Cochin Tourism - About Travel and Tourism in Cochin

Fishing nets at Cochin

Cochin (now Kochi) is an important seaport and city in India. It is also often referred to as Ernakulam. It is one of the cleanest cities in India. It lies to the north of Thiruvananthapuram. Cochin is the second largest city in Kerala. Portuguese rulers occupied Cochin in 1503. Later Cochin was occupied, by British and Dutch rulers. It then became one of India's princely states.

Cochin witnessed economic growth after the year 2000. The Southern Command of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard is at Cochin. Cochin is also home to premier educational institutions such as Cochin University of Science and Technology. It also has various industrial parks like Infopark and Cochin Special Economic Zone.

Cochin Tourist Attraction - Places to Visit

Cochin has many tourist attractions which beautify it. It is sometimes called "Queen of the Arabian Sea". There are numerous picturesque islands in Cochin like Vypeen, Gundu, Vallarpadam and Bolgatty. The Vembanad Lake is a beautiful natural harbour , possibly one of the best in the world. Other important tourist attractions include St Francis Church, Paradesi Synagogue, Cheeyappara Waterfalls the Cochin Carnival, Santa Cruz Basilica and Cherai Beach.

St Francis Church : This is the oldest European Church in the country. It was built during the 16th century and is one of Cochin's main landmarks. The remains of the Portuguese traveler Vasco Da Gama was buried in Cochin before being transferred to Portugal.

Paradesi Synagogue : It is also known by the name Cochin Jewish Synagogue. The Synagogue was established in 1568 AD and is designed with beautiful hand painted porcelain tiles from China as well as hanging lamps from Belgium. The Synagogue continues to possess Old Testament scrolls and some copper plates. These copper plates had recorded privilege grants that were made by the rulers of Cochin.

Cheeyappara Waterfalls : These Waterfalls are located between Adimali and Neriamangalam in Cochin on the Madurai highway. It is a wonderful place for going trekking.

Cochin Carnival : The Carnival is a very popular tourist destination in Cochin. It takes place every year , usually celebrated during the final week of a year.

Santa Cruz Basilica : This is a monumental church dating back to the year 1558. The ceiling has marvelous paintings.

Cherai Beach :This is a lovely beach on Vypeen Island. It is an ideal place for swimming. Dolphins can be sighted here occasionally.

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