Fast track life with a mystic feel: Kochi Attractions

 August 31 2010 | Category : Traveler | | (3) Comments Tweet

The Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a hot spot of tourist activity. With sights ranging from the serene backwaters to a rocking night life, Kochi has it all. Not to forget the numerous monument and religious structures which the place has. Most of the structures in this old colonial port city bear the marks of excellent architectural styles which range from Gothic to the chic. You need to step into this magical land to feel the cosmopolitan yet majestic feel of the state. So pack your bags right away to make a trip which you will remember for the rest of your lives.

Kochi: Photo by challiyan

Majestic Monuments

St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi

The oldest church built by Europeans in India, Kochi, St Francis church located near Kochi backwaters attracts tourists through the year. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and passed away in Kochi and his mortal remains were buried in St. Francis Church. Though his remains were later taken back to Portugal the church still has maintained his burial spot intact.

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St. Francis Church: Photo by SingChan

Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi

The original church, situated in Fort Kochi, was built by the Portuguese in 1505 and named as a cathedral in 1558. Though the British colonists destroyed the cathedral in 1795 a new structure was built on the same grounds with almost the same design as the old in 1905. The church was raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

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Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi: Photo by albany_tim

Vasco House, Fort Kochi

Located in the scenic Fort Kochi, surrounded by rivulets and backwaters, the Vasco house, believed to be one of the oldest Portuguese houses in India stands tall till date. Vasco da Gama is believed to have lived in this house in Rose Street. The house features European glass paned windows and verandas.

Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace)

The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. The august structure witnessed several coronations of Rajas of Kochi. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana and is located in Mattancherry.

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Dutch Palace: Photo by superholly0926

Bolghatty Palace (Bolghatty Island)

This Dutch palace is situated on Bolghatty island, just a short boat ride away from the mainland is known for its colonial look and feel. The palace is now converted into a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). The island has a golf course and the panoramic view of the port and the harbor, makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat services are available from the mainland.

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Bolghatty Palace: Photo by Clix

Hill Palace, Tripunithura

The palace, built in the 19th century by the Raja of Kochi was once a seat of the Raja of the Kochi province. The palace was later converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of artifacts showcasing the wealth and splendor of the Rajas of Kochi, including the royal throne and the crown. The museum also houses a large collection of archaeological findings. Hill Palace is located 16 km east of Cochin in Tripunithura, a satellite town of Cochin

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Hill Palace: Photo by Deepa.praveen

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Mangalavanam is a protected bird sanctuary situated right in the heart of Kochi city. It is the home of many exotic and rare varieties of migratory and resident birds. Mangalavanam is located right next to the High Court of Kerala. A bird survey conducted in the month of May 2006, found that there was 194 birds belonging to 32 species. The total number of bird species recorded so far from the area is 72.

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Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary: Photo by Sid Mad!

Museum of Kerala History, Kalamassery

The museum has on display spectacular audio-visual exhibits depicting the history and culture of Kerala along with many life size statues of eminent personalities. Several paintings depicting Kerala history are on display here.

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Parikshith Thampuran Museum

The Rajas of Cochin used to conduct their durbars in this impressive building located within the Durbar Hall grounds. It was later converted to a museum which is now a treasure trove of archaeological findings and relics including old coins, sculptures, oil paintings and murals. The building was later taken over by the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy and now houses the Gallery of Contemporary Art.

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Parikshith Thampuran Museum: Photo by Sangeeth VS

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor

The Nehru stadium in Kaloor which has a seating capacity of 60,000 in multiple tiers was built for the teeming sport lovers in the state. It is the fourth largest stadium in India and the largest in Kerala. The ground is lit by a set of unique convex pylon floodlights that arch over the ground. The stadium is home ground of both the Kerala Ranji cricket team as well as FC Kochi football team.

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Beaches and Islands

Fort Kochi beach

A stroll along this beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background could bring you a memorable experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. The coastal stretch has loads of small stalls, which make on demand mouth-watering traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish.

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Fort Kochi beach: Photo by Fermin Jose

Cherai Beach

An ideal swimming destination, Cherai Beach which is located in the north end of Vypeen Island is known for its scenic and clean look. The beach is lined by the gorgeous coconut groves and paddy fields and will give an instant feel of village life which is so distinctly removed from the rest of the racing city. Vypeen Island can be reached by land or by boat.

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Cherai Beach: Photo by sri_the_quack

Willingdon Island

This man-made island created in 1933 by sand dredged while deepening the backwaters for the Cochin Port, under the direction of Sir Robert Bristow is now a teeming tourist location. A while back the Airport, Sea port and the railway terminus (Cochin Harbor Terminus) were situated on this island. Today, it is the home of the Cochin Port and the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command. The airport continues to be the naval air station, while the main airport has been moved to Nedumbassery, 30km north-east of Cochin.

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Willingdon Island: Photo by roshan_ushus

Marine Drive

A stroll along the long tree-lined coastal pathway that lines the backwater could just rejuvenate your senses. One would enjoy the sight of the Kochi marine drive especially at late afternoons or dusk. The bustling backwaters, dotted with fishing boats, speedboats, ships, tankers and passenger boats, can be observed from this walkway that lines the coast.

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Marine Drive: Photo by Sangeeth VS

Unique things

Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi

Opening a window into the ancient trade routes to china, the Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala), stand slating over the tranquil backwaters waiting for their catch. The sight of these nets is distinctly unique to your Cochin experience. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.

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Chinese Fishing Nets: Photo by e900

Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry

If you want to peek into the dying Jewish population in the country, Jew Town in Mattanchery is the right place to visit. Still holding on to their Semitic traditions a handful of Jew families live their lives in those silent streets so colonial in feel and look. And in the middle of the Jew Town stands the Jewish synagogue, built in 1568. This worship place is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of Thorah, the Jewish Hoy Book can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.

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Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town: Photo by Sarah and Iain

What one could do, while in Kochi

Boat ride

While in the land of backwaters one should not stop oneself from a good sail trip. The backwaters separating Ernakulam from Fort Kochi and Mattanchery are dotted with many small and mid-sized islands and a traditional boat ride through these interlocking water channels would be just the thing you might need to put you mind to relax. A boat ride through the backwaters is an unforgettable experience. Do set sail in local wooden boats while on a shot trip. But for a longer stay on these waters houseboats should be chosen.

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Boat ride: Photo by Abhishek_Kumar

Kathakali performance

The traditional dance form, unique to the state finds many a venue before tourists in Kochi. The swan like artists who move to the rhythm of percussion instruments would mesmerize you with their performance. Kathakali performances can be seen from India Foundation (Kalathiparambil Road, near the Ernakulam Junction railway station), the Cochin Cultural Center (Manikath Road, behind Medical Trust Hospital) and Art Kerala (Kannanthodathu Lane, near Valanjambalam Temple) which organize these performances every evening. Be ready to be wooed by the dancers who dance with impressive facial expressions, hand gestures and mystic moves.

Kathakali: Photo by Trilok Rangan

Night life – The Cosmo Kochi

Waking up before sunrise, going to work at eight in the morning, coming back at 7.00 pm and seeking the luxuries of the blankets by around 10 is all a thing of past now. The Queen of the Arabian Sea awakens after dusk. Now, one can see long lines of vibrant youngsters waiting to groove to a DJ’s music. You could join them too for a drink and a jive.

When the sun starts to sink, you should be watching it turn the harbor waters pale pink. For this the ideal location would be the Harbor View bar at the Taj Residency in Ernakulam. Once the sun has set, head down M.G. Road to the Avenue Regent hotel and grab a sofa at Loungevity, a cool white minimalist lounge bar, and watch the city of Kochi network at what is currently the trendiest nightspot in town. Also located in Fort Kochi, XL-Bar, is a local tourist spot where there are `upmarket’ areas reserved for tourists. What one could expect here is dim lights and a romantic feel jelled together with a slight peppy touch.