A Tour to Kochi
kochi;history of kochi;kochi tourism;cheap flights to kochi;kochi hotels;kochi flats;kochi appartments;villas in kochi;taj malabar, kochi;casino hotel,kochi
Kochi- The Queen of Arabian Sea
Kochi, The queen of Arabian sea is one of the best cities of India which is famous for commerce, industry as well as tourism. It is the gateway of Kerala tourism as it is providing an easy access to almost all tourist places in Kerala. Undoubtedly, it is a perfect destination to start exploring and enjoying the beauty of Kerala. There are many places for tourist attractions in Cochin.
Historical Importance of Kochi
Kochi or Cochin was the colony of Portuguese and it marked the first European colonial settlement in India. The beauty of the coconut palms and variety spices found here were attracted the Portuguese to colonize here. Kochi was also a good place for trade and travel. So kochi was declared as the capital of Portuguese India until 1530. Kochi was also a trade route between Europe and China.
Origin of the name 'Kochi'
Kochi was previously known as Cochin which is similar to a Malayalam word 'Kochazhi' which means small sea. There is also some controversies that Cochin was named after China and some of the traders from the court of Kublai Khan given the name of their homeland. Nowadays Cochin is officially renamed to Kochi.Attractions in Kochi
Kochi is very famous for its tourist attractions. There are many places in Kochi which are offering the best of Kochi. The back waters of Kochi are offering thrilling packages like boat rides, rafting, water skiing etc. Cherai beach is best place for rafting and water skiing. These activities in the midst of beautiful lagoons of Kerala are an unforgettable experience.
Marine drive in Kochi is another place which is best for the morning and evening visitors to enjoy the beauty of sunrise and sunset. Marine drive is also offering boating packages to fort Kochi. During this ride can also see some dolphins doing their athletic perfomance in backwaters. This boating to the core of fort Kochi provide a view of Cochin Shipyard and Cochin refineries.
Bolgatty Palace, Willingdon Island, Jewish Synagogue and st: francis church on the bank of lagoons in Kochi are another attractions. Many people visit these places as a part of their worship and for tourism. Bolgatty palace was built by the Dutch; afterwards it is captured by the British and used it as a resort for their generals and governors. Now Bolgatty is under the tourism department of Kerala.
There are also some pilgrimage centres like Santa Cruz Basilica and the St.Thomas Church located at Malayattur near Eranakulam. Thrippunithara Palace, one of the biggest palaces ok Kerala is located here. It is also an archeological museum with full of paintings, murals and sculptures. The ancient weapons and coins of Kerala kings are also interesting to see. Hill palace, Mattancheri Palace are some of the other famous palaces in Kochi.
Kochi is famous for its Chinese fishing nets which is one of the icon of Kochi. It is commonly known as 'Cheena vala'. These are very big structures with mechanical contrivances vertically and horizontally. The main purpose of these nets is fishing. These fishing nets with in a background of sunset are a beautiful scene.
Jawaharlal Nehru cricket stadium is one of the international cricket stadiums in Kerala. This is the stadium were Sachin Tendulkar got his best bowling figures 5/32. There are discussions going around this stadium about Kerala IPL team and making Venue for IPL matches in future.
Tourist Destinations near Kochi
1. Athirappilly Falls : 60 kms away fom Kochi
2. Kalady : 10 kms from Kochi
3. Cherai Beach : 30 kms away from Kochi
4. Bhoothathankettu : 50 kms from Kochi
5. Chottanikkara Temple : 11 kms east of Eranakulam
6. Paliam Palace,Chendamangalam : 42 kms from Eranakulam
Best time to visit Kochi
Kochi has a moderate climate. It is recommended to avoid monsoon season for visit in Kochi since there will be heavy rain as strong as we cannot move out. So visit between May and September. Those who loves rain and need Ayurvedic massages can visit here during monsoon.
Cheap Airlines to Kochi
1. Jet Airways
2. Kingfisher Airlines
3. Spice Jet
4. Air India
5. Paramount Airlines
6. Indigo AirlinesAccomodation in Kochi
Hotels in Kochi
1. The Old Courtyard Hotel- 0484 2215035
2. Taj Malabar Hotel- 0484 6643000
3. Hotel Arches- 0484 2215050
4. Serena Spa Koder House- 0484 2218485
5. Hotel Fort Queen- 0484 2210943
6. Casino Hotel in Kochi
Flats and Appartments in Kochi
1. Appartments from Jayaraj Builders
2. Skyline Builders Luxury Appartments
3. Mathew Luxury Villas
4. Abad Builders
Job oriented