Kochi

Kochi also referred to as Cochin is one of the most famed places in all of Kerala. The particular port town has been synonymous with trade since the ancient days of Kings and Queens making it multiculturally diverse. This particular town is located on the South-western part of India on the Arabian sea coastline.

The city is often called as Ernakulam, which refers to the mainland part of the city and has been classified as a Tier-II city by the government of India. This city is famed not only as a centre for trade and commerce but for tourism too.

Attractions In and Around

Chinese fishing Nets- This is probably the first thing that you will notice when you are in Kochi. These traditional Chinese nets were brought by the early Chinese traders centuries ago and still are used as a form of fishing by the locals. These fishing nets seem to give Kochi its peculiar look and make great photography subjects. The fishing nets adorn the waterfront and are still operational; it is a wonder to see these age old techniques of fishing still working efficiently.

Jew Town- this particular part of Kochi can be said to be the center of spice traders. A walk along the streets of this small colonial town will get your stomach growling and your mouth watering with the aroma of spices that lingers in the air. The buildings and houses here still reflect the colonial style of architecture making you feel as if you are in a foreign country.

Mattancherry- This is another neighborhood that has its colonial charm intact. The Mattancherry palace is also located here. This palace was built by the Portuguese and gifted to the erstwhile Raja of Kochi in the year 1555. Later on it was renovated by the Dutch and thus the name Mattancherry Dutch palace stuck to it till date. There is also a small museum inside it which houses beautiful paintings, rare art and some items of the royal family.

St. Francis Church- This is the oldest European church in India and it also has been the resting place of Vasco-da-Gama the explorer. The church is the only one which was not demolished by the Dutch when they took over Kochi from the Portuguese.

Beaches- there are a lot of beaches adorning the coastline of Kochi. The sand filled beaches are a great place to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy walks in away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Cherai beach is one of the most famous beaches around Kochi and should definitely be visited.

Ayurveda- this is one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating things to do around here. It is said that Ayurveda began here in Kerala and there is no better place an Ayurvedic experience than its birth place.

Accommodations and Restaurants

There are a lot of places to stay in when here. It has hotels that range from economy to extravagant and some of them are, Sonetta Residency (Princess St. Fortnagar), Bright Heritage (1/508 A1 Tower road), Edassery masion (Thamannam) and Le Meridien Kochi ( Maradu) etc.

To eat here, one can try out restaurants like The Malabar house (1/268 Parade Road), Tissa’s Inn ( 1/1128 Kunnumpuram), Chick King Fried Chicken ( LG tower, P.T. Jacob road). Etc. These restaurants offer delicious cuisines of all types making you satisfy your appetite.

Getting In

By Air- the nearest airport is that of Kochi international airport which is in the city itself.

By Road- the city can be reached by bus or cab from the major cities such as Bangalore, Coimbatore, Goa, Chennai and Mysore which are 565 kms, 223 kms, 848 kms, 649 kms and 470 kms away respectively.

If you are travelling by train you can get down at any of the three railway stations of Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam town and Cochin Harbor Terminus.