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Kochi
- Kerala
Kochi
or Cochin, the commercial hub of Kerala, is a town of great
historical importance. It has a fine natural harbour around which
the city has grown. Kochi is the famous port, trading between India
and the rest of the world. Attracted by trade and its liberal laws,
many foreigners have made this their home. After the fall of
Jerusalem, Jewish refugees sought sanctuary in this lush trading
post. Places
To Visit
Bolghatty
Palace: This
Dutch palace is situated on the Bolghatty island. At present it is
being used as hotel. The island has a fine golf course and the
panoramic view makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat
service is available from the mainland.
Chinese Fishing Nets:
The
chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in
India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese
ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Click here to view a
picture of the Chinese fishing nets found here .
Dutch
Palace: The
Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portugese. Later, in 17th
century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi.
Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The place has a
fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the
Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.
Fort
Kochi beach: A
stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the chinese
fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine
experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the
shoreline.
Hill
Palace: Built
in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled
from here. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a
fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi apart from
many archaeological findings.
Jewish
Synagogue: The
synagogue ,magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian
chandeliers ,was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament
can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace.
Mangalavanam
Bird Sanctuary:
Believe
it or not this bird sanctuary is situated right in the heart of
Kochi city. It is the home of many exotic and rare varieties of
migratory birds.
Museum
of Kerala History:
The
museum has on display life size statues of many famous personalities
and several paintings depicting Kerala History.
Palliport
(Pallipuram) Fort:
It
is the oldest European fort built in India.
Parikshith
Thampuram Museum:
The
museum is situated near the famous Siva Temple, Ernakulam. It houses
a treasure of archaeological findings and relics including old
coins, sculptures, oil paintings and murals. St. Francis Church It
is the oldest church built by European in India.On his 3rd visit to
Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portugese trader who reached India from
Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi.
St.
Francis Church:
Later
his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact
place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church
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