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Cochin Tour

Kochi or Cochin is a port city with rich and interesting past and an active present. Cochin has been the business and commercial hub of south India since very ancient days. The Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans sailed into this city to trade and their influence is still found in the buildings and lifestyle of the city.

This important trading port city of the ancient times is popularly referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea for its unique beauty and charm. Today, the land of spices that attracted the European traders is a quaint blend of the old and the new, the Indian and the Western. Even today, Cochin is the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. The climate of Cochin remain very pleasant through out the year, making it an ideal tourist destination through out the year. A visit to Cochin enriches one about the historical and cultural past of Kerala.

Cochin is an attractive city with the serene backwaters, golden sunsets, lagoons overhung with feathery coconut palms, picturesque island, all of which contribute to its beautiful landscape.
 

Tourist Attractions of Cochin

» Bolghatty Palace
Bolghatty Palace is a Dutch palace, situated on the Bolghatty island. At present the palace is being used as hotel. The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.

» Chinese Fishing Nets
The chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.

» Dutch Palace
The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portugese in 17th century. The Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

» Fort Kochi beach
A walk along the beach, particularly at sunset with the chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is just fantastic. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline.

» Hill Palace
Built in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled from here. 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.

» Jewish Synagogue
Located near the Dutch Palace, the synagogue, elaborately adorned by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here.

» St. Francis Church
St. Francis Church is the oldest church built by European in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portugese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal, the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church, making its a very auspicious place for the Christians.