Places to see
Fort Kochi beach
This beach is famous for the many European style bungalows that line the shores.At sunset, the sight is captivitating with ships sailing in the background, the Chinese nets and the golden sands of the beach.
Bolghatty Palace
Bolghatty island has a golf course and a Dutch Palace known as the Bolghatty palace. The panoramic view from the island makes it an ideal picnic spot. The island can be reached easily through boats that are available from Cochin. The Bolghatty Palace has now been converted into a hotel.
Jewish Synagogue
A place definitely to be visited, this synagogue is decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian Chandeliers. Built in 1568, it is located near the Dutch Palace.
The Hill Palace
The Kochi province was ruled from this place in yesteryears. Built in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, it has now been converted into a museum.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
This bird Sanctuary is located right in the heart of the city of Cochin. Many exotic and rare birds find this sanctuary their abode.
Palliport(Pallipuram)Fort
The Pallipuram fort is the oldest European fort built in India.
Parikshith Thampuram Museum
This museum has a treasure trove of archaeological findings including coins, paintings and relics etc. It is situated near Ernakulum.
St. Francis Church
Vasco Da Gama, the Portugese trader who discovered the sea route to India, was buried in St. Francis Church in Kochi. It is the oldest European Church in India. Apart from all these wonderful destinations, the backwaters of Cochin are dotted with islands of all sizes which makes for an exciting excursion trip.
Excursions
Chendamangalam fort
42 kilometers from Cochin, this fort stands lofty amongst 3 rivers and green landscape surroundings. Said to be around 450 years old the fort treasures some old artifacts and historical relics. The fort also plays a major role in communal harmony as it stands amidst a temple, church and a mosque and has the remains of a Jewish synagogue within the radius of 1 kms.
The palace is said to be home of the Paliath Achans who were the Prime ministers to the Maharaja of Kochi. Also here are remains of the Vypeenakotta Seminary built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. Adjacent to the seminary is an old Syrian Catholic Church built in 1201. It is also the site of the first printing press in India.
Museum of Kerala History
10 kms from Kochi is the Museum Of Kerala history. Said to be the 'live museum', here there is a light and sound show which retells the history and culture of Kerala in the form of sound and light tableaus. It is a worth visit. To know more visit the link - artandkeralahistory.org
Hill Palace Museum
10 kilometers away, in Thripunithura the Hill palace museum is said to be Kerala's First Heritage Museum. It is the traditional form of architecture of Kerala called "ettukettu" having a temple and a pond and an open courtyard. The museum has around 200 antiques of vases brought from China and the old Persia. There are rock cut weapons from the stone age. Apart from this the Maharaja of Kochi's furniture and throne are in display here. There is a numismatic gallery having several rare coins. A gallery of beautiful paintings from the olden times. Even the garden around is rich in spices and rarr medicinal plants.
Maritime Museum of Kochi
The Chinkara theatre of the naval base at Kochi has been transformed into a maritime museum. Here one can see ammunition and communication used in the Navy, growth of Indian Navy, various objects from the Mohenjodaro, some rare coastal charts providing a description of Dwarka, Shankhodhara and Lothal, Pictures of various types of boats of the Maratha Navy, Historical events at sea and the impact of wars etc are displayed at different cubicles here.
Mattancherry Palace
10 kilometers away, is also called the Dutch Palace. It depicts the Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi.
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Kochi in Kerala
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Situated on the west coast of Kerala, Kochi (Cochin) is regarded as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, it is one of the most beautiful cities of the state. Kochi has a moderate climate throughout the year. The months June, July and August see heavy rains in the region.
How to reach
By Air - The airport at Kochi has flights to Agatti, Bangalore, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa, Madras and Thiruvananthapuram.
By Rail - An extensive network of railways connects Kochi and Ernakulum to the rest of the country. Cochin Harbour Terminus ,Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town are the major railway stations of the city.
By Road - Kochi is well connected by roads.
Thiruvananthapuram - Kochi Road drive
Highway - NH 66
Time - 4 hrs
Distance - 204 kms
Kerala - God's Own Country
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Ideal time to Visit - Anytime round the year.
Winters in December to March and monsoons in May are the best time to go to Kerala. The day time temperature is about 32 degrees and night temperature drops to the lowest of 20 degrees. The hottest months are April, May and June, where the temperature soars above 36 degrees with high humidity.
Road trip summary, time, kms and tolls and other information required to plan your road trip.
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