|
Santa Cruz Basilica
Situated close to St. Francis Church, this historic church was built
by the Portguese. In the year1558, Pope Paul IV, elevated the church
to a Cathedral.
The British demolished the church in 1795, when they took over Kochi.
In 1887 Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira commissioned a new building at the
same site. Pope John Paul II proclaimed Santa Cruz a Basilica in 1984.
Gundu Island
The Smallest Island in Kochi, houses the massive 16th century
Pallipuram Fort.
St Francis Church
This was the first church built by European, in India in the Year
1503. The historical church speaks of the colonial struggle of
European powers in India, from the 15th to 20th Centuries.
Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace)
Originally built by the Portuguese in 1557, the palace was modified
by Dutch in the 17th century and gifted to the Raja of Kochi. The
palace has a collection of mural paintings, depicting the scenes from
the Mahabharatha Ramayana and Puranic legends.
Excursions
Parikshit Thampuran Museum
 The
archaeological museum is situated close to the famous Shiva Temple, in
Ernakulam. It has the collections of of 19th century oil paintings,
pre-historic monuments, old coins in a numismatic gallery and
collections of the Kochi royal family. The museum is open from 10:00
am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, all weekdays except Mondays.
The Hill Palace Museum
Situated at a distance of 10 Kms from Kochi, the Palce was the
official residence of the Kochi Royal family. Built in the 1865 A.D by
Raja of Kochi, this is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala.
The palace museum has a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas
of Kochi and numerous species of flora. The museum is open 9:00 am to
12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, all weekdays except Mondays.
Cherain Beach
The beautiful beach bordering the Vypeen Island is situated 45 Kms
from Ernakulam city. Cherain Beach is ideal place for swimming. One
can also see Dolphins here.
Vypin Island
The Island located 21 Kms from Kochi is major centre for commerce. It
is connected to mainland by a bridge, and is easily accessible by
boat.
Reaching Kochi
Air : Cochin International Airport is located
around 20 Kms from the city centre. The Airlines operate flights to
major cities in India.
Rail : Kochi has three main Railway stations namely
Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Cochin Harbour Terminus on
Willingdon Island. The trains from major cities of India are available
to Kochi.
Road : Kochi is connected by good roads with major
cities of the country. In the city local buses and auto rickshaw are
available for local transport.
Accommodation in Kochi
The hotels in Kochi provide enough accommodation options to the
travellers. Among the most famous hotels are Taj Malabar (5 Star
Deluxe), Le Meridien Resort (5 Star Deluxe), Taj Residency (5 Star),
The Trident (5 Star) and The Malabar House Fort Cochin (Heritage
Classic) etc.
|
Kochi - A Vibrant City
The
Chinese fishing nets called as 'Cheena Vala' in Malayalam, flank the
entrance to the Kochi harbour. These are the only ones of its kind found
in India. The nets are erected here between 1350 and 1450 A.D, by traders
from the court of Kublai Khan. Set up on Teak wood and bamboo poles,
fishermen use these large nets, to catch fish attracted by the lights
suspended above the nets.
Hear
the soothing sound of water rippling alongside your houseboat, as
you drift on a Kerala backwater.
Ayurveda
means "the Science of Life" and is practiced widely in
Kerala.
Kerala
Back Water Tours
