If you've never been to an Indian city
before, Cochin could be a riot of sensation at first sight. It's one of the
most cosmopolitan cities in India, yet mixes all the spice of tradition with
its modernity.
Bustling Ernakulam is the newer and commercial part of the twin cities. Enjoy
your last scoop of Chocolate Chip icecream for a while (the Keralan desserts
will ensure you don't miss it much). Visit the malls and stores if you want
to stock up on clothes or personal effects. Most of the world's leading brands
are available here and if you're adventurous enough, so are lots of colourful
options in sarees and 'mundus' (the traditional Keralan mens' dress).
But if Ernakulam is the heart, then the soul of Cochin lies in its older quarters.
Here, eight centuries of history are on display, as are a kaleidoscope of
cultures. In a span of a few kilometers, you can see a Dutch Harbour house,
India's oldest Jewish synagogue, The Catholic St Francis Church, Portuguese
navigator Vasco Da Gama's grave, The Hindu Raja of Cochin's Mattancherry Palace,
The British Raj-era Cochin Club, and the towering Chinese fishing nets on
the harbour!
It's not surprising that the city teems with art experts and buyers from Christie's,
Sotheby's and the like - Cochin abounds in colonial antiques and is considered
something of a mecca for enthusiasts.
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