Kerala Attractions
Kochi © Sajiv Vijay
Kochi (Cochin)
The port city of Kochi (long known as Cochin) is located on a
cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas half way up the Goan
coast. The majority of tourists stay in the Ernakulam district but
the old section of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin is the main focus
of interest. All linked by a series of ferries and bridges, these
districts are an unlikely blend of medieval Portuguese, Dutch and
English architecture. Near the waterfront are St Francis Church
(India's oldest), a 16th century Portuguese palace and a synagogue
dating back 450 years. Set among all this is spice markets and a
village green that could have been transported from rural England.
The architecture follows the history of European influence. Kochi
came to prominence in 1405 when the royal family moved here and the
city became an important harbour attracting Christian, Jewish and
Arab settlers from the Middle East. The Portuguese arrived in the
early 16th century, followed by the Dutch and later the English.
One of Kochi's main attractions is the Kathakali dance, which can
be seen at one of many special tourist theatres, or, more
authentically one performed by a temple-based company. The best way
to explore the town is on bicycle, which can be hired from a number
of companies.
Website: www.indianrail.gov.in;
Transport: There are three railway stations in Cochin called Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Cochin Harbor.
