Official Language:
Hindi
Secondary Language:
Marathi & Gujarati
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Currency:
Indian Rupee
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Population:
Cochin (Kochi) - Kerela is home to more than 2,251,727.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Cochin India: Cochin has a moderate climate as it is situated very close to the sea. It gets heavy rains during June-August.best time to visit August to March Winter starts from December and continues till February. In summer, the temperature rises to a maximum of 95°F/35°C and 77°F/25°C in the winters. A visit to Cochin enriches one about the historical and cultural past of Kerala.
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Cochin, also known as Kochi, lies on the Lakshadweep Sea, and is one of the largest and most storied ports in India. Cochin is comprised of the Ernakulam area on the Malabar Coast as well as a series of natural and man-made islands found in the Mattancherry Peninsula. The city is highlighted by its tremendous geographic and cultural diversity; Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews all call Cochin home, and the tourist visiting this port city will delight in the sights and attractions that this multi-faceted destination provides.
Cochin has been continuously inhabited since the days of antiquity, yet it remained a sleepy fishing village for centuries, until discovered by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Vasco de Gama landed in Cochin in 1502, and established a trading outpost in the city, bringing a wealth of spices, silks, and coffees to the region. A stroll through downtown Cochin will still reveal many Portuguese influences on the landscape, including remnants of European architecture and local infrastructure. Today, Cochin remains a major economic center of shipbuilding, fishing, and coconut oil production.
The tourist visiting Cochin will delight in visiting the Cochin Museum, featuring breathtaking collections of Indian artwork. A stroll through the Dutch Palace is a wonderful way to get acquainted with Cochin's European roots. When the sun sets over this scenic coastal city, enjoy a fine meal in one of Cochin's delicious international restaurants, and end the evening at the Cochin Cultural Center, watching a performance of the Kathakali Dancers, famous throughout the Indian subcontinent.Cruise ships dock at the Port of Cochin (tel. 484/666-871) located on Willingdon Island. Taxis will be waiting to take you to your destination in the city. Taxis can be found all over the city. Lastly, if you'd like to rent a car while in the city, contact Avis (tel. 484/667-172) to arrange for a quality automobile.
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Attractions |
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Cochin means different things to different people. To some, it is a world-famous port, while to others it is a business centre and a glamorous mirror to Kerala’s vivid multifaceted personality. To many travellers, however, this natural harbour is synonymous with its famous geographical hallmark—the underwater mud banks of Malabar.
Cochin (also Kochi) has been an important trading port since ancient times. Today, the land of spices that attracted the European traders is a quaint blend of the old and the new, the Indian and the Western. Popularly referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is today the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala.
Cochin has a moderate climate with heavy rains during the monsoon period from June to August. A visit to Cochin enriches one about the historical and cultural past of Kerala. Being a major harbour from the times of the British and Portuguese, Cochin has a rich heritage of forts, churches and temples. A visit to these ancient marvels gives you an overview of the political, religious and commercial developments of the city. Some of the major attractions of the city are the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Cemetery, the Chinese Nets, Willingdon Island, and Hill Palace Museum. The excursions around Cochin are equally interesting experiences. Some of the well-known places where one can go for daylong trips are Trichur, the cultural capital of Kerala; Pallipuram Fort, one of the oldest existing European monuments in India; Kalady, the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya; Cherai Beach, an ideal place for swimming; and Chennamanagalam, an important centre of handloom weaving and coir manufacturing in Kerala.
Bolghatty Palace:
A Scenic island near the city of Ernakulam, Bolghatty is famous for the Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 AD.
Jewish Synagogue:
The oldest synagogue in India, it was built in 1586 AD by the prosperous Jewish community whose links with Kerala began in Kodungalloor in northern Kerala.
Aattachamayam:
The festival of Attachamayam is held on the Atham day of the Malayalam month of Chingam (August/ September), at the historical town of Tripunithura, near Cochin.
Cheeyappara Waterfalls:
The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Cochin - Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara Falls cascades down in seven steps.
Chottanikkara Temple:
Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, one of the most popular deities in Kerala. Devi is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu.
Cochin Carnival:
Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last week of every year in Fort Cochin in Kerala. The carnival dates back to the Portuguese New Year revelry held here during the colonial days.
Edapalli Perunal:
The feast at the ancient Roman Catholic Church of Edapalli Perunnal is situated on the National Highway (NH 47) between Ernakulam and Aluva.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race:
Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Cochin. Conducted in the last week of December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair.
Jewish Festival:
The Jews of Kerala are believed to have migrated to this place in the first century following the destruction of the second temple of Jerusalem in 72 AD.
Kanjiramattom Festival:
The festival of 'Kodikuthu' is celebrated on the 14th of January each year, in Kanjiramattom Mosque, 25 kms from Ernakulam.
Kodungaloor Bharani:
Kodungalloor, 50 kms north of Cochin, was the ancient port town of Muziris or Crangannore. Goddess Bhagavathi is the presiding deity of the ancient temple here. The Bharani Festival, which falls in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March/ April) attracts the largest congregation of 'Velichappadu' (Oracles), including women from different parts of the State.
Malayatoor Perunal:
The feast or the 'Perunnal' at the famous Catholic Church at Malayatoor is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter, in the months of March/April.
Santa Cruz Basillica Chruch:
Close to the St. Francis church, it is Roman Catholic Church, which was also built by Portuguese. It has a beautiful collection of paintings and a decorative ceiling, despite having suffered severe damage when the British fought with the Dutch to take control of Cochin.
St. Francis Church:
Built in 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars, this is the India's oldest European church.
Thalassery Fort:
Thalaserry fort, located at a distance of 22 kms from Kannur constructed in 1708 AD was the military centre of the British.
Bhoothathankettu:
it's a beautiful spot replete with a dam and boating facilities. Trekking through the forests here is an exhilarating experience.
Cherai Beach:
This lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.
Fort Cochin:
The St. Francis Church is located in Fort Cochin, which was built in 1510 AD, by five Portuguese priests who arrived with Albuquerque. The church, the burial site for Vasco da Gama in 1524 AD is said to be the oldest European church built in India.
Fort Kochi beach:
Easily the best part of the city, the beach at Fort Kochi extends from Kamalakada to the harbour entrance. A stroll along the beach at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background is an experience to cherish.
Gundu Island:
Here is the magnificent 16th century Pallipuram Fort that is open only on Thursdays.
Jew Town:
The area around the Synagogue is a centre of spice trade and curio shops
Kodanad:
45 kms from Cochin, it is one of the largest elephant capturing camps and training centres in India. It is on the southern banks of Periyar River amidst the beautiful high ranges near Perumbadoor. Even though elephant capture was banned in 1977, the training centre continues to function.
Kodungalloor:
Formerly called Muziris, it was a famed sea-port on the west coast in ancient tomes, where St. Thomas is supposed to have landed in 52 AD. It was also the capital of Cheraman Perumal, a King of Kerala, whose famous palace Allal Perumkovilakam was situated near the great pagoda at Thiruvanchikulam.
Pareekshith Thampuran Museum:
This sprawling, traditional Kerala style building previously called the Durbar Hall, houses 19th century oil paintings, a collection of old coins, sculptures and Mughal paintings. The museum remains open from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. all weekdays except Mondays.
Vypeen Island:
There is a magnificent lighthouse at Ochanthuruth, which remains open from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily.
Alappuzha:
Situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the town's commercial centre lives in a maze of canals. Set in the labyrinth of Backwater channels, the town is one of the best gateways to explore the unspoilt countryside.
Munnar:
The nature, absolutely untouched has led to the christening of this place as 'Virgin Munnar', in the tourism industry. Increasing fame and the growth of visitors may soon account to deletion of this description.
Bastion Bunglow:
Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667 AD, Bastion Bungalow get its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old, Dutch fort.
Bishops House:
Built in 1506 as the residence of the Portuguese Governor, the Bishop's House stands on a little hillock near Parade Ground. The facade of the house is characterized by large Gothic Arches and has a circular garden path, winding upto the main entrance.
Chethalayam Waterfalls:
Sulthan Bathery on the Pulpalli Main Road, is located this astounding waterfall. For a glimpse of this lovely waterfall, one has to trek a distance of around 4 kms from Chethalayam.
Hill Palace:
Located at a distance of 10 kilometers from Cochin, Hill Palace, the official residence of the Cochin royal family was built in 1865. Consisting of 49 buildings, the palace is built in the Traditional Architectural Style of Kerala.
Hill Palace Museum:
The museum At Tripunithura, displays the erstwhile wealth and prosperity of the Cochin royal family, including the King's throne and crown.
Kanjiramattom Mosque:
The mosque is situated at Kanjiramattom, 30 km from Cochin. It is believed that the mosque was erected over the mortal remains of a Muslim saint, Sheikh Parid
Koder House:
Koder House, the magnificent building constructed by Samuel. S. Koder of the Cochin Electric Company in 1808 AD is a supreme example of transition from colonial to Indo-European architecture.
Malayatoor Church:
A famous Christian pilgrim centre, this 9th century Catholic church is situated on the 609 m high Malayatoor Hill. St. Thomas, the apostle, is believed to have prayed in this shrine.
Museum Of Kerala History:
The Museum of Kerala History is at Edapally on the way to Aluva. It is the best place to have a quick glimpse of Kerala's history. A statue of Parasurama, the sage who is said to have created Kerala, greets the visitors.
Pallippuram Fort :
Situated on the northern fringe of the Vypeen Island, Pallippuram Fort was built in 1507 AD, by the Portuguese. It is considered to be the first fort built in India by the Europeans.
Pierce Leslie Bunglow :
Pierce Leslie Bungalow the charming Mansion was once the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., the famous coffee merchants. Founded in 1862 AD, this building, a representative of Fort Cochin Colonial Bungalow reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences.
Thankur House:
Thakur House, the graceful building holds within itself a reflection of the colonial era. The Bungalow was built on the site of the Gelderland Bastion, one of the seven bastions of the old Dutch fort.
Thommankuthu Waterfalls:
Located 20 kms from Thodupuzha, Thommankuthu is a small and beautiful, wild waterfall. Thommankuthu attracts thousands of tourists every year. The wild beauty of the scenic waterfall will steal the heart of any traveller.
Vasco House:
Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Cochin.
Aluva :
Just north of Cochin, this town is situated on the banks of the river Periyar. In February- March, this town celebrates the famous Sivarathri festival, attended by thousands of devotees.
Chennamangalam:
From Ernakulam. It was one of the chief Jewish centres in Kerala. There is an oriental Jewish synagogue in the old Jewish colony. In its vicinity, lie the ruins of the Vypeenkotta seminary built by the Portuguese and an ancient Syrian Catholic Church.
Kalady:
Located on the banks of the river Periyar, this is the birthplace of the 8th century Advaita philosopher, Sri Shankaracharya. The town is famous for its many temples.
Koonankurissu:
Located in Mattancherry, the place is famous for the oath taken in front of it by the Malankara Syrian Christians, which paved the path for the division of Christians in Kerala into Roman Catholics and Malankara Syrian Christians. Before the split, the Christians were united under the fold of the Catholic Bava of the east.
Kumarakom:
This unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds from across the world, which makes it a renowned bird watching centre. Kumarakom is also a centre for houseboat cruises.
Willingdon Islands:
Named after Lord Willingdon, one of the British Viceroys, Willingdon Islands are Cochin's famous islands. Situated between Ernakulam and Mattancherry and separated from both by the Backwaters, it is a man-made island created by using the soil obtained while dredging the Cochin harbour to allow vessels with deeper draughts to dock.
lghatty Island:
The Bolghatty island in the Cochin bay is famous for the Dutch Palace. Of late, the palace is being used as hotel. The island also boasts of a fine golf course and has long been considered an ideal retreat spot near Cochin.
Chinese Fishing Nets:
The icon of Cochin sea trade, the Chinese fishing net found here is not found anywhere else in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.
Coonan Kurishu Shrine:
Located in the heart of the busy Mattancherry is the Coonan Kurishu Shrine.This shrine was the venue when about 25,000 Syrian Christians in 1653, assembled at the ancient cross in Mattancherry and tied long ropes to it. Pulling the ropes they took a solemn oath that they would never obey the Latin Archbishops or be under the Jesuits.
Mattanchery Palace (Dutch Palace ):
Originally built by the Portugese , the Dutch Palace was modified by the Dutch in the 17th century and presented to the Raja of Kochi.The Rajas of Kochi were crowned in the coronation hall of the palace. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.
Hill Palace :
The palace of Rajas of Kochi in the 19th century, the palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi besides many archaeological findings. It is located at Tripunittura, 6 km from the city.
Jewish Synagogue:
Located near the Dutch Palace is the magnificent Jewish Synagogue, exquisitely decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. It was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament and copper plates depicting the privileges granted by the Rajas of Kochi are the star attractions.
Mangalavana Bird Sanctuary:
This bird sanctuary is situated right in the heart of Kochi city. It is the transit home of many exotic and rare varieties of migratory birds all around the year.
Museum of Kerala History:
Located at Edapalli on the outskirts of Kochi, the museum has on display several paintings depicting Kerala's History and life size statues of many famous personalities including Sir Robert Bristow.
Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort:
BuiIt in 1503, Palliport Fort is the oldest European fort in India. It is located outside the city limits on the northern end of the island.
Parishit Thamburam Museum:
Situated near the famous Siva Temple in Ernakulam is the Parikshith Thampuram Museum. It houses treasures of archaeological findings and relics including old coins, sculptures, oil paintings and murals.
St. Francis Church:
Located in Kamalakada, near Fort Cochin beach is the oldest church built by European in India.It is the only church spared by the Dutch. It possesses the "Doob Book", a register of all baptisms and marriages from 1751 to 1804. The old clock on the top of the church is of vintage value.
Vypin Island:
Vypin Island is one of the most densely populated islands of the country.It is accessible only by the boat service - another unique feature in Kochi.The top of the lighthouse of Vypin provides a breathtaking view of Kochi city and Aluva.Beaches
Fort Cochin Beach:
A leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Cochin. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India, Cochin has an eventful and colourful history. Iis the closest to the city, and is often extremely crowded with tourists as well as local beachgoers. If you happen to be in Cochin during New Years, you'll be treated to the fabulous Fort Cochin Carnival held at this beach annually on New Year's Eve. If you are looking for a more secluded beach with tranquil seas and scenic splendor, head to Cherai Beach.
ShoppingKairali:
Located at M.G. Rd, is a great shop to purchase hand-crafted souvenirs and trinkets. The Indian Arts and Curios, located on Jew Town Rd, features a wonderful series of shops and stalls selling a variety of exquisite brass and glass-blown works of art. In addition, the Cochin Gallery, found at 6/116 Jew Town Road, features wonderful works of art by local Cochin craftsman. (tel. 484/354-507).
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Cochin:
Cochin Travel Information
www.cochingateway.com
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