Cochin India

Praised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, is located 220 km north of Thiruvananthapuram in the district of Ernakulam. This marvellous seaside city is surrounded by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west making it a hotbed for tourists. It is one of the colorful and lively cities of Kerala and includes beautiful islands, forts, churchs, temples and palaces which is always full of joyous visitors. This leading port city has emerged as the industrial and commercial capital of Kerala over the years and is a place of historical significance.

Getting There

By Air : Cochin/ Kochi has a domestic airport with flights to Bangalore, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Delhi etc.

By Road : Cochin is well connected by road.

By Rail : Kochi and Ernakulam are well connected by excellant network of rails to the rest of India.

Related Accommodations

Hotel here appears as a wonderful world providing cosy atmosphere along with kerala hospitality. There are numerous hotels for every pocket ranging from five star to ecnomy hotel offering visitors a overwhelming view of the sea, the sunsets, and the Cochin's harbour.

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Did You Know?

• Cochin is the second largest city and also a commercial hub of Kerala.
• Cochin experienced decades of economic stagnation from independence until 2003.
• Travellers and tradesmen of past referred Kochi in their writings as Cocym, Cochym,Cochin and Cochi.
• Kochi was the first site of the first European colonial settlement in India.
• Kochi has the highest density of telephones in India.

Attractions

Fort Cochin

Well known as the 'Old Fort', was constructed by the Portuguese in 1503 A.D. Vasco de Gama died in this fort in 1524. Fort is also home to some great marvellous architectural structures like Portuguese-style Mansion, the St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica which attract tourists to this fort.

Mattancherry Palace

This magnificient palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to Raja of Kochi. Also known as Dutch Palace, this beautiful structure was renovated by the Dutch in 1663. It is famous for adorable murals which are based on scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata and other Puranic Hindu legends. Dutch maps of old Cochin, royal costumes and palanquins add to the attraction.

Bolghatty Island

This extraordinarily beautiful island is known for the Bolghatty Palace. This Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744 which was taken over by the British. Boat cruising and golf course are special features of this island.

Cochin Museum

The outstanding museum, is a place to relish the glory of 19th century paintings, murals, stone and wooden sculptures, manuscripts, old coins, inscriptions and a lot more.

Travel Facts

Area 87.341 sq kms
Population 1,355,406
Climate Warm tropical
Languages Malayalam & English
Best Time to Visit October to March
Excursion Alwaye(21km), Kalady (45 km), Alleppey (64 km), Trichur (80 km)

Must Try Out

Shopping

In Cochin best buys are metalware, articles made of coconut shells, bamboo cane, embroidered screwpine mats, grass mats, wood carvings and several other types of handicrafts. Jewellery, readymade garments and hand-woven textiles are also popular here.

Cuisine

In Cochin, popular breakfast comprise of Puttu (steam cake made of rice flour and coconut), spicy curry of Bengal gram and fried papadams. Idlis, crisp dosas and uppmavu with coconut chutney and sambar are enjoyed by the visitors. Malabari fish molee (fish cooked in coconut milk and tamarind water) and hot Malayalee fried prawns are delicious sea food dishes.