Kochi

Kochi (Formerly Cochin) known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, is the top metropolitan city of Kerala. Kochi was the place of first European colonial settlement in India.

There is another one city named Kochi in Japan.

A growing centre of information technology, tourism and international trade, Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala and one of the fastest growing cities in India.

Kochi city includes the mainland Ernakulam, old Kochi, Edapally, Kalamassery and Kakkanad to the northeast, Tripunithura to the south east and a group of small islands in Vembanad Lake.

The economy of the city can be classified as a business economy with emphasis on the service sector. Major business sectors include gold and textile retailing, seafood and spices exports, information technology, tourism, health services, banking, shipbuilding and the fishing industry. The economy is mostly dependent on trade and retail activities.

Cochin Stock Exchange is the only Stock exchange in Kerala.

National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) ranked Kochi as the second-most attractive city in India for IT-based services. Availability of cheap bandwidth and the lower operational costs compared to other major cities in India has been its advantage.

Kochi harbor is one of India’s major seaports in India, administered by Cochin Port Trust.

Eloor, situated 17 km north of the city, is the largest industrial area in Kerala.

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor is an international stadium, built in 1996 has a seating capacity to hold 60,000 spectators. It is the fourth largest stadium in India and the third largest cricket stadium in India.

Boat services operated by Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation, the State Water Transport Department and of private operators are available from various boat jetties in the city. Ferry services for vehicles and passengers are available between the islands.

Ernakulam Junction and the Ernakulam Town are the main railway stations in the city.

The Cochin International Airport, the largest international airport in Kerala which is about 25 km away from the city, handles both domestic and international flights.

Tourist places in Kochi

Marine Drive

A promenade built facing the backwaters, is a popular hangout for the natives and tourists. With so many shopping malls, it is also an important centre for shopping in Kochi. The view of sunrise and sunset and the breeze from the Vembanad Lake are quite tranquilizing and attract tourists.

Bolghatty Island and Bolghatty Palace

Bolghatty Palace built in 1744 by the Dutch, is situated on Bolghatty Island which is just a short boat ride away from the City. Now the Palace has been converted into a heritage hotel resort run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). The scenic beauty of Bolghatty island makes it an attractive picnic spot in Kochi. Frequent boat services are available from the mainland.

Kochi Backwaters

The serene backwaters are the northern extension of Vembanad Lake. Houseboat cruising through the backwaters is an amazing experience.

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is home to many important tourist attractions of Kochi.

Fort Kochi beach is one of the famous beaches in Kerala. Fresh seafood is available all over here.

Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi is a popular tourist attraction. These massive Fishing nets are attractive by its size and its construction. It is operated from the shore by a team of up to six men. The way they operates the net is amazing to watch.

It is believed that traders from the China introduced these nets here. In the coast of Fort Kochi and Vypin you can see these fishing nets.

Vasco house

Vasco house is located at Rose Street is believed to be one of the oldest Portuguese houses in India. Vasco da Gama is believed to have lived here.

St. Francis Church

A Church built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India. Vasco da Gama died in Kochi and he was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were returned to Portugal in 1539.

The Santa Cruz Basilica

Santa Cruz Basilica is a church in Fort Kochi built by Portuguese. Later the British demolished the structure and Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira commissioned a new building in 1887 and Consecrated in 1905. Santa Cruz was declared as a Basilica by the Pope John Paul II in 1984. This magnificent Church is a must see destination for tourists.

Jewish Synagogue

The synagogue in Jew town, Mattancherry built in 1568 is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.

Mattanchery Palace

The Mattanchery palace or Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the King veera kerala varma of Kochi. The palace is built in “Nalukettu” style; the traditional Kerala style of architecture and certain elements of architecture have the European influence. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings, portraits and exhibits of the Kings of Kochi. In the courtyard middle of the Nalukettu there is a small temple dedicated to 'Pazhayannur Bhagavati', the protective goddess of the Kochi royal family.The palace is located at Mattancherry.

Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach is 30km away from Kochi, in the Cherai village is a part of Vypin Island.This lovely beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Cherai Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kerala.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is located in the central part of the city. It has a wide range of mangrove species and is the nesting ground for a vast variety of migratory birds. Certain species of dolphins are also present in the backwaters of Kochi.

Hill Palace

Hill Palace is located at Tripunithura 16km east of Cochin, built in 19th century by the Raja of Kochi. Now the palace has been converted into a museum. The complex consists of 49 buildings built in the traditional architectural style has an archaeological Museum, a Heritage Museum, a Pre-historic Park, a Deer Park and a Children’s park.

Pallipuram Fort

It is the oldest European fort in India built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is located at Pallipuram on Vypin Island.

Museum of Kerala History

The history and culture of Kerala in the last two thousand years have been represented here in Light and Sound Tableaus. The gallery in this museum consists of paintings, sculptures and mural paintings depicting Kerala history.

Willingdon Island

A manmade island created while deepening the backwaters for the Cochin Port, named after Lord Willingdon (a former British Viceroy). Southern Naval Command, Naval air station, Cochin Harbour, Port Trust head quarters and a few best Hotels of Kochi are situated at Willingdon Island.

Veega Land

Veega Land is one of the largest water theme parks in Kerala, situated 14 km away from Kochi.