Cochin: The Gateway to Kerala!

Cochin is the colonial name of Kochi. This is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of Kerala and is known for its striking beauty and tourism. It is often called the Gateway of Kerala. Different people from places like Arab, Britain, China, Portugal and others have left indelible marks in this place.

Over the years it has emerged as the industrial capital of the State Kerala and it is a very important port city in the west coast of India after Mumbai (Bombay). The place is equipped with world class ports which link many cities across the globe. Cochin offers so many things in its basket of equatorial climate. The green never ending tea plantations, serene backwaters, palm plantation, and different historical places make this place a true heaven for tourists.

How to reach there?

Cochin is well connected by air, road and water. It has an international airport just 30 km from the heart of the city. Daily flights connect major cities like Mumbai, Bangaluru (Bangalore), Chennai and others. The place is also interconnected by major railways. You can have trains from Mumbai, Bangalore and other nearby places. Road infrastructure of Cochin enables tourists to enjoy road journey from different places in the state. National Highway connects the city with its capital.

Places of Interest

Cochin is arguably the ideal place to start exploring the profound diversity, greenery, and gorgeousness of Kerala. The place features in the top 50 places to visit in the National Geographic Traveler. The place provides more than what you expect in this city.

Fort Kochi and Chinese Fishing Nets: The Chinese Fishing Nets are unique to this place. The nets which are believed to be introduced by Kublai Khan in China have traveled across the seas to reach this place. The massive nets are livelihood of large number of fishermen. You will love the portrait of the fishing nets across the coast of Fort Kochi.

Fort Kochi beach and Cherai Beach: The two beaches of Cochin are ideal for enjoying the golden sand and refreshing sea waters. The lovely beaches are idyllic for swimming, sun bathing and enjoying the setting sun. The beaches are lined by tall, gorgeous coconut acting as icing on the cake. There are lots of European style bungalows along the shore of the sea. Luxurious resorts near the beaches increase the pleasure of your stay in the place. The eateries along the coastal stretch offer mouth water local delicacies. You will love the different style of sea-food served here.

The other places of interest in Cochin are - Museum of Kerala History, St. Francis Church, Vasco House, Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Dutch Palace, Hill Palace, Bolghatty Palace, Veega Land Amusement Park and to name a few. Don't forget to visit Palliport to witness the oldest European fort in India.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Cochin is also known for Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. This protected bird sanctuary is the home of some rare and exotic bird species. The sanctuary is the resident of both migratory as well as local birds.