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Kochi Sightseeing Highlights:
Ernakulam, the business hub of Kochi is also the district capital and is 10 Km from Fort Kochi. Right in the heart of the city lies a famous Shiva Temple where the idol of Lord Shiva is facing the sea towards west. Ernakulam has its share of malls, shopping complexes and offices, and stands in contrast to its laid-back twin city, Kochi.
Thripunithura, 10 Km southeast of Ernakulam is home to the Hill Palace where erstwhile Cochin rulers lived. Built in 1895, the palace now houses a fine museum with a good collection of paintings, memorabilia and manuscripts. In the palace grounds there is an interesting reconstruction of a typical Kerala house furnished with all the traditional household accessories and kitchen implements.
The palm-fringed Bolghatty Island is a narrow strip of land just off the coast of Cochin with excellent bay views. Bolghatty Palace occupies this tiny island and is easily accessible from the mainland Ernakulam by ferry. Built by the Dutch in 1744, the magnificent palace later became the home of the British Governors. Spread over 15 acres of lush greenery, the palace is now converted into a luxury heritage hotel run by the state government. There is a small golf course for enthusiasts of that game.
Wellingdon Island, named after the former viceroy, Lord Wellingdon, is an artificial patch of land created in the early 20th century out of silt dredged to deepen the Kochi port. Ideally located between Fort Kochi, Ernakulam and Mattancherry, the island boasts of some of the best hotels in Cochin, besides being home to the main harbour, the Port Trust building and the Southern Naval Command Head Quarters. The island is also dotted with souvenir shops and industrial offices.
Colonial Monuments: St. Francis Church is the oldest church in India. Built in early 16th century by the Portuguese, the unassuming church was later taken over by the Dutch and the British subsequently. Today, the church is affiliated to the Churches Council of India. The church has many gravestones with interesting inscriptions. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 until his body was sent to Portugal 14 years later.
Mattancherry Palace popularly known as Dutch Palace was actually built by Portuguese in mid 16th century and given to the Cochin rulers as a token to acquire trading rights. The palace was later renovated by the Dutch in 1663. The two-storeyed palace is built around a central courtyard with the shrine of Goddess Bhagwati, typical of Kerala architecture. Barren with stark white walls and sloping roofs, the facade of the palace is in sharp contrast to the interiors where more colour and design is visible.
The central hall with its beautifully carved wooden ceiling on the first floor, where coronation ceremonies took place earlier is now a portrait gallery of the Kochi rulers. The extensive and exquisite murals in the main Assembly Hall are one of the best in India depicting scenes from Hindu mythology including Ramayana. There is also a museum with a vast collection of period costumes, palanquins, turbans and weapons.
Paradesi Synagogue remains the oldest Jewish monument in India. Located in a secluded corner in the heart of Jew Town in Kochi, Paradesi Synagogue was built by the Jewish settlers in 1568. Partially destroyed by the Portuguese, the synagogue was rebuilt by the Dutch in 1664. A beautiful clock tower was added in the mid 18th century and the floors paved with fine hand-painted willow-pattern tiles. Inside, there is an ornate Belgian chandelier, silver and gold Torah scrolls and several hanging oil lamps. The by-lanes which wind around the synagogue are dotted with pretty Dutch and Portuguese bungalows, most of them converted into antique shops.
Fort Kochi Area:
Built by the Portuguese in 16th century, the Fort of Kochi later changed possession from the Dutch to the British. Now, the historic quarter is declared a Heritage Zone and showcases fascinating fusion of architectural styles, food and culture. A few interesting sites include the traditional Chinese fishing nets at the Vasco da Gama Square, found only at Kochi besides China. The square runs parallel to the beach and is the best place to see the cantilevered fishing nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. These land installations erected on teak wood and bamboo poles are a must watch here.
St Francis Church, the oldest church in India is another crowd puller. The 16th century Portuguese Bishop's House is still the home of Kochi's bishop while Malabar House Residency is converted into a heritage hotel. Santa Cruz Cathedral was built in 1887 and has beautiful murals on its ceilings.
Kashi Art Cafe is worth a visit. The restaurant housed in a traditional Dutch building, has a nice art gallery as well. Kochi Beach is yet another hotspot for tourists. There is a lighthouse on the beach.
Other Activities:
Cochin is famous for its backwaters and a houseboat ride is an experience not to be missed. You can also take a ferry ride to the nearby islands - a day trip by ferry to the coir villages is quite a popular activity.
With such a rich cultural blend, Cochin is truly a gourmet lover's paradise. The best place to look for authentic sea food is the waterfront at Fort Cochin. A string of stalls here serve hot and fresh seafood dishes. Rice Boats at Wellingdon Island is known for its good cuisine, although a bit expensive. Fry's Village Restaurant on Chittoor Road is known to serve the local Aripathiri (chapattis made of rice flour) along with traditional curries. There are a host of mid-priced restaurants lining M G Road serving Indian and local dishes. Ceylon Bake House or CBH as it's popularly called is a favourite haunt for Kerala recipes including the spicy fish curry.
The main shopping centres are on M G Road and the Marine Drive including the Broadway. From trendy brands at the malls to jewellery, spices and handicrafts made of coir, brass, bamboo and copper, there's everything under one roof. Bhima, Josco and Alukka Jewellers are the famous jewellery shops. Marine Drive is replete with duty-free shops. Antique shops of Jew Town are a favourite haunt amongst tourists. Another place to look for antique items, spices and coir handicrafts is Mattancherry. Among Kochi's other buys are metal ware, wood carvings, embroidered screw pine mats and grass mats.
Kerala's most visited tourist destination, Kochi, has one of the finest natural harbours in India
around which is based an ancient history of maritime trade. The
cosmopolitan city is fascinating in many ways - the beautiful sea front
with Chinese fishing nets and stalls selling seafood; the traditional Fort Kochi area with its mix of Dutch, British, Muslim and Portuguese architecture; and the older city of Ernakulam steeped in Malayali culture.
Built around a saltwater lagoon, the bustling seaport city on the southwest coast of India
is actually a cluster of islands and peninsulas. Once an obscure
fishing village, the city became a major trade centre after the port of Kodungallur was destroyed by massive flooding of the Periyar River in 1341. The first European township of India, Kochi
still retains its colonial flavours intact in the city's heritage
quarters. Spices, sandalwood and seafood drew Portuguese, Dutch and the
British to this lovely port city and today, Kochi is a colourful mix of eclectic cultures including Chinese and Jew influences.
While mainland Ernakulam has cosmopolitan appeal with glitzy shopping malls and modern life, Mattancherry and Fort Kochi
ooze with loads of old-world charm. Well connected by bridges and ferry
services, the cluster of islands together form the heart of Kochi or Cochin.
A rich cultural heritage, several historic monuments, a lively seaside
promenade, palm-fringed lagoons and rivers in the interior, make a
perfect bouquet for the tourist out to discover "God's Own Country".
Tourism Info:
KTDC Tourist Reception Centre
Shanmugham Road
Cochin -682011
Telephone: 0484-353234 |
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