Tourist Destinations > Kochi
Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, is a vibrant city situated almost
at the centre of Kerala. It is called the Gate Way to Kerala as it was a famous
port from the historical times with trade relations with many foreign country.
toady it is one of the world class sea ports. Kochi is situated in Ernakulam
District. Accommodation and other facilities of all modes are available here.
It is home to India’s oldest church, the St. Francis Church. Other tourist
sites in Kochi include Bolgatty Palace, Chinees Fishing Nets, Dutch Palace,
Pierce & Leslie Bungalow, Santa Cruz Basilica, Hill palace, Jew Town Jewish
Synagogue, Museum of Kerala history, Pallipuram Fort, Parikshit Thampuran Museum,Cherai
Beach,Vasco Da Gama Square,VOC gate and Bastian Bangalow
It has two main railway stations, Ernakulam Junction & Ernakulam Town, connecting
the place to all major region in the country. The Nedumbassery international
Airport is about 20km from the city centre.
Sight Seeing Places:
Bolghatty Palace
This Dutch palace is situated on the Bolghatty island. At present it is being
used as hotel. The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view makes
it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.
Chinese Fishing Nets
The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India.
It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan
introduced these nets here.
Dutch Palace
The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century,
the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Coronations of many
Rajas of Kochi were held here. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings
depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.
Fort Kochi beach
A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets
and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. Many European style
bungalows can be seen along the shoreline.
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 a fine collection
of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi apart from many archaeological findings.
Mangalavanam
Bird Sanctuary
Believe it or not this bird sanctuary is situated right in the heart of Kochi
city. It is the home of many exotic and rare varieties of migratory birds.
Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort
It is the oldest European fort built in India.
Jewish Synagogue
The synagogue, magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers,
was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It
is located near the Dutch Palace.
Museum of Kerala History
The museum has on display life size statues of many famous personalities and
several paintings depicting Kerala History.
St.
Francis Church
It is the oldest church built by European in India.On his 3rd visit to Kerala,
Vasco da Gama, the Portugese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell
ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains
were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried
has been marked out inside the church
Parikshith Thampuram 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.
Hotels:-
Koder House
Malabar House
Old Courtyard
Old Harbor House
Fort Heritage
Bronton Boatyard
Abad Atrium
Abad Metro
Abad Plaza
Bolgatty Palace
BTH Sarovaram
Cherai Beach Resort
Gokulam Park Inn
Grand Hotel
Le Meridien Resort
Lotus 8
The Renaissance
Saj Earth Resort
Taj Malabar
Taj Resedency
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