Kochi
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a port city in southwest India that has a long history of trade dating back at least 600 years. It is located on the Malabar coast. The city, commonly referred to as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” serves as the financial, commercial, and industrial hub of Kerala. Kochi exudes an old-world elegance and is home to a varied range of linguistic groups, including Gujaratis, Jews, and Konkinis, as well as ethnic groupings like the Anglo-Indians. The city also features a combination of plain terrain, beaches, islands, and backwaters.
Kochi has a long history of trade with the southwest and is still home to several Dutch and Portuguese structures, some of which have undergone reconstructions. Examples of these buildings include the Old Harbour House, Mattancherry Palace, Bolgatty Palace, and the Jewish Synagogue.
A network of lagoons and islands connected by boats may also be found in Cochin. One of the biggest artificial islands in India is Willingdon Island, which is located in Kochi. Kochi, the official home of the Indian Navy’s southern command, is home to both an active naval facility and an aviation squadron.
Destinations In Kochi
1. Fort Kochi
Located in the southwest of Main Kochi, Fort Kochi is a beach town renowned for its vintage colonial elegance. Every single cultural shift that the area has undergone over the ages is still present. All around the nation, the ruins of British domination are visible. All year long, throngs of tourists swarm here to see firsthand how Portuguese or Dutch colonization impacted various regions of our nation.
This charming city has a general atmosphere that always brings to mind the colonial powers who once controlled the area. It is peppered with European buildings. With its toy-town-like streets and quaint, colorful buildings, it still retains the feel of an old colonial city.
2. Mattancherry Palace
The Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace, located at Mattancherry, Kochi, in the state of Kerala, is also referred to as the Dutch Palace. The rajas of Kochi have left behind a museum that houses their personal belongings, including Mattancherry Palace. Discover the interesting history of Kerala via the use of priceless ornaments and artifacts by visiting this location.
Mattancherry Palace’s grandeur is found in its simplicity; it is constructed in the traditional Keralan style, which is reserved for aristocratic residences. The Mattancherry Palace’s four distinct wings around a central courtyard that is home to a temple. It has exhibitions and murals with pictures of Kochi’s Rajas. They have stunning murals depicting myths and a gallery of Cochin Raja portraits, both painted in warm hues employing the tempera method.
3. Santa Cruz Basilica
One of India‘s eight basilicas is the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, which is situated in Fort Kochi. The church is the second cathedral constructed by the Portuguese and is well-known for its gothic style architecture and Portuguese interiors. Situated in Fort Kochi on K.B. Jacob Road, this exquisite Roman Catholic church functions as the Diocese of Kochi’s cathedral.
In addition to the exquisite stained glass windows, there are seven big canvas paintings and frescoes decorating the columns. There are several exquisitely painted pictures on the ceiling that show Christ’s Crucifixion. Because it commemorates the beginning of Christianity in India, this cathedral has particular meaning for the Christians who live in Kochi.
4. Bolgatty Palace
One of the oldest Dutch palaces still standing outside of Holland is Bolgatty Palace, which is situated on Kochi’s Bolgatty Island. It is a magnificent illustration of Kochi architecture. Dutch tradesmen had it constructed in 1744, and it was later expanded and surrounded by beautifully designed gardens. Bolgatty Palace has plenty of green lawns, blue skies, and the pristine beauties of Kerela.
The edifice was the residence of the British and also functioned as the Governor’s palace for the Dutch Malabar commander due to its scenic surroundings and extensive history. It has since reestablished itself as a high-end hotel and is a beloved choice for couples. The Bolgatty Palace lives up to its name—it is sumptuous in every way. The building is encircled by well-kept grounds that provide a lovely location for a stroll in the evening. The Main Block, the Marina Block, and the Mansion Block are the three distinct areas that make up the inside of the palace.
The Bolgatty Palace‘s Marina Block, which has a view of Kochi’s International Marina, is its most visited area. Four opulent rooms with sumptuous furnishings ensure a relaxing stay. You can also take advantage of amenities like the conference room, swimming pool, in-house eateries, and Lake Front Cottage. For an opulent stay that will revitalize your mind, body, and spirit, visit Bolgatty Palace.
5. Marine Drive, Kochi
One of Kochi’s most well-liked hangouts, Marine Drive, looks out over Kerala’s tranquil backwaters. With a three-kilometer boardwalk, this lovely promenade is a great area to spend some leisure time, whether you’re with loved ones or spending time by yourself.
From Jankar Jetty in the north to the Ernakulam Boat Jetty in the south, there is a stretch of Marine Drive. Nearby, notable sites include the GCDA Shopping Complex, the Houseboat Bridge, the Rainbow Bridge, the Marine Walkway, and the China Net Bridge. Therefore, Marine Drive is the ideal location for you if you want to learn the fundamentals of Kochi.
6. Jewish Synagogue
The Cochin Jewish Synagogue, also called Paradesi Synagogue or Mattancherry Synagogue, is the oldest continuously operating synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations and not just in Kochi. Among the seven synagogues of the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila, this one is situated in Kochi’s Jew Town neighborhood and was built in 1567.
The synagogue is also known as “Paradesi,” which translates to “foreigners,” because it was constructed by Spanish-speaking Jews and shares walls with the Mattancherry Palace. The synagogue comprises four buildings of its own and is adorned with exquisite chandeliers, clock towers, brass railed pulpits, Chinese hand-painted tiles, and other rare antiquities. Its architecture is also quite impressive. The Portuguese destroyed the synagogue in 1662, but the Dutch restored it two years later.
7. Willingdon Island
One of the biggest artificial islands in India is called Willingdon Island, after the British Viceroy of India, Lord Willingdon. There are several connections between Kochi Port and other domestic and foreign ports thanks to this lovely island. Moreover, a few of the district’s opulent hotels as well as its commercial and industrial structures are located on the island. The ferry, which runs between Kochi Port and Ernakulum Jetty, costs about INR 6.
Wellington Island and Kochi’s mainland are connected via a bridge. The island, which was built by the brilliant harbor engineer Sir Robert Bristow, is important because it is home to the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, the Indian Navy’s Kochi Naval Base, and the Port of Kochi. The island offers opportunities to explore its natural habitat and museum, aside from its economic uses.
8. Chinese Fishing Nets
The Chinese Fishing Nets, also called Cheenavala, are one of Kerala’s most recognizable and well-liked sights. They are unique to Kochi and are situated near to Fort Kochi. As one of Kerala’s most important cultural icons, the location is also one of the most photographed in the entire town, drawing throngs of visitors and photographers on a daily basis.
In essence, the Chinese fishing nets are enormous nets that are fastened to bamboo and teak poles. After that, they are dropped into the ocean using special devices and weighted down with big stones fastened to ropes. After gathering a sizable amount of fish, these nets are left in the water until they are drawn back by pulling the ropes once again.
