Where is Kochi?
Kochi (220 km north of Thiruvanathapuram) is the largest city in the state
of Kerala. It is located in the district of Ernakulum and is one of the
principal seaports in the country.
What is the city famous for?
The city of Kochi is famous as a chief seaport in India. It also treasures
some ancient European-built churches, synagogues and palaces.
How will you gain access?
Cochin International Airport is located 25 km north of the city. The South
Railway Station (Ernakulum Junction) and the North Railway Station(Ernakulum
Town) are the two main railheads in the city. The city is also
well-connected by road to the other parts of the state and the country.
What does the climate say?
Kochi experiences a hot and humid climate round the year. During the
summers (March-June), the maximum temperature records 35 degrees centigrade.
Temperaure during the winters remains around 20 degrees centigrade. June to
September is the time of the southwest monsoons and during the period the
city receives heavy rainfall with thunder and lightning. The average annual
rainfall of the place records 350 cm.
What magnetises people?
» Dutch Palace
The Dutch Palace is located at Mattancherry, 10 km from Ernakulum. The
palace was erected by the Portuguese to present it to the Raja of Kochi
Veera Kerala Varma in 1555 AD. There are two massive arches that provide
entrance to the Palace. The arches are built in typical Portuguese style.
Inside the inner court lies a small temple dedicated to the goddess of the
Kochi Royal family. The splendid architecture and the ancient paintings make
it a must-visit site.
» Jewish Synagogue
The Jewish Sunagogue is yet another attraction in Kochi. The original
building of the synagogue was destroyed by shelling during a Portuguese
raid. However it was reconstructed two years later when the Dutch captured
Kochi.
» St. Francis Church
St.
Francis Church was erected in 1503 by Portuguese Fransiscan friars.
Originally built of wood, the church was reconstructed in stone in the mid
16th century. It is India's European-built church. Vaco da Gama, the first
European sailor to reach India, died in Cochin in 1524 and was buried here
for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon in Portugal. His
tombstone can be seen inside the church.
» Bolghatty Palace
The Bolghatty Palace is counted among the oldest palaces built by the
Portuguese in India. It is located in the scenic Bolghatty Island. The villa
served as the Governer's Palace for the Dutch. In the year 1909, it was
leased to the British. Today, set in the midst of lush greenery, the palace
is a fantastic Heritage hotel.
Which are the nearby hotels?
Hotel Taj Malabar (45 km from Airport) is a 5-star deluxe hotel in the
city. The Renaissance (25 km from Airport) is a 4-star. The Metropolitan
(near South Railway Station) and the Surya (close to the Airport) are 3-star
hotels while Gaanam Hotel (26 km from Airport) is a 2-star with facilities
like car park, laundry, safe deposit, lockers, money changing licence etc.
Where should you shop?
Kochin offers a wide range of shopping options to the visitors. Exquisite
metal ware, camel-bone carvings, wood carvings, items made from coconut
shells and bamboo cane and embroidered mats can prove to be the best buys of
the place. One can also find jewellery items, readymade garments and
hand-woven textiles. The chief shopping areas of the city are M.G. Road,
Broadway and Marine Drive.
