Kochi, popularly regarded as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', is also famous as Cochin. Kochi is located in the district of Ernakulam, about 220 km. north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. The commercial and industrial capital of Kerala it houses one of the finest natural harbors in the world. The port has been very popular among foreign traders and visitors from early times.
One of the famous tourist destinations in Kerala, Kochi is picturesquely spread across islands and promontories.
Major tourist attractions in Kochi are:
Fort Kochi: Starting as a fishing village, it became the first fort built by the Europeans in India. Firstly, the Dutch and then British all constructed numerous architectures in and around this historic fort.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Indian traders brought these huge cantilevered fishing nets here from the court of Kublai Khan. The best place to enjoy the nets being lowered into the sea and its catch is the Vasco de Gama square.
Mattancherry Palace: It was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi. Some of the beautiful arts on display here are murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana, Mahabharata and from other Puranic Hindu legends. Here you can also see the Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins, coronation outwears of former maharajas of Kochi.
Jewish Synagogue: The oldest synagogue in the commonwealth, it was built in the year 1568. The synagogue is famous for its amazing 18th century hand painted willow pattern floor tiles imported from China, the copper plates on which the privilege granted by the kings were recorded, a dock tower and Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs.
St. Francis Church (Fort Cochin): First church built by the Europeans in India, it was constructed by the Portuguese in 1503 AD. Vasco De Gama, the famous Portuguese trader and sailor, was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal.
Bolghatty Island: A narrow long island, it's famous for the Bolghatty Palace, built by the Dutch in 1744. The only golf course in Kochi is located here. Boats are available for water cruise in the island connecting Cochin to Bolghatty Island. This island is famous for its palace of the same name.
Willington Island: This is a man-made island surrounded by beautiful backwaters. It houses the city's best hotels and trading centers, the port trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.
Cochin Museum: Earlier it was situated at the Durbar Hall, now has been shifted to the Hill Palace at Tripunithura. The collections include 19th century oil paintings, old coins, wooden sculptures, sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris and copies of Mural paintings collections from Cochin royal family.
Apart from these, you can enjoy boating in the backwaters of Kumarakom at about 80 km from Kochi. The famous beach spot near Kochi is Cherai Beach where you can spot dolphins playing in the beautiful blue waters of the sea.
Tours to Kerala offers you Kochi Tours in Kerala. Visit and explore Kochi, one of the most famous historical cities of India. For more information or to book a Kochi tour please enter your query in the form below.
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