Located on the Western Ghats of India, Cochin is a port city in the state of Kerala. Though it is formally known as Kochi, it is still fondly known by its colonial name, Cochin. Scorching pace of development in recent years has enabled the city to emerge as the industrial and commercial capital of Kerala. Apart from this, its rich treasure of tourist attractions has won worldwide acclaim, making it one of the Top 50 Must Visit Spots, in terms of travel and tourism.
Cochin was an important spice trade centre from the 14th century onwards and has been since then been referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. It was the site of the first European colonial settlement and was under constant influence of the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. As a result, it has been blessed with a colonial heritage in the form of architecture and culture. In effect it represents a striking blend of ethnicity and modernity. To top it all, the natural splendour of the place is simply awe-inspiring, adding another feather to its cap.
Tourist Attractions
Cochin can be called a tourist's paradise, as it offers a host of must-visit tourist attractions. Fort Kochi, Bolghatty Palace and Mattancherry Palace are the colonial highlights of the city, which are examples of European and Dutch architecture. Once the home of British governors, Bolghatty Palace has now been transformed into a heritage hotel maintained by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Built in 1744, it is located on the Bolghatty Island along the coast.
Also known as Dutch Palace, the Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese and renovated by the Dutch. The palace showcases portraits of the royal families of Cochin, Hindu temple art, paintings depicting scenes from epics and exquisite murals. Besides, the coast along Fort Kochi also provides a fascinating sight of the Chinese fishing nets, which are not found elsewhere in the country. They were installed by the Chinese traders and serve as the means of livelihood for the fishermen here. These are huge permanent nets installed at the shore for catching fish.
Another reason why people flock to Cochin is its crystalline backwaters. Dotted with soaring coconut trees, the backwaters of Cochin provide an ideal respite from the humdrum of city life. For those who wish to browse through chapters of history, the Pareekshith Thampuran Museum and the Museum of Kerala History are must visit spots. The St Francis Church and the Jewish Synagogue are standing examples of the inclusiveness of Kochi’s cosmopolitan heritage. The church was built by the Portuguese in 1503 while the Synagogue is the oldest in all the Commonwealth nations. Other sites worth visiting in Cochin include Willingdon Island.
How to Reach
By Air: Cochin international Airport is situated around 25 km north of the city and operates both domestic and international flights.
By Rail: Cochin is connected to the rest of the country via an effective railway system. There are three railway junctions here, namely Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Cochin Harbour Terminus.
By Road: Cochin has an extensive network of national, state highways and local roads, which links it to the rest of the country. NH 47, 49, 17 pass through Cochin, which connect it to Kanyakumari, Mumbai and Madurai, respectively.