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| of impeccable services & creating millions of smiles |
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Authorized marketing agent of Kerala Tourism Development Corp.--- the official host to Kerala -God's Own Country --- |
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Cochin / Kochi |
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The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbours in the world |
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The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities |
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A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St.Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendors, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood are also popular among tourists. The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea |
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The Santa Cruz Basilica |
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The Santa Cruz Basilica, a church built originally by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul 1V in 1558, was spared by the Dutch conquerors who destroyed many Catholic buildings. Later the British demolished the structure and Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira commissioned a new building in 1887. Consecrated in 1905, Santa Cruz was proclaimed a Basilica by the Pope John Paul II in 1984 |
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Fort Kochi is also home to one of India's oldest churches - the St.Francis Church. This was a Roman Catholic Church during the Portuguese rule from 1503 to 1663, then a Dutch Reformist Church from 1664 to 1804, and Anglican church from 1804 to 1947 |
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Bolgatty Palace |
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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 |
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Chinese Fishing nets |
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The chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. 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. The Square is ideal place to idle, with stalls serving fresh delicious sea food, tender coconut etc |
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Dutch Palace |
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The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portugese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana |
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Hill Palace |
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Built in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled from here. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi apart from many archaeological findings |
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How to reach |
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Nearest railway station : Ernakulam - travel time 5minutes.
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport - travel time 30 minutes |
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Trivandrum
The Capital city of Kerala. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give |
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Kovalam beach
The Kovalam beach situated 16 Km. south of Trivandrum city, is one of the best beaches in India. It's a must see |
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Poovar beach
Poovar is one among the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land. A rare find in Kerala, the |
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Kochi (Cochin)
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land |
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Munnar hills
One of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, |
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Thekkady wildlife
The pride of Kerela and a testimony to nature's splendor and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated |
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Varkala beach
Varkala is a seaside tourist resort and spa. A small town 55km north of Thiruvananthapuram, it is also an important |
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Alleppey backwaters
Alappuzha ( Alleppey ) is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains |
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Kumarakom backwaters
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the |
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Wayanad hills
Bedecked among the High Ranges of the Western Ghats Wayanad district which lies between 700 to 2100 metres mean |
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Bangaram Islands
Located 29 km north-west of Thrissur District in God's Own Kerala, Guruvayur is one of the most important pilgrimage |
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Agattii Islands
One of the world’s most spectacular tropical island systems, Lakshadweep is tucked away at 220-240 kms. Off the |
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