Cochin

Location of Cochin : Ernakulam, Kerala
Cochin is Also Known As : Kochi
Tourist Season : September To May
Languages : Malayalam, English, Hindi

 



Kochi is set in the midst of an island-studded harbour, which has a modern bustling town on the main land, Ernakulam. It is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kottayam and Alappuzha districts on the south, Idukki on the east and Thrissur on the north.

The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi, in Ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. There is a commercial hub for merchants dealing in cashew nuts, coir, seafood, timber, tea, coffee, rubber and spices. This is what gives Kerela its name as "The Spice Coast".

Jewish communities with roots going back to 1000 AD and a 16th century synagogue are testimony to the land's diversity. Ernakulam District can well emerge as the greatest tourist destination for both Indian and international travelers.

Kochi has a moderate climate as it is situated very close to the sea. It gets heavy rains during June-August. Winter starts from December and continues till February. In summer, the temperature rises to a maximum of 35°C and 25°C in the winters 
BACKWATERS OF COCHIN
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.

COCHIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  :

Churches In Cochin

Santa Cruz Basilica
This monumental church dates back to 1558 and has beautiful paintings on the ceiling.

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. 
FORTS & PALACES OF COCHIN Mattancherry Palace ( Dutch Palace)
Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin, 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.

Gundu Island
Here is the magnificent 16th century Pallipuram Fort that is open only on Thursdays.

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 Cochin, 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 IN COCHIN
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 OF COCHIN
Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithra
10 km from Cochin, Hill Palace, the official residence of the Cochin 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 Cochin royal family.

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 TRAVEL ATTRACTIONS :

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.

Vypeen Island
There is a magnificent lighthouse at Ochanthuruth, which remains open from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily.

HOW TO GO TO COCHIN :

Air: Cochin is connected by excellent air network to all major cities in India.

Rail: Cochin has three main railway stations, namely, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Harbour Terminus on Willingdon Island.

Road: Cochin, 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.

Local Transport: Taxis, city buses and autorickshaws.

Accommodation
There are several hotels in various categories in Cochin. To provide you a perfect accommodation with best services and facilities, we have engaged ourselves with some leading hotels which range from luxury, deluxe, to star and budget. The hotels with best services in luxurious surroundings offer the best facilities you would expect. Select the one which is ideal for you and make your tour to Cochin India completely comfortable.