Cochin
is the commercial capital of Kerala, and is sometimes referred to as the
'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage,
but is one of the most fast-paced and modern cities in India. It is also one
of the finest natural harbours of the world and a major Indian port.
Cochin is basically a collection of islands and narrow peninsulas and can be
divided into Ernakulam, Willingdon Island, Mattancherry and Fort Kochi. An international
airport and seaport, connect Cochin to the rest of the world. The city also
has an outstanding network of road, rail, backwater, and a modern communication
system.
Cochin was once an insignificant
fishing village. When the backwaters of the Arabian Sea and the streams
descending from the Ghats caused the separation of this village from the
mainland and landlocked the harbour, it became one of the safest ports on
India's southwestern coast. The port assumed a new strategic importance and
began to enjoy commercial prosperity.
When the Portuguese
penetrated the Indian Ocean in the late 15th century, they arrived at
India's southwestern coast. Navigator Pedro Alvares Cabral founded the first
European settlement on Indian soil at Cochin in 1500. Vasco da Gama,
discoverer of the sea route to India, established the first Portuguese
factory (trading station) in Cochin in 1502, and the Portuguese viceroy
Alfonso de Albuquerque built the first European fort in India in 1503.
The city remained a Portuguese possession until the Dutch conquered it
in 1663. Much Portuguese architecture still exists in the city.
Always a tourist favourite, this city offers visitors plenty. Forts,
palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters, palm fringed lagoons,
beaches and the practicality of a contemporary metro.
Population: Approx 1 million
Climate: Being situated
very close to the sea, Cochin has a moderate climate. Heavy showers are
experienced during the months June, July and August due to the South-West
Monsoon. The North-East Monsoon brings light rainfall during the months of
September, October, November and December. The months from December to
February are pretty cool.
Best times to visit: Between
November and February.
Fort Kochi
The
Chinese fishing nets These huge cantilevered fishing nets along the backwaters
are the legacy of the traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Built of teakwood
and bamboo poles, they are fascinating to see. Adjacent to the fishing nets
is the Vasco Da Gama Square, a narrow walkway with little stalls that serve
fresh seafood and tender coconuts.
St.
Francis Church: This Protestant church was originally built by the
Portuguese in 1510 A.D. It is considered to be India's oldest European
church. Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Vasco Da
Gama was buried here before his remains were taken back to Portugal 14 years
later.
Vasco House Located on Rose Street, Vasco
House is one of the oldest Portuguese houses in Fort-Kochi and is believed
to have been the residence of Vasco Da Gama. Vasco House sports the typical
European glass paned windows and verandahs, characteristic of the times.
VOC Gate A large wooden gate with the initials VOC
engraved on it, the VOC Gate is a little way off from Vasco House, facing
the Parade Ground. The initials correspond to the monogram of the once
powerful Dutch East India Company, which had its office here for almost 150
years.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Built by the
Portuguese in around the 16th century, this Roman Catholic church is famous
for the beautiful paintings on its ceiling. It was demolished by the British
when they took over Cochin in 1795. Until a new building was commissioned in
1887, there was no church on the site for almost a 100 years. The Santa Cruz
church was declared a Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.
Cherai Beach The lovely Cherai beach, situated in Vypeen, is
just a 15 minute ferry ride from Fort-Kochi. Besides the sea, sand and the
sun, a typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby
completes the idyllic picture that the beach paints.
Mattancherry
Dutch Palace Also known as the Mattancherry Palace,
it was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555 AD.
A fine blend of Indo-European architecture, it acquired the present name
after it was renovated by the Dutch in 1663. In the center of the building
is the hall where the Cochin Rajas held their coronations. This central
courtyard also enshrines the deity of the royal family. Adjacent rooms
contain 17th and 18th century murals illustrating scenes from Indian epics
like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. There are two temples on either side of
the main palace, dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.
Jewish
Synagogue Situated close to the Mattancherry boat jetty, the
Synagogue and the ancient Jew town built in 1568 A.D. is of great historical
importance. The most distinctive features are its white willow-pattern tiles
of which no two are alike. They are believed to have been presented by a
merchant in 1763 A.D. You will find great scrolls of the Old Testament and
the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers
were recorded. There are also numerous finely wrought gold and silver coins,
gifted to the Synagogue by various patrons. Colourful Belgian chandeliers
add to the beauty of the Synagogue. Instances from Jewish history and the
hardships the Jews underwent are depicted through paintings.
Ernakulum and around Parikshith Thampuran Museum
This museum,
adjacent to the Shiva temple was the Durbar (court) of the Cochin rajas. It
features collections of 19th century oil paintings, sculptures in stone and
plaster-of-Paris, old coins and items of the Cochin royal family.
Museum of Kerala History This museum at Edapally, is one
of the best looks into the history of Kerala. Significant historic moments
of the past 2000 years are depicted through life-size figures. There is also
a one-hour commentary for each scene, along with a light and sound show.
St. George Forane Church This Roman Catholic
church, considered to be one of the oldest churches in Kerala, was built on
a plot of land donated by the Raja of Edapally. The new church adjacent to
it was built in 1080. It is a well known 9-day feast held every year in the
month of May.
Bolghatty Palace Situated on the
palm-fringed Bolghatty Island, amidst 15 acres of lush green lawns, this
palace was built by the Dutch in 1744. It became the official residence of
the British. Today, it is a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development
Corporation.
Hill Palace The sprawling Hill Palace
museum displays the erstwhile wealth and affluence of the royal family of
Cochin. It has an interesting collection of paintings, antique temple
carvings and other royal artifacts. Outside the museum is a botanical garden
with exotic tropical trees. There is also a Deer Park in the palace
compounds.
Nishagandhi Dance Festival: Held in February each year, this
festival pays tribute to Indian classical dance. Visitors are treated to
some of the most fabulous dance performances.
Kochi
Carnival: The carnival held from December 25-31, offers a
kaleidoscope of performing arts, including Kathakali, classical dance,
martial arts, and boat races.
Onam: This harvest
festival commemorates a mythical time of social harmony, peace, and
equilibrium. In the first month of the Kerala year, Chingam,
(August-September) floral carpets, made by women, grace the towns throughout
the state; adorned elephants parade in Thrissur and long decorative boats
race the backwaters of Alappuzha.
Saraswati festival: Also
known as Dussehra or Navaratri, this festival is held between September and
October. It is celebrated throughout India but takes on special significance
in Kerala. Young children are taken to the temples and are introduced to the
letters of the alphabet in front of Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and
learning.
Shivaratri: This is the festival of Lord
Shiva. It is celebrated between February and March. All night, people chant
and pray in honour of the deity.
HOW
TO GET THERE:By Road: Cochin is well linked on
the National and State Highway Network to most parts of Southern India.
By Air: Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have convenient connections to
Cochin from
Delhi,
Mumbai as
well as other important South Indian cities. Cochin is now also an International
gateway served by a few International Airlines.
By
Rail: Cochin is well connected by rail most major cities of India.
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India Travel Hotel.
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