The port city of Kochi or Cochin with lush mangroves, coconut tress imaging in backwaters, ancient churches, cathedrals and forts is flanked by Western Ghats on east and Arabian Sea in west.
Fort Kochi in port city of Kochi with its own particular architectural layout make it distinct from other cities and towns of Kerala. Fort Cochin was under the possession of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British at different points of time and thus bear the influence of European architecture.
Bolgatty Palace on the Bolgatty Islands is among the oldest existing palaces built by the Dutch in India, during the pre-British times. A serene place with clean atmosphere the Palace is now a hotel with all amenities. The lush green compound of the island with shades of trees and the breeze is perfect for a stroll or for just sitting around.
The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, are used for a unique method of fishing. The nets stay in water for a brief time of five minutes and then gets lifted by ropes. Fresh fish can be bought from markets nearby fishing net area.
With coconut trees along the shores of lake for kilometers in one stretch the backwaters of Cochin provide enchanting sight for tourists. A ride along backwaters gives great picture of the land, with interspersed islands, lush green banks, Chinese fishing nets, cargo ships as well passenger ships or boats passing by.
The traditional tile-roofed houses can be seen as the boat moves a bit away from the city.
Mattancherry Palace of Cochin is in a class of its own. The monument built partly by the Dutch, who captured Cochin, however was a gift to the Raja of Kochi, by Portuguese in 1555. The Dutch repaired and rebuilt the palace in 1663. Hindu murals, portraying Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas in detail is a feature of the Palace
Marine Drive is an ideal place for a morning or evening walks since it face the backwaters of Kochi and has a long walk way. The walk way has two bridges on the way namely the rainbow bridge and Chinese fishing net bridge.
The Jewish Synagogue at Kochl is both ancient and architecturally interesting. A Belgian chandelier, the great scrolls of the Old Testament, and the copper plates depicting privileges given by Cochin Rajas over the years to the Jewish community in the 4th century, Five gold and silver crowns gifted to synagogue are all worth viewing.
Pareekshith Thampuran archeological museum have fascinating collection of 19th century paintings, ancient monuments and coins, scriptures in stone and Plaster of Paris, murals as well memorabilia of Cochin royal family.
St Francis Xavier's Church at Fort Kochi built in 1503, by Portuguese is an architectural delight and the oldest Church built by Europeans in India.
The Willington Island constitutes the modern port at Cochin. The island is artificial man-made created from the sand dug out while deepening Kochi port.
This significant museum shows the history of Kerala in an informative vein through light and sound shows. Besides photographs and some archaeological collections providing an insight into Kerala over the years are both interesting and enlightening.
East Nada, Guruvayoor
Thrissur : 680 101, Kerala