Kochi
City of Serene Backwaters
Kochi, a major city in the Southern Indian state of Kerala is an attractive city with serene backwaters, lagoons overhung with swaying coconut palms and picturesque islands. A center of Kerala’s maritime trade for centuries, it’s a fine natural harbour created by the famed underwater Malabar mud-banks. Kochi consists of mainland Ernakulam, the islands of wellington, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbour, Fort Cochin and Mattanchery on the southern peninsula, and Vypeen Island north of Fort Cochin, all linked by ferry. A must see destination recommended by National Geographic.
Along the harbor, the heart of the city, rows of antediluvian Chinese fishing nets indicate years of strong trade links with China. The unique buildings along the water’s edge testify to the erstwhile presence of Dutch and Portuguese colonisers.
The influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans is evident in Kochi and provides a fascinating mix of cultures for every visitor.
Exploring Kochi
Bolghatty Island and Bolghatty Palace, Mattanchery Palace, Jewish Synagogue – the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth Parishath Thampuran Museum, St.Francis Church, 500 year old Portugese houses, Chinese Fishing Nets along Cochin harbor.
Shopping
Kerala’s famous polished metal mirrors or Aranmula kannadi, rosewood artifacts, coir floor coverings and tablemats, old dowry boxes from Travancore, gold jewelry exclusive to Southern India, cotton saris, traditional khadi (handspun and hand-woven) attire and antiques from Jew town, aromatic spices and exotic cashews, ornaments made of coconut shells or bamboo cane, miniature models of snake-boats.
Major Festivals
Onam – Kerala’s new year and harvest season celebrated between August and September and Temple Festival.
Special Attractions
Kathakali dance performances and Kalari Payattu demonstration of physical exercises and mock duels.
Hotels
| Types |
Hotel Name |
Location |
3 Star |
|
| Kaloor |
| Ernakulam |
| Wellington Island |
|
4 Star |
|
| Ernakulam |
| Wellington Island |
|
5 Star |
|
| Wellington Island |
| Ernakulam |
|
Holiday Packages
Best of Kerala
Day 1 - Kochi
Meet on arrival and get transferred to Hotel in Cochin. In the evening witness Kathakali dance performance. Overnight at hotel in Kochi.
Day 2 - Kochi - Periyar
After breakfast in hotel you will embark on a half day city tour of Cochin visiting Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis church and the Chinese Fishing nets.
Afternoon depart for Periyar by car (approx. 4 hours drive). Evening arrive in Periyar and transfer to Hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Periyar.
Day 3 - Periyar
Enjoy an early morning boat ride in Periyar lake after breakfast. You may get to see a wide variety of flora and fauna along the banks of the river Periyar.
Visit to a spice plantation is scheduled in the afternoon.
Overnight at hotel in Periyar.
Day 4 - Periyar – Kumarakom
Depart for Kumarakom by car (approx. 3 hours drive) in the morning.
Arrive and transfer to Hotel in Kumarakom.
Rest of the day enjoy a sunset boat cruise or an Ayurvedic massage (on own arrangements).
Overnight at hotel in Kumarakom.
Day 5 - Kumarakom
Full day at leisure for independent activities. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Kumarakom by cruising down the backwaters visiting hamlets.
Overnight at hotel in Kumarakom.
Day 6 - Kumarakom – Kochi
Breakfast at hotel and then depart for Kochi by car (approx 02 hours drive). Arrive in Kochi and check-in at Hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Kochi.
Day 7 - Kochi
In the morning transfer to the airport for the flight back home.
General Information
| Currency |
Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Language |
English is widely spoken and understood in all cities and Tourist areas. Hindi is the official language. |
| Climate |
The best time to visit India is in the winter. 3 major seasons. Winter summer and monsoon. |
| Flying Time |
Flying time from Muscat : 2 hrs 30 min |
| Time Difference |
GMT + 5.30 Hours |
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