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 f Destination India was the overriding determination for all the explorers during medieval ages, what really meant of this
determination most of the times was Indias mystical spice coast.
Kochi as the nerve center of the spice coast of India has been a favored destination since ages now. The citys multi-ethnic and multi-religious identity certainly gives it a cosmopolitan touch. But this is a cosmopolitan town in content only, not of-course in size.
Kochi since its inception has essentially remained a trading city only.
Spice trading to the world started here in as early as 1st century AD. Due to its enviable position as a great port, it has remained from time to time under influence of Portuguese, Dutch, Jewish and English traders. The beautiful unhurried city formed of many landmasses and islands is spread around a spectacular looking natural harbor. Ocean-liners come and go and the life around the harbor moves at different paces. 
The Fort Kochi and Mattancherry on the South west peninsula seem frozen in time. They probably are the oldest part of Kochi and still look part of bygone era.
Tranquility and calmness resides in Fort Kochi area which is full of old houses built in styles of Portuguese, Dutch and English countryside houses. Here exploring through winding streets under shades of huge trees, one discovers a completely forgotten world where nothing much has changed. The oldest church of India (St.Francis Church) is still there and old cantilevered
Chinese fishing nets still fetch the days catch. Besides the old cemetery and beautiful Santa Cruz Basilica, the whole atmosphere of Fort Kochi is worth
spending
da ys in nostalgia. Further walk towards
Mattancherry is the old spice market of Jewish sellers that
functions as busily as ever. The Jew Town, home to
last remaining Jews of India has houses built in old style. The place has several interesting curio shops. Here, the
Jewish Synagogue is the oldest Synogogue outside Israel and is worth visiting for its great interiors. The old Dutch palace nearby has stunning murals inside.
The Wellingdon Island serves as the port of Kochi. Though it is full of warehouses and godowns, its absolute peace and fabulous harbor views have prompted the opening of several prestigious hotels.
Ernakulam forms part of mainland India, hence is the main commercial region of the city. The bazaars are fascinating having array of gold and
silk shops. There is an interesting wholesale market that even in
these modern times has canal as the main thoroughfare! Among a few
islands around the harbor include the Bolgatty island (Having a beautiful Dutch Palace, now a luxury hotel),
Vypeen and Gundu Islands.
Great excursions around Kochi include Edapelly which has a nice museum on history of Kerala. Parur & Chennamanglam (about 35 kms away) were once great trading posts. They now have many beautiful temples, churches, mosque, synagogues, cemeteries and old ruins. 12 kms from Ernakulam, Tripunithara has collection of
objects from Travancore and Cochin royal families.
Kochi is perfect place to explore the backwaters of Kerala as well. While long
duration houseboat cruises over
Vembanad Lake are popular, there are several half day or full day boat tours to nearby villages, birding spots, fish farms and coconut plantations (A fast track Kerala experience for those having less time to spare)
Other great pleasures in Kochi may include a taste of traditional Kerala food which, of
course, is full of spices. An evening watching
Kathakali performers performing the most elaborate and expressive dance dramas of the world is a completely unique experience. Or to have the rare opportunity to watch breathtaking
Kalaripayattu (Traditional Martial art of Kerala) at CVN Kalari Sangam is
like believing the unbelievable! For pure fun of shopping try out the overstocked curio shops in Jew Town or exotic silk shops of M.G.Road.
Obviously, Kochi still ranks as a favored destination for the explorers Worldwide.
| QUICK FACTS |
| Getting there |
Kochi has its own international as well as domestic airport. Connected with many Indian cities. Best air connection with Agatti
(Lakshadweep Islands). Several long distance trains connect the city with prominent places all over India. Advance reservation is recommended. The names of three intercity railway stations are Cochin, Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town. Buses available for virtually every city or town of
Kerala. There are even buses to Coimbatore, Madurai and Palani. Being located on banks of Vembanad Lake, it is possible to access
Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kottayam, Changnacherry and Kollam by boats.
Regular connection to Lakshadweep Islands are also available by ship. |
| Further connections |
Alleppey, Kumarakom, Munnar, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrissur,
Kozhikode, Guruvayoor temple, Palakkad, Mararikulam beach and Lakshadweep Islands. |
| Best time to visit |
Warm and humid all through the year. Heavy monsoon rains (June to November). |
| Important Festivals |
Onam (Kerala's main festival), Snake boat race (alleppey)
and Elephant march of Pooram festival (Thrissur). |
| TOURS TO KOCHI | |
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