Kochi is also known as Cochin is situated between the western Ghats in the
east and the Arabian see in the west. It is regarded as the Queen of the Arabian
Sea since it is the gateway to breathtakingly scenic and prosperous Kerela. Over
the years, Kochi has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerela.
Cochin is of immense historical importance and was one of the most important
trading posts in ancient Kerala. It is also one of the popular Kerala travel
destinations and is a storehouse of tour attractions that beckon you to come and
explore their beauty.
Kochi attractions include many architecturally, historically significant buildings and pilgrimage sites. St Francis Church where Vasco De Gama was buried is the oldest European church in India. The Mancherry Palace which was built by the Portuguese has fine murals depicting scenes from the Mahabharatha and the Ramayana. Kochi has many stunning and significant religious sites but a few to note include Kalady, on the banks of river Periyar. The Adi Sankara shrine and eight storied painted Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthambam are a must see for any tourist.
The elephant sanctuary, 3 km north of Guruvayur at Punnathur Kotta, a former rulers palace, is home to more than 50 elephants.
KOCHI ATTRACTIONS:
Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St.Francis Church, Bolghatty, Gunda and Willingdon Islands, Kerala History Museum, Hill Palace Museum, Parishath Taamburan Museum, Chinese Fishing Nets, Santacruz Cathedral (Basilica).
KOCHI FESTIVALS:
Kochi attractions include several festivals which draw several thousand tourists from all over the world:
Cochin Carnival - in which a merry making feast is observed during the last week of every year in Fort Kochi in Kerala.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race - is another popular festival of Kochi in which a boat race takes place on a large scale at the end of December. This festival attracts tourists from all over the world.
Attachamayam - Pomp and color mark the pageantry, which is replete with caparisoned elephants, varieties of folk art forms, floats and musical ensemble. This procession marks the beginning of the Onam Festival.
CLIMATE:
Since Kochi is situated very close to the sea, it has a moderate climate, with heavy rains during the months of June to August. Winter starts from December and continues till February. The best months to travel to this place are January and December.
EXCURSIONS:
Alwaye 21 kms, Kalady 45 kms, Alleppey 64 kms, Trichur 80 kms, Kottayam 76 kms, Guruvayur 109 kms, Munnar 136 kms, Idikki 138 kms, Palghat 163 kms, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady) 190 kms, Sabarimala 209 kms, Calicut (Kozhikode) 218 kms.
How to reach Kochi (cochin):
By Air: Connected with Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Goa, Bangalore and Trivandrum.
By Rail: Connected with all the major cities.
By Road: Alleppey 64 kms, Bangalore 565 kms, Kanniyakumari 309 kms, Kodaikanal 444 kms, Madras 694 kms, Madurai 324 kms, Thekkady 190 kms and Trivandrum 223 kms.
