Kochi, also known as Cochin and touted as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ presents a very different face of Kerala. This port city is a mesmerizing blend of the old and new. It has carried the influence of Portuguese, Dutch and British through the years, to create a unique ambience that has now become the identity of Kochi, also referred to as Ernakulam. The several palaces, museums, cathedrals, towns and many more that bears the artistic influence of the foreigners, as well as Kerala, makes for an interesting as well as informative experience visiting the city. It has been an important spice trading centre since the days of yore and is often cited as the financial, commercial and independent capital of Kerala.
1Ideal Time
- Summer (March to May):
Summers are a good time to visit Kochi, although it is said that the pace of tourism kind of slows down during this time. The temperature can shoot up and it might get really hot but not unbearable.
- Monsoon (June to August):
Just as anywhere else in Kerala, Monsoon is a beautiful time to visit Kochi, with the rain bringing the beauty of the greenery. The port assumes a unique ambience during this time.
- Winter (December to February):
Winter is an ideal time to visit Kochi, as, apart from the comfortable climate the season brings with it, Christmas and New Year are celebrated in an impressive scale, especially in the Fort Kochi area. Make sure to be a part of the festivities.
2How to Reach
- By Road:
Kochi is well connected to all the major south Indian cities, especially Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and even Mumbai. One can opt for KSRTC buses or take a road trip in two wheelers as well as four wheelers.
- By Train:
Kochi has two important railway stations. Ernakulam Town Station, popularly referred to as the north station, or Ernakulam Junction Station, referred to as south station. You can board trains from almost all the major Indian cities to Kochi and it is a convenient mode of transport with plenty of trains in service.
- By Air:
The largest airport in Kerala, Cochin International Airport is located in Nedumbassery, around 25 kms from the heart of the city. The airport can connect you to almost all popular corners of the globe.
3Places to Visit
- The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica:
One of the eight basilicas in Kerala, this church attracts tourists from across the world. The sheer grandiosity and the architectural marvel that the church is, is just one of the many reasons to visit this place. St Francis Church, built by the British, which is located close to Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, is also a must-visit.
- Indo-Portuguese Museum:
This museum, located in Fort Kochi, is your go-to place to understand in depth about the chronicles and influence of the Portuguese in Kochi. It was built by late Dr Joseph Kureethra, Bishop of Kochi.
- Chinese Fishing Nets:
One sight that has come to define the beauty of Kochi is the Chinese Fishing Nets lined up along the shores of the Fort Kochi beach. Take a stroll along the walkway and watch how the fishermen go about with Chinese Fishing net for an interesting as well as informative evening.
- Mattancherry Palace:
The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is popular for its architecture, in the traditional Kerala style. The palace was built by the Portuguese and gifted to the King of Cochin back in the day. The palace was later renovated by the Dutch. It now hosts a number of exhibits including mural paintings.
- Jew Town:
Jew Town is one mesmerizing place to be. The town with its maze of streets has antique, handicraft and spice shops lined up, whipping up a unique ambience. You can also do a bit of shopping from quirky decorative pieces here, from the streets, as well as these shops. The place is most visited by photographers as any corner you turn makes for a great frame.
- Paradesi Synagogue:
One of the oldest, active synagogues in the Commonwealth of Nations, Paradesi Synagogue was built by the Spanish-speaking Jews. It serves as a must-visit for history buffs.
- Hill Palace:
This heritage museum is thronged by historic buffs as well as regular tourists. It has numerous artifacts owned by Maharaja of Kochi. Beautiful gardens add to the beauty of the palace.
- Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary:
If you are a natural lover, do not miss visiting this place at any cost. Located in the heart of the city, it is home to endangered as well as regular bird species. It also has mangroves and a tidal lake that is connected to the backwaters.
- Kerala Folklore Museum:
To know more about Kerala’s culture and heritage, make a trip to this museum located right in the city limits. The museum itself is built in the traditional architecture of Kerala and they have a wide variety of artifacts, some of them that are apparently as old as 2000 years. It is the only architectural museum in Kerala, featuring the architectural styles of Malabar, Cochin and Travancore, in its three stories.
4Things to Do
- Kochi-Muziris Biennale :
If you happen to be in Kochi when this months-long international exhibition of contemporary art is taking place, make sure you visit the fest. It is the largest art exhibition in India and biggest contemporary art festival in Asia.
- Cultural tour:
Given the amount of places in the city that hold cultural, historical relevance, a cultural tour visiting each place will surely be an informative and interesting experience.
- Boating:
Given that Kochi has a lot of islands and water bodies, boating is a very common activity here. You can also a take a ride in the houseboat.
- Adventure park:
Kochi also has Wonderla for the adventure junkies visiting it. With both land as well as water rides, it is a perfect spot to spend a day and gets your adrenaline rushing.