A major port city on the south west coast bordering the Laccadive Sea of India is Kochi which is a part of the district of emakulam in the Kerala state. Cochin is the second most important city on the west coast of India and has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala over the years. Flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and Western Ghats on the east is Cochin which is an amazing seaside city. On the development and history of Cochin the British, Portuguese, Arabs, Chinese and Dutch from time immemorial. Arrival in Kerala first ranks is Kochi in the total number of domestic and international tourist. The original name of the city is Kochi while the colonial name is Cochin.
One of the principle tourist destinations of Kerala is Kochi. The name of the city is drives word Kochazhi which means small lagoon from the Malayalam. The mountains, the sea and proximity to the equator which gives a rich experience of a moderate climate of an equatorial are the Kochi. Ernakulam district in the Kerala state where Kochi is situated. Also a name of a town is Ernakulam which is the Ernakulam district’s administrative capital but for all purpose of practical Cochin and Ernakulam generally refer to the same place. A small town is Cochin which is strictly speaking. Kochi was the first of the European colonies in colonial India which occupied in 1503 by the Portuguese. The financial capital of Kerala is Kochi with the biggest urban agglomeration in the state.
PLACES TO VISIT
Fort Kochi
Kochi symbolize by the Chinese fishing nets which can be seen only in Kochi Fort this is the only place where the Chinese fishing nets are different outside China in the world for which the credit goes to the traders from the court of Kubla Khan who was the Chinese emperor. Vasco House is another landmark in this area where Vasco Da Gama is believed to have lived and one of the oldest built by Europeans in India is St. Francis church. Along Beach of Fort Kochi which may be the only beach in the state which has the presence of the Chinese fishing nets where visitors can also enjoy walking here.
Mattancherry
Another fascinating area is Mattancherry in Kochi or Cochin. Tourist spot in Koch is Mattancherry where in particular the Dutch Palace and Portuguese influence can be seen. Another tourist attraction of Mattancherry is Jew Town with the synagogue which is oldest functioning synagogue in India is dating from 1568 along with other tourist spots such as Museum of Mattancherry Palace which hosts unique weapons like spears, swords, etc, Ram Mandir, Royal temple of Mattancherry Pazhayannur, Gowd Saraswat Brahmin temples and Palliarakkavvu temple etc.
Bolgatty & Vypeen Islands
Away from mainland Kochi a short boat ride is Bolghatty Island and one of the oldest exiting Dutch palaces outside Holland which has Bolghatty Palace. Now this is changed into a hotel and even there is ayurvedic centre, a small golf course, 9- hole golf course, daily Kathakali performances and a swimming pool and also a famous resort to stay for tourist of overseas and Indian. Renowned for hosting a large number of wedding ceremonies, international conferences, exhibitions and conventions is Event Centre of the Bolgatty.
Lulu Shopping Mall, Edappally
In Edappally, Cochin also has largest shopping mall of India. There are a lot of markets but a visit to Lulu mall which treat with air conditioning for a shopping experience in Kochi. One of the most visited places in Kerala is Lulu Shopping mall with average daily foothills. In this modern complex, you see there are both international as well as local specialties brands in this shopping mall.
Malayattoor
Around Ernakulam there are tourist sports which are very interesting like Church at Malayattoor. Throughout the world the place is known for its Catholic church which is dedicated to the popular apostle of Jesus Christ, St Thomas. Malayatoor Church is the most famous attraction in Malayattoor. One of the most important centers of Christian pilgrim in India is Malayattoor Church. Amongst all the most famous is the St. Thomas Malayattoor church.
Cherai & Vypeen beach
Another island is Vypeen Island which is really famous among visitors to Kerala & Kochi. Pallipuram Fort’s location is also Vypeen which is the India’s oldest surviving fort built in 1503 by European settlers. A real beach paradise for someone who wants to spend some time of holidaying with their loved ones is Cherai. A perfect blend of the sea and the backwaters is scenic Cherai beach which is located on the north- end of the Vypeen Island in Kochi.
Kodanad Elephant Training Centre
A wonderful experience is watching an elephants at an arm length and all part of coming to a pretty place such Kerala. Among the Ecotourism destination Indian Govt. projects and now an elephant rescue centre for captured Elephants in the mountain of adjoining from the forests which is Kodanad. One of the popular training centers of Elephants is Kodanad in Kerala. Perfectly these elephants are trained for work of heavy and riding such as exploring the transporting logs of woods, jungles to another place from one. At the centre there is a small wildlife park is a deer’s and other wildlife homes.
Andhakaranazhi Beach
From Kochi towards Alleppey, still a virgin & beautiful beach is Andhakaranazhi that is loacted near Ezhupunna. This place is popular for its beach which draws an amount of international and domestic tourists. From the neighboring fishing village where you can see many fishing boats in the beach and the main activity of the village folks here is fishing. One of the prettiest beaches is Andhakaranazhi beach. Near the beach there is a pretty light house. A must see especially if you are planning for a houseboat trip to Alleppey from Kochi is Andhakaranazhi Beach.
Marine Drive
A scenic promenade is Marine Drive in the Kochi City of Kerala. The most beloved tourist attractions in Ernakulam are marine Drive. From the daily region of life tourists and families can be seen milling around, finding a convenient escape and taking in the view. The perfect route to view the great which is financial capital of Kerala has to offer is Marine Drive. From Marine Drive starts private boat operates offers hourly cruises which goes through Bolgatty, Cochin Harbour and around other places.
Hill Palace Museum
This palace was the dwelling of erstwhile Kochi’s Maharaja and it was converted into a Museum in 1986. The largest archeological museum in Kerala is Hill Palace which located at Tripunithura in Kochi. Home to several rare species of plant of medicinal is the campus of the museum. Hill palaces Museum has the horse cart gallery & weapon gallery which are really mesmerizing. The complex of palace is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture and comprises 49 buildings itself.
HOW TO REACH
By Road: Kochi is well linked by road to neighboring states and cities.
By Train: Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town these are two major railway stations has Kochi. In India well linked to all major railway stations is Cochin.
By Air: International airport of Cochin which is situated Kochi city’s about 25 km north at Nedumnassery is handles both flight of international and domestic.
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