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Cochin |
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Kochi (colonial name
Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the
Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state
of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance
over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the
Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway
to Kerala.
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).
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Area: 95 sq.km. |
Altitude : Sea Level |
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +5.3 |
Rain Fall: 350mm |
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Temp (summer): 20-35°C |
Temp (winter): 20-25°C |
STD/ISD : Yes |
Internet: Yes |
Plug   |
230-240V 50HZ |
Open: Always |
STD Code: 0484 |
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Place to Visit |
Chinese
Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi - The chinese
fishing nets (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is
believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai
Khan introduced these nets here.
Fort Kochi beach - A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset
with the chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background,
is a memorable experience.
St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi - It is the oldest church
built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da
Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea,
fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church.
Vasco House, Fort Kochi - Vasco house, located on Rose
Street, is believed to be one of the oldest Portuguese houses in
India. Vasco da Gama is believed to have lived here.
Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi - The original church,
situated in Fort Kochi, was built by the Portuguese in 1505 and
named as a cathedral in 1558. The British colonists destroyed the
cathedral in 1795.
Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry - The synagogue, built
in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian
chandeliers.
Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Mattancherry - The Dutch
Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th
century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of
Kochi.
Bolghatty Palace, Bolghatty Island - This Dutch palace is situated
on Bolghatty island which is just a short boat ride away from the
mainland.
Hill Palace, Tripunithura - Built in the 19th century by the
Raja of Kochi, this palace served as the seat of the Raja of the
Kochi province. The palace has been converted into a museum
displaying a fine collection of articles showing the wealth and
splendour of the Rajas of Kochi, including the thone and the crown.
Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort - It is the oldest surviving
European fort in India, built by the Portuguese in 1503. Its
situated in Pallipuram on Vypeen island.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary - Mangalavanam is a protected
bird sanctuary situated right in the heart of Kochi city. It is the
home of many exotic and rare varieties of migratory and resident
birds.
Museum of Kerala History, Kalamassery - The museum has on display
spectacular audio-visual exhibits depicting the history and culture
of Kerala along with many life size statues of many famous
personalities and several paintings depicting Kerala history.
Parikshith Thampuran Museum - This Rajas of Cochin used to
conduct their durbars in this impressive building located within the
Durbar Hall grounds.
Cherai Beach - This lovely beach ideal for swimming is
located on the north end of Vypeen island, one of the many small
islands just off the mainland.
Veega Land - Veega Land is South India's largest amusement
park situated 14kms from Cochin. The park includes a range of
attractions including mini castles, water theme park, ferris wheel,
rides, slides, shows and fountains. Kids and adults alike can enjoy
the fun and activities.
Marine Drive - A stroll along the long tree-lined coastal
pathway that lines the backwater is well worth the time spent,
especially late afternoon or dusk.
Willingdon Island - This man-made island was created in 1933
by sand dredged while deepening the backwaters for the Cochin Port,
under the direction of Sir Robert Bristow.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor - The Nehru stadium in
Kaloor, has a seating capacity of 60,000 in multiple tiers. It is
the fourth largest stadium in India and the largest in Kerala. |
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Place of Interest Near Kochi |
Alleppey(Alapuzha)
- Situated 63 kms south of Cochin along the coast, Alleppey is
connected to Kochi by rail and road. It is called the Venice of the
East due to the extensive canal network here. Every year the famous
snake boat race is held here.
Cheruthuruthy - Cheruthuruthy is about 110 kms away from
Kochi. It is the base of the Kerala Kalamandalam-the world famous
art and dance academy where training in various traditional forms
like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam etc are imparted.
Kalady - Situated 48 kms north-east of Kochi, on the banks of
river Periyar (Poorna). Kalady is the birthplace of Sri Adi
Sankaracharya, the monotheist Hindu philosopher.
Kodanad - Kodanad is 30 kms north-east of Kochi situated on
the lower ranges of the Western Ghats on the banks of river Periyar.
The wildlife reserve is famous for the elephants and the largest
elephant training centre is situated here.
Kodungalloor(Cranganore) - Kodungalloor is 35 kms north of
Kochi. The world famous port here was destroyed by a flood which led
to the formation of Kochi harbour. St. Thomas, the apostle, is
believed to have landed here in 52 AD.
Munnar - About 140 kms on NH49, Munnar is a hill resort ideal
for a relaxing holiday away from the tropical lowlands. The tea
gardens and cardamom plantations give Munnar a beautiful look.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady - Elephants, bisons, antelopes,
samburs, monkeys and bears can be found in their natural habitat in
this world famous wild life sanctuary, situated 190kms east of
Cochin.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary - Thattekad bird sanctuary is
located 60kms east of Cochin near Kothamangalam. Thattekad is
located on the northern bank of river Periyar is a tropical
evergreen forest in the foothills of the Wester Ghats.
Lakshadweep - Lakshadweep (meaning thousand islands), a haven
of unspoiled natural beauty, lies 220-440kms off the coast of Kochi.
Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5
submerged banks. |
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How to Go there? |
Air - Cochin/Kochi
(Airport Code: COK) has a world-class modern international airport,
located 30kms north-east of the city, with regular flights to major
cities in India. Cochin is also connected to Singapore, Colombo and
all major cities in the middle-east (Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Doha, Dubai,
Kuwait, Jeddah, Muscat, and Riyadh) by direct international flights.
Rail - Kochi (and Ernakulam) are connected to the rest of India by
an extensive network of rails.There are three main railway stations
in Cochin: Ernakulam Junction (main station), Ernakulam Town and
Cochin Harbour Terminus. Many important trains start from here and
many others from/to the south of kerala stop at these stations.
Road - An extensive network of national/state highways and local
roads link Kochi to rest of the country. Three important National
Highways(NH) pass through/start from Kochi, apart from many state
roads. NH 47 from Kanyakumari to Salem pass right through the heart
of Kochi while NH 17 to Mumbai and NH 49 to Madurai (in Tamil Nadu)
starts from Kochi. |
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