Cochin – Kochi is known as the Queen of Arabian Sea and is one of the prime destinations in Kerala. For over 600 years Kochi has been drawing traders and explorers and presently tourists. Situated in between the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats Cochin has been one of the most admired destination in the world. It is one of the finest natural Harbor’s in the world and was formed in the 14th century after a flood in Periyar River. Located 10 degree to the north of the equator the weather is warm and humid throughout the year. Cochin is the major port city in the south west coast of India. Kochi is a major center of spice trading from the 14th century. Being situated close to the sea, Kochi has moderate climate. The best time to visit Cochin is from October to March

1. Places To Visit In Cochin

2. Cochin (Kochi) – The Queen of Arabian
Sea
 Cochin – Kochi is known as the Queen of Arabian Sea and is one of the prime
destinations in Kerala. For over 600 years Kochi has been drawing traders and
explorers and presently tourists. Situated in between the Arabian Sea and
Western Ghats Cochin has been one of the most admired destination in the
world. It is one of the finest natural Harbor’s in the world and was formed in
the 14th century after a flood in Periyar River. Located 10 degree to the north
of the equator the weather is warm and humid throughout the year. Cochin is
the major port city in the south west coast of India. Kochi is a major center of
spice trading from the 14th century. Being situated close to the sea, Kochi has
moderate climate. The best time to visit Cochin is from October to March.

3. Fort-Cochin
 Fort Cochin is a historic area in Kochi
and with its European heritage makes
it a prominent tourist destination. The
many monuments and buildings as
well related to the city’s history as
the laid back atmosphere makes fort
Cochin a must place to visit.

4. Bolgatty Palace
 Bolgatty palace was built in 1744 by
the Dutch in India. Located in an
island popularly known as Bolgatty
Island. It is one of the oldest Dutch
palace to be built outside Holland.
This was the Dutch Governor’s palace
once and later leased to the British.
After independence it became the
property of the state and converted
into a heritage resort in Cochin.

5. Cochin Backwaters  Cochin backwaters are a chain of
lake and lagoons lying parallel to the
Arabian Sea. The backwaters is
popularly known
asVeeranpuzha (Northern extension of
Vembanad Lake). Vebanad Lake is the
largest lake in Kerala and also the
longest in India.

6. Willingdon Island
Man-made island named after Lord
Willingdon is the headquarters of Cochin
port.

7. Mattancherry Palace
 Mattancherry palace is situated at
the end of palace road mattancherry.
This palace has a medieval charm and
was built by the Portuguese in
naluketu style, the traditional Kerala
architecture with a courtyard in the
middle. There are two temples on
either side of the palace.

8. Marine Drive  Marine drive is the popular hangout
destination of the local populace in
Cochin. There are several shopping malls
near marine drive which makes it a
popular center for shopping in Cochin.
The walkway of marine drive has 3
contemporarily created bridges, the
Musical Bridge, the Rainbow Bridge and
also the Chinese net Bridge. The
beautiful view of the setting sun over
the ocean mouth, and the cool breeze
from the Vembanad Lake has made
Marine Drive a very interesting
destination in Kochi. Bay Pride mall on
the walkway is ideal for shopping and
dining

9. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
 The Mangalavanam bird sanctuary is
situated in the center of Kochi. The
ecologically sensitive space is home to
many species of resident and
migratory birds and additionally
supports differing kinds of mangroves.
Mangalavanam bird sanctuary is also
known as the green lungs off Kochi

10. Jewish Synagogue
Jewish Synagogue or Paradesi Synagogue is
the oldest synagogue in Kochi. It was built in
1568 by the Cochin Jewish community

11. St. Francis Church
 The Church was built by the
Portuguese in 1503. It is the oldest
European church in India. This
church has been considered as a
landmark of Kochi fort. It is the burial
site of the legendary sailor Vasco de
Gama.

12. Where to stay
 Kochi is a destination with hotels catering to
corporate travelers and tourist. The city offers
accommodation that suits all budgets. The various
categories of hotels consist of budget
accommodation to 5 star ones. There are large
number of boutique hotels and premium hotels and
also Bed and Breakfast hotels in the city.
Homestays are available in fort Cochin for budget
travelers. The fort Cochin area is quieter and
scenic than the rest of the city. But for those
interested to be in the center of action and also
shopping areas Ernakulum area is recommended.
Abad Group owns and operates 5 hotels in Kochi –
Abad Plaza, Abad Atriumand Abad Metro at
Ernakulum, Abad Fort in mattancherry and Pepper
Route in fort Kochi.

13. Where to Eat
 Kochi has a wide variety of restaurants.
Most restaurants in Kochi are mid-range.
However, hotels offer a wide range of
cuisines – Kerala, continental, Indian,
Chinese and Arabic. There are also food
courts attached to malls offering great
varieties of food. Being a coastal city,
fresh sea foods is a specialty. WildFish a
venture of Abad Group operating
at Abad Fort, Chullickal is a place where
you can buy fresh fish and have it
cooked to your taste by their Chefs.