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Dutch Palace |
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 Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala features Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi.The palace is a quadrangular structure built in Nalukettu style, the traditional Kerala style of architecture, with a courtyard in the middle. In the courtyard there stands a small temple dedicated to 'Pazhayannur Bhagavati', the protective goddess of the Kochi royal family. There are two more temples on either side of the Palace, one dedicated to Lord Krishna and the other to Lord Siva. Certain elements of architecture, as for example the nature of its arches and the proportion of its chambers are indicative of European influence in basic Naluketttu style. The Dining Hall has carved wooden ornate ceiling decorated with a series of brass cups. The palace also contains rare examples of traditional Kerala flooring, which looks like polished black marble but is actually a mixture of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites. |
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Santa Cruz Cathedral |
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 The Santa Cruz Cathedral not only happens to be one of the oldest churches in Cochin, but also in the whole of India. Counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, this church is visited by tourists the whole year round. It was built by the first Portuguese viceroy, Francesco de Almeida, when he arrived in Kochi way back in 1505. On 3 May that year, during the feast of the "Invention of the Holy Cross", the foundation stone of this church was laid and upon completion, it was christened as Santa Cruz Cathedral.Later on, when the Dutch conquered Cochin in 1663, they ruined all Catholic establishments except this particular cathedral and the famous church of St. Francis. In those days, the Santa Cruz Cathedral was used as an armory. It was, however, later shattered in 1795, after the British took over the city. An elaborate granite pillar of this monumental cathedral was what remained after the destruction of the Santa Cruz Cathedral. The pillar is still kept on the southeastern corner of the present Basilica. |
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Bolgatty Palace |
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 Bolghatty Palace is located on the Bolghatty Islands, in the Cochin city of Kerala. The appeal of the palace lies in the fact that it is among the oldest existing palaces built by the Dutch in India, during the pre-British times. Kochi has long been one of the important trading centers of India, attracting traders and seafarers from far and near. In 1744, the Dutch traders built this palace, initially as a villa. Later, the villa was extended and lush green gardens were added all around it.During those days, the Bolgatty Palace sued to serve as the Dutch Governor's residence. Later, in 1909, the palace was leased to the British, who turned it into a residence for the British governors. In 1947, after India gained her independence, the Bolghatty Palace of Cochin became the property of the state and was later transformed into a heritage hotel resort. Also referred to as the Hotel Bolgatty Palace, it is now under the administration of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). |
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Poornathrayeesa Temple |
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 Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is situated in Tripunithura, 10 km to the south-east of Kochi city, in Ernakulam District of Kerala. The temple enshrines Santhanagopala Murthy or Santhana Gopala Moorthy as the presiding deity. Santhanagopalamoorthy which literally means "savior of infants" is an incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu. Lord Vishnu is seen here in a sitting posture under the shade of five hoods of Ananthan. This is a unique pose unlike the other Vishnu temples where the Lord is usually found in a reclining posture on the divine serpent, Anantha. The folded body of the serpent itself serves as the seat for the God. The two upper hands of Lord Vishnu hold Sanku (conch) and Chakram (holy wheel) and the lower right hand holds the Padmam (Lotus flower).On the back side of Sreekovil, there is a small window from where devotees can get a close look at the idol of Santhana Gopala Moorthy of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple. |
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St. Francis Church |
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 St. Francis Church of Kochi was originally named as Santo Antonio, the patron Saint of Portugal. Though it has hardly any architectural merits, it has been the model of many churches in India. The church has gabled timber-framed roof covered with tiles. The doors and windows of the church have semi-circular arches. The facades are flanked on either side by a stepped pinnacle. The bell turret of St. Francis Church at Kochi is divided into three compartments. Inside the church, the gravestones of the Portuguese is on the northern wall and that of the Dutch is on the southern wall. The gravestone of Vasco-da-Gama at St. Francis Church in Kochi is a major attraction there. Incidentally, after 14 years of his death, the remains were taken away to Lisbon in Portugal.St. Francis Church, Kochi is accessible by bus or boat from Ernakulam, 13 km away. The nearest railway station is also at Ernakulam and the nearest airport is 22 km away, in Nedumbassery. |
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Cherai Beach |
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 Cherai Beach is one amazing place and the place is noted for being a popular pick for all swimming lovers. The beach is locked by the sea on the western side and the backwaters on the east which gives the beach a very different and unusual touch. This place also has many thick and dense coconut groves and some fascinating Chinese fishing nets are the main attractions here on the Cherai Beach. The beach and the backwaters have lent a fascinating air to the entire place. Cherai beach however stands apart for its cleanliness and this is one feature which it does not share with the other beaches. The beach is 10 kilometer in length and is called the princess of the Arabian Sea. The beach also boasts of dolphins and many delicacies are found here on the beach. |
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Marine Drive |
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 Marine Drive is indeed the heart of Cochin. Besides being the recreational area of the city, Marine Drive is also a significant economic center of Cochin. With bustling activities and increasing tourist interest the Marine Drive has become a major attraction in Cochin. This long winding road, facing the backwaters and lying by the seacoast of Cochin is a sight you shall remember all your life.Enjoy the sunrise that light up your existence and sunset that marks a new beginning with its brilliant splash of colors at the Marine Drive in Cochin. Your trip to Cochin will be incomplete without a visit to the Marine Drive. |
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Hill Palace Museum |
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 This is one fascinating museum located in the heart of Cochi and tourists from all over the world during their fascinating trip to Cochi come here as they cannot afford to miss this one place in Kochi. The Hill Palace Museum is located in Thripunithura, in the Ernakulam District of Kochi. The museum is actually famous for one particular reason and that is simply because of the fact that it was Kerala's First Heritage Museum. The museum is actually an archeological museum and this was also the palace of the Kochi Royal Family. The museum goes on to house paintings, murals, stone carvings, inscriptions and other valuable collections. There is also a particular Cabinet Hall which goes on to display royal furniture which are very important features in the museum. The museum is open from 9.00 am to 12.30pm and again from 2pm to 4.30 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and National Holidays. |
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Jewish Synagogue |
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 This ancient house of beauty, built in 1568 AD, is the oldest existing synagogue among all the commonwealth countries of the world. Because of this synagogue, Cochin is popularly called as Jew Town of Kerala. The major attractions of this synagogue are the 18th century clock tower, hand painted blue Chinese tiles, several gold and silver crowns and many more.The synagogue was partially destroyed during the wars of 1662, but was later rebuilt by the Dutch. Along with it came a few additions to the basic synagogue, and it was designed more beautifully than the previous one. The synagogue still has records of Kochi rulers on copper plates. There are several business sites and buildings based on Jewish names. There are also a few Jewish families who still survive in Kerala. The Pardesi Synagogue is located in the Jew Town (Pardesi means foreigner). Its floors are made of pale azure and milky white hand-dyed floor tiles. The ancient work of architecture has been marveled by one and all. |
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Jews Town |
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 It has been known that Jewish settled in Kochi as early as 700 BC for trade and commerce. The population rose and the reigning Hindu king gave them a whole area for their own town. Today Jew Town is a unique feature of Kochi. Even though a multitude of Jews immigrated to Israel or converted, the region is still a Jewish township and you can see the traditions, customs and the old world charm here. |
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M.G Road |
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 Mahatma Gandhi Road, popularly known as MG Road is the main arterial road of the Ernakulam city. It is the most busiest road in Kerala and one of the leading commercial high street of the state. It starts from Venduthurthy bridge in Thevara and ends at Madhava Pharmacy Junction intersecting at Banerjee Road. The road was earlier part of NH 47A (Old Highway) and later handed over to Cochin City Corporation ending the highway at Willingdon island. The highway was earlier known as Seventy Feet road. The total distance of the road is 4 km. Alongside of the road, several famous retail stores, hospitals, banks, leading hotels, multiplexes and industries like Cochin Shipyard etc. are located.MG Road is a high end commercial street. The most important corporate house located in this stretch is Cochin Shipyard, one of the largest shipyards in India, located near Habour side. Several top companies has their offices in this stretch and most of the banks in India maintains their regional offices or main branches in this road. The stretch also houses more than a dozen premium hotels as well as several famed jewellery brands. Some of the leading commercial landmarks are |
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Fort Kochi Beach |
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 The Fort Kochi Beach is 12 km from Ernakulam. A fishing village originally, which became the first European township in India, the influence of the Portugese, the Dutch and later the British can be seen from the remains of the Fort on the beach. The Fort is one place on the beach where you can enjoy peace and quiet. The New Year Eve carnival at the beach is one celebration that you cannot afford to miss if you are at Kochi or Ernakulam.Fort Kochi is a small village located near the larger city of Kochi. There are picturesque beaches along this part of the coast line. Scattered throughout the beaches are many famous Chinese fishing nets as well as many sailing ships. The effect created by such fishing necessities is quaint and relaxing. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline, since this location was where the first European settlement in India was located. This particular stretch of the coast also contains numerous small stalls which sell delicious traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish right on demand. |
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Willingdon Island |
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 Willingdon Island is a man made one which was formed with materials dredged while deepening the Cochin Port and channel, It is the seat of the harbour and cochin Port Trust. The Southern Naval Command has its headquarters here. The seaport, naval airport and the railway terminus are all on this island. It was named after Lord Willingdon who was a former British Viceroy of India This island is the home of the Cochin Port as well as the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command. Today, the island is the site of the city's best hotels and trading centers. The fact that it is surrounded by backwaters makes it a tremendously beautiful location. |
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Princess Street |
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 Flowerpot-laden window sills, bronze stucco walls and peeling pastel – these all are the symbols of colonial style buildings. See them in Princess street – a back street.Now filled with antique shops,homestays and hotels,with out disturbing the orginality. Fort Kochi really revels in moody pastimes. This is especially easy to see in the city of Kochi on Princess Street. Numerous old colossal houses are located on this street with each being built in the style of home that was customary for a given European nation to build. The end result is a quaint street that portrays various different European destinations. Homes built in the Dutch, British, French, and Portuguese style are all there. Most of these homes allow visitors to see what they are like inside as well. |
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Chinese Fishing Nets |
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 The Chinese Fishing Nets are said to have its origin in China and were introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He. These cantilevered fishing nets were also brought to Cochin from the court of Kublai Khan and have stayed here ever since. The system is sufficiently balanced that the weight of a man walking along the main beam is sufficient to cause the net to descend into the sea. The net is left for a short time, possibly just a few minutes, before it is raised by pulling on ropes. The catch is usually modest: a few fish and crustaceans — these may be sold to passers by within minutes. The system of counterweights is most ingenious. Rocks, each 30 cm or so in diameter are suspended from ropes of different lengths. As the net is raised, some of the rocks one-by-one come to rest on a platform thereby keeping everything in balance. |
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