About Kochi
The "Queen of the Arabian Sea"-Kochi is a beautiful natural harbor in India's "God's Own Country"-Kerala. If you are looking for succor for your harried bodies and souls, Kochi is the place to be. With the azure-blue waters of the Arabian Sea caressing its beaches, restaurants serving mouth-watering cuisine, the friendly, cosmopolitan city of Kochi is sure to appeal to everyone.
Kochi (or Cochin) has also been referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. Enjoying a moderate equatorial climate, Kochi is strikingly beautiful, especially during the monsoons. This cosmopolitan city is famous for its ethereal beauty. Located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, present-day Kochi includes Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, Ernakulam and other nearby towns and villages. Though Ernakulam is also the name of a town, visitors would do well to remember that Ernakulam and Cochin refer to the same place. You cannot help marveling at the Chinese fishing nets in Kochi as they are lowered into the evening sea. Kochi has many places where you can rejuvenate yourself through Ayurvedic treatments. A place rich in tradition, Kochi is also the economic capital of Kerala and is emerging as a much sought-after destination for I-T companies. Kochi is also famous for the various festivals celebrated by its inhabitants from different religions, regions and cultures, which reflect the quintessential India-a melting pot of cultures.
How to reach Kochi
Traveling within Kochi
Visitors can go around in Kochi in taxis and auto rickshaws. A metro rail service for Kochi is on the anvil. Boat and ferry services, both government-owned and private are available in Kochi.
Geography and Climate
Since Kochi is located close to the equator, there is little seasonal variation in temperature. Annual temperature ranges between 20 to 35 °C. It receives high rainfall from June till September from the southwest monsoon, while from October to December it receives light rain from the north-west monsoon.
Through the pages of history
Kochi has played host to the Romans, Jews, Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, English and Chinese since ages. The kingdom of Kochi was established in 1102. Kochi was where the first European colonial settlement was established in India. It came under the Portugese from 1503 to 1663. Vasco da Gama, the first European explorer to set foot on India was buried at St. Francis Church in Kochi before his mortal remains were transferred to Portugal. During the reign of the Raja of Kochi, Kesava Rama Varma, Jews settled in Cochin and built the Jew Town. Then came the Dutch. Kochi became a tributary of Hyder Ali by 1773. The Dutch ceded Kochi to the British. By the early 20th century, trade at the Kochi port had increased substantially, and a decision was taken to develop the port under Robert Bristow who subsequently transformed Kochi into one of the safest harbors in India. After India secured independence from the British, Cochin became the first princely state to join the Indian Union willingly.
People and Population
Kochi is home to people of diverse faiths-Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Jews, Sikhs and Buddhists. People from various parts of India have made Kochi their home. Kochi and its suburbs have an estimated population of about 1.5 million, making it the second largest city in Kerala.
Kochi Economy
Kochi's economy is one of the fastest growing in the country. The main business sectors include gold retailing, seafood and spices exports, information technology (IT), tourism, banking, shipbuilding and fishing. Kochi also earns a lot from remittances by non-resident Keralites, majority of whom are in the Gulf countries. Of late, Kochi has emerged as a favored destination for IT and ITES companies. Tourism is a major revenue earner. It has been a major exporter of spices since times of yore, which is what drew the various groups of foreigners to its shores. Kochi houses the International Pepper Exchange and the headquarters of the Spices Board of India.
Sights and Sounds
A prized tourist destination for travelers around the world, Kochi offers a plethora of sights and sounds for the tourist to soak in.
Religious Spots
Getaways from Kochi
Shopping
Kochi is a shoppers' paradise. You can take back antiques, coir products, carpets and handicrafts as souvenirs. Look out for Kerala's famous mirrors or kannady, spices, cashews, jackfruit chips and banana chips. The main shopping areas for the tourists in Kochi include Broadway, Mahatma Gandhi (M.G.) Road , Market Road , GCDA Shopping Complex, Marine Drive, Pioneer Towers, Marine Drive, Jew Town, Princess Street among others.
Restaurants
Kochi has a wide variety of dining options to suit your pocket and palate. You can go for the mouth-watering local cuisine or foreign cuisines. Orchid Caterers , Vee Kay Vee's Caterers, Poornasree Catering , Susan Family Restaurant , Varna Restaurant, Mani's Cafe, Kitchen Master Catering Service , Indian Coffee House , Cochin Cafe, Buhari Restaurant, Chanu's Restaurant, Chicago Revolving Restaurant, Fen Fang Chinese Restaurant, New Malaya Chinese Restaurant, City Park, New Tandoor, Two Trees etc.
Accommodation
irport Information Counter, Dept. of Tourism, Kerala.Tourist Desk, Main Boat Jetty.
Govt. of India Tourist Office, Willingdon Island
Tour Operators
Travel Tips
Now that you have read up about Kochi, you would want to head for Kochi soon. Kochi will surely live up to your expectations and you will go back rejuvenated.
Last Updated on : 30/08/2013
The "Queen of the Arabian Sea"-Kochi is a beautiful natural harbor in India's "God's Own Country"-Kerala. If you are looking for succor for your harried bodies and souls, Kochi is the place to be. With the azure-blue waters of the Arabian Sea caressing its beaches, restaurants serving mouth-watering cuisine, the friendly, cosmopolitan city of Kochi is sure to appeal to everyone.
How to reach Kochi
- By Air: The Cochin International Airport located about 25 kilometers from the city center handles both domestic and international flights. The first international airport in India to be built without Central assistance, it provides connections to all major Indian cities and select foreign destinations. Click here for Kochi Flight Schedule
- By Rail: Kochi has two main railway stations-Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town. It is connected by train to various places in Kerala and beyond.
- By Road: All-weather roads connect Kochi to various cities within Kerala and outside. Road Companions: Chennai to Kochi, Kochi to Mangalore
Traveling within Kochi
Visitors can go around in Kochi in taxis and auto rickshaws. A metro rail service for Kochi is on the anvil. Boat and ferry services, both government-owned and private are available in Kochi.
Geography and Climate
Since Kochi is located close to the equator, there is little seasonal variation in temperature. Annual temperature ranges between 20 to 35 °C. It receives high rainfall from June till September from the southwest monsoon, while from October to December it receives light rain from the north-west monsoon.
Through the pages of history
Kochi has played host to the Romans, Jews, Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, English and Chinese since ages. The kingdom of Kochi was established in 1102. Kochi was where the first European colonial settlement was established in India. It came under the Portugese from 1503 to 1663. Vasco da Gama, the first European explorer to set foot on India was buried at St. Francis Church in Kochi before his mortal remains were transferred to Portugal. During the reign of the Raja of Kochi, Kesava Rama Varma, Jews settled in Cochin and built the Jew Town. Then came the Dutch. Kochi became a tributary of Hyder Ali by 1773. The Dutch ceded Kochi to the British. By the early 20th century, trade at the Kochi port had increased substantially, and a decision was taken to develop the port under Robert Bristow who subsequently transformed Kochi into one of the safest harbors in India. After India secured independence from the British, Cochin became the first princely state to join the Indian Union willingly.
People and Population
Kochi is home to people of diverse faiths-Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Jews, Sikhs and Buddhists. People from various parts of India have made Kochi their home. Kochi and its suburbs have an estimated population of about 1.5 million, making it the second largest city in Kerala.
Kochi Economy
Kochi's economy is one of the fastest growing in the country. The main business sectors include gold retailing, seafood and spices exports, information technology (IT), tourism, banking, shipbuilding and fishing. Kochi also earns a lot from remittances by non-resident Keralites, majority of whom are in the Gulf countries. Of late, Kochi has emerged as a favored destination for IT and ITES companies. Tourism is a major revenue earner. It has been a major exporter of spices since times of yore, which is what drew the various groups of foreigners to its shores. Kochi houses the International Pepper Exchange and the headquarters of the Spices Board of India.
Sights and Sounds
A prized tourist destination for travelers around the world, Kochi offers a plethora of sights and sounds for the tourist to soak in.
- Fort Kochi Beach: Take a leisurely walk along the Fort Kochi beach, particularly at sunset and sunrise to enjoy the sounds of silence.
- Chinese Fishing Nets: Believed to have brought by traders from the court of the Chinese king Kublai Khan, the Chinese fishing nets (cheenavala in local parlance) are one of the major draws for tourists in Kochi, as outside of China, these nets are found only in Kochi.
- St. Francis Church: The oldest European church in India, this church is famous for being the burial place of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader, though later his bodily remains were taken back to Portugal.
- Vasco House: The legendary Portugese explorer Vasco da Gama is thought to have lived here.
- Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town: The magnificent Jewish synagogue and Jew Town is a must-see for any visitor.
- Bolghatty Palace: Located on the Bolghatty island, the Dutch palace has been converted into a hotel and is certainly worth a visit.
- Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort: Situated in Pallipuram on Vypeen island, this fort built by the Portugese in 1503, is the oldest surviving European fort in India.
- Santa Cruz Basilica: It is another of the major landmarks in Kochi. The original church, built by the Portuguese, was razed by the British.
- Loafer's Corner/ Princess Street: Take a walk down Princess Street for its European-style residences. You are sure to be transported to a bygone era.
- Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): Originally built by the Portugese, the Mattancherry Palace was presented to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma in 1555 AD. It came to be known as the 'Dutch Palace' after 1663, when the Dutch renovated the palace. The Palace houses a small temple dedicated to 'Pazhayannur Bhagavati', the protective goddess of the Kochi royal family.
- Cherai Beach: Located around 26 km from Kochi on Vypeen island, Cherai beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. The Cherai beach is ideal for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. For the water sports enthusiasts, there are water scooters and speedboats.
Religious Spots
- Sree Rajeswari Temple: 15 kms from Kochi lies the Sree Rajeshwari Temple. Its specialty being that the Goddess is worshipped as Sarawati in the morning, Bhadrakali at noon and Durga in the evening. Devotees throng this temple for a nine-day annual festival.
- Bhagawathy Temple, Puthiyakavu: Located 11 kms from Ernakulam, this temple is famous for a seven-day annual festival.
- St. Thomas Shrine, Malalayattur: 52 kms from Ernakulam, this church is believed to be one of the seven churches built by St. Thomas, apostle of Christ.
- Adi Sankara Janma Bhoomi, Kalady: This is the birthplace of the great philosopher-saint Adi Sankara.
- Kanjiramattam Mosque: 25 kms from Ernakulam, this mosque houses the mortal remains of the revered Muslim saint Sheik Faridudeen.
Getaways from Kochi
- Alleppey (Alappuzha): The Venice of the East, Alleppey (Alappuzha) is situated 63 kms south of Cochin. It is famous for its annual snake boat race
- Cheruthuruthy: About 110 kms away from Kochi, Cheruthuruthy houses the Kerala Kalamandalam-the world famous art and dance academy that imparts training in various traditional dance forms.
- Kodanad Wildlife Reserve: Located 30 kms from Kochi, it is famous for its elephants, besides other flora and fauna.
- Munnar: Located about 140 kms, the hill resort of Munnar is famous for its tea gardens and cardamom plantations.
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady: The renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary has elephants, bisons, antelopes, monkeys and bears besides other flora and fauna. Situated about 190kms from Kochi, it also provides boating opportunities in the man-made lake in the heart of the sanctuary.
Shopping
Kochi is a shoppers' paradise. You can take back antiques, coir products, carpets and handicrafts as souvenirs. Look out for Kerala's famous mirrors or kannady, spices, cashews, jackfruit chips and banana chips. The main shopping areas for the tourists in Kochi include Broadway, Mahatma Gandhi (M.G.) Road , Market Road , GCDA Shopping Complex, Marine Drive, Pioneer Towers, Marine Drive, Jew Town, Princess Street among others.
Restaurants
Kochi has a wide variety of dining options to suit your pocket and palate. You can go for the mouth-watering local cuisine or foreign cuisines. Orchid Caterers , Vee Kay Vee's Caterers, Poornasree Catering , Susan Family Restaurant , Varna Restaurant, Mani's Cafe, Kitchen Master Catering Service , Indian Coffee House , Cochin Cafe, Buhari Restaurant, Chanu's Restaurant, Chicago Revolving Restaurant, Fen Fang Chinese Restaurant, New Malaya Chinese Restaurant, City Park, New Tandoor, Two Trees etc.
Accommodation
irport Information Counter, Dept. of Tourism, Kerala.
Tour Operators
- Tour Kerala 3rd Floor Alfia Building,
Near Lisie Junction, Cochin -18
- Marshall Tours & Travels 29/621, 1st Floor,
Bye Pass Road,
Near Vyttila Junction,
Cochin- 682019
- Unique Ventures Pvt Ltd. 5 B, Star Retreat,
Lane 34, Janatha Road,
Vytilla, Cochin- 682019,
- M/s. Coastline Holidays
Ist Floor, Ambady Apartments
Warriam Road
Kochi - 682 016
Travel Tips
- Wear light cotton clothes.
- Carry an umbrella, raincoat, mosquito net and mosquito repellents.
- Drink only bottled water. Where bottled water is not available, drink boiled water.
- Don't try swim in the sea if you do not know swimming.
- Carry a torch, batteries and a radio for weather information and news
Now that you have read up about Kochi, you would want to head for Kochi soon. Kochi will surely live up to your expectations and you will go back rejuvenated.
Last Updated on : 30/08/2013
