Cochi Backwaters, Kerala

Cochin (Kochi)

Cochin, the commercial hub of Kerala, is a town of great historical importance. It has a fine natural harbor around which the city has grown. Cochin is the famous port, trading between India and the rest of the world. Attracted by trade and its liberal laws, many foreigners have made this their home. After the fall of Jerusalem, Jewish refuges sought sanctuary in this lush trading post. St. Thomas the apostle is also reputed to have landed here, making the Jewish and Christian communities of this town the oldest on the subcontinent.

For centuries, traders from here have traded in spices, camphor, sandalwood, gold and silks. Being broad minded, the traders from this enterprising town even imported Chinese method of fishing to improve productivity and yield. Nets from this centuries old experiment are still functioning and can be seen in the old part of town.

Climate : Summer Max 35 deg Min 22 deg Winter Max 32 deg Min 20 deg
Rainfall : 254 cm (June to October)
Season : October to March

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

CONDUCTED TOURS
(Operated by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation)

1) Boat Cruise-cum-Sight-Seeing Tour Timings:- 0900-1230 hrs & 1400-1730 hrs (Daily) Fare: Rs.30/-
2) Thekkady Tour Timings:- Dep: 0730 hrs (every Saturday) & Returns 2000 hrs (next day) Fare: Rs.175/-

PLACES OF INTEREST

Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St.Francis Church, Bolghatty, Gunda and Willingdon Islands, Kerala History Museum, Hill Palace Museum, Parishath Taamburan Museum, Chinese Fishing Nets, Santacruz Cathedral (Basilica).

BACKWATERS

More popular as the Queen of Arabian Sea, kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu, and Vallarpadam.

EXCURSIONS

Alwaye 21 km, Kalady 45 km, Alleppey 64 km, Trichur 80 km, Kottayam 76 km, Guruvayur 109 km, Munnar 136 km, Idikki 138 km, Palghat 163 km, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady) 190 km, Sabarimala 209 km, Calicut (Kozhikode) 218 km.

MISCELLANEOUS

1. S.P.O.R.T.S. (Lakshadweep Office), Harbor Road, Willingdon Island, Cochin.
2. Foreigners Regional Registration Office, Port Registration Office, Willingdon Island, Cochin- 682003
3. The Cochin Cultural Centre xxxv/1521, Sangamon, Mannikath Road, Ernakulam, which organises a variety of cultural shows.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

1. Govt. of India Tourist Office, Willingdon Island, Cochin-82009.
2. Kerala Tourism Development Corporaton, Tourist Reception Centre, Shanmugam Road, Ernakulam- 682001.
3. Department of Tourism, Park View, Tiruvananthapuram-695 033.