The gorgeous city of Kochi, renowned as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is one of the foremost tourist destinations in Kerala.
The state is often termed as God’s Own Country for its natural exquisiteness and scenic splendour. One can enjoy numerous mesmerising sights of this grand place in this fantastic city called Kochi.
From shopping arcades to magnificent natural spots, the place has an indulgence for every visitor.
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Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is a coastal town in the south-western part of Kochi which is recognized for its traditional colonial charm. The place still upholds every single cultural change it has gone through over the centuries. Remnants of British rule are evident all over the country. Tourists flock here all around the year to have a glimpse of the effect of Portuguese or Dutch. The old-world city is speckled with similar structures and has an overall setting that keeps reminding us of the colonial powers that once governed the place.
This place has seen the rise and fall of European powers, mainly the Portuguese, Chinese before that the Dutch, before it went under the British rule in the 18th century. Fort Kochi is flecked with European architectural marvel of churches and other buildings which take us right back to a different era back in time.
It has that influence on the travelers, where they get engrossed by the serene environs and exceptional architectures. Distinct from other Forts of middle and northern India, Fort Kochi is all about bygone ramparts, canons and carcasses of old palatial buildings. Still it has the ambiance of an ancient colonial city with colourful and delightful buildings and a scenic view out at the beach similar to southern Europe County.
The Chinese Fishing Nets
The Chinese fishing nets are the trademark of Kochi tourism. It is held that Chinese explorer Zheng He under the instruction of Kubla Khan in late 13 or 14 century introduced these arrangements. These enormous fishing nets are in use even now and are a major tourist attraction of Fort Kochi. Locally called Cheenavala, is a 10 meters high structure with 20 meter wide span, functioned with a cantilever and counterweight stones.
Chinese nets still stance against the Malabar horizon with looming silhouettes, providing the most endearing sight.
Mattancherry
Mattancherry is a captivating area in Kochi, which still bores the old age aura. It is alleged that this place got its name from the house name “Ancherry Mattam”, a Brahmin house that was pronounced by foreign traders as Matt-Ancherry. It is a tourist spot in Kochi, where Portuguese influence is prominently visible. One can go to the Jew Town which houses India’s oldest functioning synagogue along with other tourist attractions like Mattancherry Palace Museum , Mattacherry Pazhayannur Royal temple and Palliarakkavvu temple.
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Bolgatty & Vypeen Islands
Bolgatty Island is at a short boat jaunt away from mainland of Kochi. It has the Bolghatty Palace, one of the oldest prevailing Dutch palaces outside Holland. Bolghatty Palace is now converted into a convention center with a small golf course, a swimming pool, 9-hole golf course, ayurvedic centre. They also provide daily Kathakali performances and is a popular resort to stay for Indian and overseas tourists.
Lulu Shopping Mall, Edappally
India’s largest shopping mall – Lulu Shopping Mall is located in Kochi. This is the first venture of EMKE group in Kerala. Kochi has a delightful shopping experience in store with its local markets, shopping centers, jew street etc but a visit to Lulu Mall is a luxury with air conditioning and 300+ food outlets, brand outlets of garments, bags, shoes, jewellery and renowned restaurants. Both international brands as well as local specialties combined under one roof of this modern complex. JW Marriott Hotels is located head-to-head within the mall compound.
Cherai & Vypeen beach
Vypeen Island is another island that is popular among visitors to Kochi & Kerala. Vypeen also houses the Pallipuram Fort, which is the oldest surviving fort in India, built by European settlers in 1503. One can enjoy the tranquillity of Cherai beach that is among the famous beaches in kerala. This beach is superficial, calm and is ideal for swimming & sunbathing.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive as its name proposes in not a driveway through which on can drive vehicles, but a scenic esplanade in Ernakulam that has the rainbow bridge, a symbol of Ernakulam. The Marine Drive is built on the land retrieved from backwaters. The initial plan was to build a beautiful road along the coastline but due the coastline rules the road was converted to a walkway. It also has a Chinese Fishing net bridge. Hourly cruises are provided by private boat operators starting from Marine Drive that goes through Cochin Harbour, Bolgatty and other places around.
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Hill Palace Museum
Hill Palace was the residence of former Maharaja of Kochi and later in 1986 converted to a Museum. Inside the complex, one can see crown and ornaments of erstwhile Cochin royal family. Paintings, sculptures in stone and marble, weapons, inscriptions, coins etc are other notable exhibits. Hill palace also has an archaeological museum, a deer park, a heritage museum, a children’s park and a pre-historic park. The weapon gallery & horse cart gallery are astounding.
Museum of Kerala history, Edappally
At Museum of Kerala history in Edappally, a statue of great sage Parasurama, who is said to have created Kerala, greets one. The museum is a is a quiet ethnic building hidden in the shades of huge trees and has an unassuming gallery housing eternal creations that will give you sights of the glorious past and rich cultural legacy of Kerala. The MNF Gallery of Paintings and Sculptures and the Centre for Visual Arts has paintings from renowned Raja Ravi Varma, M F Hussain, folk painter Jamini Roy, abstract painter Manu Parekh and mural maestro Mammiyoor Krishhan Kutty Nair.
Know more: Kochi: The Queen of Arabian Sea!
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