Thursday 14 July 2011

Kochi/Ernakulum/Cochin, Kerala

Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is a major port city located on the west coast of India by the Arabian Sea. Kochi is part of the district of Ernakulam in the state of Kerala. Kochi is often called by the name Ernakulam, which refers to the western part of the mainland Kochi. The city lies about 220 kilometres north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram and about 180 kilometres south of Kozhikode.

In 1102 AD, Kochi became the seat of the Kingdom of Cochin, which traced its lineage to the Kulasekhara Empire. Heralded as the Queen of Arabian Sea, Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the Arabian Sea coast from the 14th century. Occupied by the Portuguese Empire in 1503, Kochi was the first of the European colonies in India. It remained the capital of Portuguese India until 1530, when Goa was chosen instead. The city was later occupied by the Dutch and the British, with the Kingdom of Cochin becoming a princely state.


Places to See:

Backwaters of Kochi


Backwaters of Kochi are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Malabar Coast of Kerala state in southern India.

Marine Drive


Marine Drive is a picturesque promenade in Kochi. It is built facing the backwaters, and is a popular hangout for the local populace.

Fort Kochi


Fort Kochi is situated on the Fort Kochi/Mattancherry peninsula, is the historical part of the city and home to many tourist attractions, such as the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, the Mattancherry Palace and the Santa Cruz Basilica.

Hill Palace


Hill Palace is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala, near Tripunithura. It was the administrative office of Kochi Rajas. Built in 1865, the Palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style, spreading across in 54 acres.

Mattancherry Palace


Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, Kochi, features Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi.

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium


Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (locally known as Kaloor International Stadium) is an international stadium in Kochi, Kerala, India. With a capacity to hold 60,000 spectators, the stadium was built in 1996.

Jewish Synagogue


Jewish Synagogue the Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, located in Kochi in South India. It was built in 1568 by the Malabar Yehudan people or Cochin Jewish community in the Kingdom of Cochin.

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica


Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is a church built originally by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558, was spared by the Dutch conquerors who destroyed many Catholic buildings.

Bolgatty Palace


Bolgatty Palace was Built by the Dutch in India, it is located in the scenic island popularly known as Bolgatty island in Kochi. One of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland, this quaint mansion, built in 1744, by Dutch traders, was later extended and lush green gardens were landscaped around it.

Kochi International Marina

Kochi International Marina nevertheless is an excellent stop for yachts, and the marina is placed ideally within the city, attached to the shoreline of the historic Bolgatty Palace Hotel in Bolgatty Island.

Willingdon Island


A manmade island named after Lord Willingdon a former British Viceroy to india. Southern Naval Command, Cochin Harbour, Port Trust head quarters , Best hotels in the city,, major trading centers etc. are situated at Willingdon Island.

Museum of Kerala History


Museum of Kerala History: Important scenes of Kerala history are portrayed through sculptures. Greeting the visitor outside the museum is a statue of Parasurama, the mythological safe who is said to have created Kerala.

St. Francis Church


St. Francis Church: originally built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India and has great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent.

Pallipuram Fort


It was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is the oldest existing European fort in India. In 1789 the Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the State of Travancore. This fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vypeen island.


Chendamangalam


This place is situated at a convergence point of 3 hills and 7 inlets and is a geographical wonder. The Paliam palace is an architectural marvel and houses the hereditary Prime Ministers to the Maharajas of Cochin.

Malayatoor


Malayatoor is located around 50 kilometers from Cochin. It is famous for the Catholic Church located on the Malayatoor hill and is dedicated to St. Thomas. Every year, thousands of worshippers embark on a pilgrimage to the shrine to take part in the annual festival of the Church, which falls during the months of April or May. It is believed that St. Thomas prayed in this sacred place. 

Bhoothathankettu


Located at a distance of 50 kilometers from Cochin, this beautiful patch of unexplored land lies near the famous Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. This lush green haven is an ideal spot to hang out with family and unwind yourself in nature. 

Kaladi

Kaladi is located around 35 kilometers from Cochin and is the birthplace of the great Adi Shankararcharya, who was a great philosopher in ancient India. It is said that a crocodile caught hold of his leg and left it only when his family agreed to Shankararcharya's decision to become a saint. 

Kodanad


This place is around 30 kilometers from Cochin and is located in the high ranges on the southern bank of the Periyar. Kodanad is renowned as the largest center for training elephants in South India.

Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary

This sanctuary is located around 20 kilometers from Cochin. Dr. Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist of India, discovered it among the evergreen forests of Cochin............
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