Kerala Travel Tours - Kerala means "land of
coconuts". Many call the beach at kovalam the best in
india. Emerald Kerala Backwaters, lush hill stations, ayurveda
and health resorts, enchanting beaches of Kerala, and exotic
cuisine… all of which are a part of Kerala Travel and Tourism
Guide. |
Kerala |
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Cochin Travel Tours - Travel though the relaxed and laid back atmosphere of the Kerala cities or indulge in some eco friendly tourism activities on a leisurely pace. |
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Cochin (Kochi) Travel |
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How To Get There - Cochin (Kochi) |
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By Air The nearest airport is at Karipur,
Kozhikode, about 93kms south. |
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By Rail Kannur railway station is an
important rail head of the Southern Railway and is well linked to major
towns up country as well as within the State. |
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By Road Kannur is accessible by road. |
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Ferries Ferry service is available for
travel between the island towns. |
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Local Transport Taxis, city buses and
autorickshaws. |
 COCHIN - QUEEN OF ARABIAN SEACochin, the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala, has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city. One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Cochin, earlier known as Cochin has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala's commercial hub. Kerala's prime tourist destination, it spreads across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters. Its main sections: modern Ernakulam in the east and the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin on a peninsula in the west are linked by a complex system of ferries. COCHIN - KERALA COMMERCIAL CAPITALA prime tourist destination and also the commercial capital the
district represents the modern facet of Kerala. |
Prime Attractions of Cochin (Kochi) |
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A Scenic island near the city of Ernakulam, Bolghatty
is famous for the Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 AD.
more.. |
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Originally built by the Portuguese in the mid-16th
century, the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace is located at
Mattancherry. It was presented to the Cochin Maharaja in 1555 AD and
later taken over by the Dutch who carried out repairs and extended it
further more.. |
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The oldest synagogue in India, it was built in 1586
AD by the prosperous Jewish community whose links with Kerala began in
Kodungalloor in northern Kerala. more.. |
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The
festival of Attachamayam is held on the Atham day of the Malayalam month
of Chingam (August/ September), at the historical town of Tripunithura,
near Cochin more.. |
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The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located
between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Cochin - Madurai highway. The
Cheeyappara Falls cascades down in seven steps. more.. |
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Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam enshrines
Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, one of the most popular deities in
Kerala. Devi is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu. more.. |
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Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed
during the last week of every year in Fort Cochin in Kerala. The carnival
dates back to the Portuguese New Year revelry held here during the
colonial days. more.. |
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The feast at the ancient Roman Catholic Church of
Edapalli Perunnal is situated on the National Highway (NH 47) between
Ernakulam and Aluva. more.. |
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Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on
the rolling backwaters of Cochin. Conducted in the last week of December,
it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair. more.. |
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The Jews of Kerala are believed to have migrated to
this place in the first century following the destruction of the second
temple of Jerusalem in 72 AD. more.. |
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The festival of 'Kodikuthu' is celebrated on the
14th of January each year, in Kanjiramattom Mosque, 25 kms from
Ernakulam. more.. |
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Kodungalloor, 50 kms north of Cochin, was the ancient
port town of Muziris or Crangannore. Goddess Bhagavathi is the presiding
deity of the ancient temple here. The Bharani Festival, which falls in
the Malayalam month of Meenam (March/ April) attracts the largest
congregation of 'Velichappadu' (Oracles), including women from different
parts of the State. more.. |
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The feast or the 'Perunnal' at the famous Catholic
Church at Malayatoor is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter, in the
months of March/April. more.. |
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Close to the St. Francis church, it is
Roman Catholic Church, which was also built by Portuguese. It has a
beautiful collection of paintings and a decorative ceiling, despite
having suffered severe damage when the British fought with the Dutch to
take control of Cochin. more.. |
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Built in 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars,
this is the India's oldest European church. more.. |
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Thalaserry fort, located at a distance of 22 kms from
Kannur constructed in 1708 AD was the military centre of the British.
more.. |
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Bhoothathankettu 63 kms from Cochin, it's a
beautiful spot replete with a dam and boating facilities. Trekking
through the forests here is an exhilarating experience. |
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Cherai Beach This lovely beach bordering
Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen
here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves
nearby is an added attraction of this beach. |
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Fort Cochin The St. Francis Church is
located in Fort Cochin, which was built in 1510 AD, by five Portuguese
priests who arrived with Albuquerque. The church, the burial site for
Vasco da Gama in 1524 AD is said to be the oldest European church built
in India. |
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Gundu Island Here is the magnificent 16th
century Pallipuram Fort that is open only on Thursdays. |
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Jew Town The area around the Synagogue is a
centre of spice trade and curio shops |
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Kodanad 45 kms from Cochin, it is one of the
largest elephant capturing camps and training centres in India. It is on
the southern banks of Periyar River amidst the beautiful high ranges
near Perumbadoor. Even though elephant capture was banned in 1977, the
training centre continues to function. |
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Kodungalloor Formerly called Muziris, it
was a famed sea-port on the west coast in ancient tomes, where St.
Thomas is supposed to have landed in 52 AD. It was also the capital of
Cheraman Perumal, a King of Kerala, whose famous palace Allal
Perumkovilakam was situated near the great pagoda at Thiruvanchikulam. |
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Pareekshith Thampuran Museum This
sprawling, traditional Kerala style building previously called the
Durbar Hall, houses 19th century oil paintings, a collection of old
coins, sculptures and Mughal paintings. The museum remains open from
10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. all weekdays except
Mondays. |
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Vypeen Island There is a magnificent
lighthouse at Ochanthuruth, which remains open from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
daily. |
Excursions from Cochin (Kochi) |
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(70Km.) Situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the town's commercial centre lives in a maze of canals. Set in the labyrinth of Backwater channels, the town is one of the best gateways to explore the unspoilt countryside. more.. |
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(12Km.) A leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Cochin. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India, Cochin has an eventful and colourful history. more.. |
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(130Km.) The nature, absolutely untouched has led to the christening of this place as 'Virgin Munnar', in the tourism industry. Increasing fame and the growth of visitors may soon account to deletion of this description. more.. |
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Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667 AD, Bastion Bungalow get its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old, Dutch fort. more.. |
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Built in 1506 as the residence of the Portuguese Governor, the Bishop's House stands on a little hillock near Parade Ground. The facade of the house is characterized by large Gothic Arches and has a circular garden path, winding upto the main entrance. more.. |
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12 kms from Sulthan Bathery on the Pulpalli Main Road, is located this astounding waterfall. For a glimpse of this lovely waterfall, one has to trek a distance of around 4 kms from Chethalayam. more.. |
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(13Km.) Located at a distance of 10 kilometers from Cochin, Hill Palace, the official residence of the Cochin royal family was built in 1865. Consisting of 49 buildings, the palace is built in the Traditional Architectural Style of Kerala. more.. |
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(10Km.) The museum At Tripunithura, displays the erstwhile wealth and prosperity of the Cochin royal family, including the King's throne and crown. more.. |
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(30Km.) The mosque is situated at Kanjiramattom, 30 km from Cochin. It is believed that the mosque was erected over the mortal remains of a Muslim saint, Sheikh Parid more.. |
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Koder House, the magnificent building constructed by Samuel. S. Koder of the Cochin Electric Company in 1808 AD is a supreme example of transition from colonial to Indo-European architecture. more.. |
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(52Km.) A famous Christian pilgrim centre, this 9th century Catholic church is situated on the 609 m high Malayatoor Hill. St. Thomas, the apostle, is believed to have prayed in this shrine. more.. |
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(8Km.) The Museum of Kerala History is at Edapally on the way to Aluva. It is the best place to have a quick glimpse of Kerala's history. A statue of Parasurama, the sage who is said to have created Kerala, greets the visitors. more.. |
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Situated on the northern fringe of the Vypeen Island, Pallippuram Fort was built in 1507 AD, by the Portuguese. It is considered to be the first fort built in India by the Europeans. more.. |
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Pierce Leslie Bungalow the charming Mansion was once the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., the famous coffee merchants. Founded in 1862 AD, this building, a representative of Fort Cochin Colonial Bungalow reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. more.. |
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Thakur House, the graceful building holds within itself a reflection of the colonial era. The Bungalow was built on the site of the Gelderland Bastion, one of the seven bastions of the old Dutch fort. more.. |
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(20Km.) Located 20 kms from Thodupuzha, Thommankuthu is a small and beautiful, wild waterfall. Thommankuthu attracts thousands of tourists every year. The wild beauty of the scenic waterfall will steal the heart of any traveller. more.. |
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Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Cochin. more.. |
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Aluva (20Km.)Just north of Cochin, this town is situated on the banks of the river Periyar. In February- March, this town celebrates the famous Sivarathri festival, attended by thousands of devotees. |
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Chennamangalam (42Km.)42 kms from Ernakulam. It was one of the chief Jewish centres in Kerala. There is an oriental Jewish synagogue in the old Jewish colony. In its vicinity, lie the ruins of the Vypeenkotta seminary built by the Portuguese and an ancient Syrian Catholic Church. |
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Kalady Located on the banks of the river Periyar, this is the birthplace of the 8th century Advaita philosopher, Sri Shankaracharya. The town is famous for its many temples. |
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Koonankurissu Located in Mattancherry, the place is famous for the oath taken in front of it by the Malankara Syrian Christians, which paved the path for the division of Christians in Kerala into Roman Catholics and Malankara Syrian Christians. Before the split, the Christians were united under the fold of the Catholic Bava of the East. |
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Kumarakom (88Km.)This unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds from across the world, which makes it a renowned bird watching centre. Kumarakom is also a centre for houseboat cruises. |
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Willingdon Islands Named after Lord Willingdon, one of the British Viceroys, Willingdon Islands are Cochin's famous islands. Situated between Ernakulam and Mattancherry and separated from both by the Backwaters, it is a man-made island created by using the soil obtained while dredging the Cochin harbour to allow vessels with deeper draughts to dock. |
Places To Stay - Cochin (Kochi)Choice Sea Side Hotel, Cantonment.Centaur Tourist Home, M A Road. Kamala International, S M Road. Kavitha Tourish Home, S N Park. Motel Aram, Kalliassery. Omars Inn, Station Road. Yatri Nivas (KTDC), Near Police Club. Bharat Hotel, Ernakulam. Casino Hotel, Willingdon Island. Dwaraka Hotel, Ernakulam. Ganam Hotel, Ernakulam. Grand Hotel, Ernakulam. |
Maps - Cochin (Kochi)Railway Network MapRoad Map Travel Map |
Climate - Cochin (Kochi)Mean Max: 32.6 °C.Mean Min: 21.4°C. |
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Rainfall Rainfall (annual): 344 cm. |
General Information - Cochin (Kochi) |
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Area 2997 sq.km. |
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Population 2,251,727. |
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Clothing Tropical cottons. |
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Location North Malabar Area (Kerala) |
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Main Attraction Fort St. Angelos, Arakkal
Palace |
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Best Time August to March |
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Altitude Sea Level. |
Useful Information - Cochin (Kochi)Post & Telegraph:General Head Post Office, Hospital Road. |
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Tourist Information Centres Tourist
Information Centre: Government Of India Tourist Office, Willingdon Island; Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Tourist Reception Centre, Shanmugham Road. |
Shopping - Cochin (Kochi) |
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Where to Shop For Handicrafts: Kerala State Handicrafts Development showroom- Kairali, M.G. Road. State Handicraft Society Emporium - Surabhi, M.G. Road. Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, the showroom of Khadi Village Industries at Pallimukku, M.G. Road Coir Board: Coir Board Showroom on Mullassery Canal Road. |
