Located on the coast of the Arabian
sea, Ernakulam district is a cluster of islands networked by lagoons and
backwaters. Kochi, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, was once
a major centre of commerce and trade with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese,
Dutch and the British. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city
of Kerala, Kochi is also known as the queen of the Arabian Sea. Once a major
centre of commerce and trade with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and
the British, all these foreign traders have left their mark on this
beautiful island. Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the
local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take
you to several quaint spots.
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.
Vypeen
island (21 km from the city) is a major centre for commerce. The island
which is connected to the main land by a bridge is more easily accessible by
boat. The ferry ride over the backwaters takes just 30 minutes.
Fort
Kochi (Beach)
Access: Backwater ferry / bus / three wheeler auto
rickshaw A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover
historic Fort Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first
European township in India, Kochi has an eventful and colourful history to
tell. Its reputation as a seafaring commercial town was such that Nicolas
Conti, an Italian traveller of the middle ages remarked: If China is where
you make your money, then Kochi surely is the place to spend it. The town
was shaped by the Potuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of
these cultural interfaces are seen in the many remains of Indo European
architecture that still exist here. The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing
nets which were brought here by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, are a
fascinating sight on the Kochi shore line.
Bolghatty Island
(Backwater)
This island is famous for its palace of the same name. The
Bolghatty Palace was built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the
British. Today it is a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development
Corporation, with a small golf course and special honeymoon cottages.
Willingdon
Island (Backwater)
Named after Lord Willingdon, a British Viceroy
to India, this man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The
island is the site of the city's best hotels, customs and trading centres,
the port trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.
Fort
Kochi Access: Backwater ferry / bus / three wheeler auto rickshaw A
leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort
Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in
India, Kochi has an eventful and colourful history to tell. Its reputation
as a seafaring commercial town was such that Nicolas Conti, an Italian
traveller of the middle ages remarked: If China is where you make your
money, then Kochi surely is the place to spend it. The town was shaped by
the Potuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural
interfaces are seen in the many remains of Indo European architecture that
still exist here.
North Kerala:>>>
Kannur-|-
...
Kozhikode
-|- Kasaragod
Central Kerala: >>>
Ernakulam/Kochi
- Aquatourism -|- Kottayam
- Aquatourism South Kerala: >>>
Alappuzha
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Ernakulam : Aquatourism
