¤ About Cochin
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.
This lovely seaside city is flanked by
the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity
to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a
moderate equatorial climate. Strictly speaking, Cochin is a small town. But,
Cochin has outgrown its original bounds and is now the general name given to
much of the region adjoining the original town, which now includes Cochin,
Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, Ernakulam and many other nearby towns and villages.
Cochin is situated in Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala.
Ernakulam is also the name of a town - the administrative capital of
Ernakulam district - but, for all practical purposes Ernakulam and Cochin,
generally, refer to the same place. Kochi is the arguably the 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 Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places
of a lifetime'.
¤ Major Tourist Attractions
of Cochin» 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.
»
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
» Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithra -10
km from Kochi, built in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, the Kochi
province was ruled from here. The palace has been converted into a museum
displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi apart
from many archaeological findings.
» Parikshith
Thampuram Museum - The museum is situated near the famous Siva
Temple, Ernakulam. It houses a treasure of archaeological findings and
relics including old coins, sculptures, oil paintings and murals.
»
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.
¤
ShoppingThe items are of immense beauty for the simple reason that
Keralities are gifted artisans. 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. The major shopping
centres are on M.G.Road which cuts across the heart of the city, and the
Marine Drive including Broadway. Shops open at 10 a.m. and close around 8
p.m. Generally all shops remain close on Sundays.
¤
AccomodationKochi has a wide range of accomodation facilities to
offer ranging from 5 star hotels to palaces and houseboats to cheap and
affordable lodges.
Cochin
