India >> South Zone >> Kerala >> Kochi
About Kochi Kochi (earlier known as Cochin) is the jewel in the crown of Kerala with true cosmopolitan character. With one of the finest natural harbors of the world, breath taking blue lagoons and lush green islands It is called the Queen of the Arabian Sea. It is the biggest and most active port in Kerala and from here, ships set sail for foreign ports with spices, rubber, coir and fish.
| Area: | 109.47 Sq. kms
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| Best Time to Visit: | October to March
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| Climate: | It experiences warm tropical climate.
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| Main Languages: | Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and English
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| Population: | 16,00,000
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| Temperature: | Summer - Max: 35 Min: 22.5
Winter - Max: 28 Min: 20
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Other Attractions In & Around
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Bolghatty Island
Bolghatty Island is the site of the Bolghatty Palace built in 1744 by the Dutch that was later taken over by the British. Today Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) runs a hotel here. The island has a fine golf course making it an attractive picnic spot.
The building was once a Governor's palace for the Dutch and later the home of the British Governors.
The palace is two-storeyed containing well-decorated bedchambers, a huge lounge wherein historical portraits are displayed. The ferry ride from the mainland Ernakulam to the island is a pleasurable experience.. Cherain Beach : This is a lovely beach bordering Vypin Island about 45 kms from Ernakulam city. This is ideal for swimming where dolphins are occasionally seen.
This beach attracts lots of foreign as well and domestic tourists.
Cherai Beach, a better option, is an isolated one; enchantingly beautiful and famed for its natural perfection. Location : Cherai is 24 kms away from Vypin. TOP
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Bolghatty Palace
Bolghatty Palace is located in Bolghatty Island which is narrow palm fringed island. This island can be very easily accessed through the mainland. Bolghatty Palace was constructed in the year of 1744 by Dutch. The palace became a place of the British resident and at present it is a hotel which is run by KTDC. . TOP
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Chinese Fishing Nets
Fort Kochi The Chinese Fishing net that line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi. Said to have been brought from China by traders of Kubalai Khan's Court, they are used at high tide.
. Operation : The nets, which are suspended from arced poles and operated by levers and weights, require at least four men to control. These nets are mainly used at high tide, when the system of counter balancing stones is quite a sight. One can buy fresh fish from the market here and have it grilled on the spot at one of the stalls.
The fishermen walk along the wooden platform, pulling hard on ropes that pass through a pulley system. Like the net, these ropes also have rocks attached. At a certain point, the suspended rocks provide a counter weight easing the net out of the water and onto the platform. TOP
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CHITRAM ART GARLLERY
Opposite Air India, M.G.Road, Eranakulam Exhibit regularly collection of paintings.Kochi - 16 Tel.: 351295. Only reasonable way to get around. Mostly available, accommodautos generally charge 50% over the meter. They may charge ext
This place is located opposite Air India, M.G Road and here many collections of paintings can be seen. Here one can get accommodations costing 50% of the meter rate! They can charge extra as well!
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Jewish Synagogue
In Mattancherry Synagogue is built in 1568 AD. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testment, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest.
This was built in the year 1568 AD. There are loads of things to see and enjoy at this place. Old Testaments, copper plates that have grants of privileges given by Cochin Rulers and many other records are still kept here with great care! In addition, you must check out Chinese hand-painted tiles!
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Jewish Synagogue
In Mattancherry Synagogue is built in 1568 AD. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testment, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest.
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Mattancherry Palace
This is also renowned as Dutch Palace which has been constructed by Portuguese as a present to King of Kochi in 1555 A.D. this palace got the present name after the 1663 A.D, when Dutch people repaired and extended it! The biggest irony is that neither Portuguese nor Dutch stayed in this palace. In the interiors, you get to see architects and wall paintings narrating the epics from Ramayana and some of the royal traditions and lifestyles.
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Sant Cruz Baslica Church
This church is very proximate from St. Francis church and is very beautiful. Paintings and many other things can be seen here! . TOP
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ST. Francis Church
Portuguese built Fort Kochi The Protestant Church in 1510 AD and is said that it is the oldest church constructed by any of the Europeans in our nation. Here you could see the memoirs of Vasco da Gamma who discovered India. His body was buried here for few years (14). Later Portuguese took his remains from here!
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Willingdon Island
Willingdon Island is a man made island made using the material dredged while deepening the Kochin Port. Willingdon Island is located between the old town Mattancherry and the main land Ernakulam and is separated by backwaters. This island is a significant part of Kochin. The Southern Naval Command Headquarters, The Government of India Tourist Office, Naval Airport, the Seaport, Customs House, Railway terminus, Cochin Port Office etc are all situated on this island. . TOP
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