Cochin, Kerala

One of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast, Cochin likes to show itself off in the evenings. That is when the lights around the harbor and the seafront start twinkling and transport you to an almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere. This idyllic setting is despite the fact that it is a major commercial hub of Kerala State handling spices, rubber, coir and fish products for the world.

Cochin comprises of mainland Ernakulam, the islands of Willingdon, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbor, Fort Cochin and Matancherry in the south and Vypeen Island in the north. It is these islands and the smell of the sea air that lend Cochin its unique charm. While it has the busy harbor on the one end, on the other is M.G. Road, where modern designer boutiques and expensive gold shops exist almost cheek-in-jowl with places selling spices, dry fish and coconut products.

Cochin's claim to fame is its distinctive title as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. As an ancient port of call for the Chinese, the Arabs, the Jews, British, the French, and the Portuguese, the city absorbed the cultures of each nationality and gave Cochin its cosmopolitan character. This is reflected in the buildings and structures all around the older sections. Naturally, there is history in every step in the city.

The main area of the city is the MG Road, which has most of the shopping options. The road is a long stretch of about 3 kilometers with shops, restaurants, banks etc. on either side of the road. The road runing parallel to MG Road is Marine Drive, along the beach. There are quite a few eating and shopping outlets. There are a few shopping arcades too through which one can walk to the edge of the water. There is also an arched walkway, which leads to a jetty landing area for tourist boats. 

Cochin's best hotels are located on the man-made Willingdon Island, named after Lord Willingdon, one of the British Viceroys in India. The island houses the customs and trading centers, and the port trust.

Cochin is well connected by air. It has an international airport. Cochin has three railway stations: Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Harbor Terminus on Willingdon Island. However, Ernakulam Junction is the main rail access point with services from most regions of India. Some trains connecting Trivandrum and Cochin touch only Ernakulam Town Railway Station. Private and public transport services connect Cochin to all major cities in south India. There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam, the main jetty just off Fore Shore Road about the middle of the town, which covers services to Willingdon Island, Fort Cochin and Vypeen Island. The High Court jetty off Shanmugham Rod, near High Court, covers services to Bolgatty Island, etc. 

Places to see:

St. Francis Church: Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, this is India's oldest European church. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 and later moved to Lisbon, Portugal. His tombstone i a major tourist attraction.

Santa Cruz Basilica: This church, dating back to 1558, has beautiful paintings.

Matancherry Palace: This palace, built by the Portuguese in 1557, was presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin. On display are beautiful murals deoicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and some Puranic Hindu legends.

Synagogue: Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. It is famous for its 18th century hand-printed floor tiles from Canton, China and Hebrew inscriptions on the stone slabs.

Cherian Beach: Bordering Vypeen Island, this beach is ideal for a swim. One can occasionally spot dolphins here.

Bolgatty Island: This island is known for its palace. The Bolgatty Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744, and later taken over by the British. It has now been transformed into a hotel.

Pareekshith Thampuran Museum: Previously the Durbar Hall, this sprawling, traditional Kerala-style building houses 19th century oil paintings and a fabulous collection of old coins, sculptures and Mughal paintaings.