Cochin
or Kochi, is one of the most interesting cities of India, located in the
state of Kerala. Situated on the west coast of the country, the beautiful
city is often referred to as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea."
Cochin has an anceint history dating back hundreds of years. Basically a
collection of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin is known for its wealth
of historical associations. Cochin consists of mainland Ernakulam, the
islands of Willington, Bolghatty and Gundu, Fort Cochin and Mattanchery.
Ernakulam is the business centre of the city and it forms the main land. It
is separated from Fort Cochin and Mattanchery by the Periyar river. Cochin
is also famous for its finest natural harbours around which the city has
grown. The city covers an area of 87 sq. kms and has a population of
16,60,000.
Climate & Clothing
The climate of Kochi is tropical, because of its closeness to sea. The city
enjoys a pleasant weather round the year, with no harsh extremities. The
average maximum temperature in summers can go up to 38°C and to a
minimum of 18°C in winters. Monsoon comes to the city in the month of
June and remains until September. Cochin can be visited any time in the year
but the best time to visit the city is from October to April. The tropical
climate recommends light cotton clothes in summers and woollens in winters.
Waterproofing is required during monsoons.
Accommodation in Cochin
Le Meridien Resort and Convention Center (5 Star/ N. H- 47, Bye Pass), Taj
Malabar (5 Star/ Willingdon Island North End), Taj Residency (5 Star/ Marine
Drive), The Trident (4 Star/ Willingdon Island), Casino Hotel (4 Star/
Willingdon Island), Gokulam Park Inn (4 Star/ N.H. Road, Kaloor), Best
Western the Avenue Regent (4 Star/ M. G. Road) etc.
Tourist Attractions of Cochin
»
St Francis Church : Built by the Portuguese in 1510, this is believed to
the be the oldest church constrcuted by the Europeans in India.
» Chinese Fishing Nets : These nets are strung at
the entrance of the harbour and along the backwaters. Chinese fishing nets
were introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan.
» Dutch Palace (Mattanchery) : The palace was built
by the Portuguese in 1557 and was presented to the Cochin Raja, Veera Kerala
Varma as a gesture of goodwill. It is a two storeyed building surrounding a
central courtyard containing a Hindu temple.
» Bolgatty Palace : This Dutch Palace was built in
1744. Bolghatty Palace is situated on an island and now functioning as a
hotel.
» Santa Cruz Basilica : The church is located close
to St. Francis Church. It was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a
Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. This Roman Catholic church has some
beautiful paintings.
» Gundu Island : Located close to Vypeen Island,
this is the smallest island in Cochin harbour. There is a coir factory in
the island, where attractive doormats are made out of the coconut fiber.
» The Jewish Synagogue : Built in the
year 1567, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. It is an
interesting place with exquisite hand painted, willow-pattern floor tiles
brought from Canton and China in 18 th century.
Airport
Cochin has an international airport, which is located about 30 kms
north-east of the city. The airport is connected to major cities in India
with regular flights. Cochin airport is also connected to foreign
destinations like Singapore, Colombo, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Doha, Dubai,
Kuwait, Jeddah, Muscat, and Riyadh.
Local Modes of Transport
Getting
around Cochin is cheap and affordable. Private buses run across the city
that will take you to most parts of the city. Taxis, auto-rickshaws are
other very common local modes of transport.
Entertainment Options
Cochin is located in the culturally vibrant state of Kerala, with theatre
and film shows and music and dance festivals held throughout the city . From
classical dance forms of Kathakali and Mohiniattam to modern plays and
popular cinema, from traditional snake boat races to modern amusement parks,
Cochin offers a great deal of entertainment options for tourists.
Adventure Activities
Cochin's adventure lies in its beautiful beaches, backwater cruises, water
sports etc.
Shopping
Shopping in Cochin is best for handicraft and antique lovers. The city has
many handicraft and antique emporia, where one can buy the works of
contemporary artists. Among the best buys of Cochi are metalware, wood
carvings, camel-bone carvings, articles made of coconut shells, bamboo cane,
embroidered screwpine mats, grass mats and several other handicraft items.
Most famous shopping centres are M.G. Road, Broadway, Marine Drive, Jew
Town, Broadway, Eranakulam Market, Spices Board and N.H. Bye Pass.
Tourist Offices
