Cochin is the natural harbor created
by the famed underwater Malabar mud-banks whose quality ensures that the rougher
the seas are outside calmer the waters are within the Harbor. Cochin offers all
the attractions of Kerala in a concentrated package. The heart of Kerala, palm-green
Kochi, is the commercial capital of Kerala. It is the hub of all trading activities
in Kerala. The physical character of the city gives a spicy look as people from
far away lands like Arab, China, Dutch, Britain and Spain have left their impression
on the town. There are several centres of Ayurvedic treatments.
Flanked
by the Arabian Sea on the western side and the Western Ghats on the eastern side,
Kochi is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. However, it is still a mystery
how the city got its name Kochi. Historians that try to explain the origin of
word Kochi have put different theories forward. Some historians believe that Cochin
is a modified form of the word 'Cochazhi' which in Malayalam means 'small sea'.
There are Chinese fishing nets swaying in the breeze over backwaters, the Jewish
Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Portuguese architecture, Bolghatty Palace in Kochi and
many other pieces of architecture that have added to the pages of history books.
Others are of the opinion that 'Kochi' was named so by the Chinese. According
to them, traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan, gave Kochi the
name of their homeland.
What one can see in Cochin
- Mattancherry Palace
- Jewish Synagogue
- St Francis Church
-
Sant Cruz Baslica Church
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Bholghatty Palace
- Willingdon Island
- Hill Palce Museum
What
one can do in Kochi
The foremost one can enjoy are the benefits
of Ayurveda treatments. There are several resorts and institutions offering the
Ayurveda services. One can also take an occasional boat ride around Cochin harbour,
visit the boat club and attend traditional songs and dance shows. The articles
of immense beauty are found in Kochi, among them the best ones are metal ware,
camel-bone carvings, wood carvings, articles made of coconut shells, bamboo cane,
embroidered screw pine mats; grass mats; and several other types of handicrafts.
The major shopping centers are on M.G.Road that cuts across the heart of the city,
and the Marine Drive including Broadway.
How to
reach Kochi
It is well connected by air, rail and road. Nedumbassery
International airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 47 km from Fort
Cochin. Ernakulam Junction is the nearest railhead.
