|  Cochin
or Kochi is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea
and as the Gateway to Kerala. Both are very apt names
for this beautiful city which was visited by Arabs,
British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese over the centuries.
They have all left their indelible mark on the city.
Let New Age Tours plan your Cochin vacation
so you get the best out of your visit.
Cochin has grown over the years and is a leading commercial
centre and port in south India. It today includes Fort
Kochi, Mattancherry and Ernakulam, its twin city. The
sea has always been integral to Cochin’s development.
Something which is not seen anywhere else outside China
is the Chinese fishing nets that line the waters. As
you walk past the harbour city watching the fisher folk
using them you will notice several old homes that are
built by Europeans in the past.
The oldest church built by Europeans in India, St Francis
Church is in Cochin. Vasco da Gama, the first Portuguese
trader to reach India from Europe by sea was originally
buried here.
Mattancherry or Jew Town is a charming part of the city
which is home to the oldest Jewish synagogue. Built
in 1568 it has beautiful blue Chinese tiles and Belgian
chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can
be found here. The road leading from it has old Jewish
homes which sell priceless antiques today.
Nearby is the Dutch Palace of Mattancherry which today
houses old paintings and murals. Another Dutch palace
was built on Bolghatty Island, just a short boat ride
away from the mainland. Today it has been converted
to a beautiful hotel and even boasts of a small golf
course. A harbour cruise is a good way to see all the
important landmarks of the city and there is a chance
you could spot dolphins too!
Cochin is good place for shopping particularly for textiles
and handicrafts of the south. Antique lovers will not
be able to resist the treasure troves of Mattancherry!
Fill New Age Tour’s online form today to plan
your Cochin vacation!
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