Kochi Travel

Kochi or Cochin is actually a clean and compact district of Kerala. On the tour to Cochin you may get a distinct European feel, as the region was earlier ruled by Portuguese, Dutch and English who left their foot prints in the form of numerous historic buildings, museums and gardens. Renowned as the finest natural harbor in the world, Kochi is a busy port and a fascinating tourists destination. This, once a popular fishing village is today an important trading center in India.

On the beaches of Kochi you get the opportunity to explore the interesting amalgamation of Hindu, Muslim and British architecture. Also from Cochin one can take a excursion tour to the exotic backwaters of Kerala.

Places to visit in Kochi :-

Fort Cochin :- Popularly referred to as the 'old fort', Fort Cochin is the first fort build on Indian soil by the Europeans. Dominated by the Dutch and then by the British, the fort has many amazing attractions in the form of numerous structures and the architecture.

Vasco de Gama, who was the first European to land on the Indian coasts fies in Fort Cochin in 1498onthe eve of Christmas in 1524. The most prominent highlight of the of the fort are Portuguese style Mansion, Santa Cruz Basilica and the St. Francis Church.

Chinese Fishing Nets :- Also known as Cheenavala, Chinese Fishing Nets were introduced by Chinese explorer Zheng He. These nets are suspended in the mid air all along the coast of Cochin beaches. They are basically fixed land installations generally set on the teak or bamboo poles. One can also get amazing view of these net in and around Santa Cruz Basilica, VOC Gate and Bastion Bungalow.

The fishing technique of Chinese Fishing Nets is quite different from other fishing nets. While fishing through these nets, the nets are are let to float into the sea, they are kept there for few minutes ad than delicately raised at the time by six fishermen. All the six fishermen are supposed to maintain the balance properly while picking the net out of water.

Mattancherry Palace :- Built in1557 by the Portuguese, the Mattancherry Palace features Kerala murals typifying art as that of Hindu temple and portraits of Maharaja of Kochi. The major highlights of the palace are Dutch maps of old Cochin, beautiful murals depicting mythological scenes from the popular epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana , royal palanquins and coronation outwears of former maharajas of Cochin.

Jewish Synagogue :- Jewish Synagogue or Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth of Nations. It was built by Malabar Yehudan people in 1568 in the Kingdom of Cochin. It is located in the Jew Town in Kochi in South India and is the only one of the seven synagogues in the area still in use.

Bolghatty Palace :- The long and immensely beautiful Bolghatty island is famous for housing the Bolghatty palace, built in 1744 by the Dutch during their tenure in India. For the purpose of information, the only golf course of Cochin is located on this enchanting island. One can take the exciting boat cruise on the island which is connected to Cochin.

St. Francis Church :- The church holds the great historical importance as it is the oldest European church built in India 1503.

Willington Island:- It is the manmade island named after Lord Willingdon who was earlier the British Viceroy in India. Major attractions of the island include Southern Naval Command, Port Trust Head Quarters, major trading centers and Cochin Harbour.