Kochi (Cochin), called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is situated on the west coast of India in the state of Kerala. Originally built by the Portuguese, Kochi has a natural harbor.
Sightseeing at Kochi (Cochin) :- Bolghatty Palace: A Palace originally built by the Portuguese situated on the Island of Bolghatty. In 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Coronations of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. This palace is presently being used as hotel. The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view.
Chinese Fishing Nets: The Chinese fishing nets are another attraction found here are the only ones of its kind in India. The legend says that the traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.
Dutch Palace: This is now a museum with some murals and artifacts used during the time of the monarchy.
Jewish Synagogue: The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. The Giant scrolls of the sacred Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace.
Fort Kochi: This is the most popular hangout area in the whole of Cochin among the tourists. Antiques, fabrics and handicraft products can be bought from here. The main shopping areas for the tourists.
St. Francis Church: It is the oldest church built by the European in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who sailed to India from Europe, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church.
The City of Kochi consists of a cluster of islands and peninsulas that includes the mainland of Ernakulam, the islands of Willington, Bolgatty and Gundu, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. All these are linked by ferry. Bridges also connect Ernakulam with Wellington Island and Fort Kochi and Mattancherry peninsulas. The Willington Island is an artificial island created with material dredged up when the harbour was deepened. Almost all historical sites are in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.
PLACES OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND KOCHI
MATTANCHERRY PALACE
Also known as the Dutch Palace. The Mattancherry Palace is a two storeyed qudrangular palace built by the Portuguese and was presented to the Raja of Kochi IN 1555 AD. Though this palace was built by the Portuguese, it is popularly known as the 'Dutch Palace' as the Dutch renovated it during their brief supermacy here. The Palace is well known for its mural paintings which are noted for their high level of excellence.
The Palace consists of Central coronation Hall, magnificent 17TH century murals depicting scenes from the epics and puranic legends connected with gods and goddesses and the Ladies' bed chamber and the Raja's dresses, turbans, palanquins etc. These paintings represent scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The paintings cover a wide range of themes from the 'Puthra Kameshtiyagam' to Rama's return to Ayodhya after vanquishing king Ravana of Lanka. They cover nearly 300sq. feet of wall surface. In the central courtyard of the palace is the temple dedicated to Pazhayannur Bhagavathi. In the Coronation hall, there is a display of dresses and palanquins used by the rulers of Kochi. The Palace is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days except Fridays and national holidays.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE
The Jewish Synagogue in Fort Kochi, which was built in 1568, is the oldest in India. It was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two years after. The great scrolls of Old Testament, the copper plates inscribed in the Hebrew script in which the grants of privilege made by the rulers of Kochi were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles (No two tiles are alike) etc. are of great interest. There are also several finely wrought gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by various patrons. The Jewish Town surrounding the Synagogue is a popular trade centre for spices. There are several interesting curio shops on the street leading up to the Synagogue. The synagogue is open from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. except on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
St.FRANCIS CHURCH AT FORT KOCHI
It is India's oldest European built Protestant church. The Church was built in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan friars. It became an Anglican Church after the occupation of Kochi by the British in 1795. Vasco da Gama, the first European to reach India, died in Kochi in 1524 and his tomb Stone can be seen inside the Church even though his mortal remains were transferred to Portugal 14 years later.
COCHIN CARNIVAL
Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last week of every year in Fort Kochi. Its origin goes back to the Portuguese New Year revelry here during the colonial days. With unique games, competitions and illumination during these days, Fort Kochi puts on a festive look. The highlight of the Carnival is the massive procession on the New Year Day. The procession is led by a caparisoned elephant accompanied by drums and music, spectacular floats, different folk art forms, Panchavadyam etc.
SANTA CRUZ BASILICA AT FORT KOCHI
Built in 1902, this magnificent Church has a fantastical and bewitching interior.
The CHINESE FISHING NETS
The Chinese Fishing nets (cheena vala) seen along the tip of Fort Kochi is a mechanical method of catching fish introduced by the Chinese traders. There are a number of such nets hanging from bamboo or teak posts still used by fishermen to catch fish by suspending lights from above the net. The Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the Sun set present a spectacular show.
THE MUSEUM of KERALA HISTORY
The Museum of Kerala History at Edappally near Ernakulam presents one hour light and sound spectacle of life-size sculptures in concrete together with background music and commentary with glimpses of Kerala’s history over the centuries. Important historical episodes from the Neo-lithic age to the modern age are depicted through life-size figures.
MNF GALLERY OF PAINTINGS & SCULPTURES
It is a center for Visual Arts and Gallery of Paintings and Sculpture at Edappally. The MNF Gallery is situated next to the Museum of Kerala History. It houses about two hundred original paintings of renowned Indian masters, past and present. There is also a large collection of modern sculptures in marbles, bronze, granite etc.
THE HILL PALACE MUSEUM
Situated 13 kms. from Kochi, this museum in Trippunithura displays the erstwhile wealth and prosperity of the royal family of Kochi, including the king's throne and crown. Also on display are other things of royalty like majestic beds, paintings , carving and samples of epigraphy.
Tripunithura is also known for the nearby Chottanikkara Temple and the Tripunithura Temple.
WILLINGTON ISLAND
An artificial island created with the material dredged up while deepening the Port of Kochi. It was named after Lord Willington, the Viceroy of British India. The Govt. of India Tourist Office, the Headquarters of the Southern Naval Command, the seaport, Kochi Railway terminus, Offices of the Kochi Port and the Customs House and the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry are situated in this island. There are several major trading and industrial Houses here. There are regular ferry services on the lake surrounding the island.
BOLGHATTY PALACE
This is a beautiful narrow palm fringed island lying close to Ernakulam. The beautiful Bolghatty Palace in this island was built by the Dutch in 1744 and later, it became the seat of the British Resident of Kochi. Now, it has been converted into a hotel by KTDC. This island is connected by frequent ferry services with the mainland Ernakulam. Boats to this island start from the High Court Jetty. Country boats (Machuvas) can also be hired near the Jetty.
PARISHITH THAMPURAN MUSEUM
It is located on the Durbar Hall Ground near Ernakulam Lord Shiva temple. This archaeological museum has collections of 19th century oil paintings, old coins, sculptures in stone and Plaster of Paris, copies of mural paintings and collections from the Kochi royal family.
CHENNAMANGALAM
It is a village on the banks of the River Periyar and about 40 km north-west of Ernakulam and 5 km from North Parur. It was once the abode of the famous Achans of Paliyam who were hereditary prime-ministers of the Raja of Kochi Kottayil Kovilakom. Ruins of the oldest Synagogue in Kerala, the Jewish Church, the ruins of a Jesuit college, a 16th century Mosque, Moslem and Jewish burial grounds, a 17th century Dutch Palace are places worth to visit.
KALADY
Kalady is the birth place of Adi Sankara. This pilgrim centre, situated on the banks of the river Periyar, is 45 km from Ernakulam. There are two shrines in memory of Adi Sankaracharya –one dedicated to Adi Sankara as Dakshinamurthy and the other to Goddess Sharada maintained by Sringeri Mutt. There is also an ancient Shri Krishna Temple and another temple known as the International Temple, which was built with the hope that it would ultimately become a temple for all religions and an abode of peace.
ST. THOMAS CHURCH AT MALAYATTOOR
Malayattur, 45 km from Ernakulam, is famous for the Catholic Church dedicated to St. Thomas atop the 609 metre Malayattur Hill.
This holy shrine is one of the most important Christian pilgrim centers in Kerala attracting devotees in very large numbers not only from Kerala but also from the neighboring states. This famous church is situated at Kurisumudi, a verdant hill in the Western Ghats girdled partially by the river Periyar.
Legends credit St. Thomas as having established about seven and a half churches in Kerala ( here half is only indicative of a church smaller in size.) These seven churches were established at Kodungallur, Palayur, Paravur, Kokomangalam, Niranam, Chayal, and Kollam. The Malayattoor Church and the Tiruvamcode Church in the Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu are considered to be the half church. But some believe that the Malayattoor Church is one of the major churches built by St. Thomas and they argue that the churches at Kokomanagalam and Paravur must be regarded as one.
The first Sunday after Easter is a very important day at Malayattoor. Pilgrims, chanting the name of the Apostle (‘Ponninkurisumala Muthappa’), climb Kurisumudi, the steep hill to visit the holy shrine. The Church has a life-size statue of St. Thomas and the imprint of the feet of the Apostle on a rock.
ALUVA PALACE
This palace is situated on the banks of the Periyar River with beautiful circular verandahs overlooking the river. This old palace building has now become the Auva Guest House, which is one of the loveliest in this State.INDIRA GANDHI BOAT RACE
As part of the tourism fair celebrated every year during the last week of December, a boat race is organized at Ernakulam. Several snake boats vie with one another to win the coveted trophy. This boat race with its heart throbbing rhythm of drum music provides an unforgettable experience.
PALLIPPURAM FORT
Pallippuram Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Catholic Church at Pallippuram is an important pilgrim centre.
TOURIST INFORMATION
More information can be had from the ITDC Tourist Office at Wellington Island and the KTDC Tourist Reception Centre in Ernakulam. Daily boat cruises are arranged by KTDC covering Willington Island, Fort Cochin, Mattancherry, Bolgatty Island etc. Village backwater cruises in country boats are also available.