Cochin Backwaters
Also known as the Queen of the Arabian
Sea, Cochin is considered among the finest natural harbours in the world.
The place is a group of islands on the Vembanad lake, which opens into the
Arabian Sea. Some of the well known islands among these are Bolghatty,
Gundu, Vyppin and Vallarpadam. If you really want to get close with Kochi,
moving around with the local ferries is an ideal way of introducing yourself
with the place. You can also go on a cruise on the winding waterways of the
Cochin Backwaters to explore the interesting attractions of the place. Take
a village cruise to the coconut plantations and the coir villages to see the
real Kerala at its very best.
Fast Facts
- District : Ernakulam
- State : Kerala
- Other names : Kochi
- Location : The distance from Kochi to Alleppey 63 km, to
Calicut 225 km, to Coimbatore 193 km and to Trivandrum is 210 km.
- Journey Time : You will need from Kochi about 1 and 1/2
hrs to reach Alleppey, 5 hrs to reach Calicut, 4 hrs to reach
Coimbatore and 5 and 1/2 hrs to reach Trivandrum, respectively.
- Route from Thrissur : While going from Thrissur to
Kochi, the route that you'll have to take will be via Angamalli,
Nedumbassery, Ernakulam to Kochi. Those arriving from Idukki will
have to reach Kochi through Kotamangalam, Muvattupula and Ernakulam.
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Feature Attraction
Willingdon Island
It is a man made island that was created by the material dredged while
deepening the Kochi port. The place has been named after Lord Willingdon ,
the erstwhile governor of Madras. The place was used as a military base in
the earlier days. Today, it is a major artificial port in India which serves
as a link between the country and the world. The island is connected with
the mainland by a road and railway bridge. The place has now turned out to
be a major tourist centre which has some of the best hotels and industrial
offices.
Accommodation
- Le Meridien Hotel – 5 Star
- Hotel Gokulam Park Inn International – 5 Star
- Taj Residency – 5 Star
- The Renaissance – 4 Star
- Hotel Avenue Regent – 4 Star
- Hotel Abad plaza - 3 Star
When to go
The period between December and February is the best time to visit Cochin.
How to get there
Cochin has its own international airport which is directly connected with
the major airports of India and the world. Regular flights operate between
Cochin and the cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Goa and Bangalore. Cochin
is an important railway station which is well connected by trains with the
rest of the state and India. Cochin is well connected with the rest of India
by a good road network. Some of the major cities that the place is connected
with are Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore and Ooty, among other places.
Other Attractions
» Bolgatty Island
The Dutch built a Bolgatty Palace at the place in 1744. The place later
became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. It has now been converted
into a hotel which is run by the KTDC. The place also boasts of a small Golf
Course and many vantage points that provide you with excellent views of the
harbour and the sea.
» Chinese Fishing Nets
These nets can be easily seen once you arrive at the entrance of Cochin
harbour. These are huge nets suspended from a bamboo or teak posts which are
still used by the local fishermen to catch fish. It is believed that these
fishing nets were brought by the traders from the Kublai Khan's court.
» Cochin Boat Rides
It is definitely going to be the highlight of your tour. The boat ride
through the backwaters to all the islands will introduce you to the various
attractions of the place as well as to the spectacular landscapes.
