INC-2009

Kerala, referred to as the Spice Garden of India, is a beautiful state with an picturesque landscape of palm-lined beaches, lush jungles and plantation covered hills, criss-crossed with rivers and lakes. Its unique feature is the 1,900km of palm fringed backwaters. In 1956, the state of Kerala was born from the formerly princely states of Travancore, Kochi and Malabar. Kerala has two national parks, ten wildlife sanctuaries and two bird sanctuaries.

Kerala occupies a long (550km), narrow strip of land in the far south of India. Its coastline is on the Arabian Sea (part of the Indian Ocean) and its eastern border with the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu is the top of the majestic Western Ghat mountains.

Kerala, India's most advanced society boasts hundred percent literacy, world-class health care systems, lowest infant mortality, highest life expectancy rates and highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India's cleanest state.

KOCHI

Kerala's major port, Kochi is a city of history and colour. Founded in 1341, it was one of the key stops on the ancient spice route from China to Rome. Straddling both the Arabian Sea and the famous backwaters, its islands and promontories offer a fascinating spectacle. The Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their mark on local architecture and culture, while influxes of Jewish and Arab settlers have added another intriguing dimension.

 Blessed with one of the finest natural harbours in the world, the bustling city of Cochin or Kochi has been conferred the title of  Queen of the Arabian Sea. Kochi presents a fascinating cultural mosaic with its rich history and cultural heritage.

Traditional culture has left its mark on the social fabric of Kochi. Captivating performances of Kalaripayattu (traditional martial arts) and classical dances like Kathakali and Mohiniattam are a major attraction in Kochi. The culture of Cochin has been much affected by the high rate of migration that has happened over the centuries. The culture of Cochin is a conglomeration of several sects of people from all over not only India but foreign countries as well.

PLACES TO VISIT IN AND AROUND KOCHI

Fort Kochi Beach

 This is a favorite place for the tourists as well as the native people of Cochin. It is just about 12 kilometers from Cochin and the place is famous for the peace and tranquility and one can take a relaxing walk all along it.

Mattancherry Palace, Cochin

 The palace had been built by the Portuguese in 1557 and gifted it to the Raja of Cochin both as compensation and bribe. Later the Dutch wrested it out of the hands of the Raja and renovated it to what it is now.

Willingdon Island, Cochin

 This is a man made island and it is one of the modern ports that serve Kerala. It is made up of the materials that were dredged when the Cochin port was being deepened.

 Chinese Fishing Nets, Cochin

 These are the fixed installations that hold the nets horizontally across the water. Each of these are about 10 meters in height and each is handled by a team consisting of six fishermen. This unique method is a must see when you visit Cochin.

Marine Drive, Cochin

 This place is one of the most beautiful places in Cochin and it is also known as the Shanmugham Road. This place gives you a superb view of the harbor and also the backwaters.

Church of Saint Francis, Cochin

 It was dedicated to Saint Antonio and it is located two kilometers from the Fort Cochin. This is one of the main attractions of the place and it is a living historical monument.

Besides these, there are many more attractions like the Paradesi Synagogue, Vasco da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, Bolghatty Palace, Cherai Beach and the Thirumala Devaswom Temple.

MMunnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala.  1600 meter above sea level this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.  Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.  Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji.  This flower bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi , which towers over 2695 m.  Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Climate

Cochin is a seaside town just 10 degrees north of the equator. Hence, it is a moderately hot and humid place round the year. Heavy showers with thunder and lightning are experienced between June-September due to the south-west monsoon. The north-west monsoon brings light rainfall during October-December. December to February is comparatively cooler than the rest of the year. The average annual rainfaill is about 350cm, most of which is contributed by the south-west monsoon. During the summer, March-June, the temperature hits a usual high of 35 Degree Celsius  while the mild winter high is 25 Degree Celsius. The temperature range is usually 20 Degree Celsius-35 Degree Celsius.

Getting here

Its stragetic location and commerial importance has led to an extensive travel network linking Kochi to the rest of the country and the world by air, rail, road and sea.

Air
Cochin/Kochi (Airport Code: COK) has a world-class modern international airport, located 30kms north-east of the city, with regular flights to major cities in India. The airport buildings have been built in traditional Kerala architectural style. It is the first Indian airport to be built using private investment. Cochin airport is expanding at a very fast pace and is at present the fifth busiest Airport in India.

Rail
Kochi (and Ernakulam) are connected to the rest of India by an extensive network of rails.There are three main railway stations in Cochin: Ernakulam Junction (main station), Ernakulam Town and Cochin Harbour Terminus.

Road
An extensive network of national/state highways and local roads link Kochi to rest of the country. Three important National Highways(NH) pass through/start from Kochi, apart from many state roads.

Sea/Backwaters
Kochi has a magnificent all weather natural port that is used regulary by large cargo ships. Regular boat service to places like Kottayam, Kumarakom and Alleppey are available through the scenic backwaters of Kerala. The outlying islands that make up Cochin, like Vypeen, Mattancherry, Bolghatty, etc are connected to the mainland by regular public and private boats plying from the main boat jetty off Park Avenue and from the boat jetty near the High Court. Many cruises ships also currently berth and the Ernakulam Wharf, which is part of the Cochin Port located on Willingdon island.
 

Related Links   :

• www.keralatourism.org
• www.ktdc.com