General Information / History
One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi (Cochin), earlier known as Cochin has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala's commercial hub.
it spreads across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters. Its main sections: modern Ernakulam in the east and the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin on a peninsula in the west are linked by a complex system of ferries.

Sightseeing

Forts & Palaces
Mattancherry Palace ( Dutch Palace)
Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi (Cochin), the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beautiful Murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata and some of the puranic Hindu legends. Them palace is open for public viewing from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. all week days except Fridays.

Gundu Island
Here is the magnificent 16th century Pallipuram Fort that is open only on Thursdays.

Bolghatty Palace
A Scenic island near the city of Ernakulam, Bolghatty is famous for the Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 AD. This palace, once the residence of the British resident of Kochi (Cochin), is now a KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation) hotel.

St. Francis Church
Built in 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars, this is the India's oldest European church. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795, and is presently used by the church of South India. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 and later moved to Lisbon, Portugal but his tombstone still remains.

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.

Jewish Synagogue
Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch. Known for mid 18th century hand printed, willow pattern floor tiles from Canton in China, a dock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, ancient scripts on copper plates etc., the Synagogue is open from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. It is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Chinese Fishing Nets
These huge cantilevered fishing nets were brought here by traders from the court of Kublai Khan

Excursions: Alappuzha Beach (70 km), Kalady, Aluva (20 km), Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady (190 km), Kumarakom (88 km), Munnar (130 km).