COCHIN
Cochin is Kerala’s one of the famous tourist destination, spreads across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters. It is divides in to two regions, one is the modern Eranakulam and other includes the old districts of Mattanchery and Fort Cochin. This beautiful city is situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea in central Kerala, a city with mélange of several exotic cultures like the Portuguese, Jewish, English, French, Dutch and Chinese.
St. Francis Church: The oldest existing European Church in India, this 16th century church is the main landmark in Fort Kochi. The remnants of Vasco da Gama were buried here before being shifted to Portugal.
Jewish Synagogue: The oldest synagogue in India, it was built in 1586 AD by the prosperous Jewish community whose links with Kerala began in Kodungalloor in northern Kerala.
Chinese Fishing Nets: These huge cantilevered fishing nets seen in the Vasco da Gama square are a top draw among the tourists
Kochi Shipyard: It is the biggest ship building yard in , and is situated in the southern part of Ernakulam on the way to Willington Island . Set up with Japanese collaboration, this shipyard has a building dock for ships up to 85,000 DWT and a repair dock that can accommodate ships up to 1,00,000 DWT. Motilal Nehru, the first oil tanker made in India, was built here.
Fort Kochi Beach: Easily the best part of the city, the beach at Fort Kochi extends from Kamalakada to the harbour entrance. A stroll along the beach at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background is an experience to cherish
Hill Palace: The palace of the erstwhile Rajas of Kochi in the 19th century, this place has now been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi besides many archaeological findings. It is located at Tripunithura, 6 km from the city.
Mattancherry: Located 10 kms from Kochi, you can reach Mattancherry by bus and boat. The Dutch Palace here has seen the coronation of many Kochi kings after the Dutch took control of it from the Portuguese and handed it over to the Kochi king. A fine collection of mural paintings adorn the palace.
Cherai Beach: Located at the northern end of Vypeen Island, Cherai beach is a perfect place for swimming. Coconut groves and paddy fields line the beach.
Kumbalangi is a fishing tiny island with Chinese Fishing Nets around, near Palluruthy Island, close to Kochi. Kumbalangi has been declared as an Integrated Tourism Village. It has many attractive features.
Marine Drive: One side of the Marine Drive is backwater while the opposite side is 70-ft Road, city’s widest road. At the place of ruined old jetty there is Marine Drive Promenade.
How to Reach in Cochin
Air: Kochi is connected by excellent air network to all major cities in India.
Rail: Kochi has three main railway stations, namely, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Harbour Terminus on Willingdon Island.
Road: Kochi (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.
Ferries: Ferry service is available for travel between the island towns.
