The Gateway of Kerala, Coachin

Coachin, also known as Kochi, is a major port city on the west coast of India by the Arabian Sea and is part of the district of Ernakulam in the state of Kerala. The class and beauty of this city, is unlike any other. The charm is mesmerizing and spell binding.

Coachin

Heralded as the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14^th century. It was the first land to be marked as a colony by the Europeans. Under the British, this city was a princely state called as the Kingdom of Coachin. Due to very early interaction with the Europeans, Coachin has been modified, developed and civilized in the European manner and the touch of Portugese ans British cult can still find its remnants on this land, that undoubtedly owns a Indian soul.

History- Portuguese navigator,  Pedro Alvares Cabral founded the first European settlement in India at Kochi in 1500. Fort Kochi (Fort Emmanuel ) was ruled by Portugal.

Kochi has also been the host fot the grave of Vasco da Gama, the first European explorer to set sail for India, who was buried at St Francis Church. The land of Kochi has also been under the reign of the Hyder Ali, brave ruler of Mysore.

When India attained Independence, Kochi was the first princely state to come under the dominion of India, whole-heartedly.

Culture of Kochi- 

Over the course of several centuries, almost from the beginning of times for Kochi, this city has been touched by successive waves of migration. As a result of this migration, it house a mixed populace from all parts of Kerala and most of India. The ethos of this place is a replica of the pan-India ethnicity.  A touch of every culture can be seen in Coachin.

The city nurtures in its warm embrace, people from a myriad of different cultures and communities, like Malyalis, Konkanis, Gujaratis, Bengalis, Marathis, Punjabis, Tamilians, Biharis and a few Jews.

Do- Not-Miss!

If you are in Kochi, then a gamut of experiences and thrill awaits you. If you are in Kochi, some of the places that you must not miss are-

• Bologhatty Island- At a small distance from the mainland of city, easily accessible via an exciting boat ride, this island houses the Dutch palace, which has now turned to a hotel of Kerala Tourism Development Centre. Glorified by the panoramic view of its surroundings, showcasing the exquisite view of harbor and the ports, it is a preferred tourist spot.

Bologhatty Island

•  Cherai Beach- Positioned towards the northern end of the Vypeen Island, this lovely sea beach is bordered by paddy fields and coconut groves. The beauty of this place is extremely enchanting. The gurgling waters are enjoyed by the swimming fanatics.

Cherai Beach

• Fort Kochi Beach- The epic combination of this beach and the fort that stands tall, is breath taking. This place will offer you an ecstatic thrill and a picturesque beauty.  The beach has vendors with small stalls selling small delicious fishes, that one can relish.

Fort Kochi Beach

• Hill Palace- This was the palace of  Kochi’s king dating back in 19^th century. Now it is a museum , that has the different royal articles and artifacts well preserved.

Hill Palace

• Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary- Situated beside the Kerala High court, this bird sanctuary is home to many rare and exotic species of resident and migratory birds. It is a paradise for bird lovers. The variety and number of birds that can be spotted here are exemplary.

Some other places that are worth visiting are Mattancherry Palace, Santa Cruz Basillica, St. Francis Church, Vasco House, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kalamassery Museum, Kochi Fort, Marine Drive, Parikshith Thampuran Museum, Veega Land (amusement park) and Willingdon Island .

Overall beauty of the city of Coachin is admirable. With its European attire and Indian soul, Kochi will take your heart away. The natural beauty, the beaches and islands are enthralling and extremely spell binding.

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