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COCHIN
About Ernakulam (Cochin)
Ernakulam (Cochin) is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kumarakom and Allapuzha districts on the South, Idukki on the East and Thrissur on the North. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi, in Ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.With one of the finest natural Barbour’s in the world, this was once a manor center of commerce and trace with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch etc.
Bolghatty Palace: This Dutch palace is situated on the Bolghatty Island. At present it is being used as hotel. The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.
Fort Kochi: A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic for Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township In India, Cochin has an eventful and colorful history. The town was shaped by the cultural influences, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural influences are seen in the many examples of indo European architecture that still exist here.
Chinese fishing nets: These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 ad by Traders from the court of Kublai khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the Vasco da gama square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach.
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St. Francis church: Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, this is India's oldest European Church. This was initially built of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted To an Anglican church by the British in 1795 and is at present governed by the church of south India. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his Remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal.
Pierce Leslie Bungalow: This charming mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. Characteristic features are wood panels that form the roof of the ground floor, arched doors and sprawling rooms. Waterfront verandahs are an added attraction.
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| Mattancherry palace (Dutch Palace) : Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beautiful murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, and some of the Puranic Hindu legends. The palace also houses Dutch maps of old Cochin, royal palanquins, coronation robes of former maharajas of Cochin. |
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