Dec 11, 2004 06:06 PM
5681 Views
(Updated Dec 11, 2004 08:11 PM)
GREAT KOCHI
Hai friends,
Since I am living in this city from the last ten years, I would like to share some tourist spots which I can say that it is one of a kind in the world. Kochi is said to be the commercial capital of Kerala state, and why not it can be viewed if you ever visit this city.
Kochi can be said as a slice of western history.
Kochi is one of the major seaports of the country and also a main tourist attraction too. In Kochi you can see a mixture of houses built in the medieval styles of Portugal, Holland, and England, each of who ruled Cochin for a period of time.
For the people who want to explore the vast culture and hospitality of the Great Kochi here are some of the main attractions of the city (It will be safe for me to say that only few tourist spots as far as I visited and explored? lots more to be explored even after my 10 years of experience in this great city)
Beaches
Kochi is a place where the tourists can have lots of fun spending time on beaches, the main beaches in Kochi are:
FortKochi
13-kilo meter away from the main city, where the lovely view of lots of Chinese fishing nets, and boats.
Cherai Beach
26 kilometers north of the city, super, and silent beach with very good local people, Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.
Tourist Places
Marine Drive
Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of Kochi city. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbor from here is excellent
Bolgatty Palace
A Dutch trader built one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland, this quaint mansion way back in 1744. Bolgatty Island is a short but inspiring boat ride away from Kochi
MATTANCHERRY PALACE(Dutch Palace)
One of the oldest Dutch palaces in India (may be in the world too)
JEWISH PARDESI SYNAGOGUE
one of a kind ancient Jewish synagogue in the world
FORT COCHIN
Lovely place with so many churches and Anglo Indian families.
ST. FRANCIS CHURCH
Must see Church who visit the city
VYPEEN ISLAND
One of the most congested residential areas in Asia continent, Going to be one of the biggest container terminals of Asia
SANTA CRUZ BASILICA
Santa Cruz Basilica, is historic church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558.
Hill Palace Museum
Hill Palace Museum is situated about 16 kms east of Cochin City on the Ernakulam-Piravam Road. The palace complex shows a synthesis of European and Kerala styles of architecture. The museum mainly displays the erstwhile wealth and prosperity of the royal family of Cochin, including the King?s throne and crown. The antiquities displayed also include coins, palanquins, palm leaf manuscripts, wooden sculptures, paintings etc. The museum has a fairly good collection of antique temple carvings. There is a deer park in the palace compound
Willington Island
The island is the site of the city's best hotels and trading centers, the Port Trust, and the headquarters of the southern naval command
Kottayil Kovilakam
Kottayil Kovilakam at Chennamangalam, which was the seat of Kshatriya chieftains of Villarvattom is situated near the ancient Kunnathali temple. Chennamangalam is an important center of handloom weaving and coir manufacturing.
Chandamangalam
Chennamangalam, situated 42 kms away from Ernakulam, was the seat of Paliath Achan, the heriditory Prime Minister of the state of Cochin from 1632 to 1809. It was also one of the chief centers of Jews in Kerala. As oriental Jewish synagogue is situated in the old Jewish colony. The Vaipinkotta Seminary built in 16th century by the Portuguese, Old Syrian Catholic Church, Lord Krishna Temple, Mosque etc are also situated here.
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
It is situated 15 kms away from Ernakulam. This temple is an important pilgrim center of the Hindus
PalliPuram Port
Pallipuram Fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vypeen Island at Pallipuram. This fort built by the Portuguese in 1503 is one of the oldest existing European monument in India. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the state of Travancore in 1789.
Movie Halls in the city
Kavitha Theater (MG road)
Saritha, Savitha, Sangeetha (Court Road)
Sreedar (Marine drive)
Shenoys (MG Road end)
Padhma (MG Road)
Mymoon (Chitoor Road)
Hotels and Restaurants
Quality Inn Presidency
Mermaid Days Inn
Abad Airport Hotel
Gokulam Park Inn International
Casino Hotel
Hotel Cochin Tower
Bolgatty Palace
Taj Malabar etc
The tourist sports that I mentioned are mere a small list and I will update and write more spots in this city as soon as I visits them.
THANK YOU FOR READING.....PLEASE RATE AND COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW SO THAT I CAN IMPROVE NEXT TIME...
© Anoop.v
