Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, tucked in the beauty of coconut palms and endless blue waters is one of the important towns in south India. With a natural harbor, Kochi is the commercial hub of Kerala. A trading port since Roman times, it lies on the main trade route between Europe and China. Though Cochin had been an important roadstead in days gone by, it became a natural harbor only when nature decreed it so. Muziris (present-day Kodungalloor on the mouth of the Periyar River), 40 km north of Cochin, was the center of trade with ancient Rome in the products like pepper and pearls, fine silks, cotton, muslin, honey, oil, betel, tortoise shell, cinnamon leaf, black pepper, ginger grass, and indigo.
The town has three main parts- Fort Kochi, Willingdon Island and Ernakulam. Fort Kochi (Fort Cochin) occupies the South promontory on the sea ward side of the Bay. The Kochi reveals the European heritage of Kochi. In 1920, Willingdon Island was created by dredging the bay to increase the depth of the entrance to the harbour. Across the causeway from Willingdon Island is Ernakulam. The Bolghatty Island, a long narrow peninsula, is situated at the opposite side of Ernakulam jetty. The Vypeen island is another peninsula situated beyond the Bolghatty island.
Then there is the Santa Cruz Basilica that happens to be a landmark of Kochi and a major tourist attraction of Kochi. Further there is the St. Francis Church, of the 16th century, in Kochi. It is noteworthy that the St. Francis church is the oldest existing European church not only in Kochi, but also in India. Fort Kochi also uses the famous Chinese nets, the best possible bet for backwater fishing.
The other place of tourist interest in Kochi is the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry. One of the oldest synagogues in the world namely The Paradeshi Synagogue is another option for you while you are on a vacation in Kochi.
Eindian Vacations offers tour bookings, and Kerala travel packages for Kochi, India. To book your tour, or for more information, please fill up the form below.
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