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Kochi (Cochin)

Hotel in Cochin

The venerable city of Kochi (long known as Cochin), is Kerala's hottest tourist spot,
spreading across islands 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, and distinctly less romantic bridges. From Cochin (Kochi), various products of Kerala, like pepper, seafood, rubber are shipped to places all over the world.

Kochi was an obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India. The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British This is the land where time moves at a snail’s pace. A land that remains isolated, yet easily accessible. Popularly known as God’s own country, this is a land that has to be seen to be believed

	Attractions of Cochin- The Old Fort, Kochi/Cochin- Fort Kochi on Christmas eve in 1524.A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience.
	Chinese Fishing Nets - The huge, elegant Chinese fishing nets that line the northern shore of Fort Cochin add grace to an already characterful waterside view, and are probably the single most familiar photographic image of Kerala.
	Fort Kochi Beach- A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience.
	Hill Palace - 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.
	St. Francis Church - It is the oldest church built by European in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church.In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church.
	Bolghatty Palace - This Dutch palace is situated on the Bolghatty island.The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view makes it an attractive picnic spot.
	Old Harbour House -This elegant old bungalow built in 1808 is in the possession of Carrit Moran and Co., renowned tea brokers.The house was once a boat club.
	The Cochin Club -The club, with its impressive library and collection of sporting trophies, is housed in a beautifully landscaped park.
	Cherai Beach - This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.
	Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary - Believe it or not this bird sanctuary is situated right in the heart of Kochi city. It is the home of many exotic and rare varieties of migratory birds.
	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.
	Parade Ground - The four acre Parade Ground was where once the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British colonists conducted their military parades and drills.
	The United Club: The United Club today serves two roles - as class room for the nearby St. Francis Primary School by day and as card room for the current members by evening. Until 1907, the building housed the offices of the Fort Kochi Municipality.
	The Bishop's House: The residence of the Portuguese Governor, the Bishop's House stands on a little hillock. Fort Immanuel: This bastion of the Portuguese in Kochi was a symbol of the strategic alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and the Monarch of Portugal, after whom it was named.
	The Dutch Cemetery: The tomb stones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires and changed the course of history of this land.
	The Cochin Club: The club, with its impressive library and collection of sporting trophies, is housed in a beautifully landscaped park.
	Jew Town: The area around the Synagogue is a centre of spice trade and curio shops.
	Cherai Beach: This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.