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Historical
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This old Dutch palace is located on Bolgatty Island which is a brief boat ride away from the mainland. In fact, boat rides are available at regular intervals all day ...
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This old Dutch palace is located on Bolgatty Island which is a brief boat ride away from the mainland. In fact, boat rides are available at regular intervals all day long. This building may have been a royal palace in the past, but in modern times it has been converted into a hotel quality hotel. This hotel is now run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). There is a tiny golf course found at this location. There are also panoramic views of the port and the harbor from almost any vantage point on the island. The breathtaking views make the Bolgatty Palace a popular picnic spot.
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Beaches, Lakes & Falls
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Cherai Beach is picturesque beach located on the north end of Vypeen Island. This island is one of the several tiny islands that are located just off the shore of ...
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Cherai Beach is picturesque beach located on the north end of Vypeen Island. This island is one of the several tiny islands that are located just off the shore of the mainland. Vypeen island is one of the few that can be reached by both land or by boat. The beautiful sandy beach is lined by luscious green coconut groves and paddy fields. The combination of white sand, blue water, and green vegetation makes for one breathtaking oasis. In fact, this beautiful spot is extremely popular with picnickers as well as sun worshippers and beach lovers.
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Miscellaneous
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The Chinese fishing nets found at Kochi are definitely unique to the area. This is the only location in the entire world outside of China where such fishing nets can ...
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The Chinese fishing nets found at Kochi are definitely unique to the area. This is the only location in the entire world outside of China where such fishing nets can be seen in use. Tradition has it that traders from the court of the infamous Chinese ruler Kublai Khan brought these nets here centuries ago, and their popularity has been maintained. Even today, many local fishermen use these enormous nets in their fishing endeavors. A large number of these nets can be seen scattered throughout a whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen.
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Historical
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Fort Kochi is a small village located near the larger city of Kochi. There are picturesque beaches along this part of the coast line. Scattered throughout the beaches are many ...
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Fort Kochi is a small village located near the larger city of Kochi. There are picturesque beaches along this part of the coast line. Scattered throughout the beaches are many famous Chinese fishing nets as well as many sailing ships. The effect created by such fishing necessities is quaint and relaxing. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline, since this location was where the first European settlement in India was located. This particular stretch of the coast also contains numerous small stalls which sell delicious traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish right on demand.
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Miscellaneous
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Jews came to the Kochi area as early as 700 BC because of trade. A tradition says that many Jews even settled in the area at the time of the ...
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Jews came to the Kochi area as early as 700 BC because of trade. A tradition says that many Jews even settled in the area at the time of the ancient Jewish king, King Solomon. These “black Jews� and then later “white Jews� were so plentiful in the area, that the Hindu Raja granted them a site for their own town right next to Kochi. That town became known as "Jew Town". Even though many Jews locked to Israel, or were converted to Christianity, many Jews are still in the area. A Jewish synagogue is found in Jew Town that is definitely worth the time to explore.
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Architectural
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It is a beautiful Jewish synagogue built in Jew Town in 1568. This place of worship attracts numerous visitors every year because of its impressive furnishings. There are splendid Chinese ...
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It is a beautiful Jewish synagogue built in Jew Town in 1568. This place of worship attracts numerous visitors every year because of its impressive furnishings. There are splendid Chinese tiles that have been used to decorate throughout the entire synagogue. There are also impressive Belgian chandeliers that have been used to decorate the building. On top of the exquisite decorations in the synagogue, giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. Even though it seems a little unusual for a Jewish place of worship to be found in India, Jews actually started to live in the area beginning in around 700BC. This particular Jewish synagogue can be found near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.
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Historical
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The city of Kaladi is located in the region around Kochi. This small city is the birthplace of the famous Hindu philosopher Sri Adi Sankaracharya. He lived in the 8th ...
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The city of Kaladi is located in the region around Kochi. This small city is the birthplace of the famous Hindu philosopher Sri Adi Sankaracharya. He lived in the 8th century AD. On his travels throughout India, he spent his time debating with scholars and spreading his theory of monotheism or Advaita. The Adi Sankara shrine and the 8-story painted Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthambam are popular sites to visit in the area. The location of Adi Sankara shrine is on the bank of the river Periyar. Samadhi of the mother of Aryamaba, Sankaracharya is also enclosed in the temple. The location where young Sankara was held by a crocodile on the river bank can also be seen in the vicinity. Sankaracharya's story is told with the help of paintings found on the walls inside at the monument of Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthambam.
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Shopping
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M G Road is the place in Kochi to find the perfect shopping experience. Handicrafts made from coir, wood, shells, brass, ivory and sandalwood can be found on this famous ...
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M G Road is the place in Kochi to find the perfect shopping experience. Handicrafts made from coir, wood, shells, brass, ivory and sandalwood can be found on this famous stretch of road. Clothing items as well as jewelry are also common wares sold on M G Road. Food items and spices can also be found in the items that can be bought here. In fact, the entire stretch of MG Road is entirely filled with fabulous places to shop. With such quality items readily available here, why not save your Indian shopping experience for Kochi. You will not be disappointed.
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Historical
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The Mattancherry Palace is a beautiful palace that was originally built by the Portuguese. It was during the 17th century that the Dutch took it over. They modified it and ...
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The Mattancherry Palace is a beautiful palace that was originally built by the Portuguese. It was during the 17th century that the Dutch took it over. They modified it and then presented it to the Raja of Kochi. Because of this gift, it is now often referred to as the Dutch Palace. The coronations of many Rajas of Kochi were held here throughout the years. There is an outstanding collection of mural paintings found inside. These murals beautifully depict scenes from the Hindu epics of Mahabharatha and Ramayana. The paintings are colorful and artistic in their representation and are one of the wonders of India.
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Art & Museum
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The Pareekshith Thampuran Museum is a building that is chock full of history. Originally, the Rajas of Cochin conducted their durbars there. In fact this impressive edifice is located on ...
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The Pareekshith Thampuran Museum is a building that is chock full of history. Originally, the Rajas of Cochin conducted their durbars there. In fact this impressive edifice is located on the Durbar Hall grounds. At a later date it was converted to a museum that housed numerous archaeological findings and relics including murals, old coins, oil paintings, and sculptures. Today, this museum has been taken over by the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy. It is now the home to the Gallery of Contemporary Art. The building itself is worth your time to explore, but the contemporary art that is displayed there are noteworthy as well.
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Art & Museum
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The Parishath Thampuran Museum is located in the actual building that was once Durbar Hall. It is called that because the Rajas of Cochrin once conducted their durbars there. This ...
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The Parishath Thampuran Museum is located in the actual building that was once Durbar Hall. It is called that because the Rajas of Cochrin once conducted their durbars there. This museum was built in the traditional Kerala architectural style. This particular museum contains collections of 19th century oil paintings, sculptures, old coins, exhibits from the Cochin Royal family ,and Mughul paintings. Every one of these items is worth witnessing in its own right. Imagine how valuable this collection is when considered as a whole. Together these items definitely create a memorable experience.
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Historical
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Throughout history, India has been occupied by a variety of different European countries. This is especially easy to see in the city of Kochi on Princess Street. Numerous old colossal ...
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Throughout history, India has been occupied by a variety of different European countries. This is especially easy to see in the city of Kochi on Princess Street. Numerous old colossal houses are located on this street with each being built in the style of home that was customary for a given European nation to build. The end result is a quaint street that portrays various different European destinations. Homes built in the Dutch, British, French, and Portuguese style are all there. Most of these homes allow visitors to see what they are like inside as well.
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Religious
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This Catholic church is located in Fort Kochi. It was built in 1505 by the Portuguese . In 1558 it was then named as a cathedral. In 1795, the roughly ...
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This Catholic church is located in Fort Kochi. It was built in 1505 by the Portuguese . In 1558 it was then named as a cathedral. In 1795, the roughly 240 year old structure was destroyed by the British colonists. It was then rebuilt in 1905. It has stood ever since that time. Today's 100 year old structure was raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984. This church is beautiful like all Catholic cathedrals are. It is possible for visitors to tour the inside of this Basilica as well as enjoy its majestic exterior.
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Religious
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The Santhanagopala- Krishnaswamy Temple is one of the oldest temples found in all of India. According to inscriptions found at the temple site, the original foundation of this temple was ...
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The Santhanagopala- Krishnaswamy Temple is one of the oldest temples found in all of India. According to inscriptions found at the temple site, the original foundation of this temple was laid in 947 AD This location is a tourist draw because of several things. First, it is interesting in its right as it is a temple located in southern India. Second, its mere age makes it even more fascinating than more recently built temples in the area. This true historic edifice offers many an enlightening experience as they choose to explore the interior and exterior of this notable temple.
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Religious
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The St, Francis Church is the oldest church that was built by Europeans anywhere in India. The famous Portuguese trader Vasco da Gamais well known for reaching India from Europe ...
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The St, Francis Church is the oldest church that was built by Europeans anywhere in India. The famous Portuguese trader Vasco da Gamais well known for reaching India from Europe by sea instead of by the usual overland route. He fell ill and then died in Kochi, and was buried in the St. Francis Church there. Later his remains were eventually taken back to Portugal. In spite of that, his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked out and many people still visit this church to see this marked spot.
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Religious
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The Vamanamoorthy temple is frequently referred to as the Thirikkakara Temple because it is located in the small village of Thirikkara which is in close proximity to Kochi. One reason ...
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The Vamanamoorthy temple is frequently referred to as the Thirikkakara Temple because it is located in the small village of Thirikkara which is in close proximity to Kochi. One reason that this temple is noteworthy is because it is home to some lithic records of historic significance. This particular temple is also known for Onam. The Onasadya or the Onam feast is annually held. This event is a huge deal. A lot of pomp and circumstance comes with this feast in the temple. A huge number of people participate in this feast with actual religious association not being a factor.
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Beaches, Lakes & Falls
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Willingdon Island is a man-made island that was created in 1933. The island is made by sand that was dredged while deepening the backwaters for the Cochin Port. Sir Robert ...
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Willingdon Island is a man-made island that was created in 1933. The island is made by sand that was dredged while deepening the backwaters for the Cochin Port. Sir Robert Bristow was the man that was in charge of this endeavor. It was named after Lord Willingdon who was a former British Viceroy of India This island is the home of the Cochin Port as well as the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command. Today, the island is the site of the city's best hotels and trading centers. The fact that it is surrounded by backwaters makes it a tremendously beautiful location.
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