Cochin (Kochi) is the commercial capital of Kerala, and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage, but is one of the most fast-paced and modern cities in India. It is also one of the finest natural harbours of the world and a major Indian port.

Always a tourist favourite, this city offers visitors plenty. Forts, palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters, palm fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a contemporary metro.


Sightseeing at Cochin -
The Chinese fishing nets : These huge cantilevered fishing nets along the backwaters are the legacy of the traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Built of teakwood and bamboo poles, they are fascinating to see.

St. Francis Churchw : It is the oldest church built by European in India.On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portugese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church

Mattancherry (Dutch Palace) : Also known as the Mattancherry Palace, it was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Kochi Raja in 1555 AD. A fine blend of Indo-European architecture, it acquired the present name after it was renovated by the Dutch in 1663. In the center of the building is the hall where the Cochin Rajas held their coronations. This central courtyard also enshrines the deity of the royal family. Adjacent rooms contain 17th and 18th century murals illustrating scenes from Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. There are two temples on either side of the main palace, dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.

Jewish Synagogue : The synagogue ,magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers ,was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace.

Bolghatty Palace : This Dutch palace is situated on the Bolghatty island. At present it is being used as hotel. The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.


Reaching Cochin -
By Air : Connected to Aggati, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Trivandrum by Air.
By Rail : Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Delhi, Madras, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Varanasi are well connected to Cochin by rail.
By Road : Cochin is well connected to the rest of Southern India and serves as the gateway city for other North Kerala tourist destinations like Kumarakom (85 kms), Munnar (160 kms), Periyar (200 kms) etc.