My Favorite Places to visit in Kochi

 Cochin, now known as Kochi is an important city and major port on the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea. Kochi is also a west-central Kerala state in southwestern India. Upto the 14th century, Kochi consisted of insignificant fishing villages. But after that the backwaters of the Arabian Sea and the streams descending from the Western Ghats to the east separated the village from the mainland, turning the landlocked harbour into one of the safest ports on India’s southwestern coast. Then the port discovered a new strategic importance and began to experience commercial prosperity.

The Portuguese navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral ,in the 15th century, founded the first European settlement on Indian soil at Kochi. Kochi remained a Portuguese possession until the Dutch conquered it in 1663. We can still find Portuguese architecture here.

Kochi had its greatest prosperity under Dutch rule i.e from 1663 to 1795. Pepper, cardamom, and other spices as well as coconut, copra and coir and drugs were shipped through the Cochin harbour.  

Kochi, attracts a considerable number of tourists as it is set among picturesque lagoons and backwaters. At Fort Cochin is the St. Francis Church,the first European church on Indian soil which was built by the Portuguese in 151. It was for a time the burial place of Vasco da Gama before his remains were taken to Portugal. Mattancherry holds the historic synagogue. Kochi also holds witness to the Jewish community which is the oldest in India, claiming to date from the 4th century. Currently it also has the Lulu Mall, the biggest mall in Kerala. Your visit to Kerala will be incomplete without visiting  the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, Kochi which holds the essence of Kerala. Some of my favorite places in Kochi are.

1. Cherai Beach

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Situated at the distance of 30 km away from Ernakulam city is the Cherai beach and it is brandished as one of the excellent beaches in Kerala. It's located on the north-end of the Vypeen Island in Kochi. The Cherai beach is a mixture of the sea and the backwaters. The beach looks more beautiful with its green coconut groves and sands sprinkled with seashells of several shapes and hues. One can even find Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront and thick coconut groves add charm to this place. 

 

The enhancing Cherai beach is a perfect destination for relaxation with its beachfront and scenic view, for people who wish to get away from the bustle of city life  are the must-see spots for tourists in Cochin. It has a coastline of 15 km, which differentiates it from the other beaches. It's. Sunbathing and swimming are the popular activities here. Visitors can even ride speed boats and water-scooters, which are available on rent. There are also a large number of hotels and resorts around Cherai. Cherai can provide you with an awe-inspiring beach holiday experience and one can also enjoy a peaceful holiday away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

 

2. Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue

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Jew Town of Mattancherry is a famous and tiny antique market located close to the Synagogue of Mattancherry Fall known as the Paradesi Synagogue. Jew Town is a place where shopaholics can find antiques in Cochin. This place was actually once the home of several Jews until they went to Israel, and their belongings were restored and now are sold as antiques in the town. Moreover, one can also find houses of Jews are while you roam around these small streets and also you can have a look at them.  The Paradesi Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in India as well as the entire British Commonwealth. It was founded in the year 1568 by Spanish and Dutch Sephardic Jews. 

The synagogue consists of four buildings enclosed within large compound walls and exhibits a highly decorative interior that reflects the traditions and tastes of many cultures that flourished along trade routes in the region. European, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Indian designs can be found within the synagogue. Among the seven synagogues still in operation in the Jewish quarter is the  Paradesi Synagogue  in Kochi. For much of its early history, the synagogue served a community of foreign-born spice dealers. In the seventeenth century, the congregation’s original building was destroyed by the Portuguese but was later rebuilt in its current form. The synagogue is open  to the public every day except Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Timings to visit are: forenoon - 10 am to 12 noon; afternoon - 3 pm to 5 pm.

 

3. Santa Cruz Basilica

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The Santa Cruz Basilica in Kochi,one of the eight Basilicas in India was constructed by the Portuguese. This Basilica is situated This heritage building of Kerala is also one of the finest cathedrals in India and it currently serves as the cathedral church to the Diocese of Cochin. This Basilica is a Roman Catholic Cathedral situated at K.B. Jacob road and nearby the famous St. Francis Church in Fort Cochin.  It's a holy place and the centre of historical significance, endued with artistic splendor and the colors of the medieval style. The Basilica has an architecture which is  a fine blend of Indo-European and Gothic styles.

Pastel colours are used on its interiors, and beautiful glass-stained windows, murals, and frescos on the life of Christ can be also seen on the ceilings. Paintings of Brother Antonio Moscheni and his disciple de Gama of Mangalore add to the beauty of the Basilica. The altar is adorned with Moscheni's paintings on passion and death on the Cross. Masses are held at the Basilica all days of the week. Tourists visiting Fort Kochi come to the Basilica to enjoy its beauty and understand the rich history behind this monument. 

4. Mattancherry Palace

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Mattancherry Palace, also called Dutch Palace, is situated in Mattancherry, on the banks of the backwaters of Cochin,10 km away from Ernakulam city. The Marrancherry Palace displays an architectural marvel illustrating a fine mix of Kerala style and colonial 16th-century architecture. This Palace has been built in the conventional Kerala style of Nalukettu with four buildings set around a courtyard. Since the renovations and extensions at that time were all done by the Dutch this palace is also called the Dutch Palace. The Mattancherry Palace was gifted to Raja of Kochi Veera Kerala Varma by the Portuguese. 

There is a temple of the goddess Bhagavati in the courtyard which today stands as a famous museum where exquisite and intricately detailed ancient Kerala murals illustrating the Hindu temple art and rare collections of royal artifacts can be found. You can also find a portrait gallery of the Rajas of Kochi in Mattancherry Palace. 

Apart from the different architectural styles displayed under one roof the palace demonstrates the grandeur and lifestyle of the royals in the bygone era The Portuguese constructed the Palace in 1555 or the  mid-16th century and presented it as a generous gift to the King of Cochin, Raja Veera Kerala Varma. After the Dutch invasion of Cochin, in 1663 the Dutch took over the Palace and did major renovation works as well as some extensions. The Rajas that ruled further also made many renovations that gave the Palace a more Hindu texture and thus the Palace emerged as one of the most significant places that display primitive Hindu Temple Art. The Government of India in 1951 declared this Palace as a protected monument. 

The Palace is a two-storied building, the upper floor of which includes a coronation hall, dining hall, bed-chamber, and a women chamber apart from the other rooms that hold the present museum. The dimensions of the chambers and the designs of the arches exhibit the European style of architecture. It has an elaborately decorated wooden dining hall. The floor of the Palace has adorned with one of the exceptional types of Kerala flooring that at a glance looks like polished black marble is in fact made of a mix of charcoal, burned coconut shells, egg whites, plant juices, and lime.  Various weapons and Royal furniture of the era are also exhibited at the Mattancherry Palace. 

5. Fort Kochi Beach

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On the western coast of India is situated the beautiful Fort Kochi beach and is often known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. The scenic view and natural beauty which makes the Fort Kochi beach serene to its visitors. This beach with its pristine water and tranquil ambience, is tourists and the locals favourite place of visit. The beach offers a relieving ambience to hang out and relax. There was once a historic fort, at Fort Kochi called the fort Emmanuel Fort which is the perfect example of the European architecture which now remains in ruins. The main attraction currently at the beach is the annual Kochi Festival that takes place during the New Year on the white sands of Fort Kochi Beach.

A stroll along the Fort Kochi beach one can find the Chinese Fishing Nets.. One must definitely enjoy the Kochi Carnival, the very popular festival, which is celebrated  during the New Year eve, every year. For food lovers, there are a variety of  restaurants and eateries including roadside open eateries that offer delicacies both traditional as well as continental. Hence, visitors from different parts of the world come and visit the Fort Kochi beach.

6. Hill Palace

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About 10 kms from Kochi in Tripunithura, is the Hill Palace. It is the largest Archaeological Museum in Kerala. It was built in the year 1865 and was the official residence of the Maharaja of Cochin and also had imperial administrative offices. Since this Palace has been built  on a hill it is called the Hill Palace.This Palace too like other Palaces has a big and beautiful garden surrounding it.

The Palace complex has a total of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style and is spread across 54 acres of land. The complex has a heritage museum, an archaeological museum, a deer park, a prehistoric park, and a children's park. In 1980 the Cochin Royal Family handed over the palace to the Government of Kerala. Then in 1986, the palace was taken over by the Archaeological Department. 

The palace is also famous for being the backdrop of various movies. The most popular amongst them is the Malayalam movie to be shot here is  Manichitrathazhu. The terraced land around the palace makes it a suitable place for photography as well as to relax. Growing in the garden of the Palace are numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants. On display in the full-fledged Ethno-archaeological museum are murals, oil-paintings, sculptures in stone, inscriptions, coins,  and manuscripts, belongings of the Kochi royal family, and royal furniture including the sinhasan (throne).

 

Antique ceramics from the Far East, various types of stones, wooden memorials, and laterite memorials from ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley and Harappa Civilization can also be found here. The Hill Palace Museum is divided into a number of galleries featuring numismatics, chariots, folklore, painting, numismatics, metalware, jewelry, etc. The highlight of the Palace is the royal crown of Kochi, the royal throne, an English silver cup, and the Old Testament on goatskin. Along with these are exhibited over 200 antique pieces of pottery and ceramic vases from Japan and China, menhirs, granite, laterite memorials,rock-cut weapons from the Stone Age, wooden temple models. A gallery of contemporary art is also found in this Palace.

7. Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village 

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Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village is a government initiative which transformed the tiny island of Kumbalangi into a model fishing village and tourism spot. Kumbalangi Tourism Village is located 5 Km away from the Kochi City where one can explore the antique culture and heritage of Kerala. It's a home of farmers, labourers, fishermen, and toddy tappers and the island is draped over an area of 16 sq. km in Kochi . 

This village is surrounded by backwaters, has a ring of Chinese fishing nets, rich aquatic life and local paddy cultivation. It also has an array of mangroves separate land from water and provide for a good breeding ground for prawns, crabs, oysters and small fish. At this place one can see the beautiful glimpse of the wealthy livelihood of the villagers. Kalagramam is an artist’s village in Kumbalangi which displays handicrafts and fishing equipment. An extremely popular attraction among tourists over here is Bait-fishing. Houses in Kumbalangi have been transformed into homestays where visitors can book their stay directly with homestay operators.

 

Other activities that draw a number of tourists from all over the world is like boat cruising and fishing. from the time when the Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village Project was established, the tourist and marine activities of the village have so far gained a huge impulse.

8. Marine Drive and Subhash Park

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One of the beautiful and picturesque walkways in Kochi is the Marine Drive which faces towards the backwaters of Kochi. Tourists and local people often visit here for a gasp of fresh air and to relax themselves from their tiring lives. It has a 140 m walkway that stretches from the Jankar Jetty (north) to the Emakulam Boat Jetty (South). It is situated along the edge of backwaters that begins behind the Children's Park called the Subhash Park and ends at Shanmugham Road. It is surfaced with red-carpet and  black-dotted, ultra tiles and everything was renovated recently. Wooden benches, cast-ironed, weather-proof seating on ash grey tiles offer utmost relaxation.

It has the famous Broadway market place, food outlets, restaurants and hotels that attracts many tourists from all across the world. It's also a major centre of economic activities in Kochi and visitors come here to view the setting or rising sun at the Vembanand Lake. There are two beautiful bridges along the walkway now and one can take boat as well as ship rides through the backwaters.

 

Located next to the boat jetty and opposite to Maharaja's College in the heart of Ernakulam is the beautiful Subhash Park. It's a public park which is maintained by the Corporation of Cochin and overlooks the Vembanand Lake's backwaters and the Cochin Harbour. 

While stepping inside the park you will find a straight entry towards the musical walkway and marine drive.. Besides, there are a number of local small textile shops nearby park from where one can go for shopping. For the Subhash Park the entry is free but one has to pay nominal charges for the entry to Children Park.

9. Paniyeli Poru Waterfalls

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On the outskirts of Kochi, there is a little known picnic spot, near Perumbavoor called Paniyelu Poru. It is exactly located at Vengoor, Perumbavoor. Paniyeli Poru has small rivulets, natural waterfalls and its offshore is surrounded by shady trees and flowers, where the visitors can sit, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. It is indeed an amazing sight to see the Periyar River flowing through rocks and in between dense rainforests. The forests and the waterfalls with its tranquility around the place is spellbinding.

The sweet sound of warbling birds in the cover of trees and  the crystal-clear water of a lovely river is itself a soothing sight. Paniyeli Poru thus forms a serene and immense scenic picnic spot. Paniyeli Poru is currently attracting a number of tourists. The best time to visit Paniyelu Poru is mid-November to the end of May as then the  water flow will be reduced during this time exposing the rocks and whirlpools.

The river Periyar flows in between two main lands Malayattoor in the north and Paniyeli in the south, providing a panoramic view to the visitors. The hilly terrain of St. Thomas Mount, western Ghats, the famous kraal at Kodanad forms part of Paniyeli Poru.

Paniyeli Poru is 55 km away from Kochi. One can get there via train and the nearest railway station is Aluva, 35 km from this place. the nearest town to Poru in Perumbavoor 20 km away. This property is currently under the Reserved Forests and is under the control of Kerala State Forest Department, a pass of a nominal fee is needed to enter. There will be forest department volunteer guards to help you. Liquor is not allowed in this area and this is also a no-plastic zone. Entry passes are valid for times between 8AM and 4PM. No wild animals are found in the dense forest here, animals, deer, pig, and python can be sometimes spotted. Along the pathway leading to Poru, leeches are also found. 

The milky waterfall at Poru can be seen from the distant shore. Tourists may try to and may also want to reach there by crossing over the mangroves and rocks but that's too. Even during hot summer, when water level falls, it is dangerous to cross over the strata of rocks, unless one is vigilant. So it's better not to cross the rocks and enjoy the beauty of water bursting, by sitting on the shore. 

10. Chottanikkara Temple

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One of the famous Hindu shrines in Kerala is the Chottanikkara Temple  which is located at the distance of 17 km from Ernakulam. The temple is managed by the Cochin Devaswom Board. The deity of this temple is worshipped as Goddess Saraswathi and as Goddess Lakshmi in the afternoon and  as Goddess Durga, in the evening at theKizhukkavu shrine which is placed in the eastern side of the temple premises.

The temple complex that stands as an excellent example of wooden architecture and sculpture also remains one of the biggest in the state. The temple is spread across 6 acres of land. The Chottanikkara Temple has a three tired 'Gopuram' on the eastern side of the temple building, memesiring one with its antique architecture. When you step into the temple, we will see a  'Anakottil', (elephant cradle) which literally means shed for elephants. Moving further there is the 'Kuttambalam' which has a high gold covered flagstaff that looks astonishing at noon when the rays of the sun shine on it. Antique copper plates adorn the roofs of the temple.  .Makkam thozhal is one of the famous rituals of the Chottanikkara Temple.

So these are a few must visit places in Cochin to go see if you visit Cochin.