kochi, Cochin, kumarakom - Kerala

kochi, Cochin, kumarakom - Kerala India travel ! famous for forests cover more than fifty per cent of the total area of this land of temples, rivers, mountain ranges and coconut groves.

kochi, Cochin, kumarakom - Kerala-India

Kochi (Cochin)
Kochi was an obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India. The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural influences are seen in the many examples of Indo European architecture that still exist here. Some of the well known tourist attractions in Kochi are
The Old Fort, Kochi / Cochin
Vasco da Gama, whose arrival in Kerala about 500 years ago opened up a new era of trade between India and Europe, died in Fort Kochi on Christmas eve in 1524. The house where he died is a huge Portuguese-style mansion on Rose Street, which stands close to the St. Francis Church, the first European church in India. In accordance with his last wishes, da Gama's remains were unearthed and send to Lisbon, Portugal, and reburied there in 1538.
Chinese Fishing Nets/Vasco da Gama Square
These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles.
Pierce Leslie Bungalow
This charming mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862.
Old Harbour House
This elegant old bungalow built in 1808 is in the possession of Carrit Moran & Co., renowned tea brokers, who now use it as their residence. The house was once a boat club.
Koder House
This magnificent building constructed by Samuel S. Koder of The Cochin Electric Company in 1808 is a supreme example of the transition from colonial to Indo-European architecture.
Delta Study
Once a warehouse, this heritage bungalow built in 1808, houses a high school today.
St. Francis Church
Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, this is India's oldest European church. This was initially built of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry.
Santa Cruz Basilica
This historic church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558.
Loafer's Corner/Princess Street
One of the earliest streets to be constructed in Fort Kochi, Princess Street with its European style residences still retains its old world charm.

Vasco House: Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi. Built in the early sixteenth century, Vasco House sports the typical European glass paned windows and balcony cum verandahs characteristic of the times.

VOC Gate: The large wooden gate facing the Parade Ground, with the monogram (VOC) of the once mighty Dutch East India Company carved on it, was built in 1740.

Parade Ground: The four acre Parade Ground was where once the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British colonists conducted their military parades and drills.

The Dutch Cemetery: The tomb stones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires and changed the course of history of this land. The cemetery was consecrated in 1724 and is today managed by the Church of South India.

Thakur House: This graceful building holds within itself a reflection of the colonial era. The Bungalow was built on the site of the Gelderland Bastion, one of the seven bastions of the old Dutch fort.

David Hall: Though built around 1695 by the Dutch East India Company, David Hall gets its name from one of its later occupants, David Koder, a Jewish businessman.

The Cochin Club: The club, with its impressive library and collection of sporting trophies, is housed in a beautifully landscaped park.

Bastion Bungalow: Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667, the Bungalow gets its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old Dutch fort.

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) (Open 1000 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Fridays): Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch.

Synagogue (Open 1000 - 1200 hrs; 1500 -1700 hrs. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays): Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth.

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

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.

Kumarakom
Kumarakom located 16 km away from Kottayam town, is one of well known tourist destination in Kerala. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Tourist retreats in Kumarakom. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live here in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

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kochi, Cochin, kumarakom - Kerala

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