COCHIN
Cochin, located on the south-west coast of India in the state of Kerala, is one of the main seaports of India. Cochin, more popularly known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ has a population of around 1,350,000 inhabitants.
Cochin has a moderately hot and humid climate. The rainy season is characterised by heavy showers, thunder and lightning. The temperature soars during summer.
Historically, Cochin was the main centre of the Indian spice trade. The unique Chinese fishing nets found in Cochin can be credited to the city’s Chinese influence.
The Dutch palace at Mattancherry was actually built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in AD 1555. The palace acquired its present name in 1663 when the Dutch carried out some extensions and repairs in it. The main attractions of the palace lie in its wall murals that depict the scenes from the Ramayana.
FORT KOCHI - Cochin
Founded in 1503, this Portuguese fort is now in ruins. With its European heritage, its air of genteel decay, and stubborn self-absorption, it is a place where history, like a friendly phantom, still stalks the lonely streets. One can see many remains of Indo-European architecture that still exist here. One of the fascinating sights on the Kochi shoreline is the huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets which were brought here by traders from the court of Kublai Khan.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE – Cochin; At the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town lies the synagogue of the white Jews near Mattancherry palace. The synagogue is now a fascinating mixture of shops, warehouses and spice auction rooms. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament and the Copper Plates recording the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers to the Jewish community are displayed here.
ST. FRANCIS CHURCH – Cochin; The oldest European church in India, St. Francis Church was built in the early 16th century. Today, it stands as the pride of Fort Cochin. It was here that the great explorer Vasco da Gama was first buried in 1562 before his mortal remains were taken back to Portugal by his son 16 years later.
SANTA CRUZ BASILICA – Cochi; Originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Santa Cruz Basilica was used as a warehouse by the British in the 18th century. The Basilica, with its beautiful carved wooden panels and pulpit, was rebuilt in the early 20th century.
HILL PALACE MUSEUM – Cochin; About 12 km south east of Ernakulam, on the way to Kottayam, lies the Hill Palace museum at Tripunithura. The museum houses the collections of the Cochin and Travancore royal families.
WILLINGDON ISLAND – Cochin; Headquarters of the Southern Naval Command of India, this manmade island has the seaport, airport, railway terminus, important offices of the port, and the customs house. Out here the regular ferry services on the lake surrounding the island offer inexpensive backwater cruise. The island is named after Lord Willingdon, a British Viceroy to India. Some of the city/’s best hotels, customs and trading centers are located here.
Cochin has a moderately hot and humid climate. The rainy season is characterised by heavy showers, thunder and lightning. The temperature soars during summer.
Historically, Cochin was the main centre of the Indian spice trade. The unique Chinese fishing nets found in Cochin can be credited to the city’s Chinese influence.
The Dutch palace at Mattancherry was actually built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in AD 1555. The palace acquired its present name in 1663 when the Dutch carried out some extensions and repairs in it. The main attractions of the palace lie in its wall murals that depict the scenes from the Ramayana.
FORT KOCHI - Cochin
Founded in 1503, this Portuguese fort is now in ruins. With its European heritage, its air of genteel decay, and stubborn self-absorption, it is a place where history, like a friendly phantom, still stalks the lonely streets. One can see many remains of Indo-European architecture that still exist here. One of the fascinating sights on the Kochi shoreline is the huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets which were brought here by traders from the court of Kublai Khan.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE – Cochin; At the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town lies the synagogue of the white Jews near Mattancherry palace. The synagogue is now a fascinating mixture of shops, warehouses and spice auction rooms. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament and the Copper Plates recording the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers to the Jewish community are displayed here.
ST. FRANCIS CHURCH – Cochin; The oldest European church in India, St. Francis Church was built in the early 16th century. Today, it stands as the pride of Fort Cochin. It was here that the great explorer Vasco da Gama was first buried in 1562 before his mortal remains were taken back to Portugal by his son 16 years later.
SANTA CRUZ BASILICA – Cochi; Originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Santa Cruz Basilica was used as a warehouse by the British in the 18th century. The Basilica, with its beautiful carved wooden panels and pulpit, was rebuilt in the early 20th century.
HILL PALACE MUSEUM – Cochin; About 12 km south east of Ernakulam, on the way to Kottayam, lies the Hill Palace museum at Tripunithura. The museum houses the collections of the Cochin and Travancore royal families.
WILLINGDON ISLAND – Cochin; Headquarters of the Southern Naval Command of India, this manmade island has the seaport, airport, railway terminus, important offices of the port, and the customs house. Out here the regular ferry services on the lake surrounding the island offer inexpensive backwater cruise. The island is named after Lord Willingdon, a British Viceroy to India. Some of the city/’s best hotels, customs and trading centers are located here.
Nice one. Before you start exploring, pick up a map of Kochi and the Ernakulam–Fort Kochi pamphlet from a KTDC office. The latter has a walking tour map of Fort Kochi and island cruise schedules. Fort Kochi has preserved its history well and presents a vivid panorama of a time when traders and warriors landed on her shores. Check out all best places to visit in Cochin also.
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