One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast
of India, Kochi, has been a port of call for foreign traders
from very early times. A city of islands, today it is the commercial
hub of Kerala. Kochi is connected with regular flights from
Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Thiruvanthapuram and Chennai.
The
sightseeing places include the Dutch Palace & Jewish Synagogue, built by the Portuguese. Koonan Kurishu Shrine, is a small chapel. The
smallest island around Kochi, Gundu Island has a coir factory. Fort Kochi, 12 km from
Ernakulam. The St. Francis Church, the oldest
church constructed by the Europeans in India. Santa
Cruz Basilica, the Roman Catholic church. Kochi is
also famous for the big Chinese Fishing Nets, at the entrance of the Kochi Harbour. Willingdon Island, is a man made island created from materials drudged while deepening
Kochi Port. Bolgatty Island, is a beautiful
island lying close to Ernakulam. Bolgatty Palace is situated
here. Pariksith Thampuran Museum has collections
of 19th century things. There is a Shiva Temple situated close to the Kochi Cultural Center. Museum
of Kerala History located at Edappally.
Hill
Palace Museum, is a archaeological museum. The near
by places of visit are Chennamangalam, The Pallipuram Fort, is one of the oldest existing
European monuments. The Kanjiramattom Mosque,
which is believed to have been erected over the mortal remains
of Sheikh Parid. Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, another important pilgrimage center. Ambalamugal, a fresh water lake. The Cherai Beach and Kalady are other important places.
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