Cochin

Kochi is the modern name given to an extended metropolitan area which was well - known as "Cochin" to the worldwide travelers and traders since many centuries. The region became the first settlement of European colonial powers in the beginning of the 16th century.

Cochin - City Guide

The cochin city is among those Indian cities that were known to the foreigners from many countries, mainly due to its strategic trade - oriented location on the coast of the Arabian Sea.

The cochin city is counted among the top tourist sightseeing destinations by the reputed international travel organizations. Kochi, because of its cosmopolitan culture, accommodates tourist places in cochin associated with different Indian dynasties and foreign powers. There are palaces, forts, museums, bungalows, churches, temples and important buildings dotting the cochin city.

The cochin city is also famous for its beaches and venues of performing arts. The spice trade from the city has existed since the ancient times and continues to the city’s status as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

Fort Kochi is probably the most visited tourist places in cochin. Chinese Fishing Nets in the area are considered among the iconic landmarks of Kochi and offer a spectacular sunset view to the tourists enjoying backwater boat creek cruise. Two of the popular tourist attractions in cochin are St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica. While the former was chosen as the burial place for Vasco Da Gama and still has the associated tombstone, the later is designated as the first European Church on the Asian continent.

Paradesi Synagogue featuring many exciting objects of antiquity like crowns, chandeliers, pulpits and rugs is another preferred tourist destination of Fort Kochi. The Indo - Portuguese Museum in the area exhibits objects made of precious metals and a number of sculptures. The tourists visiting Fort Kochi may also explore the attractions like Southern Naval Command Maritime Museum and Sree Gopalakrishna Devaswom Temple.

Another popular places of interest in cochin is called Mattancherry which accommodates Mattancherry Palace as its main attraction. Located close to the serene backwaters, the palace is also known as Dutch Palace and features some enthralling mural paintings. The area is also the home to Jew Town which features Jew Palace and Jew Synagogue as popular attractions. Bastion Bungalow, constructed in Indo - Dutch style and Pierce Leslie Bungalow featuring Portuguese style are the majestic tourist places worth exploring.

Kochi represents the classical dance forms of Kerala in a wonderful manner. There are many performing art venues in and around the city where the tourists can enjoy the amazing arts like Kathakali dance. Kerala Folklore Theater and Greenix Tourist Theater are two such venues. No trip to Kochi is complete without visiting the splendid Cherai beach. The golden beach provides multiple opportunities to take leisurely walks, explore old monuments and enjoy the scenic splendor of backwaters. There are many Hindu and Jain temples in the city, the most visited ones being Thrikkakara Temple, Dharmanath Desar Jain Temple, Poornathrayeesha Temple and cochin thirumala devaswom temple.

Another popular activities in cochin is arranged by the popular theme parks like Wonderla Amusement Park. Shopping in Kochi is another fun - filled activity, as there is no death of modern malls as well as antique shops in the city. Many festivals and carnivals are celebrated in the city during different times of the year. Onam festival and Cochin Carnival are the mesmerizing celebrations worth attending.