Kochi - Experience Something New

By Author: Rashmiranjan Patil
Total Articles: 261
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The seaside town of Kochi is situated in the state of Kerala along the west coast of the Arabian Sea. The second largest city and the largest urban agglomerate in the state, Kochi has been a preferred trading destination among the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese traders since time immemorial. The city of Kochi is dotted with beautiful European churches, colossal forts, spectacular beaches and magnificent palaces which are reminiscent of the times when it was occupied by foreign rulers. Honoured with the sobriquet 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', the city of Kochi was also a prominent spice trading centre during the 14th century and was in fact first of the European colonies in India, having been occupied by the Portuguese.

Among the many tourist attractions included in the numerous Kochi Packages, perhaps one of the most prominent and popular are the Chinese Fishing Nets or Cheenavala that dot the coastline from Fort Kochi to Vypeen. These huge Chinese nets are almost synonymous with Kochi and are among one of the most visited attractions in the city. Kochi Packages also include a must visit trip to the Fort ...
... Kochi Beach, which is perfect for a relaxing sunset stroll. Fort Kochi has a very different feel to itself very unlike the rest of the city. Fort Kochi is dominated by narrow lanes that are dotted with numerous European style bungalows, most of which have been converted into restaurants or hotels and tiny curio shops selling interesting looking amulets, pendants, and other jewellery pieces at not so cheap rates. Right on the beach, are a number of tiny eateries that serve freshly caught fish cooked in typical spicy Kerala style.

Kochi Packages include a trip to the prominent churches and religious centres in the city, among which the most famous is St Francis Church that is said to be the oldest church built by Europeans in India and is also famous as the burial site of Vasco da Gama. Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1505 by the Portuguese is another ancient church here that was destroyed by the British. Another important religious attraction is the Jewish Synagogue built in 1568.

A number of palaces and other historical structures are also part of several Kochi Packages. The Dutch Palace in Mattancherry which was built by the Portuguese and later gifted to the Kochi king, Hill Palace built by the Raja of Kochi, which is now a museum with a fine collection of articles belonging to the kings and the oldest surviving European fort in India and the Pallipuram Fort built by the Portuguese in 1503 are the prominent historical structures in Kochi.