Places to visit in Kochi (Cochin), Tourist places
Traders from the West came to Kerala as far back as 3 BC and took back with them species, ivory and teak. Much late, in the 14 AD, the portuguese, Dutch, French and British came to this region in the guise of merchants, some to stay on as colonial rulers.
The old Jewis Synagogue, the ancient churches of Malayattur and Fort Cochin and the Chinease fishing nets are evidence of the spirit of tolerance of this region as also of Cochin’s (Kochi) early contacts with countries as far away as China.
Tourist Places to visit in Kochi (Cochin) : –
Mattancherry Palace
It is also known s Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555 AD. It acquired the present name after 1663 when Dutch carried out extensions and repairs in the Palace. At no time did the Portuguese or Dutch stay here. Its interior are decorated with murals from the Ramayana and there are some lively displays of royal costumes and palanquins. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Kochi (Cochin).
Timing:1000-1700 hrs.
Closed on Fridays and National Holidays.
Jewish Synagogue
in Mattancherry Synagouge is built in 1568 AD. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testaments, the copper plates in which the grants of priviledge made by cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinease hand-painted tiles are of interest.
Timing: 1000-1200 hrs. and 1500-1700 hrs.
Closed on Saturday and Jewish Holiday.
St. Francis Church Fort Kochi
The protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. It is here the remains of the inveterate traveller, Vasco da Gama were initially buried and 14 years later, his mortal were taken to Portugal.
Santa Cruz Baslica Church:- Fort Kochi
The Roman Catholic Church situated close to St. Francis Church and is worth visiting. Some beautiful paintings can be seen here.
Chinese Fishing Nets -Fort Kochi
The chinese fishing nets that line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort kochi. Said to have been brought from China by traders of Kubalai Khan’s Court, they are used at high tide.
Bolgatty Palace
Bolghatty palace is situated in Bolghatty Island a narrow palmfringed Island easily accessible from the mainland. The palace was built by the Dutch in 1774.
Later it became the seat of the British Resident and today this has been converted into a hotel run by the KTDC. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Kochi (Cochin).
Wellingdon Island
A man-made island created from the material dredged while deeping Kochi port. Situated between the main land Ernakulum and the old town Mattancherry Island is an important part of Kochi. the govt. of India Tourist Office, the southern Naval Command Headquarters, the Seaport, Naval Airport, Railway Terminus, Customs House, Cochin Port Office etc. are all located in this land. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Kochi (Cochin).
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