar (130 km): 1600 m above sea
level, Munnar is a nature lover's paradise
and was the summer resort of the British
government in South India. Sprawling tea
plantations, picture-book towns, winding
lanes and holiday facilities make this a
popular hill station.
Among the exotic flora found in the forests
and grasslands is the 'Neelakurinji'. This
flower, which bathes the hills in blue once
every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006
AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in
South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695
m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Tiger, Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer,
Leopard, Malabar Flying Squirrel,
Stripe-necked Mongoose and so on can also be
spotted in the forest. Kumily, an important
spice trade centre, lies in the periphery of
the sanctuary. more...
CHURCHES
Malayatoor Church: A famous Christian
pilgrim centre, this 9th century Catholic
church is situated on the 609 m high
Malayatoor Hill. St. Thomas, the apostle, is
believed to have prayed in this shrine.
more...
WATERFALLS
Cheeyappara Waterfalls: The Cheeyappara and
Valara waterfalls are located between
Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi -
Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara Falls
cascades down in seven steps. more...
Thommankuthu Waterfalls: Located 20 kms from
Thodupuzha, Thommankuthu is a small and
beautiful, wild waterfall. Thommankuthu
attracts thousands of tourists every year.
The wild beauty of the scenic waterfall will
steal the heart of any traveller. more...
MOSQUES
Kanjiramattom Mosque: The mosque is situated
at Kanjiramattom, 30 km from Kochi. It is
believed that the mosque was erected over
the mortal remains of a Muslim saint, Sheikh
Parid. Another great Muslim saint, Baver is
supposed to have prayed here and attained
salvation. more...
HOW TO GET THERE
KOCHI - KOCHI TRAVEL INFORMATION
Air: Kochi is connected by excellent
air network to all major cities in India.
Rail: Kochi has three main railway
stations, namely, Ernakulam Junction,
Ernakulam Town and Harbour Terminus on
Willingdon Island.
Road: Kochi, an important commercial
centre of the South India is very well
serviced by a network of national and state
highways, connecting it to all major centres
of the area.
Ferry: Ferry service is available for
travel between the island towns.
PLACES TO STAY IN
KOCHI
Taj Malabar, Willingdon Island.
Taj Residency, Marine Drive, Ernakulam.
The Renaissance, Palarivatton, Ernakulam.
ATS Willingdon, Willingdon Island.
The International, M.G. Road, Ernakulam.
Park Avenue, Princess Street, Fort Cochin.
Luciya, Ernakulam. Seagull, Calvathy Road,
Fort Cochin.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
IN KOCHI
Aattachamayam
Cochin Carnival
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Jewish Festival
Malayatoor Perunal
SHOPPING IN KOCHI
For Handicrafts:
Kerala State Handicrafts Development
showroom- Kairali, M.G. Road.
State Handicraft Society Emporium - Surabhi,
M.G. Road.
Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, the showroom of
Khadi Village Industries at Pallimukku, M.G.
Road
Coir Board:
Coir Board Showroom on Mullassery Canal
Road. TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourist Information Centre:
Government Of India Tourist Office,
Willingdon Island; Kerala Tourism
Development Corporation Tourist Reception
Centre, Shanmugham Road.
Post & Telegraph:
General Head Post Office, Hospital Road.
NEARBY CITIES KOCHI
Thrissur (74 km)
Kozhikode (Calicut) (181 km)
Coimbatore (193 km)
Madurai (270 km)
KOCHI GENERAL
INFORMATION
Area: 83.52 sq. km
Population: (1991 census) 5,64,038.
Altitude: Sea Level.
Latitude & longitude: 9.9 N & 76. 2 E.
Climate: Tropical.
Temperature range: 35 C to 22.5 C.
Clothing: light cottons
STD code: 484. |
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Travel Guide / States / Kerala / Cities / Kochi Travel
