Location:
Kochi, the landmark trading center of Keralaand bustling with verve boasts of harboring one of the top-grade natural seaports. It is situated at a distance of 218 kilometers to the north of Trivandrum. It comprises Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, the Vembanad lake islands, Ernakulam and Thripunithura.
Water Sources:
Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is replenished by the Sea itself.
Places of Interest:
A trip to the lush backwaters of Kochiis a feast for the eyes. It is the haven of vintage architecture, lip-smacking delicacies and pure solitude.
The Willingdon Island is a popular tourist haunt that is a must visit on a cruise to the Kochi backwaters. It is a contrived island made up of dragged up silt. You can find luxurious hotel accommodations and shopping havens. A visit to the central office of the navy is also a must.
The Bolgatty Island also claims huge footfalls primarily due to the Bolgatty Palace Hotel. It is a relic of the Dutch Empire dating back to 1744. It has been a major retreating haven for the golf freaks as it houses the only teeing ground of Kochi. Besides the boat ride, you can also saunter down the Goshree Bridge, that is nearing completion,that connects Vypeen and Ernakulam.
The island of Vypeen is cocooned by the backwater and the Arabian Sea. People flock to visit this island because its unique selling point is its teeming millions which crowns it as one of the thickly peopled sites on earth. The Ochanthuruthu lighthouse is a celebrated landmark of the Vypeen islands that provides the visitors with a brilliant and exhilarating bird's - eye view of Kochi.
The sights and sounds of Fort Kochi are also among the famed tourists destinations of the Kochibackwaters. It is an eclectic mix of the British, Dutch, Portuguese and Arab architectural exploits. The tourists can take a trip of the St.Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and various other vintage architectural delights and walk down the history lane.
A voyage to the exotic backwaters of Kochiwill entail a visit to the oldest Jewish tabernacle, the Pardesi Synagogue, dating back to 1568. Embellished with floor art and housing history laced copper plates, this repository of heritage is a must visit.
The Fort Kochi beach and the Vasco da Gama Square are some of the other visitors' high lights of Fort Kochi.
The Mattancherry Palace, a relic of the Portuguese era, is an absolute feast for the history freaks.
Flora and Fauna:
The beautiful Kochi backwaters with its vibrant flora and fauna makes it a majestic tourists' paradise. The coconut and palm orchards along with sun-kissed and moon-lit sparkling watercourses is guaranteed to make your journey a memorable one.
Attractions:
If you want to savor the glittering festivities of the vibrant Kochi, do not forget to witness the gripping Indira Gandhi Boat Race that is held during the Onam. The Chinese Fishing Nets, a memorabilia from the time of Kublai Khan, is another tourist attraction that is often the fodder for the tourist shutterbugs.
Last Updated on : 25 November 2010
