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Kochi is Kerala's most famous city. This city in European
style has lot to offer like Fort Cochin built by the
Portuguese on an island offshore that seems to be pulled
straight out of the 16th century with narrow, canal-lined
streets, 500 year-old Portuguese houses, Chinese fishing
nets lining the northwest shore of the island . There is
also a 16th century synagogue surrounded by 'Jew Town,'
which was once home to the flourishing Indian Jewish
population, the oldest church in India and a palace that was
built by the Portuguese, renovated by the Dutch, and
eventually was given to the Indian Raja of Cochin. |
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Places of Interest in Cochin
Mattancherry Palace : It is
also known as Dutch Palace, built the Portuguese and
presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555 AD. It acquired
the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out
extensions and repairs in the palace. Its interiors are
decorated with murals from the Ramayana and there are
some lively displays of royal costumes and palanquins.
Timings. 1000 hrs to 17.00 hrs. and is closed on Fridays
and national holidays. |
Jewish Synagogue :
In this Mattancherry Synagogue built in 1568 AD. there are
Great Scrolls of the Old Testment, the copper plates in
which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers
were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles
are of interest. Timing: 1000 hrs to 1200 hrs and 1500 hrs
to 1700 hrs. and is closed on Sundays and Jewish Holidays.
Sant Cruz Baslica Church
: This Roman Catholic Church situated close to St.
Francis Church is worth visiting. Some beautiful paintings
can be seen here.
St . Francis Church :
Th is Protestant church was originally built by the
Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest
church built by the Europeans in India. It is here the
remains of the inveterate traveller, Vasco da Gamma were
initially buried and 14 years later, his mortal remains
were taken to Portugal.
Chinese Fishing Nets :
The famous Chinese Fishing net that line the sea-front and
exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local
fishermen in Fort Kochi. Said to have been brought from
China by traders of Kubalai Khan's Court, they are used at
high tide.
Bolghatty Palace :
Situated at Boghatty Island a narrow palmfringed Island
easily accessible from the mainland. The Palace was built
by the Dutch in 1744. Later, it became the seat of the
British Resident and today this has been converted into a
hotel run by K erala tourism.
Excursions from Cochin
Alappuzha City
Also known by the name of Venice of the East, Alappuzha
is famous for its boat races, beaches, backwater
houseboat, marine products and the coir industry. A
remarkable characteristic of this land is the region
called Kuttanad. Kuttanad, also called the granary of
Kerala, is one of the few places in the world where
farming is done below sea level.
Kumarakom City
Kumarakom is about 90 km from Cochin. This distinctive
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 favorite haunt of migratory birds from different parts
of the world, making it a renowned bird watching center.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
High in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own
Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger
Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake
at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a
dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of
the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for
the local wildlife. Though its a Tiger Reserve, tourists
come here to view the Indian elephants in the act of
ablution and playfulness by the Periyar lake.
Munnar City
Munnar is an amazing hill station, famous for its incredibly
attractive natural beauty. The main highlights are the awe
inspiring environment, lush green tea gardens, beautiful
lakes, thick forests and the friendly people. It is located
in the eastern part of Kerala at the influence of three
mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. It is
surrounded by about 30 ravishing tea gardens. Munnar is
situated at 1600 mts. above sea level, near Anaimudi, the
highest peak of the Kerala Western Ghats. Situated at the
influence of three mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni
and Kundala. This hill station was once the summer resort of
the colonial British government in South India. Expansive
tea plantations, meandering lanes, trekking, paragliding,
rope climbing and recreational facilities available here
makes Munnar a perfect holiday destination.
How to
reach Cochin
By Air - Cochin is connected
by excellent air network to all major cities in India.
Cochin also has an international terminal.
By rail - Cochin is also
well connected with all the major places in Kerala and India
by Rail network. Cochin has three main railway stations,
namely, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Harbor
Terminus on Willingdon Island.
By road - Cochin, being an
important commercial center of Kerala is very well connected
and serviced by a network of National and state highways,
connecting it to all major centers of the area
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Cochin
Travel Packages:
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