Why a trip to Kochi is a must while visiting Kerala?
by Indiator
Kochi lies on the southwest coast of the Indian state of Kerala.Kerala is considered by many as God’s own country, owing to the immense beauty and magnificence of the landscape.
It is situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, which renders an added beauty to the whole landscape.
Since it has been a part of various cultures and traditions over the years, from the Arabs to the British and Portuguese, Kochi bears testimony to these cultures in more ways than one.
This makes Kochi a must visit the place during your tour to Kerala. In your Kochi tour, you can witness a kaleidoscope of culture and history, which has been left behind by all these nations and also enhanced by the local flavour, offering a mixed bag your experience that will perfectly sum up the Kochi trip.
Mentioned below are some places that you must visit when you’re in Kochi, and don’t you worry as most of these are included in Kochi tour packages.
Fort Kochi
When one thinks of Kochi, one also thinks about the Chinese fishing net simultaneously. These fishing nets, currently 11 in number, dot the shoreline of Fort Kochi and it is perhaps the only place in the world where you can find such fishing nets outside of China.
The reason for their presence in the Chinese Emperor, Kubla Khan, who had sent traders from China to Fort Kochi. There are other landmarks in Fort Kochi like the St. Francis Church, which is actually the oldest church Europeans ever constructed on the Indian soil.
There is also the Vasco House, where it is believed to have housed Vasco da Gama. The Fort Kochi beach is also a great place to enjoy a peaceful stroll, and with the fishing nets, the view is definitely one of a kind.
The beach also hosts the Cochin Carnival, which takes place every year on New Year’s Eve. This is one place that you can be sure of being included in all Kochi trip packages.
Mattancherry
The nomenclature of this town in Kochi is really interesting. A Brahmin family lived in a house called “AncherryMattam”, which was mispronounced by the horde of foreign traders in the area as Matt-Cherry.
The name stuck and so did the Portuguese influence. This influence of the Portuguese can be seen in great detail in the Dutch Palace. The synagogue in Jew Town, which dates back to 1568, is the oldest synagogue in India that is functioning.
It is also a major tourist attraction in Kochi. There are other places to visit as well like the Palliarakkavvu Temple, Mattancherry Palace Museum, housing various weapons including spears and swords, Gowd Saraswat, Brahmin temples, Mattancherry Pazhayannur Royal Temple, among many others.
Bolghatty Island
Bolghatty island is located just off the mainland of Kochi and can be reached in a short time with the help of a boat. The main attraction of this island happens to be the Bolghatty Palace, which is a Dutch Palace, the largest one outside the Netherlands.
This property has now, however, been converted into a hotel. The hotel offers amazing facilities like swimming in the pool and playing golf on the 9-hole golf course or an even smaller one.
There is also an ayurvedic centre present on the premises of this hotel. The hotel takes special care of the guests, which include tourists from India as well as overseas, to immerse in the local culture and tradition a Kathakali performance is organized on a daily basis.
Cherai and Vypeen Beach
Vypeen Island is also a very popular island after Bolghatty. It is a must visit place for all tourists who want to indulge in the historical aspect of Kochi.
Vypeen is home to the famous Pallipuram Fort, which is the oldest fort in India that had been constructed by the Europeans and is still surviving. The Fort was constructed in the year, 1503. The Cherai beach, a shallow beach, is located just offshore of Vypeen Island.
The waters here are really calm and this beach is, therefore, the best place to enjoy some sunbathing and swimming. Such unique characteristics have enabled this beach to be one of the most famous ones in Kerala and to be referred as the Princess of the Arabian Sea.
These were the top places to see in Kochi, Kerala. The whole area is magnificent and offers landscapes of spellbinding beauty. You will have the best time of your life with your loved ones here.
Now you know why you must include Kochi in your Kerala itinerary and why it is Kochi holiday packages are really popular.
Suggested Tour Packages
Recommended Posts
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING INDIA
March 15, 2024
Travel Like The Royals: Luxury Train Tours in India
March 11, 2024
