Lush nature and amazing backwaters of Cochin

Boat-riding along the backwaters or enjoying the aromatic old streets, Cochin is full of delights. Plan a tour this winter with family or friends. Read the article to know more.

Cochin lies on the South West coast of India. Situated between the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west Cochin saw the first European colonial settlement in India. Gateway of the god’s own country Kerala, Cochin is very beautifully built. The charming nature and the unique lifestyles have made Cochin famous worldwide. Cochin is one of the most popular tourist destinations. The lush nature and the amazing backwaters are the treasure of Cochin. Cochin, being the commercial and industrial capital of the state, is a very busy city. Earlier it was one of the important centres of spice in India. Cardamom, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, etc were exported.

However commercialisation has changed the face of the city, but Cochin has still its old essence intact. Cochin hotels are well-planned and equipped with all the necessary amenities. Cochin has also ranked in the top three tourist destinations by World Travel and Tourism Council. The deep diversity and the beautiful nature has made Cochin a favoured tourist spot of South India.

Cochin is full of attractions and tourism is also an important mode of income. The residents of Cochin are known as Kochiites and they simply behold the typical South Indian Culture. The Cochin is a very interesting place, on one hand, it is the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya Kalady and on the other, the European culture. It is a perfect blend of two different cultures. It is indeed an enchanting city that had an eclectic influence of Arabs, British, Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch. There are different places to visit in Cochin. Here is a list of few worth-visiting places.

Jew Town: Jew town is the centre of spice trade in Cochin. The place is full of the aroma of fine spices. You can explore the antique stores and even buy some of the best quality spices from these stores.

St Francis Church: It is believed to be the oldest European church in India. Once it was the burial place of the famous explorer Vasco de Gama, which was later taken back to Portugal. However, this landmark church in Fort Kochi was originally built by the Portuguese.

Mattancherry: full of colonial buildings, Mattancherry Dutch Palace was built by Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555. Even you can enjoy the small museum which exhibits the history of the place.

Princess Street: one of the oldest streets of Fort Kochi, it is very famous and a good place to explore. Tea shops, bookstores, restaurants, cafes, small stores a good place for evening hangouts.

Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum: Opened in 2009, this museum architecture is magnificent. Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The visitors can enjoy the traditional and ritual art forms. Very well-decorated with the instruments of bygone days, this museum is a worth visiting once.

Vypeen Island: Cherai beach is the main attraction of this Vypeen Island. The boat ride from Fort Kochi out to Vypeen Island is an amazing experience.

So, Cochin is such a place from where you will return with a bagful of memories and some good clicks to cherish forever. Cochin experiences a moderate climate throughout the year. Cochin is well-connected by road, rail and air. Cochin’s airport has world class amenities and the touch of Portuguese architecture has made it more beautiful. Traditional items are used to decorate the hotels; Cochin hotels are vibrant and very modernistic. The feeling of heritage which the visitors will get in these hotels is indescribable. However, the hotels also provide the pick and drop services from the airport and railway stations. Every year a good population of visitors visit the place to enjoy this land of heritage and culture, so it is recommended to book rooms before you visit the place.

Sandeep is an experienced travel consultant, who enjoys travelling and loves to write about the destinations he has been to and shares his experience. He also writes about travel tips, world's best holiday destinations, best hotels in a destination,