KOCHI - QUEEN OF THE ARABIAN SEA
An Introduction
Kochi carries gracefully her renowned sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Kochi is an easygoing, pleasant mini-metro (greater Kochi has a population of 1.7 m) with an
important harbour. Mainland Ernakulam is the busier sister city of Kochi and is the commercial capital of Kerala.
Kochi has a superb natural harbour, an estuary that was created by a flood in 1341 AD.
Spices and sandalwood attracted doves of traders from around the world including Arabs, Chinese, British, Dutch and
Portuguese traders.
M.G. Road and Marine Drive-Park Avenue are the main shopping areas of the town.
The harbour will in the future secure a significant role in the economy of the region as the Vallarpadam International Container Transhipment Terminal is planned in the neighbouring island of Vallarpadam.
Pic above: A Chinese fishing net, a cheenavala - These cantilevered nets, introduced by Chinese traders, exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish. Kublai Khan's traders introduced
these nets in the mid-14th/15th centuries.
Major Sights
- Mattancherry Palace
- The Dutch Palace, as it is also known, was built by the Portuguese in 1557 AD and presented to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma. Renovations by Dutch earned the name Dutch Palace.
- Jewish Synagogue
- Built in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in India. The surrounding area called Jew Town is a center for spice trading and curio shops.
- Bolghatty Palace
- Once the seat of the British Resident of Cochin, today the palace is a KTDC run hotel.
- Santa Cruz Cathedral
- St. Francis Assisi Basilica
- This is the oldest church in Kochi blending Portuguese and Kerala styles.
- Siva Temple
- Maritime Museum
- Kerala Kathakali Centre
- Maritime Museum
- Kathakali performances
Getting There
Cochin International Airport, some 30 kms Northwest of Ernakulam at Nedumbassery offers flights to various points in southern India, Goa and Mumbai. Cochin Airport is also served by the following international airlines in addition to numerous Air-India/Air-India Express and Indian Airlines Gulf flights. Lufthansa is planning direct services to Kochi.
- Oman Air
- Gulf Air
- Saudia Arabian Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Kuwait Airways
- Emirates
- SriLankan Airlines
- Silk Air
- Gulf Air
Ernakulam Junction is a major railhead of the Southern Railway.
Kochi is well connected by road to different parts of Kerala.
Cruise ships occasionally berth at Kochi for a day or so. Ships ply also to the Lakshadweep Islands.
Local transportation consists of buses and auto rickshaws. Ferries connect Ernakulam with Vypeen Island, Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, Varapuzha and Willingdon Island from the Main Ferry Station.
Accomodation
Hotels are plenty in Kochi and Ernakulam. I have listed below few of the more popular hotels available.
- Le Meridien Resort & Convention Centre Kochi is a five-star hotel located South of downtown Ernakulam.
- Casino Hotel - Willingdon Island
- KTDC Bolghatty Palace is a heritage hotel
- Taj Residency is located on Ernakulam's Marine Drive
- Taj Malabar on Willingdon Island
- Brunton's Boatyard
- Trident-Hilton
- The Avenue Regent - M.G. Road
- The Woods Manor - M.G. Road
- The International Hotel - M.G. Road
- Abad Plaza - M.G. Road
- Casino Hotel - Willingdon Island