|
Area:
24.8 Sq. Km. Population: 2,797,779 Altitude: Sea
level
 This
palm-green commercial town of Kerala is one of the finest natural
harbor in the world. Though Kochi is one of the busiest port on
the western cost, it has its own share sparkling blue lagoons
scenic islands and backwaters which make the land beautiful and
exciting.
Chinese Fishing Nets, which were introduced during the
medieval ages by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Located
near the entrance to the harbor. These nets alone the backwaters
are a fascinating sight.
The
St. Francis Church here is the oldest church built by an
European power in India. This Protestant church was built by the
British, and Vasco Da Gamma was initially buried here. The church
is located at Kamalakada near Fortkochi beach. The Santa Cruz
Basilica nearby, has some very beautiful paintings on the ceiling.
 Mattancherry,
the commercial center of Cochin, also has many historic monument.
Notable among this is the Jewish
Synagogue built in 1568 AD. The Synagogue contains many
articles of interest including giant scrolls of the old testament,
copper plates, painted Chinese tiles and Belgium chandeliers.
Timing : 10 - 12 am and 3-5 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish
holidays.
Facing the
backwaters studded with islands, Ernakulam, the district head
quarters, is an important commercial and residential area.
Ernakulam has its own share of interesting places.
The Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura: Hill palace, the east
while official residential of the Kochi royal family, was built in
1865. the palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the
traditional architectural style of Kerala and is surrounded by 52
acres of terraced land with a deer park and facilities for horse
riding. A full-fledged ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala's
first ever heritage museum are the main attractions. Displayed
inside the thirteen galleries are oil paintings, 19th century
paintings, murals, scripture in stone and plaster of Paris,
manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to Kochi royal
family.
Bolgatty Island: This Island is famous for its palace of
the same name. the Bolgatty Palace was built in 1744 by the Dutch
and later taken over by the British. Today it is a hotel run by
KTDC (Kerala Truism Development Corporation), with a small golf
course and special honeymoon cottage.
Willington Island: Named after Lord Willington, a British
Viceroy to India, this man-made Island is surrounded by beautiful
backwaters. The Island is the site of the city's best hotels,
customs and trading centers, the port trust and the headquarters
of the southern naval command.
Gurukulam Kathakali Yogam: Here, visitors can see the famous
Kathakali, Kerala's traditional dance-drama. Dancers in their
colorful costumes, with painted faces and enormous skirts enact
ancient legends.
Kochi
Shipyard: The biggest ship building yard in India, the Kochi
shipyard is situated in the southern part of Ernakulam on the way
to Willington Island. Set up with Japanese collaboration, this
shipyard has a building dock for ships up to 85,000 DWT and a
repair dock that can accommodate ships up to 1,00,000 DWT. Motilal
Nehru, the first oil tanker made in India, was built here.
Lalita Kala Academy
Gallery of Contemporary Art:
Located in the Durbar Hall of the Kochi Rajas at D.H. Road, the
Gallery is open from 10.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs.
Pareekshit Thampuran Museum: This sprawling, traditional
Kerala style building previously called the Durbar Hall, houses
19th century oil paintings, a collection of old coins, sculptures
and Mughal paintings. Lighthouse at Ochanthuruthu is open from
3:00 to 5:00 pm daily.
Aluva: An important pilgrim centre and summer resort. The
Periyar river widens here and is therefore ideal for bathing and
picnicking. The annual Sivarathri Festival is celebrated on the
banks of the Periyar during March/April. Aluva is also an
important industrial centre.
The Backwaters: Kerala's centuries old backwaters stretch
over 1,900 Km long, snaking their way across the land, into the
sea. They passes through busy markets and quite paddy fields. The
backwaters also act as vital waterways for the transport of goods,
people and produce. Tourists can take time to float in these
waters in a country craft, observing Kerala at a leisurely pace.
KTDC offers boats for hire.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary: Kerala's first bird sanctuary,
Thattekad is made up of moist deciduous forest on 25 Sq. Km. of
peninsular land formed between the branches of Periyar River in
Malayattoor Forest Division. Many water and forest birds including
rarities like the Ceylon frogmouth and the rose-billed roller can
be seen here. Season : September to March.
|
