Area
: 87.341 sq.kms.
Altitude : Sea level
Population
: Approx 1 million
Best times to visit : Between
November and February.
LocationLatitude, 9 degree
15 E, The City lies between Tripunithura, the seat of the erstwhile
royality to its southeast and the Eloor-Kalamassery industrial belt to
is north. To the west lies the Arabian sea.
Being a commercial
capital of Kerala, Cochin is referred as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'.
Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage, but is one of the most
fast paced and modern cities in India. It is also one of the finest
natural harbours of the world and a major Indian port. This place is
basically a collection of islands and narrow peninsulas and can be
divided into Ernakulam, Willingdon Island, Mattancherry and Fort Kochi.
An international airport and seaport, connect Cochin to the rest of the
world. The city also has an outstanding network of road, rail,
backwater, and a modern communication system.
Cochin was once
an insignificant fishing village. When the backwaters of the Arabian Sea
and the streams descending from the Ghats caused the separation of this
village from the mainland and landlocked the harbour, it became one of
the safest ports on India's southwestern coast. The port assumed a new
strategic importance and began to enjoy commercial prosperity.
Places
of Interest
- Fort Kochi
The Chinese fishing nets These huge
cantilevered fishing nets along the backwaters are the legacy of the
traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Built of teakwood and bamboo
poles, they are fascinating to see. Adjacent to the fishing nets is
the Vasco Da Gama Square, a narrow walkway with little stalls that
serve fresh seafood and tender coconuts.
- St. Francis Church
This Protestant church was
originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 A.D. It is considered to
be India's oldest European church. Today it is governed by the
Church of South India (CSI). Vasco Da Gama was buried here before
his remains were taken back to Portugal 14 years later.
- Vasco House
Located on Rose Street, Vasco House is
one of the oldest Portuguese houses in Fort Kochi and is believed to
have been the residence of Vasco Da Gama. Vasco House sports the
typical European glass paned windows and verandahs, characteristic
of the times.
- VOC Gate
A large wooden gate with the initials VOC
engraved on it, the VOC Gate is a little way off from Vasco House,
facing the Parade Ground. The initials correspond to the monogram of
the once powerful Dutch East India Company, which had its office
here for almost 150 years.
- Santa Cruz Cathedral
Built by the Portuguese in
around the 16th century, this Roman Catholic church is famous for
the beautiful paintings on its ceiling. It was demolished by the
British when they took over Cochin in 1795. Until a new building was
commissioned in 1887, there was no church on the site for almost a
100 years. The Santa Cruz church was declared a Basilica by Pope
John Paul II in 1984.
- Cherai Beach
The lovely Cherai beach, situated in
Vypeen, is just a 15 minute ferry ride from Fort-Kochi. Besides the
sea, sand and the sun, a typical Kerala village with paddy fields
and coconut groves nearby completes the idyllic picture that the
beach paints.
LanguageMalayalam, the youngest in he Dravidian
family, is the official language of the State of Kerala. English is
widely used in business circles.
ReligionHindus
account for the largest community followed by Christians and Muslims.
Cochin has also a small population of Jains, Jews and Sikhs.
ClimateThe
warm tropical climate recommends light cotton clothes, waterproofing is
essential during monsoons.
How To Reach
- By Road
Cochin is well linked on the National and
State Highway Network to most parts of Southern India.
- By Air
Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have
convenient connections to Cochin from Delhi, Mumbai as well as other
important South Indian cities. Cochin is now also an International
gateway served by a few International Airlines.
- By Rail
Cochin is well connected by rail most major
cities of India.
