Cochin or Kochi is a lovely seaside city in the “Gods Own Country” Kerala. Rows of Chinese fishing nets, the spices, ayurveda and the ships sailing out into the ocean mark the characteristic of this city.
The tranquil but ever vibrant destination appears to be growing daily. Distinctly different from other parts of Kerala, Kochi is everyone”s delight. An ideal blend of tradition with the modern. Be sure to pack a lot of mosquito repellents when you come to Kochi.
The queen of the Arabian sea is also a paradise to mosquitoes. From time immemorial, Kochi has played host to guests from far off lands. The Arabs, the Chinese, the Dutch, the Portuguese, the French, the British, all came here for trade. Though for different reasons, follow their footsteps for a peek into a slice of Gods Own Country
When to Go
September to mid Feb is the ideal season. Since it is close to the equator, the sea and the mountains bless it with a moderate, equatorial climate. The summer--from March to end of May-- tends to be hot and humid. The skies open up incessantly from June to September, and less harder in November and December. So, whatever be the season, remember to pack an umbrella.
Famous Tourist Attractions
Excursions from Cochin can be made to Thripunithura, 12 km southwest of Cochin. The Hill Palace Museum at Tripunithara houses the collections of the Cochin and Travancore royal families. Edapally, 10 km northeast of Ernakulam, has the Museum of Kerala History. In Parur, 35 km north of Cochin you will find a synagogue, a Syrian Orthodox Church, a Krishna Temple, and a temple of goddess Mookambica. Chennamangalam, four kilometers away houses the oldest synagogue in Kerala. There is also a Jesuit Church and ruins of a Jesuit College.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Nightlife is still not a fad, and pubbing meets with raised eyebrows. But Coffee Beanz a joint on the Marine drive offers Saturday night outs. Le Meridian and Taj have Saturday night blasts for the young. Must Do, Must See Submit yourself to the famous masseurs and their herbal oils. All the leading hotel chains (Taj Group, Le Meridian) offer one-off as well as complete Ayurvedic treatments. Kerala Ayurvedha Pharmacy Limited has a treatment centre off MG Road. Kottakal Ayurveda sala, MG Road, in the city centre. Hire a boat and explore the backwaters. The boatman-cum-guide will happily give you short lectures on prawn cultivation, coir making and toddy tapping. Try out the homestays at Kumbalangi Tourist village: Here, you will be treated as a member of the family in a traditional kerala house hold for the entire period of your stay. Local visits to shrimp farms are also on the itenary.
Fast Facts
Full Name
Cochin
Altitude:
Sea level
Time Zone
+5.5
Area
83.52 sq. km
Population
5,64,038
Languages
Malayalam, the official language of the State of Kerala. English is widely used in business circles. Hindi and a host of north Indian languages are also spoken.
Religion
Nairs, Kerala's Brahmins, Namboodris, Christians and Muslims
