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Kochi
(formerly known as Cochin) is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. Kochi or
Cochin is popularly known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, also flaunts one of
the finest natural harbours of the world and was the centre of the world
spice trade for many centuries. Old Kochi loosely refers to a group of
islands which comprise Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, etc.
Today Kochi includes Ernakulam city, old parts of Kochi, Kumbalangi, and
outlying islands. It is one of the principal tourist destinations of Kerala.
The city derives its name from the Malayalam word Kochazhi meaning small
lagoon.
Kochi Attractions
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Backwaters of Kochi
A chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea
coast (known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. In
Cochin, the stretch from Kochi Azhi to Munambam Azhi, the serene
backwaters are popularly known as Veeranpuzha. It is the northern
extension of Vembanad Lake. |
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Marine Drive
A picturesque promenade in Kochi. It is built facing the backwaters, and
is a popular hangout for the local populace. Marine Drive is also an
economically thriving part of the city of Kochi. With several shopping
malls it is as an important centre of shopping activity in Kochi. |
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Fort Kochi
Situated on the Fort Kochi/Mattancherry peninsula, is the historical
part of the city and home to many tourist attractions, such as the
cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, the Mattancherry Palace and the Santa
Cruz Basilica. |
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Hill Palace
The largest archaeological museum in Kerala, near Tripunithura. It was
the administrative office of Kochi Rajas. Built in 1865, the Palace
complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style,
spreading across in 54 acres (220,000 m2). |
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Mattancherry Palace
Also known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, Kochi, features Kerala
murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas
of Kochi. Mattancherry Palace with its medieval charm is situated at
Palace Road, Mattancherry, Kochi. |
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Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Locally known as Kaloor International Stadium, is an international
stadium in Kochi, Kerala, India. With a capacity to hold 60,000
spectators, the stadium was built in 1996. Originally constructed as a
football stadium, it has played host to a number of international
cricket and football matches. |
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Jewish Synagogue
The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of
Nations, located in Kochi in South India. It was built in 1568 by the
Malabar Yehudan people or Cochin Jewish community in the Kingdom of
Cochin. It is also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the
Mattancherry Synagogue. |
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Santa Cruz Cathedral
Basilica
A church built originally by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral
by Pope Paul IV in 1558, was spared by the Dutch conquerors who
destroyed many Catholic buildings. Later the British demolished the
structure and Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira commissioned a new building in
1887. |
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Bolgatty Palace
Built by the Dutch in India, it is located in the scenic island
popularly known as Bolgatty island in Kochi. One of the oldest existing
Dutch palaces outside Holland, this quaint mansion, built in 1744, by
Dutch traders, was later extended and lush green gardens were landscaped
around it. |
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Kochi International Marina
Nevertheless is an excellent stop for yachts, and the marina is placed
ideally within the city, attached to the shoreline of the historic
Bolgatty Palace Hotel in Bolgatty Island. |
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Museum of Kerala History
Important scenes of Kerala history are portrayed through sculptures.
Greeting the visitor outside the museum is a statue of Parasurama, the
mythological sage who is said to have created Kerala. |
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St. Francis Church
Originally built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India and has
great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial
struggle in the subcontinent. |
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St. George Forane Church
This Church was built about 300 years after the martyrdom of St. George.
It was originally built in the name of Virgin Mary. St. George was born
in A.D.269 at Cappadocia in Asia Minor. |
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Fort Kochi Beach
If you simply wish to saunter
in a peaceful and relaxed manner, no place in the whole of Cochin will
provide you a more ideal location than the Fort Kochi beach. Fort Kochi
Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Kerala. |
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