From time immemorial, the Arabs, British,
Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and
development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and
industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on
the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world
class port and international airport that link it to many major cities
worldwide.
This lovely seaside city is
flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its
proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience
of a moderate equatorial climate.
Cochin Attractions and Places to Visit
Chinese fishing nets
The Chinese Fishing Nets, undoubtedly Kochi's most recognizable sight,
have been there since the 14th century and are remarkably still in use today.
Local fisherman will show you how they're operated in return for a small fee.
In the late afternoon head to the waterfront where the nets line the shore, buy
some seafood from one of the fishmongers there, get it cooked at a nearby
shack, and enjoy eating it as the sun sets.
Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is situated about 13
km from Ernakulam and is famous for Chinese fishing nets, picturesque beaches
and architectural style of the buildings. European style is clearly evident and
that makes this small town stands apart from other towns in Kerala.
Jew Town
Aromatic Jew Town is the center of spice trade in Kochi and the air is
filled with the heady waft of masala. Spend some time wandering through the
streets and lanes, and exploring the antique stores. It's a fabulous
neighborhood for photography. These days, you won't find many Jews left there
though. They've been replaced by an influx of Kashmiri shopkeepers who hawk
their wares to tourists. However, the Pardesi (Foreigner -- White Jew)
Synagogue remains in use and is the oldest active synagogue in the
Commonwealth. Its interior is resplendent with chandeliers, gold pulpit and
imported floor tiles.
Dutch Palace
The Dutch
Palace (also
known as Mattenchery Palace) is very near to the Jew town. It was built in 1555
A.D by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma, Raja of Kochi. It
has a huge collection of Kerala Temple murals, portraits and exhibits of the
Rajas of Kochi.
Bolgatty Palace
This palace was built by Dutch in 1744 and is one of the oldest existing
Dutch palaces outside Holland. Bolgatty palace is located in Bolgatty Island,
Kochi. It is now converted into a heritage
resort by the state.
Marine Drive
It is a popular meeting jaunt for localites. This scenic pathway is
built facing the Vembanad lake. The walkway has two recently built bridges; the Rainbow bridge and the Chinese
Fishing Net Bridge. The sunset view
from here is simply awesome!
Mattancherry
Mattancherry is another old neighborhood full of colonial buildings.
You'll find it fascinating if you're into history. The main attraction there is
the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to the
Raja of Kochi in 1555, then renovated by the Dutch in 1663. It lacks the
grandeur that you'd expect of a palace. Yet, there's a small museum and some
rare art inside, including paintings of previous kings and some beautiful
murals from the Hindu epics.
Cherai Beach
Located in Vypin Island, Kochi, Cherai Beach is one of the
beautiful beaches facing the Arabian sea. It is about 25 Kms from Cochin
and is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the long sandy beach!
Kodanad Elephant
Training Center
Kodanad is a rural village near Cochin which is around 42 Kms from
Ernakulam town. This place is famous for the elephant training centre
established in 1950. Because of the Indian government ban to elephant
capture, Kodanad is now just a rescue training centre for stranded baby
elephants and wounded elephants.
Princess Street
The happening Princess Street is the place to go for people watching,
cafes, restaurants, bookstores, tea shops, art galleries, and souvenirs. It's
one of the oldest streets in Fort Kochi and has become the main tourist strip.
You'll also find grocery stores there, so you can to restock on any essential
items. It's a great destination for an evening walk.
Kerela Folklore
Theatre and Museum
If you want to learn about Kerala's culture, then it's worth making the
journey to this privately owned museum, located on the outskirts of Ernakulam.
Opened in 2009, the Museum's three floors are packed full of artifacts that
showcase the state's heritage. Its architecture is magnificent, as too is its
entrance made from the remnants of a temple and wooden carvings. Kerala art and
dance forms are a focus, with stage performances taking place at 6.30 p.m.
daily.
Hill Palace Museum
Hill palace museum is the Kerala’s first heritage museum and is also the
largest archaeological museum in Kerala. It is situated near Tripunithura,
Kochi. It was built in 1865 and was the administrative headquarters of Kochi
Rajas.
Kathakali
Performance
Kathakali is a very unusual and ancient form of dance-drama that's
traditional to Kerala. The look, with its red bloodshot eyes, borders on
grotesque. The movements of the dance are subtle, yet they tell a meaningful
mythological story. Performers are required to undergo intense training,
including hours of eye exercises, when learning the art of Kathakali. Try the Cochin Cultural
Center , Kerala Kathakali Center, or Greenix Village to see a
performance.
Willingdon Island
Willingdon Island is a man-made island created in 1933 under the
supervision of Sir Robert Bristow. Up until recently Cochin airport, Sea
port and the railway terminus (Cochin Harbor Terminus) were functioning on this
island. Now, the Cochin Port Trust and the headquarters of the Southern Naval
Command function here. Airport continues to function as naval aviation wing.
There are beautiful walkways and jetty’s on this island. My favorite is the
“Embarkation Jetty”. It has a walkway and a jetty close by. A good place
to enjoy a leisure walk over evening sun!
About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
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