Cochin (Kochi) — Travel Guide

Cochin, the commercial hub of Kerala, is a town of great historical importance. It has a fine natural harbor around which the city has grown. The Fort Cochin area, where the Portuguese settled in the 16th century, has been declared as Heritage Zone.

Climate: Summer Max 35 deg Min 22 deg Winter Max 32 deg Min 20 deg

Rainfall: 254 cm (June to October)

Season: October to March

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

• Air: Cochin is connected by Indian Airlines/Jet Airways to Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Goa, Bangalore and Trivandrum.
• Rail: Cochin/Ernakulum is connected by rail to all the major cities in India.
• Road: Cochin is connected with Alleppey 64 km, Bangalore 565 km, Kanyakumari 309 km, Kodaikanal 444 km, Madras 694 km, Madurai 324 km, Thekkady 190 km and Trivandrum 223 km.
• Sea : (A) The Kerala Inland Water Transport Corporation operates regular back- water boat services to Alleppey (7 hrs.) and Quilon (8 hrs.).
  (B) SPORTS-Cochin operates tours to Lakshadweep Islands from Mid-Sept. to Mid-May.
• Bus Service: Cochin is connected by regular bus services with all major cities in South India.

PLACES OF INTEREST

The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Fort Kochi beach, a stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline.

The Hill Palace Built in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled from here. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi apart from many archaeological findings.

Jewish Synagogue The synagogue, magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace.

Museum of Kerala History the museum has on display life size statues of many famous personalities and several paintings depicting Kerala History.

Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort It is the oldest European fort built in India.

Parikshith Thampuram Museum The museum is situated near the famous Siva Temple, Ernakulum. It houses a treasure of archaeological findings and relics including old coins, sculptures, oil paintings and murals.

St. Francis Church It is the oldest church built by European in India.

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Excursions

Alwaye 21 km, Kalady 45 km, Alleppey 64 km, Trichur 80 km, Kottayam 76 km, Guruvayur 109 km, Munnar 136 km, Idikki 138 km, Palghat 163 km, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady) 190 km, Sabarimala 209 km, Calicut (Kozhikode) 218 km.

Activities

Daily performance of Kathakali at the various centers like Cochin Cultural Centre and Kerala Kathakali Centre. Visit Cochin Aquatic Club for an excellent Ayurvedic massage.

Places to Eat

Chinese Garden (Chinese), Malabar (Indian), Pandhal for Kerala meals and Yuvrani in seafood platter.

Shopping

Khadi Bhavan, Handloom House and National Textiles, and Kerala State Handicraft Emporium offer coir products, carvings on rosewood and buffalo horn and models of snake boats.

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