General Information about Kochi (Cochin)
Area : 83.52 sq. km
Population : (1991 census) 5,64,038
Temperature range : 35 C to 22.5 C
Best time to visit : October to May
Kochi (Cochin), the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala, has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is now Kerala's commercial center. It's also quite a tourist attraction and knows how to make a visitor feel at home.
It is actually a loose agglomeration of townships connected by waterways. Its natural situation among the waterways and backwaters is quite lovely, and along with the Indian buildings are many remnants of the three colonial occupations (Portuguese, Dutch, English) that it has undergone.
The Backwaters extend east and south of the harbour and contain tiny islands formed naturally over a long time by alluvial deposits from the rivers that empty into them.
How to reach
The nearest airport is at Karipur, Kozhikode, about 93kms south.Kannur railway station is an important rail head of the Southern Railway and is well linked to major towns up country as well as within the State.Ferry service is available for travel between the island towns.
Kumarakom (88 km)
This unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds from across the world, which makes it a renowned bird watching centre. Kumarakom is also a centre for houseboat cruises.
Bolghatty Palace
A Scenic island of Kerala , Bolghatty is famous for the Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 AD.
Dutch Palace
Originally built by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century, the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace is located at Mattancherry. It was presented to the Cochin Maharaja in 1555 AD and later taken over by the Dutch who carried out repairs and extended it further .
Jewish Synagogue
The oldest synagogue in India, it was built in 1586 AD by the prosperous Jewish community whose links with Kerala began in Kodungalloor in northern Kerala.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Cochin. Conducted in the last week of December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair.
Aattachamayam
The festival of Attachamayam is held on the Atham day of the Malayalam month of Chingam (August/ September), at the historical town of Tripunithura, near Cochin
Cheeyappara Waterfalls
The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Cochin - Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara Falls cascades down in seven steps.
Chottanikkara Temple
Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, one of the most popular deities in Kerala. Devi is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu.
Cochin Carnival
Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last week of every year in Fort Cochin in Kerala. The carnival dates back to the Portuguese New Year revelry held here during the colonial days.
Edapalli Perunal
The feast at the ancient Roman Catholic Church of Edapalli Perunnal is situated on the National Highway (NH 47) between Ernakulam and Aluva.
Kodungaloor Bharani
Kodungalloor, 50 kms north of Cochin, was the ancient port town of Muziris or Crangannore. Goddess Bhagavathi is the presiding deity of the ancient temple here.
Malayatoor Perunal
The feast or the 'Perunnal' at the famous Catholic Church at Malayatoor is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter, in the months of March/April.
Santa Cruz Basillica Chruch
Close to the St. Francis church, it is Roman Catholic Church, which was also built by Portuguese. It has a beautiful collection of paintings and a decorative ceiling.
St. Francis Church
Built in 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars, this is the India's oldest European church.
Thalassery Fort
Thalaserry fort, located at a distance of 22 kms from Kannur constructed in 1708 AD was the military centre of the British
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