Wonderful Places to Visit in Cochin

Superb Spots to Visit in Cochin

Cochin, a coastal city in Kerala, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. It has been listed among the top 10 cities to visit in Asia by Lonely Planet and CNNGo. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Cochin as a traveler: where to go, what to see, when it's best visited etc.

Brief overview of Cochin

Cochin, the capital city of Kerala, is an important commercial center and port. It is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea because of its beautiful beaches, which are frequented by tourists from all over India. A port city with a long history, it has been described as one of the most picturesque cities in India due to its colonial-era buildings and monuments that were built by Portuguese traders during their occupation in this region. The city was later conquered by Dutch invaders but became part of British India after constant wars between them and other European powers such as France and Spain during colonial times (18th century). Today Cochin is an important tourist destination for visitors who want to experience something different from what they see elsewhere around India!

Importance of Cochin as a tourist destination

Cochin is a very historic city and has been around since before 500 AD. The Portuguese trade with Kerala was very important to them, and they made it their home base for many years.

Cochin is also known as “the Venice of India” due to its architecture, which use old Dutch style buildings with arches and pillars. Modern buildings have been built in Cochin too! You can see some of these modern structures along the waterfront promenade called Kochi Beach Road; this road leads from Fort Kochi to Mattancherry Palace (also known as Mattancherry House).

Cochin has many beautiful beaches on its coastline; my favorite one is Paravur beachfront near Trivandrum International Airport (TIA). This beach has white sand that looks like powdered sugar when you walk on it! It’s also safe because there are lifeguards at both ends making sure everyone stays safe while enjoying themselves at this beautiful place :)

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi, also known as Fort Cochin, is a historic neighborhood in the city of Kochi, located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The area is known for its colonial architecture, cultural diversity, and tourist attractions.

History of Fort Kochi: Fort Kochi has a rich history that dates back to the 14th century, when it was a small fishing village. Over the years, the area was ruled by various dynasties and empires, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. These foreign powers left their mark on the region, which is reflected in the architecture, cuisine, and culture of the area.

Top attractions in Fort Kochi:

Chinese Fishing Nets: The Chinese fishing nets are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Fort Kochi. These large, intricate nets are operated using a complex system of pulleys and weights, and are used to catch fish in the waters surrounding Fort Kochi.

St. Francis Church: St. Francis Church is one of the oldest European churches in India, dating back to the 16th century. The church has a rich history, having been the final resting place of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama, and a place of worship for the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica: The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is a historic church that dates back to the 16th century. The church is known for its stunning architecture, which is a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and Indian styles.

Dutch Cemetery: The Dutch Cemetery is a historic cemetery that dates back to the 18th century. The cemetery is home to the graves of many prominent Dutch citizens who lived in Fort Kochi during the Dutch colonial period.

Fort Kochi Beach: Fort Kochi Beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The beach offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea, and is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Mattancherry

Mattancherry is a historic neighborhood located in the city of Kochi, in the southern Indian state of Kerala. This charming locality is renowned for its vibrant history, multicultural influences, and splendid architecture. From stunning palaces and Cochin Temples and pilgrimage sites to bustling markets and quaint cafes, Mattancherry has plenty to offer to visitors of all interests. In this article, we'll explore the history and attractions of this fascinating place in more detail.

History of Mattancherry:-

Mattancherry has a long and storied history that dates back to the pre-colonial era. The area was originally a bustling trade hub, with merchants from across the Indian subcontinent and beyond converging here to exchange goods and ideas. The region was particularly known for its spice trade, with merchants from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia vying for control of the lucrative market.

In the 16th century, Mattancherry came under Portuguese control, and the area was ruled by the Portuguese for over a century. During this period, the Portuguese built several impressive landmarks, including the Mattancherry Palace, which served as the residence of the local Maharaja. The palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, was later renovated by the Dutch, who took control of the region in the 17th century.

Mattancherry remained under Dutch control until the late 18th century, when the British East India Company took over the region. The British also left their mark on the area, with several important buildings and institutions established during their rule.

Attractions in Mattancherry:-

Today, Mattancherry is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the rich history and culture of Kerala. Here are some of the top attractions to check out in this charming neighborhood:

Mattancherry Palace: This impressive palace was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later renovated by the Dutch. The palace features stunning architecture and houses a fascinating collection of paintings and artifacts that offer a glimpse into the region's royal past.

Jewish Synagogue: Located in the heart of Mattancherry, the Jewish Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in the world. The synagogue is known for its exquisite architecture and houses a collection of rare antiques and artifacts.

Spice Market: The Mattancherry Spice Market is a bustling hub of activity, where you can find an array of spices, herbs, and other culinary delights. The market is a great place to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of Kerala's vibrant culture.

Jain Temple: This ancient temple, dedicated to the Jain saint Bhagwan Dharmanath, is a must-visit for anyone interested in religion and spirituality. The temple features intricate carvings and a peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for reflection and meditation.

Dutch Cemetery: The Dutch Cemetery is a serene and tranquil spot that offers a glimpse into Mattancherry's colonial past. The cemetery is home to several graves and tombs that date back to the Dutch period, and is a fascinating place to explore for history buffs.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive is a famous promenade in the city of Kochi, Kerala. It is an important tourist destination and is also known as ‘Marina Beach’. The name Marine Drive was given because it has several restaurants, shops and hotels along the promenade which makes it a great place for Cochin Shopping areas or dining out with friends or family members.

Marine Drive has been listed as one of the best beaches in India by Lonely Planet guidebook due to its cleanliness and calm atmosphere during weekends when most tourists visit this place from other cities such as Mumbai/Bombay etc., who want to experience some peace within themselves after spending their time at busy offices during weekdays only!

Hill Palace Museum

The Hill Palace Museum is a museum in Kochi, Kerala, India. It was built by Muhammed Shah Bahadur III and is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Cochin.

The exhibits at this museum include various items from ancient times to modern times including architecture and furniture; paintings and sculptures; coins, medals and stamps etc., which were used by kings during their reigns. Some interesting pieces include a hand-crafted throne made from teak wood imported from Burma (now Myanmar). A golden cheque issued by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma I has also been displayed here since its discovery in 1985 when it was found lying among other valuables inside his treasury house called ‘Kerala Varma Mahal’ located near Mattancheri Fort near Alappuzha town which had been abandoned after his death due to heavy rains that year

Bolgatty Island

Bolgatty Island is a small island in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Ernakulam. It is a popular tourist destination and a place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. The island has been used by fishermen since ancient times, but today it offers tourists many attractions such as its natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, lush greenery and clear waters.

In addition to being an ideal location for fishing expeditions or just chilling out at one of its numerous beaches (such as Chavara Beach), Bolgatty Island also has several restaurants where you can enjoy Cochin Fast Food Restaurants and delicious seafood dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from local markets or farms nearby.

Why Cochin is a must-visit destination for travelers

When you hear the word “Cochin”, what comes to mind? The city is beautiful, with its golden beaches and lush green surroundings. It's also a great place to visit because it has so many things to offer tourists and travelers alike.

If you're thinking about moving here or already live in Cochin, there's no better way than to explore all that this city has on offer! Here are some reasons why:

It's an amazing place for relaxation. If your goal is relaxation after work or school hours, then Cochin can help with that too! There are plenty of opportunities for getting some peace and quiet time away from everything else going on around town (and outside). You may even want some time off during weekends too if possible - especially if it's cold outside!

You'll learn something new every day whether at school/work or simply walking down streets looking at buildings from various angles just because they look interesting themselves - all while enjoying beautiful weather conditions along with them (which tends not only keep healthy but also enhances creativity).

Final thoughts and recommendations.

If you have time to spend in Cochin, it is definitely worth visiting. It's a beautiful city with lots of history and culture. You can go shopping at the local markets or eat at one of the many restaurants in the area. You can also take a tour on one of their many boats that travel around the river system, which is great for sightseeing as well!

Cochin is also home to people from all over India who come here because they want good food, nice Cochin hotels and cheap prices on clothing items like t-shirts or pants (which makes sense).

Closure

Cochin is one of the most beautiful places in India. It’s also one of the most culturally rich, which makes it a great destination for travelers from all over the world. Cochin has so much to offer and there are so many things to do here that you might not even realize what you’ve missed out on until after you come back home.