COCHIN

GUIDE TO COCHIN   Steeped in history, Kochi is popularly known as the ' Queen of the Arabian Sea ' and the Commercial capital of Kerala. From time immemorial, the Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and the Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi and left their legacies here. Arab and Jewish spice traders had settled here in the first century A. D. They prospered under the patronage of the Cochin Rajahs. Kochi’s fortune received a boost in the 14th century with the collapse of the ancient port of Kodungallur and thus it became the most important port in the Malabar coast. Today, Kochi is a major Naval Base and one of India's largest ports.
The City of Kochi consists of a cluster of islands and peninsulas that includes the mainland of Ernakulam, the islands of Willington, Bolgatty and Gundu, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. All these are linked by ferry. Bridges also connect Ernakulam with Wellington Island and Fort Kochi and Mattancherry peninsulas. The Willington Island is an artificial island created with material dredged up when the harbour was deepened. Almost all historical sites are in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.

Major Attractions of Kochi

• Forts & Palace

Mattancherry Palace ( Dutch Palace)
Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi (Cochin), the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. Them palace is open for public viewing from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. all week days except Fridays.

Bolghatty Palace
A Scenic island near the city of Ernakulam, Bolghatty is famous for the Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 AD.
Churches

Santa Cruz Basilica
This monumental church dates back to 1558 and has beautiful paintings on the ceiling.

St. Francis Church
Built in 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars, this is the India's oldest European church. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795, and is presently used by the church of South India.

Beaches

Cherai Beach
This lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.

Museums

Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithra
10 km from Kochi, Hill Palace, the official residence of the Kochi royal family, was built in 1865 AD. A full-fledged ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala's first every heritage museum are the main attractions. Displayed inside the thirteen galleries are oil paintings, 19th century paintings, Murals, sculpture in stone and plaster of paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to the Kochi royal family.

Pareekshith Thampuran Museum
This sprawling, traditional Kerala style building previously called the Durbar Hall, houses 19th century oil paintings, a collection of old coins, sculptures and Mughal paintings. The museum remains open from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. all weekdays except Mondays.

Others

Chinese Fishing Nets
These huge cantilevered fishing nets were brought here by traders from the court of Kublai Khan

Willingdon Island
Named after Lord Willingdon, a British viceroy to India, this man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city's best hotels, customs and trading centres, the port trust and the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command.

Jewish Synagogue
Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. Tthe Synagogue is open from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. It is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.