Cochin
 |
Attitude |
: |
Sea level |
Temperature |
: |
Max: 35.2oC. Min: 20.0oC |
Rainfall |
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(Annual) 254 cm |
Clothing |
: |
Tropical Cottons |
Tourist Season |
: |
September to May |
The commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of the State’s cities, Cochin has long been eulogized in tourist literature as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. It has a fascinating blend of cultures. From time immemorial, traders and travelers frequented the place. One of the finest natural harbours in the world is located here. Most of the city’s commercial centres and shops are located in the mainland, the town called Ernakulam which also lends its name to the district.
The Chinese fishing nets swaying in the breeze over the backwaters, the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Portuguese architecture and British influence all blend harmoniously with the basic thread of Kerala’s rich heritage.
Access
Air: Cochin International Air port is at Nedumbassery (30 km North East of Ernakulam City). Domestic flights (direct): From/To: Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, Agathi, Bangalore International Flights: (direct) From/ To: Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Dhahran, Bahrain, Riyadh, Muscat.
Rail: Kochi is connected by rail with many important cities. Ernakulam Junction is main station (South railway Station) near the KSRTC Bus Stand. Other station is Ernakulam Town Station (North Station).
Sea: Cochin Harbour – Periodical service to Lakshadweep Island.
Ferry (Boat Jetty)
The main ferry station is located 1 km away from Ernakulam South railway station. From here, boats are available to all islands.
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) (Open: 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. closed on Fridays)
Built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in 1557 Ad, it acquired the present name after 1663, when the Dutch carried out some extensions and repairs in the Palace. In the centre of the building is the coronation hall where the Cochin Rajas held their coronations. Today, it is a portrait gallery of the Cochin Rajas. Adjacent rooms contain 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian epic, the Ramayana.
Santa Cruz Basilica
This church was built by Portuguese and elevated to Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. The British demolished it is 1795 a hundred year later, Bishop Dom Gomez. Ferreira commissioned a new building in the same site. In 1984 the church was proclaimed a Basilica by Pope John Paul II.
Vasco House
Built during the 16th century, the Vasco House is believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama. It is in Fort Kochi and is one of the oldest Portuguese constructions.
St. Francis’ Church, Fort Cochin
This Protestant Church was built originally by the Portuguese in 1503AD and it is believed to be the first church built by the Europeans in India. Vasco-da-Gama was buried here. Fourteen years later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal.
Willingdon Island
Another of Cochin’s famous island is Willingdon Island, named after Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy of India. It is a man made island created from the material dredged while deepening the Cochin Port. Situated between eRnakulam and Mattancherry and separated by the backwaters, Willingdon Island is an important part of Cochin. It sites some of the city’s best hotels (Casino Hotel, tAj Malabar & Trident) as well as the Government of Indian Tourist Office, the Lakshadweep Tourism Sports Office, the Southern Naval Command Head Quarters, the Cochin Port Trust, and the customs house. Also on the island are the offices of several major trading and industrial houses as well as the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry.