About Kochi
A small place in Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country – Kochi, is one of the cosmopolitan cities of Kerala. This city is known for different things, by different people. It is the treasure of spices for some and others, it is the commercial capital of the state. Kochi is recognised as the Gateway to Kerala, due to its scenic views and green landscapes. Along with its beautiful landscapes, it’s also famous for its ancient charm and its deep history. Kochi, also known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, had been serving as the main port city, not only for Kerala but also for the Indian Peninsula, for centuries. The Kochi Kingdom is said to date back to the 12th century. The geography of Kochi is a mix of backwaters, hilly areas, coastal cities and plain terrain. The native language spoken over here is Malayalam. The people over here have adapted the western culture a lot. Now, you can see the traces of both- western and ethnic cultures, in Kochi.
Places to visit in Kochi
With its scenic beauty and rich history, Kochi has a lot to offer when it comes to tourist spots. Here are some of the tourist attractions, that you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Kochi!
- St. Francis Church: This church, known as St. Francis Church, was the first European church to be built in India. It was constructed in 1503 by a group of Portuguese Franciscan friars. It was a wood and mud structure dedicated to St. Bartholomew. In 1524, Vasco da Gama was buried here. Although his remains were taken back to Lisbon, after 14 years, his tombstone remains intact in this church.
- Fort Kochi: Fort Kochi is another important sight to visit in Kochi. It has a picturesque view to it, with the colonial buildings that define the story of centuries-old history. Fort Kochi has a reputation for being invaded, looted and controlled by various European powers. The Portuguese in 1500, the Dutch in 1663 and the British in the 18th century. Even though the place had its problems, these invasions have added a lot of depth to this place.
- Mattancherry: Mattancherry is the western part of the Kochi corporation. It was a hub for the trade of various aromatic spices. Due to the frequent invasions through the sea, the invaders have left an ineradicable mark on the landscape, culture, society and art of this place. Mattancherry also has a reputation for being welcoming to every migrant community- all thanks to the erstwhile kings of Cochin.
- Hill Palace, Thripunithura: Hill Palace is the official residence of Maharaj of Kochi. It was built in the year 1865, and it includes forty-nine colonial buildings. These buildings spread across over twenty-thousand square feet. These buildings are structured in a way that blends the Dutch and traditional architectural styles. The oldest building among them has the heritage museum.
- Marine Drive: Kochi is famous for its backwaters, and Marine Drive is one of those beauties. It is the beautiful stretch of the backwaters and the harbour, which looks majestic in the daylight and serene at night. The Marine Drive adorns the lights from the ships, making it a beautiful sight to the eyes.
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