Kochi
One of the finest natural harbours of the
world, Kochi is also the industrial and economical capital of Kerala.
Various adventurous seafarers from around the world were attracted towards
the city and have left their indelible imprints on the skyline of the city.
Kochi thus acquired a cosmopolitan character which is still reflected in the
buildings of Kochi. Kochi has access to some of the most beautiful
landscapes which includes islands and promontories in beautiful locations
amidst the Arabian sea and the backwaters.
Fast Facts
- District : Ernakulam
- Other names : Cochin
- Location : The major distances from Kochi to
Alleppey 63 km, to
Calicut 225 km, Coimbatore 193 km and
Trivandrum 210 km away.
- Journey Time : It takes 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, you'll have to
travel via Angamalli, Nedumbassery, Ernakulam to Kochi. Those coming
from Idukki will have to reach Kochi via Kotamangalam, Muvattupula
and Ernakulam.
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Feature Attraction
Chinese Fishing Nets
The Chinese fishing nets are a hallmark of Kochi which remind us of the
first traders to the place. Constructed using teak wood and bamboo poles,
these nets can be best viewed from Vasco da Gama square at Fort Cochin which
is about 14 km away from the city centre. These nets are used for an unusual
form of fishing in which each installation is used by up to six fishermen.
Various nets can be operated at different points of time depending upon the
state of tide. It is believed that the nets were brought by the Chinese
traders belonging to the Kublai Khan's court.
- Taj Residency – 5 Star
- Le Meridien Hotel – 5 Star
- Hotel Gokulam Park Inn International – 5 Star
- Hotel Avenue Regent – 4 Star
- The Renaissance – 4 Star
When to go
The months between December and February are the best to visit Kochi.
How to get there
Kochi airport is well linked with all the major domestic and many
international airports. There are regular flights operating between Kochi
and major cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Goa, Mumbai and Bangalore. Kochi is
well connected with the railway network with all the major cities of India
such as Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. There are extensive road connections of
Kochi with Bangalore, Coimbatore, Goa, Chennai and Ooty among other cities.
Other Attractions
» Fort Kochi Beach
The favourite beach activity for the tourists is a stroll at the beach in
the evening to view the sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and one or two
ships in the background. The place also has several European style bungalows
on the shoreline.
» St Francis Church
It has the distinction of being the oldest church built by the Europeans in
India. When Vasco Da Gama died in Kochi, he was buried at St Francis Church.
His remains were later taken back to Portugal.
» Vasco House
Located on the Rose street, the Vasco House is one of the oldest Portuguese
style houses in India. It is believed that Vasco Da Gama used to live here.
» Mattancherry Palace
Originally built by the Portuguese, it went to the Dutch lateron who
presented it to the King of Kochi. The palace has a rich collection of
exquisite mural paintings which depict scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
» Willington Island
It is an artificial island that was created by the sand dredged from the
backwaters for development of Cochin port.
