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 to the rest of the world.
Cochin,
the mercantile center of Kerala has a great historical significance.
Portuguese arrive to Kerala for trade and settled here in 16th century
in the Fort Cochin area. The sight now lies in the World Heritage Zone.
As a main trading point since Roman times, the city lies on the main
trade route between Europe and China. Cochin is divided into 3 main
zones, embellished with Fort Kochi, Willingdon Island and Ernakulam.
Fort Kochi engrosses the South projection on the seaside of the Bay.
Next the Willingdon Island established in 1920 by scooping the bay for
the ships to enter the harbor. Ernakulam lies athwart the causeway from
Willingdon Island on the opposite side of Bolghatty Island, a stretched
confined peninsula.
Being situated very close to the sea,
Kochi 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 September,
October, November and December. December to February is pretty cool. The
annual rainfall is about 310 cm . In summer the temperature rises to a
maximum of 35 ºC while in winter it is around 25 ºC.
Attractions
- 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.
- 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.
- Jewish Synagogue at Mattancherry
Jewish elegant
Synagogue was constructed in the year 1568 with the arrival of the
Jews in the south of Kerala. The structure is highly bedecked with
crystal a chandelier that sparks as the light falls on them and
designed wood carvings with blue and white ceramic tiles. Timing:
open from 10 am to 12 noon; 3pm to 5pm, closed on Saturdays and
Jewish holidays.
- Hill Palace Museum
The Palace was the erstwhile
residence of the royal Kochi family. The Hill Palace is at the
distance of 10 km from Kochi and was contrived in 1865. The palace
complex is embellished with 49 structures depicting typical
traditional style of architectural splendor of Kerala. The Palace
also treasures gold crown engraved with precious stones, 13
galleries of oil paintings, 19th century paintings, artistic scene,
sculpture in stone and manuscripts are exhibited. Timings: Open from
9.00 am to 12.30pm; 2pm to 4.30pm, Closed on Mondays and National
Holidays.
- Backwaters of Cochin
More popular as the Queen of the
Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of
the Vembanad Lake. Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty,
Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into the Arabian
Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It
is this natural advantage that has made Lochi a fascinating blend of
the cultures and influences of explorers and traders who visited
this wealthy land. Boat cruises from Kochi harbor to Willingdon
Island, Mattancherry Place, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and
Bolgatty Island. Sunset cruise. 3 hour backwater village cruises
which include visits to coir villages and coconut plantations.
How to reach
- Air
International flights are operated from and to
the Cochin International Airport (Tel: 2610087/2610115), located 25
kms northeast of the city at Nedumbassery.
- Rail
Cochin is connected to various parts of the
country by the Indian Railways, the largest railway system in Asia.
- Road
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation
operates shuttle, long-distance, and interstate express and super
fast services from the KSRTC bus station (Tel: 2372033).
