Cochin is the largest city in Kerala with a population of 5.5 lakhs. An all weather harbour, Cochin is an important centre for commerce and industry. It has a maritime history that began in the remote past. The Portuguese, the Dutch and the English had established themselves here at one time or the other. In fact Cochin fort was built by the Portuguese with the permission of the local ruler.

Cochin consists of mainland Ernakulam, Willington island, Fort Cochin - Mattancherry peninsula, Bolgatty and Gundu and Vypeen island.

Cochin can be reached either by plane, by road or by train (All trains from Trivandrum to Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Bangalore and Mangalore pass through Ernakulam). Cochin is 67 kms from Kottayam and 63 kms along the coast from Alleppey.

Kerala State Tourism Development Corporation has 2 conducted tours that touch upon both old and new Cochin.

Prime Attractions of Cochin

» Bolghatty Palace
A Scenic island near the city of Ernakulam, Bolghatty is famous for the Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 AD.

» Dutch Palace
Originally built by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century, the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace is located at Mattancherry. It was presented to the Cochin Maharaja in 1555 AD and later taken over by the Dutch who carried out repairs and extended it further.

» Jewish Synagogue
The oldest synagogue in India, it was built in 1586 AD by the prosperous Jewish community whose links with Kerala began in Kodungalloor in northern Kerala.

» Aattachamayam
The festival of Attachamayam is held on the Atham day of the Malayalam month of Chingam (August/ September), at the historical town of Tripunithura, near Cochin.

» Cheeyappara Waterfalls
The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Cochin - Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara Falls cascades down in seven steps.

» Chottanikkara Temple
Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, one of the most popular deities in Kerala. Devi is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu.

» Cochin Carnival
Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last week of every year in Fort Cochin in Kerala. The carnival dates back to the Portuguese New Year revelry held here during the colonial days.

» Edapalli Perunal
The feast at the ancient Roman Catholic Church of Edapalli Perunnal is situated on the National Highway (NH 47) between Ernakulam and Aluva.

» Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Cochin. Conducted in the last week of December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair.

» Jewish Festival
The Jews of Kerala are believed to have migrated to this place in the first century following the destruction of the second temple of Jerusalem in 72 AD.

» Kanjiramattom Festival
The festival of 'Kodikuthu' is celebrated on the 14th of January each year, in Kanjiramattom Mosque, 25 kms from Ernakulam.

» Kodungaloor Bharani
Kodungalloor, 50 kms north of Cochin, was the ancient port town of Muziris or Crangannore. Goddess Bhagavathi is the presiding deity of the ancient temple here. The Bharani Festival, which falls in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March/ April) attracts the largest congregation of 'Velichappadu' (Oracles), including women from different parts of the State.

» Malayatoor Perunal
The feast or the 'Perunnal' at the famous Catholic Church at Malayatoor is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter, in the months of March/April.

» Santa Cruz Basillica Chruch
Close to the St. Francis church, it is Roman Catholic Church, which was also built by Portuguese. It has a beautiful collection of paintings and a decorative ceiling, despite having suffered severe damage when the British fought with the Dutch to take control of Cochin.

» St. Francis Church
Built in 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars, this is the India's oldest European church.

» Thalassery Fort
Thalaserry fort, located at a distance of 22 kms from Kannur constructed in 1708 AD was the military centre of the British.

» Bhoothathankettu
63 kms from Cochin, it's a beautiful spot replete with a dam and boating facilities. Trekking through the forests here is an exhilarating experience.

» 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.

» Fort Cochin
The St. Francis Church is located in Fort Cochin, which was built in 1510 AD, by five Portuguese priests who arrived with Albuquerque. The church, the burial site for Vasco da Gama in 1524 AD is said to be the oldest European church built in India.

» Gundu Island
Here is the magnificent 16th century Pallipuram Fort that is open only on Thursdays.

» Jew Town
The area around the Synagogue is a centre of spice trade and curio shops.

» Kodanad
45 kms from Cochin, it is one of the largest elephant capturing camps and training centres in India. It is on the southern banks of Periyar River amidst the beautiful high ranges near Perumbadoor. Even though elephant capture was banned in 1977, the training centre continues to function.

» Kodungalloor
Formerly called Muziris, it was a famed sea-port on the west coast in ancient tomes, where St. Thomas is supposed to have landed in 52 AD. It was also the capital of Cheraman Perumal, a King of Kerala, whose famous palace Allal Perumkovilakam was situated near the great pagoda at Thiruvanchikulam.

» Pareekshith Thampuran Museum
This sprawling, traditional Kerala style building previously called the Durbar Hall, houses 19th century oil paintings, a collection of old coins, sculptures and Mughal paintings. The museum remains open from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. all weekdays except Mondays.

» Vypeen Island
There is a magnificent lighthouse at Ochanthuruth, which remains open from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily.

Cochin Fair & Festivals

» Aattachamayam
The festival of Attachamayam is held on the Atham day of the Malayalam month of Chingam (August/ September), at the historical town of Tripunithura, near Kochi.

» Cochin Carnival
Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last week of every year in fort Kochi in Kerala. The carnival dates back to the Portuguese New Year reverly held here during the colonial days.

» India Gandhi Boat Race
Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling back waters of Kochi. Conducted in the last week of December, it is fitting finale to the tourism Fair, which attracts travellers from all parts of the globe.

» Jewish Festival
The Jews of Kerala are believed to have migrated to this place in the first century following the destruction of the second temple of Jerusalem in 72Ad. The Jewish community in Kerala settled mainly in and around Mattancherry, Kochi.

» Malayatoor Perunal
The feast or the 'Perunnal' at the famous Catholic Church at Malayatoor is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter, in the months of March/April. Atop the 2000 feet high Malayatoor Hill, about 52 kms from Kochi.

How to get there

» Location
12 Kms From Ernakulam, Kerala

» Air
The nearest airport is cohin international airport.

» Rail
Cochin is connected by rail to most of the importand cities like Delhi, Mumbai & Chennai.

» Road
cochin is connected by road with several tourist centers in India. It is Bangalore 565 Kms, Chennai 470 Kms.