cochin
Area: 94.88 km²
Location: South West coast of India
Language: Malayalam and English
Best Time to Visit: October to March
From backwaters to beaches, Kochi is plethora of scenic beauty and dramatic landscapes. Charismatic Kochi has been drawing merchants and tourists it to its shores for over 600 years. Beckoned by breathtaking backwaters, Kochi is a prime tourist destination in Kerala. Kochi, better known as Cochin is Kerala's most metropolitan city. Step into Kochi and take a stroll down history where every waft one encounters smells the beckoned past by, its culture and heritage.
Known as the "Gateway of Kerala" Kochi is an enchanting city that had an electric influence of the Arabs, British, Chinese and Portuguese. Nowhere else in India, one could find such intriguing mix of culture and architecture. Here tourists can see 400 years old fishing nets from China, Portuguese houses, ancient mosques and crumbling remains of the British Raj.
The scenic location of Kochi's natural harbor, surrounded by palm groves, green field, inland lakes and backwaters, has enchanted visitors from across the globe for centuries. Kochi is a commercial and historical hub. Fort Cochin and Mattancherry are small historical towns in Kochi where tourist can see the influences of the Portuguese, Dutch and British structures. Kochi is home to the oldest European-built church in India, St Francis Church. However, it was once the burial site of Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524.
One can even see the influence Jewish culture in Kochi. Visit the quirky Jewish town where a synagogue stands tall, surrounded by a flea market selling everything from antiques to spices. If tourists are on a tour to Kochi then they should pay a visit to the privately owned museums. Step into Kerala Folklore Theater and Museum and catch the glimpses of treasure troves that Kochi exudes through its numerous art and dance forms.
Leaving the shores of Kochi without seeing beautiful Kathakali is a sin. It is a beautiful dance form in which dancers are decked up in colorful costumes tells the enchanting stories of the land with nothing but their expressions and postures. Tourists can spend a day at leisure on the beaches of Kochi or can even indulge in some adventure activities out there. If looking for an ideal destination in India where one can unwind, relax and tranquilize then the beaches of Kochi is the place to be.
Tourists should explore the wealth of traditional Kerala culture on a short tour to Kochi. Great food, fantastic shopping and backwater sailing, going to Kochi is an amazing delight. Soothing massages, picnic on the beaches and treasure troves of the temple, one can encounter all this only in Kochi.
Tourist spots in Cochin: Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Dutch palace, Chendamangalam Palace Fort, Pallipuram Fort, Vypin Island, International Pepper Exchange.
How to Reach:-
By Roadways: Air Conditioned bus/Volvo services are available from the major cities such as such, as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Trivandrum.
By Airways:- The Cochin International Airport is well-connected with all the major cities across India and the world. From the airport, the main city center is about 29 kilometres away.
By Railways: -Two major railway stations in Kerala are Ernakulam Town Station and Ernakulam Junction Station.
By Waterways:- A regular yacht service from sea port areas like Goa, Mumbai, Lakshadweep, Colombo and Male is available. The interconnecting scenic backwaters provide regular boat services from places like Kottayam, Kumarakom, and Alleppey to Kochi
Weather:-
Winter (October to February): 17°C - 33°C
Summer (March to September): 20°C - 37°C
Interesting Facts
- Kochi is also known as the “Queen of Arabian Sea.”
- Since the 14th century, the state is well connected with major countries located in Europe, Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Rim. It has been an important trading center for high-quality pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves
- Ninety percent of all of the pepper that India produces is traded through the International Pepper Exchange in Kochi.
- .There is a tiny Jewish city in Kochi
- Vembanad Lake in Kochi is the longest lake and the largest wetland system in India
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Pallipuram Fort in Kochi is the old fort that is built by European in India
- On an average 132 rainy seasons are recorded in Kochi per year
