A vibrant potpourri of art, culture, food, carnivals and festivals, Kochi, sprawled along a stunning estuary in Kerala, may be a fascinating tourist destination. Skirted by the emerald-blue Arabian Sea that laps at its golden sun-kissed beaches, the town remains suspended in time, with its colonial charm merging seamlessly with its artistic aesthetic. Established around Fort Kochi, which is that the cultural nerve of the town , Kochi remains during a festive mood throughout the year. It turns into an art wonderland during the four-month-long Kochi Biennale, the most important exhibition in India, where vibrant colours, striking images and eloquent patterns greet you at every turn. Intriguing boat rides, spiritual Onam, grand Shivaratri celebrations and therefore the opulent Cochin Carnival, draw visitors from far and wide.
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Sitting on the Malabar coast, historically, Kochi has been India’s hook up with the remainder of the planet . it had been here that the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first arrived, paving the way for European colonisers. the town remains steeped in its heritage, which is reflected in various Portuguese, Dutch and British forts, palaces and bungalows that are scattered throughout.
Kochi is an eclectic mixture of diverse cultures, where you’ll sample a touch of everything. Head to the narrow alleys of Jew Town and watch the town race by you as you slowly fall crazy with Jewish culture and refill on rare antiques and exquisite handicrafts. Relax at the artsy cafes as you probe authentic dishes, while watching the bustling market below.
Skirted by the pristine borders of Kerala, Kochi enjoys a paradisiacal setting, making it a delight for tourists to explore. Cruise along the tranquil Vembanad Lake in Alappuzha or sail into the sunset as you admire the southern fringes of the town . you’ll also take a pit stop at the scenic Willingdon and Vypeen islands, which are linked by bridges and ferries to the town .
Read MoreThe airport at Kochi is connected to all major cities in India as well as some international destinations.
Good motorable roads connect Kochi with other cities in Kerala and the rest of the country.
The nearest railhead is at Ernakulam, which is connected with all major Indian cities.
Bolgatty Palace, located on Bolgatty Island, may be a Dutch palace, and is simply a brief boat ride off from the mainland. Now, a heritage hotel, travel by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), it’s a perfect get back experience the grandeur of the royal lifestyle. In 1744, an anonymous Dutch businessman constructed Bolgatty Palace. Between 1909 and 1947, it served because the British Residency. Tourists can explore the island that boasts a neat golf links . The panoramic views of the harbour and therefore the port make this place an excellent picnic spot for families. Regular boat service is out there from the mainland, and tourists can reach Bolgatty Islands on a ferry from supreme court Jetty. The island is found at a distance of about 2 km via Goshree Bridge.
Chinese fishing nets are unique to Kochi, and out of doors of China, are only found here. Called Cheenavala in Malayalam, they were perhaps introduced by Chinese explorer Zheng He. Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these nets, and an entire stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen is dotted with them. Watching the fishermen in action with these nets has become a serious tourist attraction. Like huge hammocks, these cantilevered fishing nets are dropped within the sea and are left for a particular period of your time . To sink internet within the water the fisherman only has got to walk thereon . His weight is enough to sink internet . Later, once they are filled with fish, the fishermen draw them in. Once the fish is caught you’ll select what you wish and also get one among the shacks to cook it for you. These fishing nets were established on the shores of Kochi between 1350 and 1450 AD.
Located on the way Fort Kochi Beach, Dutch Cemetery is one among the oldest within the country. Reflecting the Dutch architecture of these times, the cemetery is bordered by high walls. An ancient pillar stands at the doorway with the year 1724 inscribed thereon . The cemetery is home to 104 epitaphs and tombs that carry authentic records of many people of Dutch and British nationality. Many of the tombs are made from granite and red laterite and haven’t any cross. There are big also as small tombstones and therefore the inscriptions on the epitaphs are in old Dutch script. consistent with historical sources, the last person to be laid to rest here was Captain Joseph Ethelbert Winckler in 1913.
Among the rarest Shiva temples that faces the ocean on the west, Ernakulam Shiva Temple is an ancient site that pulls devotees from far and wide. Located within the Durbar Hall Ground, the temple offers picturesque views of the Arabian Sea . The sanctum sanctorum houses a shivling that’s said to be ‘swayambhoo’ or self-originated. The temple is sprawled over a neighborhood of 1.2 acre and is made in typical Kerala sort of architecture. The ring-shaped sanctum sanctorum is especially beautiful with gorgeously sculpted walls and a copper-tiled roof. From here, tourists can get splendid views of the two-storeyed Western Gopuram that has been designed with gabled roofs and slanted windows. A dining hall or Oottupura and a wedding hall have also been added to the structure recently.
Among the primary European forts in India, Fort Emmanuel was inbuilt 1503 by the Portuguese. Situated at Fort Kochi, it had been once a logo of the alliance between the ruler of Kochi and therefore the monarch of Portugal. An imposing structure along the beach, it makes for a stimulating exploration. Its charming ruins reflect vestiges of Portuguese royalty and therefore the architectural finesse of that point .
Legend has it that the Portuguese were welcomed by the ruler of Kochi in year 1500. After signing a treaty with the king, the Portuguese gradually started expanding their power and built the primary European city in India, Santa Cruz City. the town remained a Portuguese stronghold until it had been appropriated by the Dutch colonisers.
Steeped in colonial charm, Fort Kochi was among the primary European townships in India. Located to the south of Fosse Street, Fort Kochi may be a serene stopover boasting narrow streets lined with tall trees and vibrant flowers peeking out of windows of old houses. Built by the Portuguese in 1506, the fort still reflects vestiges of its glorious past. Of particular interest are the streets of Fort Kochi that leave one in awe of the culture and heritage they so boldly display. a number of the favored haunts include Princess Street, Burger Street, Rose Street, Tower Road etc. you’ll enjoy a quiet stroll along Mattancherry roads like Jew Street, Palace Road and TD School Road that transport you to a special era. Fort Kochi Beach, lying nearby, is another attraction. A blanket of golden sand, skirted by tranquil waters, Fort Kochi Beach is one among the simplest natural retreats within the city. Lined with swaying palms and dense bushes, it offers a picturesque view of the environment . The beach also holds appeal for adventure-lovers, who can enjoys sports like snorkelling, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, skin diving , catamaran sailing and parasailing. Perhaps the simplest attraction of the beach is that the spectacular view of sunsets one can get from here. Gaze in awe because the burning orb of the sun dips into the serene waters, painting the sky during a canvas of red and orange. The Chinese fishing nets and therefore the sailing ships increase the picturesque view. Many European-style bungalows dot the shoreline, and therefore the coastline has many small stalls, where one can take one’s fill of mouth-watering traditional dishes made using freshly caught fish.
A noodle-thin street winding its way between Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue, Jew Town is among the oldest spaces of the town that when hosted a blooming Jewish populace. Today, this bustling street is that the best spot to refill on unique handicrafts, fragrant spices and exquisite antiques. Soak in rich Jewish culture as vendors greet you warmly with Shalom, a Jewish greeting, and invite you to see out a fine selection of Jewish memorabilia, brass statues, Pashmina shawls, Chinese vases, candlesticks, perfume sprinklers etc. As you hop to the shops, do not forget to refresh with a mug of piping hot coffee and a bite of authentic cuisine within the various cafes perched atop the restored spice warehouses.
Legend has it that the king of Kochi gave a bit of land to the Jews who came to trade there. The place was called Mattancherry as ‘mattan’ springs from a Hebrew word meaning donation and ‘cherry’ in Malayalam stands for settlement. After a arrive Periyar river in 1341, the Kochi Port was formed that helped the town become a spice-trading hub. Until Israel was formed in 1948, Jew Town was a prominent Jewish settlement. Today, only a couple of Jews remain here.
A major attraction is that the Paradesi Synagogue inbuilt 1568. This imposing edifice is adorned with Belgian chandeliers that glow warmly. the ground of the synagogue is lined with willow-patterned and painted by hand tiles from China that are believed to be dating back to the 18th century. it’s believed that the synagogue contains four scrolls of the Torah (First Five books of the Old Testament). These are encased in gold and silver chambers.
This three-storey edifice was opened in 2009 and showcases the rich heritage of Kerala’s art and dance forms. Artefacts like masks, sculptures made in wood, stone and bronze, costumes of traditional and ritual art forms, musical instruments, traditional jewellery, manuscripts of rare medicinal and astrological secrets, and Stone Age utensils are all preserved during this museum. The building has Malabar, Cochin and Travancore sorts of architecture, where the doorway is made from the remnants of a 16th-century temple in Tamil Nadu and wooden carvings brought from across Kerala. the doorway gate is decked with a beautiful manichitratazhu (a traditional ornate door lock of Kerala). Pierced wooden windows, reflecting Malabar sort of architecture, increase the sweetness of the doorway . the primary floor of the building, called kalithattu, is like the Cochin sort of architecture. It displays costumes of varied traditional and ritual dancing sorts of Kerala like theyyam, kathakali, ottanthullal, and mohiniyattam. The second floor is named Kanjadalam or lotus petal, and is adorned with beautiful mural paintings and features a wooden ceiling made from 60 frames.
A stunning promenade facing the pristine backwaters of Kochi, Marine Drive is one among the foremost popular tourist stopovers within the city. Stroll along the scenic trail and spot the Kochi Harbour within the distance and luxuriate in the picturesque views of the backwaters because the cool wind ruffles your hair. Tourists also can explore the world by boating or cruising within the tranquil waters. Many cruises organise dinner settings amidst city lights that are reflected within the lake. Tourists also can visit a Rainbow Bridge, an arch-shaped structure that’s lit up during the night, giving a visible treat to visitors. This 3-km-long drive is lined with malls and eateries where tourists can purchase unique handicrafts and sample authentic cuisine.
An eclectic mixture of spices, handicrafts, culture and food, Mattancherry is perhaps the foremost vibrant spot in Kochi. the simplest thanks to explore it’s by strolling down the bustling streets and inhaling fragrant spices, the aroma of authentic cuisine, while culture and tradition spill unchecked at every turn. this is often especially evident within the brightly painted walls that appear as if fine works of recent art. a serious attraction is that the Mattancherry Palace or the Dutch Palace, which may be a beautiful amalgamation of Kerala and colonial sorts of architecture. About 12 km from Ernakulam, the palace was built by the Portuguese in 1545 CE as a present to Veera Kerala Verma, of Kochi dynasty. Since the palace saw many renovations under the rule of the Dutch, it came to be referred to as the Dutch Palace. Tourists can admire its long and spacious halls and wonderful murals adorning the walls. a number of these exhibits display scenes from Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. The two-storeyed structure also houses a number of the works of the good poet, Kalidasa. Tourists also can get a peek into the royal lifestyle through the life-size portraits of the rulers of Cochin, sheathed swords, axes, daggers and ceremonial spears ornamented with feathers, along side royal caps and coins issued by the rulers of Cochin.
Located 10 km from main Ernakulam, Mattancherry Palace or Dutch Palace is one among the simplest samples of Malayalam-style architecture mixed with colonial influences. Its interiors are beautifully adorned, with 17th and 18th-century murals depicting scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Besides, tourists can admire life-size portraits of all the kings of Cochin since 1864, sheathed swords, daggers and axes, along side ceremonial spears decorated with feathers, royal caps, coins issued by the kings of Cochin, silver sequinned gowns, royal umbrellas made from silk and brass, along side plans laid out for Cochin by the Dutch. Of note are the paintings within the king’s bedchamber that depict the stories of Ramayana, the murals within the coronation hall that depict Goddess Lakshmi on the lotus, sleeping Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with Ardhanariswara, the coronation of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna lifting the mountain Govardhan and other goddesses. the space opposite Coronation Hall has paintings of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Devi and an incomplete painting; and another room has murals of Kumarasambhava and works by renowned poet, Kalidasa.
The palace was built by the Portuguese as a present to King Veera Kerala Varma (1809-1828). It came to be referred to as the Dutch Palace due to the amount of additives the Dutch made thereto . The palace is home to the presiding deity of the royalty , the ‘PazhayannurBhagavathi’ (the Goddess of Pazhayannur).
A noodle-thin street winding its way between Mattancherry Palace and therefore the Jewish Synagogue, Jew Town is among the oldest spaces of the town that when hosted a blooming Jewish populace. the most attraction is that the Paradesi Synagogue that was inbuilt 1568. This imposing edifice is adorned with Belgian chandeliers that glow warmly. the ground of the synagogue is lined with willow-patterned and painted by hand tiles from China that are believed to be dating back to the 18th century. it’s believed that the synagogue contains four scrolls of the Torah (First Five books of the Old Testament). These are encased in gold and silver chambers. Tourists can explore the Jew Town, a bustling street that’s the simplest spot to refill on unique handicrafts, fragrant spices and exquisite antiques.
Nestled within the mountain ranges of the picturesque Western Ghats, Sabarimala Temple, about 150 km from Kochi, may be a popular pilgrimage site. The temple is about amidst 18 hills and is surrounded by lush forests. it’s dedicated to Sree Ayyappa and vehicles are allowed only till Pamba, after which devotees need to walk 5 km. The temple remains hospitable devotees during mandala kaalam or the pilgrim season that’s in mid-January. it’s said that around 50 million devotees visit the temple during this point . The temple complies to strict rituals, dress codes, practices and preparations that devotees got to follow. they have to decorate in black or blue dhotis/mundus and wear black rudraksha beads around their necks. They even have to abstain from alcohol and non-vegetarian food and take a vow of celibacy 40 days before their pilgrimage.
One of the oldest churches built by Europeans in India, St Francis Church is understood for its beautiful design and ambience. Boasting a lofty structure with a saddle roof framed with timber and covered with tiles, the church has two steeped pinnacles on either side of the facade. it had been built by Portuguese Franciscans friars group in 1503. Initially, it had been a mud and wooden structure and was dedicated to St Bartholomew, and later to St Antonio, the defender of Portugal. In 1524, on his third visit to Kerala, the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in St Francis Church. About 14 years later, his remains were taken back to Portugal. His burial spot inside the church has been demarcated.
Protected under the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), the church is hospitable visitors on weekdays. On Sundays and special days, the church holds services.
One of the oldest traditions of Kerala, Aranmula race or Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallamkali may be a grand event, held between August and September. These boat races are generally held during the harvest season, and maybe the foremost important of those is that the snake race or chundan vallam. an occasion infused with energy, it sees variety of oarsmen gearing up to row with full vigour, in mesmeric synchronisation. A crowd-puller, the Champakulam Moolam race is among the oldest races persisted the Pampa river, near Alappuzha. Organised at the start of monsoons within the state, the race is held annually within the months of June/July. Legend has it that it’s hosted to mark the day when an idol of Lord Krishna was brought during a boat to be installed at Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalapuzha. Brightly-decorated boats rowed by many men present an enthralling spectacle. Tourists also can attend Jalotsavom or Payippad race , persisted the Payippad river, in Alappuzha. Organised to celebrate the installation of the idol of Lord Subramanian at Haripad Subramanya Temple, this race is held during the festival of Onam. it’s an exciting affair to observe variety of snake boats, rowed by many men, compete with one another . Attending the Kallada race or Kallada Jalotsavam, persisted Kallada river, in Kollam, are often a desirable experience. This annual race is persisted the 28th day after Onam and sees around 10 boats competing with one another to urge the Kallada Rolling Trophy and prize of 1 lakh rupees. This race are often viewed from the scenic Munroe Island. A must-attend race is that the annual Nehru Trophy race held within the tranquil waters of Punnamda Lake in Alappuzha. This race sees huge footfalls as crowds gather to ascertain the energetic competition happening along the span of the 1.5-km-long lake. A two-day festival organised during Onam, Aranmula Snake race is that the annual celebration of Sri Parthasarathy Temple. quite a race, it’s a ritual, where over 25 palliyodams or snake boats, with 100 rowers, 15 helmsmen and 25 singers participate. Vibrant umbrellas, colourful tassels and flags are wont to decorate the boats.
Soaked in Portuguese charm, Vypeen may be a quaint island on the outskirts of Kochi. Its sun-kissed shores, pristine beaches, old lighthouses and thrilling trekking trails make Vypeen a well-liked tourist stopover. a number of its beaches like Cherai, Kuzhuppilly and Puthuvype are among the longest beaches in Kochi. Puthuvype Beach is additionally home to at least one of the oldest lighthouses in Kerala. Tourists can visit Munambam, the most important fishing harbour in Kochi that lies to the north of Vypeen. Tourists can reach Vypeen via boats from Fort Kochi. This 27-km-long island is connected to the town by bridges called Goshree bridges. they begin at Kalamukku in Vypeen, touch two other islands, Mulavukad and Vallapadam, then end at Marine Drive in Kochi. Other popular attractions in Vypeen include Nedungad, Pallipuram Fort, Sahodaran Ayyappan Smarakam, Veeranpuzha, which may be a a part of Vembanad Lake, Criz Milagress Church, Sree Perumpadappil Bhagavathi Temple, Njarakkal workplace and Elamkunnapuzha Temple.
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