Kochi
Overview
For many tourists, taking the first steps into Cochin (Kochi) is like lifting a huge weight from their shoulders as the usual pressures of Indian culture disappear amongst a blend of cosmopolitan European heritage. Situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea, in the state of Kerala, Cochin is the perfect place to relax, watch the world go by and soak up the history and tranquility of its colonial beginnings
The city itself is a collection of small islands, namely Ernakulam, on the mainland and Fort Cochin and Mattancherry to the south of the peninsula, all accessible via a number of bridges and ferry links. Ernakulam is the busier, more typically Indian area, where you will find local and well-known stores and shopping malls, spread around Convent and Market Road. However, to make the most of the relaxation, most tourists head to Fort Cochin and Mattancherry.
The island of Fort Cochin is best explored on foot and wandering through the winding narrow streets, from Bazaar Road, Jew Town, to the Arabian coast, you will come across a fascinating array of synagogues, British and Dutch built heritage homes, Christian churches and Portuguese palaces. Scattered along the coast are a number of Chinese fishing nets, still in use today, and there is nothing more satisfying than purchasing some fresh fish and having it cooked before your eyes at one of the nearby street shacks.
Should relaxing not be enough then Kochi is home to a number of activities and the state of Kerala are proud to boast some of the finest music and dance displays, including the Kathakali. Cochin is also a great place from where to begin an equally peaceful tour of the magnificent backwaters.
Getting in and out of the city is a simple matter, with buses and trains of the plenty. From the KSRTC bus stand, services depart regularly, every 20 minutes, for other Keralan towns, including Alleppey, Kollam and Kottyam. Longer journeys to Bangalore, Chennai and Madurai leave twice daily. There are two train stations, Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town, with numerous runs throughout Kerala. Most long haul and interstate journeys depart from Ernakulam Town. Note that all reservations should be made at the helpful Ernakulam Junction office. Traveling around Cochin is made easier with frequent ferries connecting the islands. Once setting foot on Fort Cochin it is easiest to go by foot.
Cochin, with its unique blend of Indo-European influence provides everything the tiring and discerning traveler is looking for, from serenity to beautifully kept heritage accommodation to some of the finest fresh food in the country. At times it can be hot and sweaty, nevertheless the breathtaking scenery and Arabian sea breeze combine to let your cares run free in this city of “Gods own country”.
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Kochi
Destination Reviews
Things to do in
Kochi
Fort Cochin - One of the most laid back spots of India, it is almost as if time stands still as tourists wander the streets and the locals carry out there work with traditional Chinese fishing nets. Worth visiting is St Francis Church, India’s oldest European constructed church that at night comes to life with an array of Disney esque lights. The Indo-Portuguese Museum is a fine collection of the Catholic heritage of the region Opening times are 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance Rs25.
Mattancherry Palace - With its medieval charm, the palace, built in 1555 y the Portuguese, is a focal point of the town. Often referred to as the Dutch Palace, due to the renovations carried out by the Dutch in 1663. Today the palace serves as a gallery of ancient Hindu paintings and collection of historic art forms. Opening times are 10am - 5pm, Saturday to Thursday. Entrance Rs2 (photography prohibited).
Jew Town and Synagogue - This busy collection of narrow streets by the port is the spice trade centre of Cochin. A wander through the lanes is met with an aroma of spices from the run down stores. The streets lead to the impressive Synagogue from 1568. Synagogue opening times are 10am - noon and 3pm - 5pm, Sunday to Friday (closed on Jewish holidays).
Backwater Tours - One of the must do activities when visiting the state of Kerala. This network of lakes and lagoons, connected by a series of canals, were formally used as the highways of Kerala. Today, villages, settlements, schools, temples and churches are still function and depict the life of the locals. A great way to relax and experience the culture of Keralan life. Tours are in abundance and all vary so shop around.
Kathakali - Meaning “Story-Play”, this elaborate dance form is an icon of the Kerala state. The plays usually tell Hindu stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas and are an extravagant blend of music, dance and fascinating costumes. Performance preparation is as much a spectacle as the show itself, so it is worth arriving early to watch as the performers meditate, get into character and assemble their costumes. There are a number of Kathakali shows on Fort Cochin.
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Kochi
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Kochi
Budget Hotels Fort Cochin
Oy’s Homestay - Superb family run homestay with minimalist but comfortable rooms. There are two locations, on Burgher Street and the corner of Santa Cruz and KB Jacob Roads. Tel (91) (484) 2215798.
Vasco Homestay - This homestay is located in the house where Vasco De Gama was thought to have passed away. Elegant and charming, although with only two rooms. CC 1/344 Rose Street, Fort Cochin. Tel (91) (484) 2216267.
Budget Hotels Ernakulam
Maple Tourist Home - Good value and clean rooms, all with TV, in a hotel close to the main jetty. Canon Shed Road, Ernakulam. Tel (91) (484) 2355156.
Midrange Hotels Fort Cochin
Ann’s Residency - Friendly, family run hotel in close proximity to the beach. Spacious, elegantly decorated rooms, outdoor restaurant and waterfall all add to the relaxation. 1/307A Bishop Joseph Kureethara Road, Fort Cochin. Tel (91) (484) 2218024.
Raintree Lodge - Another pleasant hotel with a number of comfortable rooms. Rooms upstairs have balconies overlooking the street. 1/618 Petercelle Street, Fort Cochin. Tel (91) (484) 3251489.
Midrange Hotels Ernakulam
Paulson Park Hotel - A stones throw from the train station, this hotel has pristinely clean and simple rooms with an equally impressive indoor garden. Good restaurant and “Moghul Hut” barbecue. Kadavanthara, Ernakulam. Tel (91) (484) 2378240.
Luxury Hotels Fort Cochin
Malabar House - This stunning boutique hotel is a home from home for those able to afford the luxury. All rooms are elegantly decorated with antique furniture and Keralan art. Excellent gourmet restaurant. 1 269 Parade Road. Tel (91) (484) 2216666.
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