Kochi (Cochin)

Cochin, also known as Kochi, is one of the finest backwaters and beach destinations of Kerala, India. Beautifully spread across string of picturesque and lovely islands, lagoons, small rivulets and swaying coconut palm trees, Cochin is one of the most sought after and tourist destinations in Kerala. Cochin is located at 220 km north of the capital city of Trivandrum in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Famous as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', Cochin also houses one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Frequented by thousands of foreign traders and visitors from as far as Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal, Cochin was the most famous center of Indian spice trade for many centuries. Today, Cochin has emerged as most important commercial and industrial center of Kerala and called the 'Gateway to South India'. In addition to all, what really attracts tourists to Cochin is its colorful and vibrant culture and unmatched hospitality of the local people. Undoubtedly, Cochin tour promises to be an exciting and rewarding experience for all its visitors.

The beautiful city of Cochin can be divided in two main sections - the old Cochin in the west comprising of Willingdon Island, Fort Cochin, Mattancherry etc. and the modern Ernakulam in the east which is much larger and includes Ernakulam city, Kumbalangi and outlying islands, both linked by a complex system of ferries. If you are planning a fascinating Kerala tour, then you can't afford to ignore Cochin. Cochin is a wonderful destination to be visited, explored and enjoyed.

Tourist Attractions in Cochin

Fort Cochin: Also known as the 'Old Fort', Fort Cochin is the very first fort built by the Europeans in India. Started by the Dutch and then British, the Fort has many amazing structures. Vasco de Gama, the first European to land on Indian coasts in 1498, died in Fort Cochin on Christmas eve in 1524. The Fort houses a huge Portuguese-style Mansion, the St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica among other attractions.

Chinese Fishing Nets: They are huge cantilevered fishing nets brought by the Indian traders from the court of Kublai Khan, the famous Mongol Emperor who founded the Yuan Dynasty of China. Erected between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to enjoy the nets being lowered into the sea and its catch is the Vasco de Gama square.

Mattancherry Palace: Built by the Portuguese in 1557, the beautiful Palace was gifted to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin. The Palace is famous for its beautiful murals, depicting scenes from the epics Ramayana, Mahabharata and other Puranic Hindu legends. Also on display are the Dutch maps of old Cochin, royal palanquins and coronation outwears of former maharajas of Cochin. Also known as the 'Dutch Palace', the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch.

Jewish Synagogue: Built in the year 1568, the Jewish Synagogue is probably the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. The greatest attractions of this synagogue are the amazing 18th century hand painted willow pattern floor tiles imported from China, the copper plates on which the privilege granted by the kings were recorded, a dock tower and Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs among many others.

St. Francis Church: Built by the Portuguese in 1503 AD, it is the first church built by the Europeans in India. Vasco De Gama, the famous Portuguese trader and sailor, was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal in 1538.

Bolghatty Island: An enchantingly beautiful and narrow long island, it's famous for housing the Bolghatty Palace, built by the Dutch in 1744. The only golf course of Cochin is located on this picturesque island. Other major attraction of the Bolghatty is an exciting Boat cruising on the island connecting Cochin to Bolghatty Island.

Willington Island: Surrounded by beautiful backwaters of Cochin, Willington Island is an artificial island created by the dumping of the materials that were dug out while Cochin Port was being deepened. It houses the city's best hotels and trading centers, the port trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.

Cochin Museum: One of the most famous museums of Kerala, Cochin Museum is known for its rich collections of paintings, coins and sculptures. The museum displays the 19th century oil paintings, mural paintings, wooden sculptures, sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris and old coins. Earlier the museum was situated at the Durbar Hall but now it has been shifted to the Hill Palace at Tripunithura.

Other attractions: Other attractions of Cochin are the Bolghatty Palace, Fort Kochi Beach, Koder House, Hill Palace, Museum of Kerala History, Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort and the Parikshith Thampuram Museum among many more.

Activities in Cochin
Cochin also offers an interesting range of recreational activities to its visitors. The backwaters dividing Cochin in two parts are dotted with many small and big lakes, islands and canals. An exciting boat cruising through these beautiful backwaters promises to be a memorable experience. Cochin is also known for its lovely beaches and you can indulge in a wide range of beach activities here, including exciting and enjoyable water and beach sports. Besides, you can also enjoy colorful festivals and interesting performances of Kathakali, a fascinating traditional dance form of Kerala on your Cochin Tour with Kerala Hub.