When a person thinks of tourism in Kerala, Kochi is usually not the first place that comes to mind. The city remains one of the most underrated places in South India, and a trip to Kochi is sure to have an effect that will be remembered for a long, long time.
Ernakulam, as the city is called, is located around the middle of Kerala, along the coast of the Arabian Sea—hence the name “the Queen of Arabian Sea”. Kochi has been a port city ever since the Portuguese entered Kerala a few centuries ago, and this has resulted in a hotchpotch of cultures in and around the city. There are many Portuguese, Anglo-Indian and even Jewish settlements in parts of the city.
Getting Around in Kochi
Getting around within the city might be a task, though- the traffic is thick and slow, characteristic of a metro city. Autorickshaws and buses are aplenty, but the most comfortable way to travel would be to rent a car in Kochi. There are many car hire services in the city, like Zoomcar and others.
Places to Visit
A few of the tourist places in Kochi include Bolgatty Palace, Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi, Cherai Beach and Vypeen. Bolgatty Palace is among the oldest Dutch Palaces outside Holland, being built almost three centuries ago. The Palace has been maintained in pristine condition, and its lawns have even been converted into a functional 9-hole golf course. Mattanchery Palace is a Portuguese palace located in Mattancherry, popularly known as Dutch Palace. The property has since been converted into a museum by the State Government, and its walls now depict beautiful art, portraits and murals from Hindu mythology.
A Slice of History
Fort Kochi is something that cannot be described- it has to be experienced. The area is located away from the main city, and it is made up of various cultures and types of people, making it an intriguing visit for any traveller. Vypeen is more about the drive, than about the destination. The locality is to the north of the city, and there are many beautiful sights to be experienced on the narrow coastal road leading to it. Cherai beach is Kochi’s answer to Trivandrum’s Kovalam; the curved, long coastline is in pristine condition, and is lined by shacks and restaurants serving some of the best seafood in the state.
Kochi is the place to be in, for people looking for a relaxed, idyllic vacation; so book your tickets, and get exploring this crown jewel of a city!
