Cochin - One of the principal tourist destinations of Kerala
Kochi is popularly known as the 'Queen of Arabian Sea' also flaunts one of the finest natural harbours of the world. It is situated in the South Western Coast of the Indian Subcontinent. Kochi is a vibrant city and is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
The large number of tourist attractions in Cochin and its backwaters makes this place a unique experience to the tourist who visit the city.
Places to visit in Cochin:
Fort Kochi Beach:
Fort Kochi Beach situated on the Fort Kochi/Mattancherry peninsula, is the historical part of the city and home to many tourist attractions, such as the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, the Mattancherry Palace and the Santa Cruz Basilica. The beach is a wonderful experience during sunsets with the silhouettes of Chinese fishing nets and ships forming its background which makes the experience a memorable one. Mouth watering fresh seafood is available at the stalls near the beach. A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a memorable experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. The coastal stretch has loads of small stalls, which make on demand mouth-watering traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish.
Hill Palace
Hill Palace is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala, near Tripunithura. It was the administrative office of Kochi Rajas. Built in 1865, the Palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style, spreading across in 54 acres (220,000 m2).
This palace served as the seat of the Raja of the Kochi province. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles showing the wealth and splendour of the Rajas of Kochi, including the thone and the crown. The musuem also houses a large collection of archaeological findings. The complex has an archaeological Museum, a Heritage Museum, a Deer Park, a prehistoric park and a children's park .
Marine Drive
Marine Drive is a picturesque promenade in Kochi. It is built facing the backwaters, and is a popular hangout for the local populace. Marine Drive is also an economically thriving part of the city of Kochi. With several shopping malls it is as an important centre of shopping activity in Kochi. The walkway has two contemporarily constructed bridges, the Rainbow bridge and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge.The view of the setting and rising sun over the sea mouth, and the gentle breeze from the Vembanad Lake has made Marine Drive an important tourist destination in Kochi.
Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry
Jewish Synagogue The synagogue, built in 1568, 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.
Willingdon Island
Willingdon Island it is a man made island created in 1933 which once served as an airport, sea port and Railway Terminus. It is situated 30 km from Cochin and is now the home to the Cochin Port and the headquarters of Southern Naval Command.
Bolgatty Palace :
Bolgatty Palace Built by the Dutch in India, it is located in the scenic island popularly known as Bolgatty island in Kochi. One of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland, this quaint mansion, built in 1744, by Dutch traders, was later extended and lush green gardens were landscaped around it.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica :
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, a church built originally by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558, was spared by the Dutch conquerors who destroyed many Catholic buildings. This magnificent church is a must see destination for tourists who come to Kochi.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary:
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a protected bird sanctuary located at the heart of the city Eranakulam and adjoins the backwaters and the sea. The sanctuary has a wide collection of both resident and migratory birds.
Dutch Palace:
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| Dutch Palace |
Dutch Palace originally built by the Portuguese, this Palace was modified in the 17th Century by the Dutch and presented to the King of Kochi. The Palace is located at Mattancherry and incorporates fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Cherai Beach :
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| Cherai Beach |
Cherai Beach is a lovely beach ideal for swimming is located on the north end of Vypeen island, one of the many small islands just off the mainland. The beach is lined by gorgeous coconut groves and paddy fields. Vypeen can be reached by land or by boat.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor
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| Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor |
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium The Nehru stadium in Kaloor, has a seating capacity of 60,000 in multiple tiers. It is the fourth largest stadium in India and the largest in Kerala. The ground is lit by a set of unique convex pylon floodlights that arch over the ground. The stadium is home to both the Kerala Ranji cricket team as well as FC Kochi football team.
Veega Land :
Veega Landis South India's largest amusement park situated 14kms from Cochin. The park includes a range of attractions including mini castles, water theme park, ferris wheel, rides, slides, shows and fountains. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the fun and activities.
How To Reach to Kochi
By Air : Airport at Kochi is Nedumbassery International airport which is about 20 km away from Kochi. Taxi charge from Nedumbassery to Kochi is about Rs 300. This airport is well connected to all airports in India and also to many cities in abroad, including gulf countries and Singapore.
By Train : Kochi has three important railheads, namely, Harbour Terminus on Willingdon Island, Ernakulam town and Ernakulam Junction. Ernakulam Junction is well connected to all cities in India. There are frequent rail services between Harbor Terminus to Junction.
