Cochin or Kochi
Kochi, known also as Cochin the commercial
capital of Kerala, with a style statement different from the rest of the
State, is a place with deep roots in history and its streets exude an
old-world charm; a place with beautiful monuments and a variety of linguistic
and ethnic communities including Jews, Konkinis, Gujaratis and so on. Yet
another group looks at Kochi as a thriving, expanding market, providing
opportunities for growth and prosperity to all who knock at her doors. The
major part of the city is at sea level along the coastline of around 48
kilometres. Spread over an area of 94.88 square kilometres, Kochi is the second
largest city of Kerala.
Kochi offers a cocktail of modernity, old-world charm
and a global outlook that, at the same time, facilitates continuity and
change.
For centuries, Kochi had been a main port city, not
only of Kerala, but also of the Indian Peninsula. Since the 14th century,
Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, has had ships from Asian and
European countries visiting her port. The traders and travellers from across
the globe were welcomed with open arms and minds. This greatly helped in its
growth into a cosmopolitan city. Kochi´s growth owes a lot to its
strategic position on the northern end of the peninsula that has proximity to
the Arabian Sea on the west, and the estuaries and the Western Ghats on the
east. As for its geography, it is an indiscriminate mix of hilly areas,
estuaries and backwaters, small islands, coastal cities like Fort Kochi and
Mattancherry and plain terrain like that of the city of Ernakulam.
With its interesting monuments, geographic
peculiarities, and emerging cosmopolitan nature, Kochi can keep a tourist
engrossed for days.
A vibrant culture and thriving port business symbolise
the city of Cochin. This coastal town lends credence to Kerala´s claim of being
God´s Own Country. Cochin has been bequeathed with many fond names; Queen of
the Arabian Sea, Gateway to Kerala, and other local sobriquets. As a tourist
destination, Cochin serves a variety of interests. Get a dose of fun and
adventure at Fort Cochin beach and Cherai beach on the island of Vypeen or
indulge in your spiritual side at Sri Krishna Temple in Gurvayoor, St. Francis
Church, and Cheraman Mosque. Much of Kochi lies at sea level, with a coastline
of 48 km. Nature buffs can capture the sparkling colours of wildlife at the
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. No holiday experience can be complete
without shopping at the local market and gorging on local cuisine. From
handicrafts to branded apparels, Cochin packs a punch when it comes to
shopping. The mouthwatering local cuisine in Cochin is guaranteed to please
your tummy and the senses.
Beaches:
The beaches of Cochin are a fun place to be. The ocean, the palm trees, the
sandy beach and the crashing waves make for a relaxing experience. Beach
activities include beach volleyball, surfing, swimming and jet skiing.
Vypeen Island Zone:
Perhaps one of the most beautiful paintings by nature
on the canvas of Cochin, the Vypeen Island Zone, comprising of a small group of
islands, soars out at the point where the ethereal Vembanad Lake merges with
the Arabian Sea.
The magnificent Fort Cochin rises majestically in the
background on the other side. Reaching Vypeen Island is easy; there are boats
and jetty services to Vypeen from Fort Cochin, and the island is also connected
to mainland Ernakulam by bridges.
Chinese Fishing Nets:
Unique to Cochin, the Chinese fishing nets serve as a
testimony to the good relations between the ancient Chinese Emperors and the Cochin
Kings.
Outside of China, these fishing nets are only found in
Cochin. Historians believe that the fishing nets were gifted by Chinese Emperor
Kubalagi to the then Cochin King in the 14th century.
What makes them so unique? Well, the fact that these nets are fixed land
installations (unlike the other nets that are not fixed to the land) and use
shore operated lift nets for fishing. These 10-metre high nets require up to
six men to operate one fully installed net.
Dutch Palace:
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 was held here. The place has a
fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics
Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Fort Kochi:
A stroll along Fort Kochi, particularly at sunset with
the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine
experience. Many European style bungalows can also be seen along the shoreline.
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.
Hill
Palace:
Located about 10 kms from Kochi, the
Hill Palace Museum was the official residence of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi.
Built in 1865, it is now famous for being a full-fledged ethno-archaeological
museum and Kerala´s first ever heritage museum. The palace complex itself
comprises 49 buildings and is built in the traditional Kerala style of
architecture. It has over 52 acres of terraced land around it.
One can see oil-paintings, murals,
sculptures, manuscripts and belongings of the Kochi royal family. Antique
ceramics from the Far East, Kudakkallu (tombstone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone),
laterite memorials and wooden memorials from ancient civilisations like the
Indus Valley and Harappa can also be found here. It even has a gallery housing
contemporary art.
Visiting Hours: 09.00 to 12.30 hrs &14.00 to 16.30 hrs on all days
except Mondays.
St. Francis Church, Fort
Cochin:
The St. Francis Church is considered to be the oldest
church built by the Europeans in India. On his third visit to India, the great
Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama fell ill and died and St. Francis church was
his burial place. His remains were later transferred from here to Lisbon.
The Jewish Synagogue:
Also known as Paradesi Synagogue and Mattancherry
Synagogue, the Jewish Synagogue at Cochin is the oldest existing synagogue
among the Commonwealth countries.
The synagogue is beautifully laid out and the
interiors are decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant
scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here.
Museum of Kerala History:
The Museum of Kerala History depicts the history and
cultural evolution of Kerala through a spectacular light and sound show in both
Malayalam and English.
Along with incredible paintings, the museum also
houses magnificent life size statues of prominent personalities. There is an
incredibly huge and imposing statue of Lord Parasurama in the museum as well.
Eco Tourist Villages:
The Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village and the
Mastyafed Milky-Way Aqua-Tourist Village are two of the eco-tourist villages
that should definitely find a place on your itinerary when visiting
Kerala.
The Kumbalangi
Integrated Tourism Village holds the distinction of being India´s first
eco-tourist village. Here, you can enjoy a plethora of activities such as
canoeing in a country boat through the intricate maze of mangroves, exploring
the rural work culture, fishing, or even mingling with the locals.
Guruvayoor:
Hailed and worshipped as one of the most sacred Hindu
religious places in the world, Guruvayoor is the abode to the Shri Krishna
temple, which attracts more than 10 million devotees every year.
The Shri Krishna temple
is considered to be the first temple in India to open its doors to every Hindu,
irrespective of their caste.
Veega Land Amusement Park:
Veega Land is an amusement park and is home to more
than 50 thrilling rides and various shows. The many rides here are classified
into different categories including Family rides, Water rides, Kiddies rides
and Hair raising rides.
Veega Land also has some fine restaurants and makes
for a great getaway for the entire family. Situated on the top of a hill, this
is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Cochin Carnival:
Perhaps the best time to be in Cochin is during the
New Year. The atmosphere during this time is electrifying owing to the Cochin
Carnival. Scintillating dance performances, animated shows, concerts and
mesmerizing parades light up this extraordinary carnival.
Thrikkakara Temple:
The Thrikkakara Temple is one of the major centers of
Onam celebrations in Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Vamana (considered the fifth
incarnation of Lord Vishnu), the temple plays host to ten days of festivities
and celebrations on the occasion of Onam. It´s quite a sight to see thousands
of devotees come together and paint the temple in colours of joy.
The Roman Catholic Basilica
of Santa Cruz:
The Roman Catholic Basilica of Santa Cruz is a
colossal cathedral with a dominant Gothic presence in the form of a façade
flanked by two huge towers.
At the top of the main altar is a striking painting of
the ´Last Supper´, modelled on the renowned work of Leonardo da Vinci. The
stained glass windows and intricate wall carvings add to the charm and grandeur
of the place.
Kanjiramattam Mosque:
The Kanjiramattam Mosque plays host to the Kudikkuthu
Festival and is a scared pilgrimage centre. In history, the Imams of
this mosque were believed to be leading scholars who were close advisors of the
kings of Cochin.
Sri
Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara:
Established in 1955 by the Sikh community settled in
Kerala, the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara is the only gurudwara in Kerala and
hence holds an important place amongst the Sikhs.
A langar is held here every day, you can witness a
grand langaron Saturdays and Sundays.
Indian Naval Maritime
Museum:
Established by the Indian Navy, the Indian Naval
Maritime Museum is a keeper of Indian naval history. The museum contains huge
replicas of naval ships and an impressive collection of naval arms and
ammunition.
Cochin Cultural Centre:
Cochin Cultural Centre is a renowned institution in
Kochi, working towards preservation, promotion and propagation of the rich art
and culture of Kerala through traditional performing arts. The centre was
basically founded as a charitable society of artists in the year 1978 by
Sukumaran Nedungadi. Here, regular training is provided to budding artists, and
dance performances including Kathakali are organized from time to time.
Besides this, other performing art forms like Kalaripayattu, Keli, Theyyam, Mohiniyattam, Velakali, Shingarimelam, Oottan
Thullal, Thiruvathirakali, Oppana, Pulikali, Kurathiyattam, Panchavadyam, Patayani, Marga
Kali and Thayambaka can be seen at the on-site theatre.
Highly trained professionals are chosen to be a part of
the performances that lasts for an hour. The entire show is segregated into
three parts. Firstly, the dancers perform a prayer, followed by an introductory
demonstration with narration in English and lastly, the act itself.
For those who want to acquaint themselves with the
traditional art forms, especially Kathakali, can join coaching classes
conducted here on a daily basis. Kathakaliis an ancient classical dance
form, where a dancer portrays human emotions and moods through facial expressions
and mudras (hand gestures that signify an object or action). The
dance is accompanied by music, both vocal and instrumental. Other aspects
of Kathakali like music, crafts (costume making) and face painting
are also taught at the centre.
The theatre at this centre is known for its
fascinating architecture that is worth capturing in your camera. Besides, you
are allowed to take pictures with the artists once the show is over.
Cochin is a destination embellished with all the
elements required to make your holiday an extraordinary one – come and enjoy
yourself in God´s own backyard!
Main things to do in Cochin:
·
Visit
Chinese fishing nets
·
Dutch
Palace
·
The
Port of Kochi (World Heritage)
·
Hill
Palace
·
St.
Francis Church, the oldest european church in India
·
Tomb
of Vasco da Gama (who discovered India)
·
Jewish
neighborhoods Mattancherry
·
Visit
the jewish Synagoge (built in 156).