COCHIN

One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, and the capital of Kerala: "GOD's own country". Cochin even known as Kochi, has been a part of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of Peninsulas and Islands. Today it is Kerala's commercial hub.


GETTING THERE
BY AIR: Indian Airline, Jet Airways connects Cochin with regular flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Banglore, Chennai and Goa.
BY RAIL: Erunakulam Junction is the main terminus, which is connected by all major trains heading down sout.
BY ROAD: Bus services of the state road transport and private companies connect Cochin to all the major cities in Kerala.
SIGHT SEEING
DUTCH PALACE: It is built by the Portugese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555.
KOONAL CROSS SHRINE: This is small chapel in which it stands in the busy commercial centre of Mattancherry.
JEWISH LOUNGE: It was built in 1568, the building was destroyed by the Portugese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two years later. Scrolls of the old testament and copper plates inscribed in hebrew script are preserved here.
GUNDU ISLAND: It is the smallest island near Cochin, has a factory where coir is made into rope manually and carpets are made by hand operated looms. The island can be reached from vypeen only by boat.
FOR KOCHI: It is situated 12 km from Ernakulam.
St. FRANCIS CHURCH: It is the oldest protestant church built by the Portugese in 1510. Vasco de Gama, who died in 1524, was buried here.
MUSEUM: The museum of Kerala's history adappally, 10 km from Ernakulam, one of its kind in Kerala. There state's history is exhibited and narrated with the help of light and sound.
CHINESE FISHING NET: These are situated at the entrance of Cochin harbour and give a fascinating sight.

QUICK FACTS
STATE: Kerala
DISTRICT: Ernakulam
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: Hindi, English and Malayalam
CLIMATE / WEATHER: Summer: 20^oC to 36^oC, Winter: 16^oC to 32^oC

SEASONS
PEAK SEASON: 1^st October to 30^th April
SHOULDER SEASON: 1^st May to 30^th September