The charismatic Cochin

The charismatic Cochin

Featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime', Cochin is arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and inexpressible beauty of Kerala. It has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India.

Cochin or Kochi as it is called today, still reminiscences one of old time glory where the impact of 18th century colonialism is still evident in many parts and aspects of the city. Aptly titled the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city spans across industries ranging from ship building and petrochemical refining, to handicrafts and spice trading. Among the varied industries, IT is the upcoming one and tourism the all-pervading one. Cochin has undergone an almost sea change in terms of infrastructure, modernization and general upliftment. The marine drive itself is living proof for this. 7 years back it could only boast of a GCDA complex and a Rainbow Bridge, but today that part of the city teems with life-shopping malls, eateries, movie multiplexes…The Queen sleeps late now a days!

Come to Fort Cochin, the older counterpart of the city, and you feel you are taken back a long way in time. The stone paved pathways, the architecture of the by-gone days, the palace… all fill one up with a sense of nostalgia. The Jewish Synagogue is a must-see for any lover of culture, history and art. Built in 1568, the synagogue is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. More interestingly, one even gets a chance to meet the last of the immigrant Israelites who speak better Malayalam than most of the natives around! Around Fort Cochin the other places of interest include the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church built by the Europeans (also famous for being the burial place of the Portuguese trader Vasco Da Gama), Vasco House where Vasco Da Gama was supposed to have lived, and of course, the charming Fort Cochin Beach-The Queen of Arabian Sea. Though not a big city in terms of area in comparison, Cochin nestles a lot of history and culture in its slender arms and balances it so well too!

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