Introduction
Cochin, a popular tourist destination, is situated on the west Coast of
India in the beautiful southern state of Kerala. Its relevant here to
mention that Cochin was a centre of Indian spice trade for many centuries
and was known to the Yavanas (Greeks and Romans), Jews, Arabs and Chinese
since ancient times. Outside China, Cochin is the only place where the
unique Chinese fishing nets are found. The earliest mentions of the city are
found in the books written by Ma Huan. Italian traveler Nicolo Conti also
came to Cochin in 1440. The Europeans have left their footprints perhaps in
every corner of the city. The Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, Italian,
Portugese throughout the ages helped it to become a bustling centre of
commercial activity. Cochin has a lot to offer in shopping prospects. Cane
jute and bamboo handicrafts are special products here. Now Cochin is the
major centre of trade and commerce in Kerala.
Climate
Cochin experiences a moderate climate due to its proximity to the sea.
March, April and May are summer months. During this period, the temperature
rises to a maximum of 35 degrees Centigrade to a low of 25 degrees
Centigrade. However, no extremities are observed in the temperature. Current
maximum temperature has been recorded to be 36 degrees Centigrade. The south
west monsoon bring heavy rains with thunder from June to September. Light
showers are also observed from October to December. The annual rainfall
measures 350 cm.
Sightseeing
Cochin sets forth a fantastic blend of the colonial past and the modern
India. The port city has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions.
St. Francis Church is India's oldest European Church and
Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here.
Santa Cruz Basilica
exhibits beautiful paintings. Yet another famous attraction for tourists is
the
Mattanchery Palace where you can find a display of
beautiful murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and some
Puranic legends. At Mattanchery, you can be witness to an eclectic mix of
people. Though Muslims predominate the place, Jews are also to be found.
There is a place called
'Jew Town' where you can see and
experience a lot. Cochin is also home to the oldest Synagogue in the
commonwealth. It is famous for its hand printed floor tiles from Canton,
China and Hebrew inscriptions on the stone slabs. The
Bolghatty
Island is famous for its palace. It has now been transformed into a
hotel.
Getting there
The Cochin Airport is well connected to all the major airports in the country.
From here, there are regular flights to all the key destinations of India including
cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Goa and Bangalore. Rail routes of Cochin
are also well established connecting to places like Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.
An excellent road network links Cochin with Bangalore (565 km), Coimbatore (223
km), Goa (848 km), Mysore (470 km), Ooty (312 km) and Chennai (694 km).
Cuisines
The ingredients of Kerala's natural beauty supply the ingredients of its
cuisine, which are too good in terms of taste and nutritional value. The
traditional Kerala cuisine is a craze among tourists from far and near. A
number of new restaurants have come up and, though generally present a multi
cuisine fare, the quality and variety is too good. One can satisfy one's
palate at the various restaurants of the place including Volga Family
Restaurants, The Frontier, Four Foods, Exotica, Frys Village (Kerala Style),
Keerthy, Rice Boat (Sea food), Cheenavala, Travancore (Multi Cuisine).
Chinese Fishing Net
Cochin has a unique and interesting form of fishing. The Chinese Fishing
Net (Cheena Vala) of Fort Kochi (Fort Cochin) in Cochin is shore-operated
lift nets. These nets are operated by a group of six fishermen. The system
is so minutely designed that the weight of a man is sufficient to cause the
nets to descend into the sea like a seesaw. The fishermen repeat the process
as many as 200 times a day. Often the catch is modest, which is purchased by
the passers at once. Only one installation can work continuously in tidal
waters. So, different installations are used according to the state of the
tide. It's a common belief that the Chinese originally designed the nets. As
this is the only one spot outside China, where the nets have been found. The
nets in the sea are very photogenic and the tourists can enjoy fishing or
can operate it themselves. That's why; the nets have become a major tourist
attraction.
Activities
- Pay a visit to Bolghatty Palace at Bolghatty Island, which has been
converted into a hotel now.
- Visit Ernakulam for shopping and it will be a different experience
for you.
- Buy wood, coir shell and sandalwood souvenirs or Kathakali faces,
elephants as show pieces from any local handicraft centre.
- Kathakali - A cultural dance drama of Kerala is a star attraction.
- Hone your skills of photography in Mangalavana Bird Sanctuary by
capturing the birds in your camera forever.
