A foggy highway at Kulamavu, Idukki
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A foggy highway at Kulamavu, Idukki
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A view of Siruvani Hills, Palakkad
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Kanthanpara Water Falls at Kalpetta, Wayanad
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
Kochi is known as the Queen of the Arabian ocean and one of the famous tourist attraction in south India from vibrant Kathakali performances to alluring, beaches and backwaters this place will surely leave you a bunch of memories and feel. Kochi is the financial and corporate power house of Kerala and one of the prominent port city in the south west cost of India. Since the 14th century Kochi was a fabulous spice trading hub on the western cost of India seduced by her versatility the oofy merchants all over the globe perpetuated a robust trade network with her.
Kochi was a red-hot engrossment for the colonizers all around the world, Kochi was colonized by the Dutch, Portuguese and the British whose legendry remains are visible even now. Beaches, backwaters, museums make Kochi a serene location to visit. Kochi is one of the thickly populated metro towns in India, nearness to the port and airport makes Kochi one of the major business towns.
Kochi is derived from the word Kaci, meaning "harbor". Accounts by Italian explorers Nicolo Conti (15th century), and Fra Paoline in the 17th century say that it was called Kochi, named after the river connecting the backwaters to the sea. After the arrival of the Portuguese, and later the British, the name Kochi stuck as the official appellation. The city reverted to a closer transliteration of its original Malayalam name, Kochi, in 1996.
There is always confusion for travelers when they hear these two names Kochi & Ernakulam. Kochi, (Cochin) Fort Kochi etc is the port side which is part of the Ernakulam district. When the locals refer to Ernakulam they're referring to the mainland portion of the Kochi city. Ernakulam, the mainland part of Kochi, has lent its name to the district of Ernakulam. As of now, the whole of Ernakulam, Kochi and its suburbs etc is collectively called as Kochi.
Places of Interest
There are many places of interest steeped in history in and around Kochi city.
The Folklore museum (9am -6pm-Open all day) located 8 kms from the city has on display historical items like Kathakali masks, musical instruments and ornaments that dates back to the Stone Age. The museum welcomes you with a big Kalvilakku(lamp), and then greeted by elephant statues on both sides of the steps heading to the massive multistoried building. This unique museum is the best example of traditional Kerala architecture. The structure is made of wood, laterite stone and clay tiles and a perfect instance of Kerala ancient carpentry The museum undoubtedly owns the most unique and largest collection of Stone, Bronze and wood Sculptures, masks, musical instruments, costumes of traditional and ritual art forms along with traditional jewelry, shadow puppets and string puppets. Folklore museum also has a remarkable cane collection along with many manuscripts of rare medicinal and astrological secrets.
The Jewish synagogue is located in the Jew town and one of the seven synagogues in the area still in use, the complex was built adjacent to the Mattanchery palace. The synagogue is open for fee to visitors as a historic attraction, the synagogue remains closed on Jewish holidays. The synagogue is known as paradesi synagogue which means foreigners, the antique collection at in synagogue includes beautiful chandeliers, clock tower and brass railed pulpit.
The Mattanchery palace (10.am-5.pm all days except Friday and Saturday) at Mattanchery was built by the Portuguese and was given as a gift to the Maharaja of Cochin, the palace gallery has amazing murals the legacy of Keralite craftsmanship rests in these murals. The grandeur of Mattanchery Palace lies in its simplicity and it is built in typical Kerala style mansion reserved for nobility. The murals are painted in warm colors using the tempera technique, portraits of the legends who ruled Kochi has been painted using this technique.
The Kerala Kathakali (4 pm-10pm) center in Kochi is the place where the dance form Koodiyattam is taught and it is recognized as the human heritage art by the UNESCO. Arts like Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam and various dance forms are being taught here , the main objective of this center is to popularize and encourage the classical art forms of Kerala.
The Indo-Portuguese museum (9.00am-6.00pm –all days) is located in Fort Kochi was established to showcase the influence of Portuguese culture and heritage on Kochi and surrounding areas. Among the pieces on display are apiece of the altar made in teak from the church of Our Lady Of Hope. No fee is charges on the first Thursday of every month and the visiting duration on any day is 2-3 hrs.
Bolgatty Palace is a former palace built by the Dutch in India on Bolgatty island. The palace is the one of the oldest existing Dutch palace outside Holland, the palace was built by the Dutch traders in the year 1744 and later gardens were landscaped around the palace, after the independence by the state government.
Marine Drive is a picturesque promenade in the city of Kochi. It is built facing the back waters and is a popular hangout for the tourists at Kochi. Ironic to its name, no vehicles are allowed on the walk way. Marine drive is economically thriving part of the city Kochi.
David Hall(opens 12 pm-9pm-round the week) is 350 years old bungalow which was once the official residence of Dutch army commanders, the bungalow was later transformed into a large art gallery for painters and Dutch performers, with its café and space for performing arts, the historic building could be an inspiring vibrant meeting place for fresh talent and lovers of art. David Hall has been leased to the hotel group now since 2007. They currently maintain the Hall and the premises. The Dutch style has been kept intact and the modern lighting fixtures have been made to suit the architecture of the building. David Hall houses a bollard stone which was used centuries ago in wooden ships to balance weight.
Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura is one of the finest places to visit in Kochi (9.30am-4.30pm all days except Mondays) it is less than a three-mile drive from the city, the palace is heritage museum dedicated to the Maharaja of the city, and the palace portrays the architectural style of Keralite craftsmanship. The campus of the museum is a home to several rare species of medicinal plants.
Kodanad is a paradise for elephant lovers- one can enjoy elephant rides and watch elephants being trained, the most attractive part of the visit starts at 8.00 in the morning when all the elephants are taken for a royal bath in the nearby river it takes a long 2 hrs for the men on guard to wash them which is a live fun activity. Kodanadis the only elephant rescue and training center in Kerala specialized for rescuing and training stranded baby elephants from the forest regions across Kerala. Elephants are made ready with a specially constructed wooden saddle on top, designed to make the riding comfortable and safe. Kodanad, the old Kraal is still maintained and is still used to house elephants. The Kraal is a tall structure made of wood compartments that can accommodate up to 4 elephants. The mini zoo shelters wild animals which have become unfit for survival in the local forest and some inmates of the zoo are very rare species.
Bhoothathankettu is among the most picturesque dams in Kerala. It is said the natural fortification of hills and forests that guard the place were built by Bhoothathans (spirits/ghosts). Located in Ernakulam district, it contains some of the best trekking trails in the state. Trekking through the forests here is an exhilarating experience. A boat ride here is a beautiful way to explore the natural beauty on display. Located nearby is the legendary Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad. A trip on the houseboat is a must. Cruising up the river that is purported to be a freshwater body, whose water has medicinal values of the `Neelakoduveli' that grows in the upreaches of the ghats (where the Periyar has its origin), is a memorable experience. The river brings a new meaning to the word `quiet' - at least once the motors of the boat are cut. The two main irrigation projects of Ernakulam district - the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar are also located nearby. One can also access pedal boats and cruises in these parts. It is a wonderful picnic spot about 10 km from Kothamangalam.
Pre Plannng:
Stay
Kochi being a tranquillizing tourist destination offers a wide range of hotels to choose from. Inbound tourists have a pool of hotels available in the city and the sub-urbs, listed below are the luxurious hotels available in Kochi that will make your stay comfortable.
How to Reach
Other Info
Trivia
Lulu international shopping mall is the largest shopping mall in India and it stays tall in Kochi. Its promoter, Mr. Yusaf Ali made it possible bearing in mind Kochi has the potential of becoming the number one metro political city in India, the leasable area is so vast that the total area measures equal to eight football grounds.
Dawn and dusk is the time when the Chinese fishing net "Cheenavala' can be seen in action. One could experience the best Cheenavala in action experience from the Vasco da Gama square at Fort Kochi.
Fort Kochi’s biggest gala even Kochi Carnival is celebrated every year in the last weeks of December. The port city welcomes the New Year festooned like a gorgeous Christian bride with white paper decorations all around. Events like fairs, cultural shows, food festivals, bike & cycle races, beach football, burning of Papanji at zero hour on the 31st of Dec so forth enhance the festive spirit.
Kumbalangi is a meek village located 8 kms from Kochi, this place provides a sedate village ambience for the one who would want to move away from the urban blasphemy. Tourists love indulging in activities like crab catching , paddy reaping and village boat rides, it is for sure that one would feel the legacy of Kochi rests in these humble villages.
Try grabbing a crab when you are in Kochi at Kunbalangi village.
Enjoy the act of weaving a coconut leaves while you are in Kumbalangi Village, Kochi
Santa Cruz Basilica. Originally built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by the Pope in 1558. The church is 7 kms from the city and is one among the eight Basilicas in India, the gothic styled architecture on the church walls both inside and outside is a treat to watch.
Cherai beach located 20 kms from the city is a 10 km long beach ,the waves are gentle and pleasant and is ideal for swimming. Cherai beach is place were the serene beauty of the ocean and back waters can be seen in a single frame and the sight is quite something to watch.
Thattekkadu Bird life sanctuary is the first one of its kind in Kerala the well-known ornithologist described this sanctuary as the richest bird habitat on peninsular India. Several species of birds both water birds and forest birds are the inhabitants of this sanctuary.
Panieli Poru is a waterfall spot in Kerala caused by natural bottle neck in the flow of Periyar river due to rock formations. The Periyar flows along the rocky terrain here.The rivulets of the Periyar, having separated upstream, join hands at the spot and continue the onward journey. The flowing water makes a symphony along with the chirping of the birds in the nearby forest.
When you are in Kochi, you can try a hand in pottery making. If interested you can join for a course even. Follow the link to learn more: https://youtu.be/V3S_zoYTrBY
Enjoy the sunset while at Kochi with a canoe/shikkara ride at the backwaters. These rides can be enjoyed at Kochi, Kumbalangi, Vaikom etc for families as well as groups.
Try your hand at fishing while you are at Kumbalangi, Vaikom or any Kochi backwaters.
Get amazed at the art of climbing a coconut tree or even try it by yourself to get a hang of it. Can be tried at Vaikom, Kumbalangi etc.
Relish the famous traditional Kerala Sadhya on a banana leaf while you are in Kochi!
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