Kochi(Kerala)
Kochi Located on the southwest coast of India, Kochi or Cochin is a commercial port city with a trading history dating back at least 600 years. Called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. An island connected by ferry, this vibrant city has high-end shopping, museums and some of the best heritage homes.
In a vintage and futuristic style, hotels and shopping centers invade Ernakulum, Jewish Town and Fort Kochi, as well as palaces, beaches, temples and heritage sites. Kochi is also an important place to see Kathakali and Kalarippayattu performances at the annual Biennale festival.
History of Kochi
Kochi, the coastal city of Kerala, is known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”. The state of Kerala is a center of industrial and commercial activity. Kochi, Portuguese, Jewish, British, French, Dutch and Chinese cultures find a bet in Kochi. The history of Kochi was unknown before the arrival of the Portuguese. The arrival of the Portuguese became a very important event in the history of Kochi. The kings of Kochi welcomed these foreigners as they were looking for a good friend because of the enemy of the Zamorin of Calicut. Jews also received royal patronage during the reign of Keshav Ram Varma.
These Jews came from Kodangur for business purposes. By the 17th century, the port of Kochi had become part of the Dutch. Later, in 1795, the British captured Kochi, which was released at the independence of India.
Places To Visit In Kochi
Fort Cochin
For most tourists, exploring Fort Kochi on foot is convenient and rewarding, as the distance between many sites is short. With a story to unfold in every process, it’s the best way to experience a heritage area. The Fort Kochi bus stand on Calvathy Road along the waterfront is a great place to take a break; great sights nearby. A turn south of Calvathy Road leads into the heart of Fort Kochi. The tour will include Koder House, Vasco House, Bastion Bungalow, Bishop House and Thakur House. For those who only have one day, it is possible to visit many of the sites in the center of the region before lunch, leaving plenty of time to explore the waters afterwards. Fort Cochin Heritage Walks offers daily guided tours and can also organize tours for groups of five or more. These tours lead to 31 historical places in Fort Kochi and cover the history from 1341 AD to present. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes, and bring a bottle of water and some snacks.
Timings 8:00 am to 10:00 am & 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm.
For a luxurious Fort Kochi experience, you can contact KTDC, who can arrange vehicles and drivers for tours around Fort Kochi. This tour covers all the important sites but does not include a guide.
Old Colonial House
Fort Kochi has old colonial-style buildings, many of which are comfortable and serve as hotels. Although Fort Kochi was greatly reduced under the Dutch, they carefully maintained the main buildings. Many living warehouses, with large walls, have a beautiful Dutch style. The most famous of the old colonial buildings is the Thakur House, on Dutch Cemetery Road. Ismail Merchant’s famous 1999 film Cotton Mary is a private house. Built by the Dutch as a club, the building overlooks the ocean and is said to have an underground passageway. It is a reflection of the luxurious lifestyle of the rulers and is an architectural wonder, built with amazing symbols. Built by the Dutch East India Company in 1695, Koder House is a beautiful three-storey hotel on Tower House Road. The most famous was Hendrik Adrian van Rheede, the Dutch ruler of Kochi from 1673 to 1677 AD. Known as David Hall, the hotel got its current name when Samuel Koder, a Jewish businessman, bought the building.
Santa Cruz Basilica
Located on the right side of Bastion Street, the Basilica of Santa Cruz was built as a church by the Portuguese, and was elevated to a cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. After the Dutch conquered Kochi in 1663, many of the residences were converted. worship. warehouse. , however, the cathedral was protected. Although it was demolished by the British in 1795 when they captured Fort Kochi, a new church was built in the vacant place in 1887, commissioned by Bishop Dom Jos Gomez Ferreira. The Gothic facade, with strong spiers, gives a dramatic appearance. The interior is more interesting, with a beautiful ceiling painting reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel. In 1984, Pope John Paul II declared this structure a basilica. Timings 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
VOC Gate
The VOC Gate, facing the parade ground, is a symbol of the Dutch East India Company. This large wooden gate was built in 1740. Walking through the gate at the back of the Church of St. Francis offers a different view of the latter.
Santa Cruz Basilica
Located on the right side of Bastion Street, the Basilica of Santa Cruz was built by the Portuguese as a church and Pope Paul IV elevated it to cathedral status in 1558. After the Dutch conquered Kochi in 1663, many places of worship were converted into warehouses, however, this cathedral was spared. Although it was demolished by the British in 1795 when they captured Fort Kochi, a new church was built in the vacant place in 1887, commissioned by Bishop Dom Jos Gomez Ferreira. The Gothic facade, with strong spiers, gives a dramatic appearance. The interior is more interesting, with a beautiful ceiling painting reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel. In 1984, Pope John Paul II declared this structure a basilica.
Timings 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Chinese Connection
Large cantilevered cheenavalas or Chinese fishing nets, suspended from teakwood and bamboo, can be seen in Vasco da Gama Square. Traders from Kublai Khan brought this net to local fishermen between 1350 and 1450 AD. They were named by Ma Huan, the Chinese ambassador under Admiral Cheng Ho (1371-1433 CE), whose work also provides the first known historical account of Kochi. He wrote: “The fishermen are friendly tourists and will gladly let you join them. The stalls offer delicious seafood and tender coconuts with a spectacular view of the sunset. Also today, you can enjoy delicious seafood at the “You Buy, I Cook” stall next to the Chinese fishing nets, and wash it down with coconut water.
