Historical Places to Visit In Cochin

Kochi-also know as Ernakulum, is one of the most atmospheric old cities in the south of India. It is well worth a day or more's exploration. It had a lot of cultural influence from across the world due to the rapid spice trade. Through the exchange of trade, the city got its influential architectural marvels with the cultural mix. Semitic traders from Yemen and Babylon used to import dates and olive oil in exchange for peacocks and spices, and Kochi is still an important spice port and it’s godowns (warehouses), smelling of pungent spices, are a hive of activity.

How to Reach Cochin

Cochin can be reached from Alappuzha by water, but boat traffic on the way to this major port and the naval base is heavy, and many prefer to travel by road or rail. The city does have an International Airport and one can rent a car from Cochin International Airport. Apart from car rentals, one can take public transport to see these historic places.

Places of Interest

Mattancherry Palace

Most of the interest is concentrated in the Fort area. Mattancherry Palace, on the eastern side of the peninsula, was built in 1557 by the Portuguese in exchange for trading rights, and then repaired by the Dutch and was renamed as Dutch Palace in 1663. This palace has a mix of design influence from Kerala as well as Portuguese. Its frescoes, dating from the 17th century, depict Indian epics in extraordinary vegetable colors. The Royal Bedroom is particularly splendid, featuring a series of 45 murals relating the tale of the Ramayana.

St Francis Church

In the heart of the Fort area is the oldest European church in India, St Francis's, dating back to 1506. Vasco de Gama died here and was originally buried in the cemetery before his remains were removed to Portugal 14 years later.

Jew Synagogue

Jew Town, a settlement that dates back a millennium, still thrives with antiques and spice shops. Lying to the south of Mattancherry Palace, the small Pardesi synagogue here is used by the diminishing Jewish community; most families have left for Israel. The synagogue is floored with blue-and-white tiles from Canton and no two of tiles are the same. There is little trace of the Arabs. Romans and Greeks who traded at the port. Old colonial churches and warehouses recall the Portuguese, Dutch and British settlers with faded elegance. The Chinese fishing nets line Fort Kochi's northern shore: hark back to them when the harbor was jammed with massive junks from Canton. The nets are operated by counterweights and they have become a visitor attraction in their own right.

Chottanikkara Temple

The Chottanikkara Devi Temple 30km west of Kochi attracts a growing number of pilgrims who seek release from evil spirits, and the long iron nails driven into the huge tree near the sanctum of the goddess testify to their successful exorcism. One can witness the exquisite high detailed wooden sculptures which are similar to Sabarimala temple. Visit this temple during the festive season such as Onan to witness local religious-cultural activities.

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