| |
Cochin
: - |
| |
Cochin
is the oldest European settlement in India, the history of
European involvement in Cochin from the early 1500s onward
is dominated by aggression of Portuguese, Dutch and British
who successively competed to control the port and its lucrative
spice trade. Layered impressions - Chinese, Arab, Jewish,
are contained within its environment. Giant Chinese fishing
nets that billow from massive teak and bamboo poles dot the
entrance to the harbour. Silhouetted against the setting sun,
they present a magnificent sight at the waterfront. Kochi
is arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable
diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist
destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and
featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places
of a lifetime'.
The
eventful history of this city began when a major flood in
AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land
locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbours
in the world. Its
main Sections - Modern Ernakulam and the historical town of
Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Spice market, Chinese fishing
nets, a synagogue, a Portughese palace can all be found with
in an easy walk
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Around
Cochin :- |
|
| |
 Jewish
Synagogue : The synagogue, built in 1568,
is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers.
Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is
located near the Dutch Palace. Built in A D 1568. Great scrolls
of the Old Testament (Bible) and copper plates in which the
grants of privilege to Jews from Cochin rulers were carved
are preserved here. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
 St.
Francis Church : It is the oldest church built
by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco De
Gama, the legendary navigator from Lisbon, died at Kochi during
his second voyage to Kerala. He was laid to rest in the St.
Francis Church on Christmas eve 1524. Years later, his mortal
remains were taken back to Portugal. The sepulcher is still
preserved in the church hall and is open for visitors. |
|
| |
The
Dutch Cemetery : The tomb stones here are
the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who
left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial
empires and changed the course of history of this land. The
cemetery was consecrated in 1724 and is today managed by the
Church of South India.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Vasco
House : Believed to have been the residence
of Vasco da Gamma, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residence
of Fort Cochin. Built in the early 16th century Vasco House
sports the typical European glass paned windows and Balcony
cum Verandas characteristic of the times. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Santa
Cruz Basilica: The original
church, situated in Fort Kochi, was built by the Portuguese
in 1505 and named as a cathedral in 1558. The British colonists
destroyed the cathedral in 1795. The current structure was built
in 1905 and raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John
Paul II in 1984. |
|
| |
Mattancherry
Palace : Also known
as Dutch Palace. Built by Portuguese and handed over to Cochin
Raja in 1555 AD and the was renamed as Mattancheri Palace
in 1663, when the Dutch spruced up the palace. However, neither
the Portuguese nor the Dutch stayed in the palace.The centre
of the building has a Coronation Hall where Cochin Rajas investitures
were held. Today, it is a portrait gallery of the Rajas. Rooms
adjacent display 17th century murals depicting scenes from
the epic,Ramayana. Open for visitors. 10 am to 5 pm Closed
on Fridays, national holidays. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
 Chinese
Fishing nets: The huge,
elegant Chinese fishing nets lining the northern shore of
Fort cochin add grace to water front view and has a photographic
image of Kerala. you can buy fresh fish from the tiny market
here and have it grilled with seasalt, garlic and lemon at
one of the stalls nearby. |
|
| |
Kochi
- Accomodation |
| |
|
|
