Cochin/Kochi - "Queen of Arabian Sea"

Cochin is an attractive city with serene creak & lagoons overhung with feathery coconut palms and quaint islands. Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village project is a unique initiative to transform the tiny island as a model fishing village and tourism spot in Kerala. The village, the first of its kind in the country is in Kochi.

Known as the Gateway to Kerala, Cochin is the first European township in India where the Portuguese settled in the 15th century. The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay).

A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St.Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendors, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood are also popular among tourists.

Chinese fishing nets:
Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.

Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry:
Built in 1568 AD, the Jewish Synagogue of Mattancherry is popular as the oldest synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. The synagogue still preserves the Old Testament and the ancient copper plates that recorded the grants of privilege left by the Kochi rulers. The synagogue suffered partial damages in the war of 1662 AD.

Hill Palace:
Built in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled from here. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying myriad selection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi apart from many archaeological findings.

Fort Kochi:
Fort Kochi, is landlocked by India's oldest churches - the St. Francis Church, has several stories to tell. It is accessible by bus or ferry. The bus ride from Ernakulam town, which is nearly 13 km away, takes about an hour and the ferry ride from Main boat jetty at Ernakulam about 20 minutes.

Dutch Palace:
The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portugese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Place is witnessed to Coronation of many kings of Kochi. It has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow:
This charming mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. Characteristic features are wood panels that form the roof of the ground floor, arched doors and sprawling rooms. Waterfront verandahs are an added attraction.

Santa Cruz Basilica:
This historic church was built by the Portguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1795 it fell into the hands of the British when they took over Kochi, and was demolished. About a hundred years later Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site in 1887. The Church was proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.

Jew Town:
The area around the Synagogue is a centre of spice trade and curio shops.

Museum of Kerala History:
The museum has on display life size statues of many famous personalities and several paintings depicting Kerala History.

Cherai Beach:
This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here.

Parikshit Thampuran Museum:
The museum is situated near the famous Siva Temple, Ernakulam. It houses a treasure of archaeological findings and relics including old coins, sculptures, oil paintings and murals.

Willingdon Island:
A man-made island created from the material dredged while deeping Kochi Port. Situated between the main land Emakulam and the old town Mattancherry and separated by the backwaters. Willingdon Island is an important part of Kochi. The Govt. of India Tourist Office, the Southern Naval Command Headquarters, the Seaport, Naval Airport, Railway terminus, Customs House, Kochi Port Office etc are all located in this island.

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