Kochi Visit the queen of arabian sea

Submitted by prasanna prabhu on Mon, 2006-11-06 18:38. Tourist_places
key words:Places to visit in Kerala,Kerala tourist attractions, Kochi, Kerala, Cochin
Let us again look at the some of the great things in an around Cochin.If you visit cochin be sure to see thease facinating things.

Chinese fishing net :
(photo by Brian Snelson popularly known as exfordy because he was once an employee of Ford.Under a creative commons attribution license.)

Fishermen in Fort Cochin still use these large nets, hanging from bamboo or teak posts to catch fish attracted by the lights suspended above the nets. These nets, which are suspended from arced poles and operated by levers and weights, require at least four men to control. These nets are mainly used at high tide. It is a fascinating sight to see these fishing nets line the sea front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Kochi. The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. One can buy fresh fish from the market here and have it grilled on the spot at one of the stalls.

Cochin ship yard : The Cochin Shipyard is the largest ship building company in India.Cochin Shipyard was incorporated in the year 1972 as a fully owned by Government of India.



(Photo by Challiyil Eswaramangalath Vipin popularly known as challiyan liscenced under a creative commons attribution share alike license)shows a beautiful night view of shipyard. From 1982 Cochin ship yard Ltd commenced repair operations of the merchant ships, ships of Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Fisheries, Port Trust and ONGC . Being the largest ship buildling company it can build ships upto 1,10,000 DWT and repair upto 1,25,0000 DWT. Humunguos growth in the Indian shipbuilding & Shiprepair for the last three decades shows not only the company’s performance growth but also the integration of the crew of industry. The yard has delivered two of India’s largest double hull tankers each of 95 000 DWT . Now CSL is bagging International Orders from Europe & Middle East and also it is nominated to build the country’s first indigenously built Air Defence Ship. The Cochin Shipyard also builds ships for the Indian Navy.

Willingdon Island : It is a major artificial port in India, a landmark in the city of Kochi. It serves as a link between the other sea ports of the world. Willingdon Island is connected to the mainland by the road and railway. Indian Naval Southern Naval Command Headquarters is located in this island. Cochin shipyard is also located near this island. It is also a major tourist center. Willingdon Island today plays an important role in the city of Kochi and houses some of the district's best hotels, commercial and industrial offices.An artificial lake that was made by the dumping of the materials that were dug out while Cochin Port was being deepened. Before Cochin International Airport was made, it was here that the airport was opertated from. Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industries has been strategically placed here. This island is a hub of activity with a number of offices, branches of national and international banks, travel agencies, souvenir shop warehouses Hotels and restaurants.

Cochin Thirumala Devaswom : The Cochin Thirumala Devaswom is the biggest institution of the Gowda Saraswath Brahmin Samaj basically belongs to a Brahmin cast in Konkani and is one of the Sacred place to visit in Kerala. Situated in the heart of Mattancherry town, the temple was established by Saraswath Brahman Community in 1599 AD. Twice in a year the temple hoists utsavam(ceremonials) to the god which extends upto eight days during which food is served for one and all who pay visit to the temple.

Sri Ernakulam Tirumala Devaswom : The Sri Ernakulam Tirumala Devaswom or T D Temple as it is on T D Road, was established in 1727 A.D. with Sri Laxmi Venkatesha as the chief deity. Other deities are Sri Mahalakshmy, Sri Ganapathy, Sri Hanuman and Sri Garuda. The idol of lord Hanuman located is of six feet height was brought to Cochin by Kalaga Prabhu from Rameshwaram. The temple has one of the biggest temple bells in the country.

Kerala History Museum at Edapally: The social, cultural and political history of Kerala is linked to India history is neatly showcased here. This 'live' Museum is not only recollect the past but the enthralling Light and Sound show of three-dimensional visuals is shown here. 87 figures who shaped the history and culture of Kerala in the last two thousand years have been represented here in Light and Sound show. The story, from the Early peoples of Kerala to the modern age is interspersed with Social, Cultural and literary facet is a fascinating one.

Bolgatty Island: From Marine Drive just a half an hour ride in boat will take you to the Bolgatyy island.The Island is a small but very much inspiring. Bolgatty island has the largest chain of hotels in the state which is run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) .It also has one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces which was built back in 1744 by a Dutch. The palace is two-storeyed building which has well-decorated bedchambers, a huge lounge wherein historical portraits are displayed now. The prestigious heritage hotel has a variety of facilities with which one could fulfill all those desires. The island also has a fine golf course. The building was once a Governor's palace for the Dutch and later from the year 1909-1947 it was the home of the British Governors

Kumbalangi : From Fort Kochi it is only 30 minutes way to Kumbalangi. Kumbalangi is ecologically balanced small fishing island with Chinese Fishing Nets around, near Palluruthy Island Kumbalangi has been declared as an Integrated Tourism Village. Fishing activities are still carried out in the same traditional Chinese Fishing Nets which still reinforce the culture and heritage of this village. There is also prawns breeding farm, found on either side of the road which leads to Kumbalangi.A visitor to Kumbalangi returns with much of experience and enjoyment.30 minutes drive from Fort Cochin.

St George’s Forane Church at Edapally: The church was built in 595 AD. It is one of the oldest Churches in India. As evidence of non-European origin of its symbolic reprpesentation, the church has four-armed pectoral cross, the pediment and slatted louvers.

Vypin Island: The island is 24 km long and 2.5 km and is most populated. The island is either side stretched with water and has a light-house at Ochanthuruth which is a very good place to enjoy. A 30 minutes boat ride from Kochi will take you to Vypin island.. There is also a Fort built by Portuguese in 1503.Vypin island could also be reached through straight roadway which is connected to the main land by a bridge.

Cherai Beach: This is a lovely isolated beach about 45 Kms from Ernakulam. This is ideal beach for swimming where dolphins are occasionally seen. This beach attracts lots of foreigners and as well domestic tourists. There is also a boating house, which opens on all days upto Sunset. A couple of basic cafes and guesthouses are also there.

Thripunithura: Thripunithura is a small town popularly known as the land of temples. It is also a hub of classical arts like Carnatic Music, dance. Thripunithura was the capital of the former Indian state of Cochin. Festivals in Kerala begins in December and extends upto May is being hoisted by the festival at Poornathrayesa temple here. This festival signals the arrival of Onam. Cultural programmes wich extends to 10-days is conducted here. It was believed that in the olden days kings with their families used to attend the festival. Tripunithura is well known for the nearby Chottanikara Temple and the Tripunithura Temple.

The Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura : Spread over 52 acres of landscape, the hill palace is built in 1865 AD. It is about 10 kms from Ernakulam town. It was an official residence of the Kochi royal family and today it is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala There is a deer park near by and also has facilities for horse riding. Many rare medicinal plants are grown here. Different types of sculptures, collection of rare coins, old weapons, manuscripts in ancient syllable and collections from the Kochi royal family exhibited here through which one can understand the tradition, culture, heritage and history of Kerala. The mesuem is opened on all days of the week except on Mondays

Chottanikara Temple: Located 15 kms from Ernakulam town, this is a 10th century temple is an important pilgrim center and believed to be built by a dacoit . The goddess here is worshipped in her three forms, as Saraswathy in the morning, as Bhadrakali at noon and as Durga in the evening. The temple’s annual festival is held in February-March every year. ‘ The image of Bhagawati is untouched by the human sculptor, and also is of irregular shape. It is covered with a golden kava cam. Adjacent to this image in the sanctum is an image of Vishnu in granite.
The image here is not fixed to the ground and is mounted on loose sand. Water offered during ablution ceremonies penetrates underground. Worship here is believed to rid devotees of evil influences, psychological ailments, evil spirits etc.

Veegaland Amusement Park: Veega Land is the most loved entertainment spot in India. It is situated in Pallikkara, a little town 14 kms from Ernakulam. Veega Land stands apart from its comrades with an unmatched quality standards, impeccable service, excellent rides and a host of modern facilities. Situated almost 300 ft. above sea level.. Veega Land's star attraction, the Vintage Castle, is a 7-story high architectural wonder is a fantastic example. Veega Land features an exciting assortment of spectacular rides, sparkling blue pools, thrilling shows, artfully designed promenades and 6 restaurants that are sure to weave a spiel. International higene and safety standards are strictly adhered here. A safe and wonderful place to enjoy for with family.

Kalady: Kalady, a small town, is situated about 37 km away from Ernakulam on MC Road. Kalady, located on the banks of Periyar, the largest river in Kerala, is a spiritual sanctuary in all senses. The founder of Advaita School of Philosophy, Adi Sankara, was born here in 8th century. The hill where St Thomas the Apostle rested on his way to Mylapore is in the sacred circuit of Kalady. Kalady is an important spice trading centre. The famous Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Centre is located here.

Sree Adi Sankara Keerthimandapam : The 8-storeyed tower called Keerthimandapam is located at the shrine dedicated to Adi Sankara, the founder of Advaita School of Philosophy. A huge image of the Sankaracharya is located here. Sankaracharya believed to have abundant spritual power with that he perfomed many miracels like the one river Periyar, instead of flowing down straight takes a turn towards the shrine. The reason attributed to the curving of river was to enable his aged mother have bathe without walking too much. There are two shrines located here – one for Sankaracharya as Dhakshinamoorthy and one for Goddess Sharada
Sankaracharya lived only for 32 years during this short span of his life he mastered Veda at the age of 16. After mastering Veda he traveled all over India on bare foot. He established four famous mutts at Sringeri in Karnataka, Dwaraka in Gujarat, Joshimath in Uttaranchal and Puri in Orissa.

Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Centre : This centre was established with the mission of restoring Ayurveda as a mainstream health management system. It offers traditional, scientific and authentic ayurvedic treatments specific to the patient's ayurvedic constitution. The centre aims to provide physical, mental and spiritual healthcare, especially in the context of the stress and strains, which is filled with all over modern world. Therapy packages are also available here. Tourist from all over the world visit this center and most of them prefer Panchakarma treatment.
This Centre is located at Kalady. Nagarjuna was a Buddhist scholar from Gaya who lived during 78-120 AD. He was the person who introduced metallurgy and chemistry into Ayurveda. The Centre has earned Greenleaf Certificate from the government of Kerala. This certificate is granted only to the establishments with top level facilities and fault-free systematic treatments. The Centre has incorporated ancient and contemporary work-up to enable the guests to stay in modern comfort during the treatment. This Centre also manufatures a large amout of Ayurvedic mediciens and market all over the world like Kottakkal Aryavaidyasala Ltd of Kottakkal

St Thomas Mount, Malayattoor: Located just 10 km from Kalady this church was dedicated to St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ . This sacred Shrine belongs to 52 AD, is at 1269 feet above sea level and can be reached only on foot. It is the first pilgrim centre in India to be accorded international status. Several thousands of devotees climb the hill with a big Cross on the back during Puthunjaya Festival on the 1st Sunday after Easter as a custom.

Elephant Kraal at Kodanadu : Derived from African language the meaning of Kraal is training of elephants. It may take more than an year to two years to train one. The mahouts (Elephant Trainer) also get training over here. This is place where tourists coule see the training given to both elephants and mahouts and enjoy the natural beauty

Boothathankettu Dam : The Dam is located at 7/8 km from, Kothamangalam. The Dam is a wonderful picnic spot. There is also a Children’s Park near by. It is believed that Demons built the Dam, in a single night, using huge boulders.

Athirappilly Waterfalls : Athirappilly Falls is a part of Chalakudy river and it is approximately 80 feet in height. It is the most attracting waterfalls of the State. Athirapilly is easily reached by getting down at Chalakudi Station. It has a width of 400 meters and falls 80 metres down on the rock. More than 6 lakh people visit every year. Proper precautions are taken on site to prevent mishaps while swimming and a police camp is always positioned there. Since Athirappilly is situated on the highway connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Government proposed a 160 MW Athirappilly hydro power project. A vide range of flora and fauna can be seen in this area.
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