Located on the coast of the Arabian sea,
Ernakulam district is a cluster of islands networked by lagoons and backwaters.
Kochi, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, was once a major centre
of commerce and trade with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British.
The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi is also
known as the queen of the Arabian Sea. Once a major centre of commerce and trade
with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British, all these foreign
traders have left their mark on this beautiful island. Half the fun of visiting
Kochi is moving around on the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the
winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots.
Cherai (Beach)
This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are
occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut
groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.
Vypeen island (21 km from the city) is a major centre for commerce. The island
which is connected to the main land by a bridge is more easily accessible by
boat. The ferry ride over the backwaters takes just 30 minutes.
Fort Kochi (Beach)
Access: Backwater ferry / bus / three wheeler auto rickshaw A leisurely walk
through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure
fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has
an eventful and colourful history to tell. Its reputation as a seafaring commercial
town was such that Nicolas Conti, an Italian traveller of the middle ages remarked:
If China is where you make your money, then Kochi surely is the place to spend
it. The town was shaped by the Potuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The
result of these cultural interfaces are seen in the many remains of Indo European
architecture that still exist here. The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets
which were brought here by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, are a fascinating
sight on the Kochi shore line.
Bolghatty Island (Backwater)
This island is famous for its palace of the same name. The Bolghatty Palace
was built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. Today it
is a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, with a small golf
course and special honeymoon cottages.
Willingdon Island (Backwater)
Named after Lord Willingdon, a British Viceroy to India, this man-made island
is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city's
best hotels, customs and trading centres, the port trust and the headquarters
of the southern naval command.
Fort Kochi
Access: Backwater ferry / bus / three wheeler auto rickshaw A leisurely walk
through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure
fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has
an eventful and colourful history to tell. Its reputation as a seafaring commercial
town was such that Nicolas Conti, an Italian traveller of the middle ages remarked:
If China is where you make your money, then Kochi surely is the place to spend
it.
The town was shaped by the Potuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result
of these cultural interfaces are seen in the many remains of Indo European architecture
that still exist here.
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