KOCHI

Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is the commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of Kerala’s cities. It is one of the Country’s biggest ports and also a major naval base. It has great historical associations. One can get a potpourri of the culture of the state. The place is actually a collection of narrow islands and peninsulas. Blessed by one of the finest natural harbours in the world, Cochin has been celebrated as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

The place consists of mainland Ernakulam, the islands of Willington, Bolgatty, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry on the southern peninsula, and Vypeen Island north of Fort Kochi.

The influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans is apparent in the place. The oldest church in India (St. Fracncis Church, built in 1503, by the Portuguese), 500-year-old Portugese houses, old tiled houses built in the Chinese pagoda style, the famous Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish community whose roots go back to the Diaspora, synagogues and mosques all tell fascinating stories of this fine harbour town. Most of the historical monuments are concentrated in and around Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.

In these days of IT revolution, the city is trying to get as much attention as possible to it.

PLACES TO VISIT

Bolghatty Palace
This Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744 and later became the home of the British Resident. It has now been converted into a hotel run by the KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation). It is a beautiful island commanding splendid views of the bay.

Chinese Fishing Nets
Lined along the sea-front, these huge, cantilevered fishing nets were introduced by Chinese traders from the court of Kublai Khan. They exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish. These nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. They are mainly used at high tide and require at least four men to operate their system of counterweights.

The Mattancherry Palace or the Dutch Palace
The palace was originally constructed by the Portugese in the mid 1550s and presented it to the Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi as a toke of goodwill in exchange for trading rights. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch renovated it and so gained the misnomer, Dutch Palace. Today it is a museum with a rare collection of murals depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. These beautiful and extensive murals are rated as one of the wonders of India, although they haven’t won the attention they deserve. The coronation ceremonies of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. Royal artifacts can also be viewed.

Visiting hours: 10.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs. Closed on Fridays.

Jewish Synagogue
This is the oldest synagogue in India and is situated in Mattancherry, at the heart of the Jew Town. It was originally built in 1568, but destroyed in 1662 and was reconstructed two years later when the Dutch took over Kochi. The synagogue has beautiful silver and gold Torah scrolls, several hanging oil lamps and crystal chandeliers and a brilliantly crafted brass pulpit. It has hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles brought from China in the 18th century.

Visiting hours: 10.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 15.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs. Closed on Saturday and Jewish Holidays.

ST. Francis Church
Established by the Portuguese in early 1503, this is the oldest European church in India. The original structure was built of wood. It was rebuilt in stone in the mid-16th century. Taken over by the Dutch and then the British, it is today affiliated to the Church of South India. The first European to reach India, Vasco de Gama, was buried here in 1524; but his mortal remains were taken to Portugal after 14 years. His tombstone can be seen inside the church. Rope operated fans or pankahs are one of the unusual features of this church.

Sant Cruz Baslica Church
This large, impressive-looking Roman Catholic church is situated close to St. Francis church and is worth visiting. It was originally built by the Portuguese and elevated to a cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. When the British took over Cochin in 1795, it fell into their hands, and was demolished. In 1887, Bishop Dom Gomes Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site; it was proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. The church is constructed in the neo-classical style and its pulpit is carved on wood.

The Dutch Cemetery
This cemetery is also situated near the St. Francis Church. The tombstones here bear the testimony that hundreds of Europeans had left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires and changed the course of history of this land. It was consecrated in 1724 and is under the Church of South India today.

Fort Kochi beach
A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline.

Willingdon Island
This man-made island of over 1000 acres was created in the 1920s out of silt dredged to deepen Kochi Port. Lord Bristow was the architect of this island and it was named after the viceroy, Lord Willingdon. It is situated between Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and the mainland Ernakulam.

It is an important naval base and the hub of all shipping, import and export activities. The Government of India Tourist Office, the Seaport, Naval Airport, Railway terminus, Customs House, Cochin Port Office etc are all located here.
Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura.

The museum, the official residence of the erstwhile Kochi royal family, is situated just over 10 km away from Eranakulam. It was built in 1865. Set on top of a hillock, this prodigious palace-turned-museum displays different types of sculptures, collection of rare coins, old weapons, manuscripts and royal artifacts are exhibited here.

The Heritage Museum, located near the palace buildings, gives an account of the traditional lifestyles of ancient Kerala. One can also visit here a deer park, with spotted deer, sambar and peacocks. The museum premises have also been converted into a botanical garden with exotic tropical trees from central America to Australia.

Visiting hours: 9.00 hrs to 12.30 hrs. and 14.00 hrs to 16.30 hrs. Closed on Monday and National holidays.

GETTING TO THE PLACE:

Nearest airport: Kochi (Nedumbassery)
Nearest railway station: Main Station - Ernakulam Junction. Other station- Eranakulam town & Kochi Harbour terminals
Bus Station : KSRTC bus station is situated in the heart of Ernakulam city.
Ferry station: There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam. The main boat jetty is 1 km from Ernakulam Junction railway station; the other is near the High Court.