INTRODUCTION
HISTORY
Cochin located at the tip of the Indian peninsula is one of the busy shipping ports in India and a major centre for trade and commerce for it is very close to the Arabian Sea. According to history Chinese traveler Ma Huan has made mention about Cochin in his records. There is a mention about this port city in the travelogue by Niccolo da Conti when he came to Cochin in 1440AD.The history of Cochin even before the rule of Portuguese is faintly perceptible. Only after the decline of the Kulashekhara kingdom Cochin stated gaining its importance. The King of Cochin always remained only as the title head for it was always under the colonization of foreign invaders. Cochin was mostly in the limelight mainly during the Portuguese period. Under the supervision of the admiral Pedro Cabral, the Portuguese king laid the foundation for a factory in Cochin. Though the King of Cochin supported the admiral, it was out of fear of the Zamorins that they withdrew. But however a war was declared against the Zamorins by Vasco Da Gama and most of the Arab trading posts were destroyed. After this to protect the factory Fort Manuel was built. The Portuguese and the Raja of Cochin was overthrown by the Dutch and then followed by the English rule. Soon after independence Cochin took the credit of first joining the Indian Union. Slowly Cochin developed into a major commercial and industrial centre.LOCATION
Cochin located on the west coast is the capital of Kerala extending from latitude 9�58' in the North to longitude 76�17' in the East. Cochin is bounded by Kottayam and Alappuzha on the south, Idukki on the east and Thrissur on the north.FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
There is an annual festival held in the Shiva temple for eight days during which Seeveli procession with nine tuskers and Panchavadyam are held. Towards the end of the seventh day Pakalpooram is held with activities like Kathakali, Ottanthullal and music concerts. The festival ends with Arattu.Thalapoli Utsavam is celebrated for two days in the Valanjambalam Devi Temple. The festival celebration includes five caparisoned elephants accompanied by temple musical ensembles known as Ezhunnallippu takes place.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Cochin Fort and the Church
The Dutch captured in 1663 and finally it passed into the British hands in 1795.
Also within this fort is Cathedral of Santa Cruz.
The Dutch Palace
It was presented by the founders to the Raja of Cochin Veer Kerala Verma who used it as his residence and palace.
The major highlight of the palace is the excellent murals which depict scenes from Ramayana and episodes from the life of Sri Krishna.
The Synogogues
Their stay here was disturbed by the arrival of the Portuguese but the advent of Dutch made them again feel safe and secure and then they raised Synogogues in Cochin.
Here one will find the clock tower and the floor paved with porcelain hand painted tiles brought from China in 1762.
Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi
In the year 1795 this cathedral was demolished to a major extent by the British.
However the latest construction was done in 1905 and later only in 1984 Pope John Paul declared it as basilica.
This Basilica is situated in Fort Kochi.
Chinese Fishing nets
This fishing net was introduced by the Chinese that line the sea-front and uses a mechanical method to catch fishes. This fishing net was introduced by traders of Kubala Khan's Court.The museum of Kerala history
This museum attracts a lot of tourist for it has many statues and paintings and there are many clippings and audio visual aids are used to depict the history of Kerala.Parikshit Thampuran museum
Initially this was used as a durbar by the rulers of Cochin. But now it is under the control of Lalith kala Academy which serves as an art gallery.Bolghatty Palace, Bolghatty Island
Now this palace is converted into a hotel which is administered by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).
It is of major tourist attraction and also serves as a weekend picnic spot.
Hill Palace
The hill palace is now run as a museum which has a collection of articles showing the wealth and splendour of the Rajas of Kochi and many other archeological findings.This palace which belongs to the 19th century is situated at a distance of about 16km east of Cochin in Tripunithura.
Willingdon Island
A while back the Airport, Sea port and the railway terminus (Cochin Harbour Terminus) were situated on this island.
Today, it is the home of the Cochin Port and the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command.
The airport continues to be the naval air station, while the main airport has been moved to Nedumbassery, 30kms north-east of Cochin.
Most of the trains now terminate at Ernakulam Junction instead of Cochin Harbour Terminus.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary in the heart of the city is situated next to High Court of Kerala. It is the home of many exotic and rare varieties of migratory and resident birds.Cherai Beach
This lovely beach ideal for swimming is located on the north end of Vypeen Island, one of the many small islands just off the mainland.
The beach is lined by gorgeous coconut groves and paddy fields.
Vypeen can be reached by land or by boat.
Veega Land
Veega Land situated at a distance of about 14kms from Cochin is one of the largest amusement parks in India.
It draws a lot of tourist attention and includes mini castles, water theme park, ferris wheel, rides, slides, shows and fountains.
Kids and adults alike can enjoy the fun and activities.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor
This is the fourth largest stadium in India with a seating capacity of 60,000 in multiple tiers.
The main attraction of this stadium is the unique convex pylon floodlights that arch over the ground.
Alleppey
Allepey the ayurvedic and the backwater country is popularly referred as the Venice of the East.Allepey with its intricate structure of interconnecting passages of canals and bridges along with the silver beach, makes for a memorable holiday for anybody visiting this place. Apart from the natural beauty of this place Allepey is also noted for being home to diverse animal and bird life.Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala is situated here and it is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. This place of scenic beauty with a delightful setting of lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, shimmering water and famous ayurvedic centers draws a lot of tourist every year from different parts of the world. Apart from this the other entertainments here include boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.Munnar
Munnar amidst beautiful landscapes often referred as the Kashmir of South India is more essentially a tea town. Munnar gets its name from the fact that this is the place where the 3 mountain streams join together and they are Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.In the tamil language the word 'munnu' means "three" and 'aar' means "river". Hence "Munnar" is a shortened version of 'Munnu Aar'.Munnar is a commercial centre for tea and it has some of the highest grown tea estates in the world. It also takes the credit of having the world's best tea estates.Munnar is the house of at least 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar, among which majority of them owned by Tata Group's Kannan Devan Tea Estate.Munnar is not only a place for relaxation but also a location for adventure. A trip to Munnar gives the travellers a unique experience with its sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities.SHOPPING
The main of Shopping in Cochin includes handicrafts, spices and nuts. Handicrafts range from items made of coir, wood, bamboo, shells, brass, ivory and sandalwood. The main shopping centers are on M.G.Road, the Marine Drive including Broadway. One can also buy the works of contemporary artists from different art galleries situated around Cochin.Some of the main area for shopping of handicrafts includes: Kairali, the Kerala State Handicrafts Development Showroom Surabhi, the State Handicraft Society Emporium and Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, the showroom of Khadi Village Industries. The Coir Board Showroom on Mullasherry Canal Road is famous for its coir products like coir mats and curios.
How To Reach This Jew Town Bazaar?
How To Reach This MG Road Bazaar?
EAT OUTS
1.Anchor House
2.SONNETTA RESIDENCY
3.Cornucopia restaurant - Kochi
4.Chariot Beach Restaurant
5.Park Avenue
6.Fan Fang Chinese Restaurant
7. Kayees Hotel Upgrade to Sponsored Listing
8. Daawat E-Khas Upgrade to Sponsored Listing
9.Cream Land Upgrade to Sponsored Listing
10.Tandoor Restaurant Upgrade to Sponsored Listing ACCOMMODATION
1.Abad Airport Hotel
2.The Old Courtyard Hotel
3.HOTEL ARCHES
4.Taj Malabar, Cochin
5.Hotel Fort Queen
6.Thomas Inn
7.Good Karma Inn
8.Waltons Homestay
9. Kuzhupilly Beach House
10.Time Square Hotel |
Travel Guide
Travel Information
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
