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Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a
vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the
breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own
Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the
sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as
the Gateway to Kerala for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of
Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel &
Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest
places of a lifetime'.
From time immemorial, the Arabs, British,
Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and
development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and
industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on
the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world
class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.
ATTRACTIONS
Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi Beach -
The Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheenavala) are
distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the
Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are
found only in Kochi, outside China..!! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by
fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi
and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.
A stroll along the beach, particularly at
sunset with the Chinese Fishing Nets and sailing ships in the background, is a
memorable experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the
shoreline. The coastal stretch has loads of small stalls, which make on demand
mouth-watering traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish.
Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi -
The original church, situated in Fort
Kochi, was built by the Portuguese in 1505 and named as a cathedral in 1558.
The British colonists destroyed the cathedral in 1795. The current structure
was built in 1905 and raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II
in 1984. This magnificent church is a must see destination for tourists who
come to Kochi.
Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry
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** Closed on Saturdays and
Jewish Holidays
The synagogue, built in 1568, is
magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls
of the Old Testament can be found here. The synagogue is open from 10 a.m. to
12 noon and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. excepted on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace),
Mattancherry -
** Closed on Fridays and
National Holidays
This Palace was built by the Portuguese and
presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555 A.D. Though built by the Portuguese, it
is popularly known as the 'Dutch Palace' as the Dutch renovated it during their
short-lived reign here. The
palace is a quadrangular structure built in the traditional Kerala style of
architecture, with a courtyard in the middle. In the courtyard there stands a
small temple dedicated to the protective goddess of the Kochi royal family.
There are two more temples on either side of the Palace, one dedicated to Lord
Krishna and the other to Lord Siva. The palace is well known for its mural
paintings, which are noted for their high level of excellence. These paintings
represent scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Certain elements of
architecture are indicative of European influence. The Dining Hall has carved
wooden ornate ceiling decorated with a series of brass cups. The palace also
contains rare examples of traditional Kerala flooring, which looks like
polished black marble but is actually a mixture of burned coconut shells,
charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites.
The Palace is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
on all days except Fridays and National holidays.
St.Francis Church -
Originally built in 1503, it is the oldest
European church in India and has great historical significance as a mute
witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent.
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