The
heart of Kerala, palm-green Cochin, is the commercial capital of Kerala. It
is the hub of all trading activities in Kerala. Flanked by the Arabian Sea
on the western side and the Western Ghats on the eastern side, Kochi is also
known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. The physical character of the city
gives a spicy look as people from far away lands like Arab, China, Dutch,
Britain and Spain have left their impression on the town. There are Chinese
fishing nets swaying in the breeze over backwaters, the Jewish Synagogue,
Dutch Palace, Portuguese architecture, Boghatty Palace in Kochi and many
other pieces of architecture that have added to the pages of history books.
Tourist Attractions
in Cochin
Mattancherry Palace
The Dutch Palace or the Mattancherry Palace is a big attractions for
tourists arriving in Cochin. The palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557
and was presented as a gift to Veera Kerala Verma, the Raja of Cochin.
Jewish Synagogue
The Jewish Synagogue was built long back in 1568 and is also the most
ancient synagogue in India. A Belgian chandelier inside, the scrolls of the
Old Testament and ancient copper plates gifted by Cochin rulers to the
Jewish community are important attractions.
St Francis Church
The church is a must-visit for everyone visiting the city of Cochin, as it
is considered to be the first European church to be erected in India. St
Francis Church was declared a protected monument in April 1923.
Chinese Fishing Nets
For travellers to Cochin, the Chinese fishing nets are a big attractions.
These cob-web-like structures have an ancient history dating back to Kublai
Khan, the Mongol emperor and the founder of the Yuan dynasty of China.
Bholghatty Palace
The palace is located on the Bolghatty Islands and is a major attraction
for tourists. Built in 1744 by the Dutch, the palace later became the
property of the British. Today, the palace serves as one of the finest
heritage hotels in Cochin.
Willingdon Island
This is a man-made island and is named after Lord Willingdon, the former
British viceroy of India. On the islands, you can find city's finest hotels.
The headquarters of the Southern Naval Command is also located here.
Shopping in Cochin
One can take a occasional boat ride around Cochin harbour and visit to the
boat club and hear to the songs. The articles of immense beauty are found in
Kochi, among them the best ones are metalware, camel-bone carvings, wood
carvings, articles made of coconut shells, baboo cane, embroidered screw
pine mats; grass mats; and several other types of handicrafts. The major
shopping centers are on M.G.Road which cuts across the heart of the city,
and the Marine Drive including Broadway
How to reach Cochin
It is well connected by air, rail and road. Nedumbassery International
airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 47 km from Fort Cochin.
Ernakulam Junction is the nearest railhead. By road, Cochin is connected
with all the key destinations in southern India.
Hotels in Cochin
Whether you are looking for 5 star hotels in Cochin, 4 star hotels in
Cochin or heritage hotels in Cochin, you have an array of renowned hotels to
choose from. Some of the most preferred options of accommodation in Cochin
are as follows.
» Hotel Taj Malabar
» Hotel Casino
» Hotel Le Meridien
» Hotel Taj Residency
» Hotel Bolghatty
» Hotel Malabar House
