Cochin

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Overview		Tourist Attraction		How to Reach

Introduction Cochin or Kochi is acclaimed as The Queen of Arabian Sea. Cochin is the world of palm trees, breaking waves, fishing adventures, setting sun on beaches, beautiful lagoons, wooded isles and awesome landscape. It is one of the coveted tourist attractions in India. Needless to mention that Cochin is the ideal starting point for exploring the profound diversity and beauty of Kerala. No wonder it is known as The Gateway to Kerala. Cochin had been a land locked region until in 1341 AD a major flood threw open The estuary in Cochin. Since then, Cochin became the harbor for seafaring visitors. It became the first European township in India in the 15th century. This lovely seaside city is laid by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and mountains creates a rich ambience of a moderate equatorial climate. With its admirable scenic beauty and wonderful environmental condition, Cochin has been one of the mos t loved tourist Attractions. The tourists can enjoy their euphoric tour and get a lifetime experience amidst the romantic aura of Cochin. Best Time to travel October to March Mattancherry Palace It is also known as Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555 A.D. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out extensions and repairs in the palace. It is interesting to note that at no time did the Portuguese or Dutch actually stay here. Its interiors are decorated with murals from the Ramayana and there are some lively displays of royal costumes and palanquins. Jewish Synagogue Situated In MATTANCHERRY the Synagogue was built in 1568 AD. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Kochi rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest.(Timing: 1000 hrs to 1200 hrs and 1500 hrs to 1700 hrs. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish Holidays.) St. Francis Church Located at Fort Kochi this Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. lt is here the remains of the inveterate traveler, Vasco da Gama were initially buried and 14 years later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal . Santa Cruz Basilica Church Fort Kochi The Roman Catholic Church situated close to St. Francis Church and is worth visiting. Some beautiful paintings can be seen here. St. Francis Assisi Church St.Francis Assissi church popularly knows as Naduvileppalli,the most beautiful and old church in Ernakulam city, the blend of Portuguese and Kerala style of architecture. The unique feature church's roof is that the entire hyper bolic para bloid shell roof rests only on the centre pillars on the either sides. It has completed 179th year existence....Hundreds of people come here at odd times to sit in the quietness of the church to commune with god. Chinese Fishing Nets Fort Kochi- The Chinese Fishing nets that line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi. Said to have been brought from China by traders of Kubala Khan's Court, they are used at high tide. Bolghatty Palace Bolghatty Palace is situated in Bolghatty Island a narrow palm-fringed Island easily accessible from the mainland. The Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744. Later, it became the seat of the British Resident and today this has been converted into a hotel run by the KTDC. Vallarpadam Church The Basilica of Our Lady of Vallarpadam adds another landmark to its growing reputation with the completion of 20 stations that will depict the 20 mysteries of the rosary. The 20 stations will feature the mysteries that are celebrated by Catholics all over the world. Hill Palace Museum Hill Palace Museum is situated 12 km away from Eranakulam. Different types of sculptures, collection of rare coins, old weapons, manuscripts in ancient scripts and collection from Kochi Royal Family are exhibited here. 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. Museum Of Kerala History Situated at Edappally 10 km on the National Highway from Eranakulam on the Alwaye route. Presents one hour light and sound spectacles of life-size sculptures in concrete, of the makers of Kerala history, together with the background music and commentary with glimpses of the vastness and diversity of Kerala's history over the centuries. Introduction Cochin or Kochi is acclaimed as The Queen of Arabian Sea. Cochin is the world of palm trees, breaking waves, fishing adventures, setting sun on beaches, beautiful lagoons, wooded isles and awesome landscape. It is one of the coveted tourist attractions in India. Needless to mention that Cochin is the ideal starting point for exploring the profound diversity and beauty of Kerala. No wonder it is known as The Gateway to Kerala. Cochin had been a land locked region until in 1341 AD a major flood threw open The estuary in Cochin. Since then, Cochin became the harbor for seafaring visitors. It became the first European township in India in the 15th century. This lovely seaside city is laid by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and mountains creates a rich ambience of a moderate equatorial climate. With its admirable scenic beauty and wonderful environmental condition, Cochin has been one of the mos t loved tourist Attractions. The tourists can enjoy their euphoric tour and get a lifetime experience amidst the romantic aura of Cochin. Best Time to travel October to March How To Reach Air Cochin Airport has a direct link with the major airports in India. There are regular flights to the metro cities and other major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai Goa and Bangalore. Road Cochin is well connected by road with several tourist centers and cities in India. Rail Cochin is connected by rail to most of the important cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.