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, Chinese 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.

Places of Interest in and around Kochi:

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 protected  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, built by the Portuguese in 1503. Its situated in Pallipuram on Vypeen island.

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 in Mattancherry.

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.

Cherai Beach

This lovely beach ideal for swimming is located on the north end of Vypeen island, one of the many small islands just off the mainland. The beach is lined by gorgeous coconut groves and paddy fields. Vypeen can be reached by land or by boat.