|
|
|
KOCHI
One of
the finest natural harbours on the Arabian sea coast, Kochi,
earlier known as Cochin., has been a port of call for foreign
traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is
reflected in the buildings and structures representing different
regions of the world.
 |
Kochi is India's most recent
and one of the best international airports, with the state-of-the-art
terminals and all modern passenger amenities. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and
Air India connect Kochi to Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Coimbatore, Goa,
Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Agatti (Lakshdweep Islands), on the domestic
network.
The new airport is at Nedumbssery
beside National Highway No. 47, 30 km from Ernakulam downtown and 40 km from
Willingdon Island.
|
 |
Kochi has three main railway
stations. Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Harbour Terminus on
Willingdon Island. Ernakulam Junction is the main rail access point with
services from most regions of India.
Some trains connecting
Trivandrum and Kochi touch only Ernakulam Town railway station.
|
 |
Kochi is well connected by
road with many major cities.
|
Some
important road distances from Kochi
|
MUNNAR |
130
km
|
CANNANORE |
317
km |
|
KALADY |
48
km
|
|
|
Dutch
Palace,
Built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi
in 1555, it was renovated by the Dutch during their short lived
regime here.
Koonan
Kurishu Shrine,
This small chapel in which the Koonal Cross stands is the the
busy commercial centre of mattancherry.
Jewish
Synagogue,
Built in 1568, the building was destroyed by the Portuguese in
1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two years later. Scrolls of the
Old Testament and copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script are
preserved here.
Gundu
Island,
Smallest island near Kochi, has a factory where coir is made
into rope manually and carpets are manufactured by hand-operated
looms. The island can be reached from Vypeen only by boat.
Fort
Kochi,
12 km from Ernakulam. Frequent bus and ferry services.
St.
Francis Church,
The oldest Protestant church built by the Portuguese in 1510.
Vasco da Gama, who died in 1524, was buried here.
Santa
Cruz Basilica,
This Roman Catholic church has beautiful paintings on the
ceiling.
Dutch
Cemetery,
Near St. Francis Church and entrance to the beach.
Chinese
Fishing Nets,
At the entrance of Kochi Harbour, the nets are a fascinating
sight, one which can be seen all along the backwaters of Kerala.
Willingdon
Island,
A manmade island from material drudged while deepening Kochi
port. There are frequent ferry and bus services from Ernakulam.
The harbour, airport and railway terminus are located here.
Bolgatty
Island,
A beautiful island close to Ernakulam. Built by the Dutch in
1774, Bolgatty Palace, former residence of the British Resident
of Kochi, is here. The island is connected by frequent ferry
services with mainland Ernakulam. Boats to the island start from
the High Court jetty; country boats (Machuvas) can also be hired
near the jetty.
Shiva
Temple,
In the centre of the Ernakulam city, close to the Kochi Cultural
Centre, near the Durbar Hall Ground. The temple's 8-day-long
annual festival is held in January.
Hill
Palace Museum,
On the Ernakulam-Chottanikkara route, the state's largest
archeological museum. Sculpture, coins, arms, manuscripts and
memorabilia from the Kochi royalty are exhibited.
Museum
of Kerala History,
At Edappally, 10 km from Ernakulam, it is the only one of its
kind in Kerala. The state's history is exhibited and narrated
with the help of light and sound.
Parikshith
Thampuran Museum,
Collections of 19th century oil paintings, coins and sculptures.
Chennamangalam,
Seat of Paliath Achan, hereditary prime minister of erstwhile
state of Kochi (1632-1809) and a centre of the Jewish Colony.
Chennamangalam is a handloom weaving and coir manufacturing
centre. The annual fair, called Mattachanda (barter system) is
held on the eve of 'Vishu' in April.
Pallipuram
Fort, Built by the Portuguese
in 1503, it is one of the oldest existing European monuments in
India.
Kanjiramattom
Mosque, The mosque is said to
have been built over the remains of Sheikh Farid. The Muslim
saint, Bavar, is supposed to have prayed and attained eternal
bliss here. The Kodikuthu festival in December-January attracts
thousands of devotees. The mosque is 30 km from Kochi.
Chottanikkara
Bhagavathy Temple, At the
Navarathri festival here in October prominent classical
performances are held.
Ambalamugal,
A freshwater lake, it is home to migratory birds.
Cherai
Beach, On Vypeen Island, 18 km
from Vypeen, with a calm, beautiful beach.
Kalady,
Birthplace of Shankaracharya, 8th century philosopher, on the
banks of Periyar river, with two shrines to his memory. Nearest
airport is Kochi, 48 km from Kalady, and nearest railway station
is Angamaly (10 km) and another at Alwaye (23 km).
|
An
important component of performing arts of India, is native
to Kerala and Kochi is one of its main centres. A visitor
can not only watch a live performance of dance but also
learn about the intricate and elaborate details of facial
make-up, significance of different colours and masks and
costumes. Various cultural centres in the city offer daily
performances of Kathakali in the evening. |
| Is
the traditional martial art of Kerala and is believed to
have originated in the 11th century. It is also considered
the mother of all oriental martial arts. Live performances
of Kalariyapattu are organised by ENS Kalari, Nettoor,
Ernakulam. |
| - |
|
|
|
|
HERITAGE |
DELUXE |
FIRST
CLASS |
BUDGET |
|
Bolgatty
Palace |
Taj
Malabar |
The
Renaissance |
Mermaid Days Inn |
|
Malabar
House Residency |
Taj
Residency |
QI
Presidency |
Sea Lord |
|
|
Casino |
BW Abad Plaza |
BW Abad Plaza |
|
|
The Brunton
Boatyard |
The
Trident |
|
|
The
Avenue Regent |
|
|
|
The
Reaissance |
|
BW
- Best Western | QI - Quality Inn
For
further information and reservation please contact
|
