Tourist spots in Cochin
Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi
The chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It
is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan
introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi,
outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using
these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and
Vypeen are dotted with these nets.
Fort Kochi beach
A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the chinese fishing
nets and sailing ships in the background, is a memorable experience.
Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. The
coastal stretch has loads of small stalls, which make on demand mouth-
watering traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish.
St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi
It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to
Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from
Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis
Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that,
his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked out.
» St. Francis Church
Vasco House, Fort Kochi
Vasco house, located on Rose Street, is believed to be one of the oldest
Portuguese houses in India. Vasco da Gama is believed to have lived
here. This house features European glass paned windows and
verandahs.
Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi
The original church, situated in Fort Kochi, was built by the Portuguese
in 1505 and named as a cathedral in 1558. The British colonists
destroyed the cathedral in 1795. The current structure was built in 1905
and raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.
» Santa Cruz Basilica
Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry
The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese
tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be
found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.
Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Mattancherry
The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th
century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi.
Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The palace has a fine
collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics
Mahabharatha and Ramayana. The palace is located in Mattancherry.
Bolghatty Palace, Bolghatty Island
This Dutch palace is situated on Bolghatty island which is just a short boat ride away from the
mainland. The palace has been converted to a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development
Corporation (KTDC). The island has a tiny golf course and the panoramic views of the port and the
harbour, makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.
» KTDC Bolghatty Palace Hotel
Hill Palace, Tripunithura
Built in the 19th century by the Raja of Kochi, this palace served as the
seat of the Raja of the Kochi province. The palace has been converted
into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles showing the wealth
and splendour of the Rajas of Kochi, including the thone and the crown.
The musuem also houses a large collection of archaeological findings.
Hill Palace is located 16km east of Cochin in Tripunithura, a satellite
town of Cochin.
Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort
It is the oldest surviving European fort in India, built by the Portuguese in 1503. Its situated in
Pallipuram on Vypeen island.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Mangalavanam is a protected bird sanctuary situated right in the heart
of Kochi city. It is the home of many exotic and rare varieties of
migratory and resident birds. Mangalavanam is located right next to the
High Court of Kerala.
» Mangalavanam, Kerala Forests & Wildlife
Museum of Kerala History, Kalamassery
The museum has on display spectacular audio-visual exhibits depicting
the history and culture of Kerala along with many life size statues of
many famous personalities and several paintings depicting Kerala
history.
» Museum of Art and Kerala History
Parikshith Thampuran Museum
This Rajas of Cochin used to conduct
their durbars in this impressive building located within the Durbar Hall
grounds. It was later converted to a museum which has a treasure
trove of archaeological findings and relics including old coins,
sculptures, oil paintings and murals. The building has been taken over
by the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy and now houses the Gallery of Contemporary Art. All the exhibits
of the museum have been moved to the Hill Palace museum.
Cherai Beach
This lovely beach ideal for swimming is located on the north end of Vypeen island, one of the many
small islands just off the mainland. The beach is lined by gorgeous coconut groves and paddy fields.
Vypeen can be reached by land or by boat.
Veega Land
Veega Land is South India's largest amusement park situated 14kms from Cochin. The park includes a
range of attractions including mini castles, water theme park, ferris wheel, rides, slides, shows and
fountains. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the fun and activities.
» Veega Land
Marine Drive
A stroll along the long tree-lined coastal pathway that lines the
backwater is well worth the time spent, especially late afternoon or
dusk. The bustling backwaters, dotted with fishing boats, speedboats,
ships, tankers and passenger boats, can be observed from this walkway
that lines the coast.
Willingdon Island
This man-made island was created in 1933 by sand dredged while
deepening the backwaters for the Cochin Port, under the direction of Sir
Robert Bristow. A while back the Airport, Sea port and the railway
terminus (Cochin Harbour Terminus) were situated on this island.
Today, it is the home of the Cochin Port and the headquarters of the
Sourthern Naval Command. The airport continues to be the naval air
station, while the main airport has been moved to Nedumbassery,
30kms north-east of Cochin. Most of the trains now terminate at
Ernakulam Junction instead of Cochin Harbour Terminus.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor
The Nehru stadium in Kaloor, has a seating capacity of 60,000 in
multiple tiers. It is the fourth largest stadium in India and the largest in
Kerala. The ground is lit by a set of unique convex pylon floodlights that
arch over the ground. The stadium is home to both the Kerala Ranji
cricket team as well as FC Kochi football team.
Things to do
Boat ride
The backwaters separating Ernakulam from Fort Kochi and Mattanchery
are dotted with many small and mid-sized islands. A boat ride through
the backwaters is an unforgettable experience.
Kathakali performance
See India Foundation (Kalathiparambil Road, near the Ernakulam
Junction railway station), The Cochin Cultural Centre (Manikath Road,
behind Medical Trust Hospital) and Art Kerala (Kannanthodathu Lane,
near Valanjambalam Temple) organises Kathakali performances every
evening. Kathakali is a traditional danceform of Kerala and the
impressive facial expressions, hand gestures and dance moves will
leave one spellbound.
Tourist Spots (near Cochin)
Alleppey(Alapuzha)
Situated 63 kms south of Cochin along the coast, Alleppey is connected to Kochi by rail and road. It is
called the Venice of the East due to the extensive canal network here. Every year the famous snake
boat race is held here.
Cheruthuruthy
Cheruthuruthy is about 110 kms away from Kochi. It is the base of the Kerala Kalamandalam-the world
famous art and dance academy where training in various traditional forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam
etc are imparted.
Kalady
Situated 48 kms north-east of Kochi, on the banks of river Periyar
(Poorna). Kalady is the birthplace of Sri Adi Sankaracharya, the
monotheist Hindu philosopher. He lived in the 8th century AD and died
at the early age of 32 years. He traveled throughout India, on foot,
debating with scholars and spreading his theory of Advaita or
monotheism. The Adi Sankara shrine and the 8-storey painted Adi
Sankara Keerthi Sthambam (see picture) are a must-see for any visitor
here.
Kodanad
Kodanad is 30 kms north-east of Kochi situated on the lower ranges of
the Western Ghats on the banks of river Periyar. The wildlife reserve is
famous for the elephants and the largest elephant training centre is
situated here. The reserve also features a mini zoo. Kodanad is close to
St. Thomas church in Malayatoor.
» Kodanad - Kerala Forests & Wildlife
Kodungalloor(Cranganore)
Kodungalloor is 35 kms north of Kochi.
The world famous port here was
destroyed by a flood which led to the formation of Kochi harbour. St.
Thomas, the apostle, is believed to have landed here in 52 AD.
Cheraman mosque, the first mosque in India, built in the form of a
Hindu temple, is situated here.
Munnar
About 140 kms on NH49, Munnar is a hill resort ideal for a relaxing
holiday away from the tropical lowlands. The tea gardens and cardamom plantations give Munnar a
beautiful look. Anai Mudi, the highest peak in South India is in these hills. The Munnar - Kodaikanal
(another hill resort) road is believed to be the steepest road in South-East Asia.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady
Elephants, bisons, antelopes, samburs,
monkeys and bears can be found in their
natural habitat in this world famous wild
life sanctuary, situated 190kms east of
Cochin. A boat ride through the man-
made lake in the heart of the sanctuary
provides a unique opportunity to observe
these animals in their natural
surroundings.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad bird sanctuary is located 60kms east of Cochin near Kothamangalam. Thattekad is located
on the northern bank of river Periyar is a tropical evergreen forest in the foothills of the Wester Ghats.
Spread over 25 sq kms, this bird sanctuary was once regarded as the richest bird habitat in peninsular
India. In spite of recent developments and deforestation, this sanctuary is still home to a large number
of rare and exotic bird species.
Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep (meaning thousand islands), a haven of unspoiled natural beauty, lies 220-440kms off
the coast of Kochi. Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged
banks. Only 10 islands are inhabited while 17 are uninhabited islands with a total geographical area of
32 sq. kms. Lakshadweep is connected to the mainland by air and sea links to Cochin. The sea route
takes around 18-20 hours. Miles and miles of sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut groves will leave
anyone mesmerised.
» Union Territory of Lakshadweep - Official website of the Government of India
Maps
Map of Kerala with the major cities, airports and road links.
Distance from Cochin
From Cochin to: Distance (kms)
Alleppey (Alapuzha) 63
Bangalore 590
Calicut (Kozhikode) 225
Cochin International Airport 30
Cranganore (Kodungalloor) 35
Guruvayoor 100
Kalady 48
Kottayam 76
Madras (Chennai) 730
Munnar 140
Mysore 470
Palghat (Palakkad) 163
Quilon (Kollam) 147
Sabarimala/Pamba 210
Thekkady 190
Trichur (Thrissur) 80
Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) 210
