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Cochin is
the commercial capital of Kerala, and is sometimes referred
to as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Cochin proudly boasts
a rich cultural heritage, but is one of the most fast paced
and modern cities in India. It is also one of the finest natural
harbours of the world and a major Indian port.
Cochin is basically a collection of islands and narrow peninsulas
and can be divided into Ernakulam, Willingdon Island, Mattancherry
and Fort Kochi. An international airport and seaport, connect
Cochin to the rest of the world. The city also has an outstanding
network of road, rail, backwater, and a modern communication
system
Cochin was once an insignificant fishing village. When the backwaters
of the Arabian Sea and the streams descending from the Ghats
caused the separation of this village from the mainland and
landlocked the harbour, it became one of the safest ports on
India's southwestern coast. The port assumed a new strategic
importance and began to enjoy commercial prosperity.
When the Portuguese penetrated the Indian Ocean in the late
15th century, they arrived at India's southwestern coast. Navigator
Pedro Alvares Cabral founded the first European settlement on
Indian soil at Cochin in 1500. Vasco da Gama, discoverer of
the sea route to India, established the first Portuguese factory
(trading station) in Cochin in 1502, and the Portuguese viceroy
Alfonso de Albuquerque built the first European fort in India
in 1503.
The city remained a Portuguese possession until the Dutch conquered
it in 1663. Much Portuguese architecture still exists in the
city.
Always a tourist favourite, this city offers visitors plenty.
Forts, palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters, palm
fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a contemporary
metro.
Population : AApprox 1 million
Climate : Being situated very close to the sea, Cochin
has a moderate climate. Heavy showers are experienced during
the months June, July and August due to the South-West Monsoon.
The North-East Monsoon brings light rainfall during the months
of September, October, November and December. The months from
December to February are pretty cool.
Best times to visit : Between November and February.
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| Places of Interest |
Make
your Package for Cochin |
Cochin
Packages |
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Fort Kochi
The Chinese fishing nets These huge cantilevered fishing nets
along the backwaters are the legacy of the traders from the
court of Kublai Khan. Built of teakwood and bamboo poles, they
are fascinating to see. Adjacent to the fishing nets is the
Vasco Da Gama Square, a narrow walkway with little stalls that
serve fresh seafood and tender coconuts.
St. Francis Church
This Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese
in 1510 A.D. It is considered to be India's oldest European
church. Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI).
Vasco Da Gama was buried here before his remains were taken
back to Portugal 14 years later.
Vasco House
Located on Rose Street, Vasco House is one of the oldest Portuguese
houses in Fort Kochi and is believed to have been the residence
of Vasco Da Gama. Vasco House sports the typical European glass
paned windows and verandahs, characteristic of the times.
VOC Gate
A large wooden gate with the initials VOC engraved on it, the
VOC Gate is a little way off from Vasco House, facing the Parade
Ground. The initials correspond to the monogram of the once
powerful Dutch East India Company, which had its office here
for almost 150 years.
Santa Cruz Cathedral
Built by the Portuguese in around the 16th century, this Roman
Catholic church is famous for the beautiful paintings on its
ceiling. It was demolished by the British when they took over
Cochin in 1795. Until a new building was commissioned in 1887,
there was no church on the site for almost a 100 years. The
Santa Cruz church was declared a Basilica by Pope John Paul
II in 1984.
Cherai Beach
The lovely Cherai beach, situated in Vypeen, is just a 15 minute
ferry ride from Fort-Kochi. Besides the sea, sand and the sun,
a typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves
nearby completes the idyllic picture that the beach paints.
Mattancherry
Dutch Palace
Also known as the Mattancherry Palace, it was built by the Portuguese
and presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555 A.D. A fine blend of
Indo-European architecture, it acquired the present name after
it was renovated by the Dutch in 1663. In the center of the
building is the hall where the Cochin Rajas held their coronations.
This central courtyard also enshrines the deity of the royal
family. Adjacent rooms contain 17th and 18th century murals
illustrating scenes from Indian epics like the Ramayana and
Mahabharata. There are two temples on either side of the main
palace, dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.
Jewish Synagogue
Situated close to the Mattancherry boat jetty, the Synagogue
and the ancient Jew town built in 1568 A.D. is of great historical
importance. The most distinctive features are its white willow-pattern
tiles of which no two are alike. They are believed to have been
presented by a merchant in 1763 A.D. You will find great scrolls
of the Old Testament and the copper plates in which the grants
of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded. There
are also numerous finely wrought gold and silver coins, gifted
to the Synagogue by various patrons. Colourful Belgian chandeliers
add to the beauty of the Synagogue. Instances from Jewish history
and the hardships the Jews underwent are depicted through paintings.
ERNAKULUM AND AROUND
Parikshith Thampuran Museum
This museum, adjacent to the Shiva temple was the Durbar (court)
of the Cochin rajas. It features collections of 19th century
oil paintings, sculptures in stone and plaster-of-Paris, old
coins and items of the Cochin royal family
Museum of Kerala History
This museum at Edapally, is one of the best looks into the history
of Kerala. Significant historic moments of the past 2000 years
are depicted through life size figures. There is also a one-hour
commentary for each scene, along with a light and sound show
St. George Forane Church
This Roman Catholic church, considered to be one of the oldest
churches in Kerala, was built on a plot of land donated by the
Raja of Edapally. The new church adjacent to it was built in
1080. It is a well known 9 day feast held every year in the
month of May.
Bolghatty Palace
Situated on the palm-fringed Bolghatty Island, amidst 15 acres
of lush green lawns, this palace was built by the Dutch in 1744.
It became the official residence of the British. Today, it is
a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
Hill Palace
The sprawling Hill Palace museum displays the erstwhile wealth
and affluence of the royal family of Cochin. It has an interesting
collection of paintings, antique temple carvings and other royal
artifacts. Outside the museum is a botanical garden with exotic
tropical trees. There is also a Deer Park in the palace compounds. |
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| Special Festivals
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Nishagandhi
Dance Festival
Held in February each year, this festival pays tribute to Indian
classical dance. Visitors are treated to some of the most fabulous
dance performances.
Kochi Carnival
The carnival held from December 25-31, offers a kaleidoscope
of performing arts, including Kathakali, classical dance, martial
arts and boat races.
Onam
This harvest festival commemorates a mythical time of social
harmony, peace, and equilibrium. In the first month of the Kerala
year,Chingam(August-September),floral carpets,made by women,
grace the towns throughout the state; adorned elephants parade
in Thrissur and long decorative boats race the backwaters of
Alappuzha.
Saraswati festival
Also known as Dussehra or Navaratri, this festival is held between
September and October. It is celebrated throughout India but
takes on special significance in Kerala. Young children are
taken to the temples and are introduced to the letters of the
alphabet in front of Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and learning.
Shivaratri
This is the festival of Lord Shiva. It is celebrated between
February and March. All night, people chant and pray in honour
of the deity. |
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| How to get there |
Make
your Package for Cochin |
Cochin
Packages |
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By Road
: Cochin is well linked on the National and State Highway
Network to most parts of Southern India.
By Air : Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have convenient
connections to Cochin from Delhi, Mumbai as well as other important
South Indian cities. Cochin is now also an International gateway
served by a few International Airlines.
By Rail : Cochin is well connected by rail most major
cities of India. |
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