Kochi, Kerala

[220 kms / 04 hrs Road Drive from Trivandrum]

Surrounded by the Western Ghats and Arabian Sea, Kochi or Cochin, possesses a world-class port with a supreme natural beauty. This port city of Kerala is a power hub of information technology, health services, ship building, international trade and tourism. This Gateway to Kerala has a large number of places for tourist attractions.
Popular Tourist Attractions in/ around Kochi
This prime commercial and industrial centre is flocked by domestic and international tourists the year round. You will see many marvels of Indian tourism while you will tour to the Kochi.

St. Francis Church (Built in 1510 AD by the Portuguese)
St. Francis Church is the oldest European church in India. The church was originally dedicated to the patron saint of Portugal, Santo Antonio. But later in 1804 this church has become Anglican Church.

Highlights: Several inscriptions on leave, impressive aroma of the Tuscan order, European Architectural style, tombstone of Vasco da Gama etc



Santa Cruz Basilica (Established in 1557)
For the history buffs, Santa Cruz Basilica is a place worth seeing. This old ware house of British era is located close to the St. Francis Church. During the early 20th century this church was rebuilt with the fine specimens of European craftsmanship.

Highlights: Pastel interiors, murals, carved wooden panels

Chinese Fishing Nets (During the era of Chinese ruler Kublai Khan)
Chinese fishing nets are called `cheena vala’ locally. Their nomenclature suggests that its origin in China. According to the popular myth some traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan brought these nets here.

Highlights: Fishing nets hanging from bamboo or teak posts.

Dutch Palace (Built in 1555 AD by the Portuguese)
Portuguese traders built and presented this palace to the Raja of Kochi Veera Kerala Varma. The entire story of Ramayana is engraved on the walls of this palace. This palace’s flooring exhibits rare example of traditional Kerala flooring.

Highlights: Mythological murals, traditional Kerala flooring made up of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites.

Hill Palace (Built in 1865)
It is a 19th century palace located near Tripunithura. It was the official resident of the Kochi’s royal family. Sprawled over 52 acres of beautiful high land, the palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala. This place now has been converted into a museum.

Highlights: 200 antique pieces of pottery and ceramic vases from Japan and China, Kudakkallu (tomb stone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), menhirs, granite, laterite memorials, rock cut weapons from the stone ages, wooden temple models, plaster cast models of objects from Mohanjodaro and Harappa etc

Popular Excursions from Kochi
On your tour to Kochi, you will have ample excursion options. After you have visited all-important tourist places in Kochi, move towards the array of interesting excursions outside Kochi. About 50 km away from Ernakulam district of Kochi, Bhoothathankettu is a popular tourist place. The most splendid waterfall Cheeyappara Waterfalls is located between Neriamangalam and Adimali. Sited approximately 47 km away from Cochin city of Kerala, Malayattoor is one of the most important pilgrimage. If you are a bird lover then Mangalavanam, a popular bird sanctuary, will charm you. Beside this you can also visit destinations like Chendamangalam, Kalady, Kodanad etc. Customize your tour according to your travel need from the vast options of local travel agencies.

Popular Shopping Items/ Shopping Centres in Kochi
If you want to buy a souvenir or a gift for your family back home, then Cochin has quite good options for you.Visit the quaint little curio shops which will offer you small traditional knick-knacks. Buy items like figurines, colorful bead jewelry, mat, bangles etc all made from coir, wood, bamboo, shells, brass, ivory and sandalwood. You can shop for perfumes, watches, bags, suitcases, music cassettes and CD's at Marine Drive. Penta Menaka complex sells electronic items and mobile phones. For goods like textiles, readymade garments, jewelry, toys, home furnishing, handicrafts, decorative items etc, head for MG Road. Buy spice from Synagogue in Mattancherry.

Kochi Travel Information
Being an important centre of trade and tourism in Kerala, Kochi is well connected by air, rail and road with rest of the country.

Closest Airport:

• Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) (30 kms from the city centre)

Closest Railway Station:

• Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town
• Cochin Harbour Terminus

Bus Stand:

• KSRTC Central Bus station (near the Ernakulam Junction railway station)

Road Link:

• National Highway 47

Local Transport in Kochi
Local transport is cheap and convenient here. Auto-Rickshaws are much cheaper than taxi cars. They charge around 3-7 Rs/-. At Ernakulam Junction railway station, you can always avail the service of Pre-paid auto stands (booth) regular bus services connect It connects Ernakulam, Willington, Fort Kochi and many other places. Local passenger buses are colored in red and pale yellow on top charge Rs. 2.00 minimum for two stoppages. Boat service or ferry service also a popular mode of local transportation. They will provide you a luxurious and more relax way of communication.