Kochi is a centrally located district often considered the gateway to Kerala. Endowed with a well-developed port and an international airport, Ernakulam has often been considered a cosmopolitan city in comparison to other cities of Kerala. Kochi is home to heritage and history encompassed by breathtaking landscapes where interwoven rivers and streams empty into the Arabian Sea.
Kochi (Cochin) – Queen of the Arabian Sea:
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As the commercial hub of Kerala, Kochi is a centrally located district often considered the gateway to Kerala. Endowed with a well-developed port and an international airport, Ernakulam has often been considered a cosmopolitan city in comparison to other cities of Kerala. Kochi is home to heritage and history encompassed by breathtaking landscapes where interwoven rivers and streams empty into the Arabian Sea.
The Kerala Folklore Museum and Theater:
It preserves the history and the tradition of the performing arts of the southern portion of India. From masks to performing attire, ceremonial lamps to harmonious instruments, wondrous works of carpentry to stone masterpieces, this museum is a real treasure chest of antiques.
St. Francis Church:
Built in 1503 by the Portuguese, this is the first and the oldest European Church to be built in India. The Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama was the first European to discover the sea route to India. He died in Kochi in 1524 while on his third visit to India, his mortal remains were originally buried here, then later returned to Portugal.
Fort Cochin Water Front:
Known for huge cantilevered fishing nets, built of teak wood and bamboo poles. These nets are horizontally suspended over the sea, giving an appearance of a huge hammock. Also, there are regular Ferry services from Fort Cochin to the nearby Vypin Island.
Santa Cruz Basilica:
Built by the first Portuguese, a place of devotion as well as a center of historic significance. It is bestowed with architectural and aesthetic splendor and colors of the gothic style. Pope John Paul IV raised the Santa Cruz church to the status of a Cathedral with the erection of the Cochin diocese as the second diocese in India.
Jewish Synagogue:
In the port city of Kochi, remains the oldest Jewish monument in India, constructed in 1568. Its interior holds curved brass columns, an intricately carved teak ark, Belgian crystal chandeliers and Torah crowns of solid gold set with gems. As well as hand painted different pattern floor tiles from Canton, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, scrolls from the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates are housed within these walls among many other historical treasures.
Marine Drive:
A picturesque promenade in Kochi, where one side faces the Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest lake. Here you can witness a gorgeous sunset, boats bobbing in the water and experience a gentle breeze rolling off the lake. This marina is ideal for a scenic jog, a tranquil stroll, or even a riveting sight-seeing experience.
Jew Town Road:
Lined with shops that sell curios, antique crockery, carved wooden furniture, bronze and brass sculptures, remnant of traditional houses, and even ornaments; these were once prized possessions of the old Jewish settlers.
Cochin Carnival:
A massive procession of caparisoned elephants, games, and partying. People far and near flock to Fort Kochi, ornamented like a bride on her wedding day, to participate in the festivities. Partakers dress up in fancy costumes, overflowing with enthusiasm. The origins of the Cochin carnival can be traced back to the Portuguese New Year revelry, held here during the colonial days. It gradually evolved to take the form of what is today called the “Cochin Carnival.”
