Kochi (India)

Introduction

Chinese Fishing Nets

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Kochi is the new name of Cochin, a jewel in the crown of Kerala with its European heritage and true cosmopolitan temperament. A boat ride across the breathtaking blue lagoons and backwaters offers a glimpse of Kochi's rural life and its true beauty.
The port city of Cochin (Kochi), rightly known as the Queen of Arabia reflects the essense of Kerala perfectly. With a rich past and a bustling present, it has been the business hub of the region since the very early days. Cochin consists of mainland Ernakulam, the islands of Willington, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbour, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry on the southern peninsula, and Vypeen Island north of Fort Cochin, all was linked by ferry but now some islands have bridges. The influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans is evident in Cochin and its people. The oldest church in India, 500-year-old Portugese houses, old tiled houses built in the Chinese pagoda style, the famous Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish community whose roots go back to the Diaspora, synagogues and mosques all tell the fascinating story of this harbour. Cochin is an attractive city with serene creak & lagoons overhung with feathery coconut palms and picturesque islands.

Neighbourhoods

Sights and Activities

St. Francis Church

The St. Francis Church was originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, the patron Saint of Portugal. It was built by the Portuguese in 1510. It is the first church to have been built in the new European influenced tradition. Vasco da Gama who arrived in India at Cochin in 1502 and died here in 1524. He was originally buried in this church cemetery and his gravestone can still be seen here, although his remains were later taken to Lisbon. The church was renamed as St.Francis in 1663, and the Dutch converted it to a protestant Church and substantially modified it. The Church was under the control of Dutch until 1795. In 1804 it became a Anglican Church. The congregation joined the church of South India in 1949.

Chinese Fishing Nets

The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. These nets are set up on Teak wood and bamboo poles.

Jewish Synagogue

The Jewish Synagogue is an imposing structure which was built in 1568, when the Jews settled in Mattancherry, after their expulsion from Rahabi, who built a clock tower and paved the floor synagogue with hand painted willow pattern tiles brought from China. Its most important relics are the impressive copper plates recording king Bhaskara Ravi Varma's 4th century decree that guaranteed the Jewish settlers domain over Cranganore (Kodungalore). The Synagogue itself is elaborately decorated with crystal chandeliers and carved wood with blue and white ceramic tiles

Mattancherry Palace

The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in the middle of the 16th century. This structure was taken over in 1663 by the Dutch, who added some improvements before presenting it to the Rajas of Cochin. The rajas also made more improvements. This palace is notable for some of the best mythological murals in India, particularly in the bed chambers. In that room one can see the entire story of Ramayana on the walls. The palace also contains rare examples of traditional Kerala flooring, which looks like polished black marble but is actually a mixture of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites.

Dance Performance of "Mohiniattam"and dinner

At the Taj Malabar Hotel - Mohiniattam is derived from the words "mohini" And "attam". Mohini means a beautiful woman and attam means dance. So this dance is an exquisite feminine style with undulating flow of body movements. This dance form is done by women and is a gentle dance form with great fluidity.The theme of the dance is generally "sringara" or love. Delicate themes of love are performed with suggestive abhinaya, subtle stures, rhythmic footwork and lilting music. After the performance relish a traditional meal “Saapadu” which includes various delicacies having flavour and aroma, spice and subtlety a wholesomeness that is exquisite on plate and light on stomach, define Kerala’s culinary tradition.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

Cochin International Airport (IATA: COK, ICAO: VOCI), which is about 25 kilometres (15 mi) north of the city, handles both domestic and international flights. It is the largest airport of Kerala, and one of the busiest in India. Flights are available to a wide range of destinations including to Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, Sharjah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat, Doha, Kuala Lumpur, Dammam and Singapore.

By Train

There are two main railway stations: Ernakulam Junction and the Ernakulam Town (locally known as the 'South' and 'North' railway stations respectively). Both of these railway stations are in Ernakulam with the historical part of the city, Fort Kochi, accessible by ferry.

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

• Kochi University
• Cochin University of Science and Technology

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

Post

India Post is the national postal service of India, and on their website you find details about prices to send postcards, letters and parcels, both domestically and internationally. For most postcards to send internationally, it is better to visit the post office before writing on the card as you may need quite a few stamps. Parcels must be taken to a tailor, he will then sew it up in white linen. Make sure he seals it with red wax, otherwise the post office may refuse to send it or try to get you to pay them to do it. Sewing up a parcel should only cost 50rs to 200rs. In general, post offices are open from 10:00am to 1:00pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm in most bigger towns and cities, though there are regional variations and some might keep longer hours or be open during (part of) the weekend as well. Ask around.