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Cochin or Kochi is a booming
business metropo lis, a fascinating mixture of the old and the new,
is having the finest natural harbours in the world. Cochin
underlined by the sobriquet ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, was once a
major centre for commerce and trade. At Cochin, the blue water of
the Arabian Sea merges with Kerala’s Emerald Backwaters. Even
today, Cochin continues the tradition of welcoming visitors with
its customary warmth and hospitality…
Places of interest
Art Complex -
Madhavan Nayar Foundation, Edappally: This Art Complex is 10 kms
north of Ernakulam en route to Alwaye. The centre also exhibits
certain larger-than-life mural reproductions of ancient Indian
Art. The complex consists of two units: the Gallery of Paintings
and Sculptures which presents over 200 original paintings by
contemporary Indian artists, some of them internationally
acclaimed, and works of reputed Indian sculptors. The other unit,
the Centre for Visual Arts is reserved for authentic reproductions
of selected world masters from Leonardo da Vinci to those of the
present century.
Chinese Fishing Nets
Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Cochin: These fixed, ca ntilevered
fishing nets, at the entrance of the harbour and along the
backwaters, were introduced by traders from the court of Kublai
Khan. Records show that they were first erected between AD 1350
and 1450. The best place to watch these nets is from Vasco da Gama
square, a narrow promenade that lies parallel to the beach.
Cherai Beach:
The beach is located 25 kms from Ernakulam in a typical
village ambience is this lovely unspoilt stretch of sand, ideal
for swimming. But if the sea and sand still do not whet your
appetite, there are many numbers of food outlets and ice-cream
parlours to do so. At Cherai, life guards are always on the look
out for the over adventurous. Dolphins are also commonly seen in
the waters.
Siva Temple Ernakulam
Siva Temple, Ernakulam: The temple is facing the historical
Rajendra maidan is this famous temple, considered to be amongst
the most ancient in central Kerala. Though no historical records
exist to indicate a precise date, an inscription found above the
main entrance in Vattezhuthu, an antiquated script, suggests that
the sanctum was built in the year 1614. The deity is popularly
referred to as Ernakulathappan. The temple's 8-day annual festival
is celebrated in the month of Jan-Feb with colourful rituals and
exciting cultural events. The bathing of the idol, on the eighth
day, is particularly significant here. The ceremony of Ashta
Bandham Kalasam, where the deity is anointed in a herbal paste, is
performed once in 12 years.
Dutch Cemetery Dutch
Cemetery, Fort Cochin: Consecrated in 1724, here's an
authentic reminder of the many men and women from Europe who came
down all the way to play out their roles in the colonial 17th,
18th, and 19th centuries.
Cochin Beach Fort :
The Beach is an ideal place for an evenin g stroll and to watch a
spectacular sunset. Bathing and swimming are not recommended here.
The colourful carnival at New Year's Eve is a feature of this
beach.
Hill Palace Museum,
Tripunithura: The Museum is set on top of a hillock, these
prodigious palace-turned-museum display 13 categories of exhibits,
including paintings, carvings and other royal antiquities donated
by the Cochin and Travancore royal families and the Paliam
Devaswom. The Heritage Museum, located on the rear side of the
palace buildings, familiarizes you with the traditional lifestyles
of ancient Kerala. The museum premises have also been converted
into a botanical garden with exotic tropical trees from Central
America to Australia.
Sree Poornathreyesa Temple,
Tripunithura: The legend says that Arjuna, the great archer
and warrior, had established this sanctum. Formerly belonging to
the Cochin royalty, this temple has Maha Vishnu as its presiding
deity. The annual temple festival is held in Nov-Dec, while the
colourful Athachamayam, a cultural extravaganza, is celebrated
every year during the festival of Onam.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive: One side of the Marine Drive is backwater while
the opposite side is 70-ft Road, city’s widest road. At the place
of ruined old jetty there is Marine Drive Promenade. Sit here and
watch the backwaters and the Fort Kochi beyond. The world’s highly
densely populated Vypeen Island is in clear view from here.
Mount Carmel Church, Varapuzha:
The most interesting things are the Portuguese church
bells. This 1642 church is the second Indian vicariath established
by Holy See after Goa.
Sree Rajarajeswari Temple, Chottanikara:
The Temple is located 15 kms from Ernakulam, this 10th century
temple, one of the most renowned in Kerala, is an important
pilgrim centre. The goddess here is worshipped in her three forms,
one after another, as the day progresses - as Saraswathy in the
morning, as Bhadrakali at noon, and as Durga in the evening. The
temple's annual festival is held in Feb-Mar for nine days with 'Makam
Thozal' considered the most important day. The Navaratri
celebrations are also worth seeing.
Vamanamoorthy Temple, Thrikkakara:
The Temple is set in a land of great mythological
significance, this ancient temple, dedicated to Vamana - the fifth
avatara of Lord Vishnu - is venerated by the Vaishnavaites as one
among the 108 holy places in India. The temple holds a large
number of lithic records, some of great historical significance.
The annual festival is held in the month of Chingam
Things to Do in Cochin
There are innumerable options available to travelers in
Cochin. Some of the popular ones are -
Houseboat cruises: Cochin, with abundant widening and
narrowing canals and lakes is best experienced with a houseboat
cruise. Houseboat is the best way to enjoy the labyrinthine of
Kerala backwaters these backwaters have always supported a unique
waterfront lifestyle for the people of Cochin. Tourists can
experience this unique lifestyle by renting one of the large
thatched-roofed house boats known as “Kettuvallams”. Kettuvallams
lazily move around the canals and lakes giving you the perfect
sense of peace and tranquility. These boats cater equally to the
needs of a family of two or a group of over a dozen people. They
usually come with a captain, a cook and a steward.
Ayurveda Ayurvedic Spas: Kerala acclaimed as the birthplace
of Ayurveda, a trip to this fabulous land is never complete
without a visit to one of those refreshing Ayurvedic spas. The
state of Kerala is synonymous with wellness. There are different
sorts of treatments available guaranteed to rejuvenate your body
and soul. Treat yourself and indulge in this amazingly refreshing
Ayurvedic spa experience. |