Situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea in central Kerala, the city is host to the best harbors in the country, thus enabling it to enjoy good trade relations with other countries.
Attractions
Fort Cochin : A quiet landmark to this port-city, the Fort Cochin, comprising Mattancherry and Jew Town (that hosts a 1st century AD Jewish community), is a slice of sepia-tinted world, where they still speak 14 different languages and tumbled-down mansions line narrow lanes. Near the water's edge, old warehouses (or godowns) are filled with the state's treasured cash crops -- pepper, tea, Ayurvedic herbs, whole ginger, and betel nuts -- being dried, sorted, and prepared for direct sale or auction. Walk around at leisure and chances are you will discover something (curio/ architecture) belonging to a world you never thought existed.
Cherai Beach & Vypeen : Bordering one another, this is where the city-chafed locals arrive for a replenishing weekend. The beaches are beautiful; there is an old lighthouse and a 16th century fort. Get there by ferry from Fort Kochi. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby add to the scenic beauty.
St. Francis Church : The oldest European church in India, it went through a myriad associations beginning from the Franciscan friars, Dutch Protestants, to Anglicans, and now this church finally belongs to the Church of South India. Something to keep in mind is, like Hindu temples and mosques, here too you are required to take off your shoes. (Open: Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm; Sun 9:30am-noon)
Bolghatty Palace : Situated at the Bolghatty island and accessed by a ferry, is this once British mansion has a postcard golf-course and beautiful honeymoon cottages. Good news is KTDC has taken it up and made it into a heritage hotel.
