KOCHI VACATIONS

Kochi - Queen of the Arabian Sea

Kochi is often bestowed upon the sobriquet 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', and there is plenty reason for it. Blessed with the finest natural harbour found anywhere in the world, gorgeous little man made islands etched around the main city, rich history and culture at every step and numerous attractions that include giant Chinese fishing nets silhouetted across the sea with the backdrop of the setting sun. What more can a tourist ask for? The glittering cosmopolitan character of the city is suitably reflected in the buildings and structures which act as mock narrators of its colonial past. A city of tiny shimmering islands, today has become Kerala's commercial and tourist hub.

Sites to Check Out

Chinese Fishing Nets/Vasco Da Gama Square
Popularly called Cheena Vala in Malayalam, the elegant looking Chinese fishing nets flank the entry point of the Kochi harbor. The giant cantilevered structures which are suspended from curved poles and controlled by levers and weights, are believed to have been brought here by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Found on the northern shores of Fort Cochin, these nets add grace and charm to an already impressive seaside view.

Mattancherry Palace
Also known as Dutch Palace, the monumental structure was constructed by the Portuguese in 1557 and later presented to the king of Kochi. Resembling a typical Keralan mansion, the Nalukettu in many ways, the double storeyed palace overlooks the panoramic Kochi backwaters. The palace houses an exquisite collection of beautifully painted murals which depict scenes from the great Indian epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Jewish Synagogue
The majestic Jewish Synagogue at Mattancherry is said to be the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth countries, tracing its origin to sometime in 1568 AD. The glorious structure still houses precious scrolls in the form of copper plates bestowed as grants of privilege by the rulers of Kochi. The treasured construction served its share of wrath at the hands of time and was partially destroyed during the 17th century war to be rebuilt later by the Dutch.

St. Francis Church
The oldest testament to European presence in India, St. Francis Church was built by the Portuguese during the early part of 16th century. Its vibrant past is witness to the rich colonial heritage of the city, being restored by the Dutch and subsequently converted into an Anglican church by the British in 1795. Vasco Da Gama, the great Portuguese explorer was buried here until the remains were dug out and taken back home by the Portuguese.

Santa Cruz Basilica
One of the finest and most impressive representations of exquisite colonial architecture in Kerala, the Santa Cruz Basilica is a Roman Catholic Cathedral, constructed by the Portuguese during the 16th century. Over centuries, the place has gained significance not only as a place of devotion but also as an important centre of historic significance bestowed with architectural and artistic grandeur typical of the Gothic style.