Kochi Kerala,Kochi Tour Kerala,Kochi South India Tour in Kerala,Kochi Travel Tour Kerala

Location	Kerala, India
Famous for	Queen of The Arabian Sea
Climate	Summer : Max 35°C - Min 22.5°C, Winter : Max 28°C - Min 20°C
Best Time to Visit	October to March

Kochi - A Vibrant City
Kochi formerly known as Cochin, is located in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Also called as 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', Kochi is one of the principal seaports of the country. Kochi presents an interesting cultural blend of its rich history and cultural heritage. The city famous for its scenic sites, is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. Kochi is the ideal base for exploring the beauty of Kerala. The Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left several historical marks here. Over the years Kochi has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Kochi is bordered by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west.

People of Kochi
The people of Kochi called as Kochite, are traditional as well as cosmopolitan in their outlook. The population is a mixture of people of different religions namely Hindus, Christains, Muslim, Jains and Sikhs.

Attractions in Kochi

Fort Kochi
This a historic town with Jewish and Dutch settlements. The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in 1663 and later the British took over, the town in 1795. ToDay after centuries nearly thirteen communities live in Kochi. Fort Kochi is known for some spectacular beaches as well as one of India's oldest churches - the St. Francis Church.

Chinese Fishing Nets

The Chinese fishing nets called as 'Cheena Vala' in Malayalam, flank the entrance to the Kochi harbour. These are the only ones of its kind found in India. The nets are erected here between 1350 and 1450 A.D, by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Set up on Teak wood and bamboo poles, fishermen use these large nets, to catch fish attracted by the lights suspended above the nets.

Bolgatty Palace
Situated on the Bolgatty Island, this Dutch Palace was built in 1744. A fine golf course along with the panoramic view makes the island an attractive picnic spot. Now the palace is operational as a hotel.

Santa Cruz Basilica
Situated close to St. Francis Church, this historic church was built by the Portguese. In the year1558, Pope Paul IV, elevated the church to a Cathedral.

The British demolished the church in 1795, when they took over Kochi. In 1887 Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site. Pope John Paul II proclaimed Santa Cruz a Basilica in 1984.

Gundu Island
The Smallest Island in Kochi, houses the massive 16th century Pallipuram Fort.

St Francis Church
This was the first church built by European, in India in the Year 1503. The historical church speaks of the colonial struggle of European powers in India, from the 15th to 20th Centuries.

Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace)
Originally built by the Portuguese in 1557, the palace was modified by Dutch in the 17th century and gifted to the Raja of Kochi. The palace has a collection of mural paintings, depicting the scenes from the Mahabharatha Ramayana and Puranic legends.

Excursions

Parikshit Thampuran Museum
Parikshit Thampuran Museum, Kochi

The archaeological museum is situated close to the famous Shiva Temple, in Ernakulam. It has the collections of of 19th century oil paintings, pre-historic monuments, old coins in a numismatic gallery and collections of the Kochi royal family. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, all weekDays except MonDays.

The Hill Palace Museum
Situated at a distance of 10 Kms from Kochi, the Palce was the official residence of the Kochi Royal family. Built in the 1865 A.D by Raja of Kochi, this is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. The palace museum has a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi and numerous species of flora. The museum is open 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, all weekDays except MonDays.

Cherain Beach
The beautiful beach bordering the Vypeen Island is situated 45 Kms from Ernakulam city. Cherain Beach is ideal place for swimming. One can also see Dolphins here.

Vypin Island
The Island located 21 Kms from Kochi is major centre for commerce. It is connected to mainland by a bridge, and is easily accessible by boat.

Reaching Kochi
Air : Cochin International Airport is located around 20 Kms from the city centre. The Airlines operate flights to major cities in India.

Rail : Kochi has three main Railway stations namely Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Cochin Harbour Terminus on Willingdon Island. The trains from major cities of India are available to Kochi.

Road : Kochi is connected by good roads with major cities of the country. In the city local buses and auto rickshaw are available for local transport.

Accommodation in Kochi
The hotels in Kochi provide enough accommodation options to the travellers. Among the most famous hotels are Taj Malabar (5 Star Deluxe), Le Meridien Resort (5 Star Deluxe), Taj Residency (5 Star), The Trident (5 Star) and The Malabar House Fort Cochin (Heritage Classic) etc.

Cochin : Reservation Form

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