About Cochin Tourism
Kochi is Kerala's most famous city. This city in European style has lot to offer like Fort Cochin built by the Portuguese on an island offshore that seems to be pulled straight out of the 16th century with narrow, canal-lined streets, 500 year-old Portuguese houses, Chinese fishing nets lining the northwest shore of the island . There is also a 16th century synagogue surrounded by 'Jew Town,' which was once home to the flourishing Indian Jewish population, the oldest church in India and a palace that was built by the Portuguese, renovated by the Dutch, and eventually was given to the Indian Raja of Cochin.
Places of Interest in Cochin
Mattancherry Palace : It is also known as Dutch Palace, built the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555 AD. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out extensions and repairs in the palace. Its interiors are decorated with murals from the Ramayana and there are some lively displays of royal costumes and palanquins. Timings. 1000 hrs to 17.00 hrs. and is closed on Fridays and national holidays.
Jewish Synagogue : In this Mattancherry Synagogue built in 1568 AD. there are Great Scrolls of the Old Testment, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest. Timing: 1000 hrs to 1200 hrs and 1500 hrs to 1700 hrs. and is closed on Sundays and Jewish Holidays.
Sant Cruz Baslica Church : This Roman Catholic Church situated close to St. Francis Church is worth visiting. Some beautiful paintings can be seen here.
St . Francis Church : Th is 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 Gamma were initially buried and 14 years later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal.
Chinese Fishing Nets : The famous Chinese Fishing net 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.
Bolghatty Palace : Situated at Boghatty Island a narrow palmfringed Island easily accessible from the mainland. The Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744. Later, it became the seat of the British Resident and today this has been converted into a hotel run by K erala tourism .
Excursions from Cochin
Alappuzha City
Also known by the name of Venice of the East, Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, beaches, backwater houseboat, marine products and the coir industry. A remarkable characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. Kuttanad, also called the granary of Kerala, is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Kumarakom City
Kumarakom is about 90 km from Cochin. This distinctive backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a favorite haunt of migratory birds from different parts of the world, making it a renowned bird watching center.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
High in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded 
hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though its a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian elephants in the act of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar lake.
Munnar City
Munnar is an amazing hill station, famous for its incredibly attractive natural beauty. The main highlights are the awe inspiring environment, lush green tea gardens, beautiful lakes, thick forests and the friendly people. It is located in the eastern part of Kerala at the influence of three mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. It is surrounded by about 30 ravishing tea gardens. Munnar is situated at 1600 mts. above sea level, near Anaimudi, the highest peak of the Kerala Western Ghats. Situated at the influence of three mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. This hill station was once the summer resort of the colonial British government in South India. Expansive tea plantations, meandering lanes, trekking, paragliding, rope climbing and recreational facilities available here makes Munnar a perfect holiday destination.
How to reach Cochin
By Air - Cochin is connected by excellent air network to all major cities in India. Cochin also has an international terminal.
By rail - Cochin is also well connected with all the major places in Kerala and India by Rail network. Cochin has three main railway stations, namely, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Harbor Terminus on Willingdon Island.
By road - Cochin, being an important commercial center of Kerala is very well connected and serviced by a network of National and state highways, connecting it to all major centers of the area
Best time to visit Cochin
October to March
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Customize your Tour Package >>>
Basic Inclusions of the package :
- Assisted transfers from airport to hotel and back
- Accommodation in Hotels (as per the category selected)
- Daily Breakfast Buffet
- City tour + Drives by private car
- An English / Language speaking well mannered guide during sightseeing trips
- All currently applicable taxes
Exclusions :
- Any meal unless mentioned above, personal expenses like telephone /laundry bills etc.
- Entrance fees and still camera or video camera charges at various monuments and museums.
- Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides, and bellboys at hotels
- Departure taxes or Visa handling fees (A Visa is required to visit India)
- Any International Air fare, Airports tax and travel insurance etc. and other services not specified above.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
Remarks
» All prices quoted per person in INR. on twin sharing basis. Rates subject to change without notice Rates are applicable for a minimum of two (2) persons travelling at one time.
» Rates are applicable for Indian market only.
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