The architectural wonders in Cochin

Cochin is a land of surprises and you won’t return with a half filled mind from this land.There are a lot of places to visit here and you’ll take some days to complete these major destinations. The place is rich in cultural and natural wealth. The warm people and live cityinvites you to make your holidays a memorable one. The port city is one of the most crowdedplaces in India. And you will wonder how this busy city keeps the legacy of unique culturewith no compromises in this urbanized era. The architectural wonders in the city hold acolonial beauty and they gives the city a historical significance.

The Bolghatty Palace is a major attraction in the city. The heritage hotel run by KTDC isone of the most visited places in Cochin. The palace is an architectural symphony of the oldera. It is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland. The traditional art formof Kerala ‘Kadhakali’ is performed here daily for the guests. There is a swimming pool andAyurveda Centre here now. There is a Shiva Temple here exclusively for Hindu tourists.

Hill Palace at Tripunithura is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. There are 49buildings in the palace complex and is a unique signature for the traditional architecturalstyle. There is a deer park, children’s park and pre-historic park near the palace. The museumexhibits the Cochin royal family belongings, paintings, sculptures etc.

The Mattanchery Synagogue is one of the oldest active Jewish synagogues in the world.The four building complex is built near to the Mattanchery palace temple. The floor of the synagogue consists of hundreds of Chinese hand-painted tiles each of which is unique. Thesynagogue has an 18th-century clock tower which remains as a real wonder for travellers.This is a must visit place in Cochin.

The Mattancherry Palace is another architectural wonder in Cochin. It is a Portuguesepalace featuring Kerala mural with Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the KochiRajas. The palace is built in traditional Nalukettu style with a courtyard in the middle. Thereis a small temple in the middle of this Nalukettu. On the either sides of the palaces thereare two other temples. This palace exhibits elements with European architectural influencein traditional Kerala style. The flooring is done using a mixture of buried coconut shells,charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites..!! And the wonder is that it looks like blackmarble flooring. The palace is a real architectural wonder.

Malayattoor Church is one of the most visited Christian pilgrim centre in Kerala. At Kurishumudi you can see a Golden Cross, permanent footprint and the marks of knees of St.Thomas imprinted on the rock, and a miraculous water spring. The church exhibits beautifulcarvings and paintings depicting the life of Jesus Christ. The church has an ancient pond thatwas used for baptism purposes and a traditional pulpit which have historical significance.