THE REAL GEM OF ARABIAN SEA- KOCHI

Cochin is lavishly spread with serene calm backwaters, green mountain valleys and strings of coconut trees. The stunning sight of sunset along the shores of Cherai beach and Fort Kochi beach is surely a spectacle for the eye especially with the fishermen who are busy catching fish with large Chinese fishing nets. Large stretches of shores are covered with such unique fishing nets that offer a never before seen look to the beaches. The backwaters in Cochin also offer wonderful experiences in the famous Kerala houseboats that are designed to provide luxurious comfort and a royal look. The rippling sound of water all around you and the surrounding coconut trees will definitely provide you a beautiful experience.

Apart from these scenic beauties, Cochin is also home to several ancient buildings like the Jewish synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica and St. Francis Church. Many of these buildings follow Portuguese style of architecture. These age old architectural structures in different parts of the city make Cochin a perfect place to spend a lovely vacation with your family and your friends.

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is one of the most visited tourist locations in India. This beautiful city isfondly called as the Queen of Arabian Sea. This city has a history of trade relations (mainly spices) withmany nations across various continents and oceans from as early as 12 th century. It is one of the rarestplaces on earth where you can actually feel history, heritage, scenic beauty etc co-existing beautifullywith modernity and urban lifestyle. The name of the city comes from the Malayalam term ‘Kochazhi’which literally means small lagoon.

Kochi has a charm of its own which makes many tourists rearrange their itineraries and stay longer- be ithe scenic locales, the friendly people, the food or the rich cultural heritage. There are innumerable places here which attract tourists. I am giving you details on some of it.

Fort Kochi Beach and the Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheenavala): Walking through Fort Kochi beach duringevenings seeing the famous Chinese fishing nets (Kochi is the only place which uses such nets outside China) can be one of the most beautiful memories of your life. There are also many historically important places such as the Santa Cruz basilica to visit nearby.

Mattancherry: Mattancherry, which lies very near to Fort Kochi, gives you a feeling of visiting an old-European town. The narrow pathways, the Jewish synagogue (built in 1568- decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers), old houses, Dutch palace, all have many stories to tell you.

The Backwaters: There are many small islands in the backwaters near Kochi. A house-boat ride throughthe scenic backwaters enjoying the light breeze will relieve you from any sort of tensions.

Marine Drive, Wellington island and Bolgatty Palace: Marine Drive, situated on the banks of VembanadLake, is the city’s most popular hangout- both for the tourists and the locals. It is also a huge shoppingand food centre with various shopping malls and restaurants around. Wellington Island is a man made shopping centers, a harbor etc. Bolgatty Palace is situated in an island which overlooks Marine Drive, Cochin Shipyard etc. Built originally by the Dutch, this place now has a heritage hotel and a well- maintained garden.

Kochi also has many museums and other places of interest which you can easily find out. Finding theright accommodation in Kochi is not an issue at all. There are numerous 3, 4 and 5 star hotels andresorts in and around Kochi (also budget hotels) which provide excellent hospitality and accommodation. Most of these hotels are capable of arranging sightseeing tours for you.