Kochi Trip

Places Visited

• Mattancherry Palace: Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is located in Mattancherry in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. It was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi. The palace is renowned for its long, spacious halls, a beautiful central courtyard, and an impressive collection of murals. It also houses the shrine of Pazhayannur Bhagavathy, the family deity of the Kochi royal family.

• Jew Street: Jew Street in Kochi is famous for its antique shops, which sell artefacts, crockery, wooden furniture, handicrafts, and souvenirs. A major nearby attraction is the Paradesi Synagogue. The area offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history, lifestyle, and culture of Kochi’s historic Jewish community.

• Paradesi Synagogue: The Paradesi Synagogue, also known as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or Mattancherry Synagogue, is located in Jew Town, Mattancherry, Kochi. It was built in 1568 by Samuel Castiel, David Belila, and Joseph Levi for the flourishing Jewish community of Kochi. It is one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth and is an important historical landmark.

• Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica: The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, locally known as Kotta Palli, is situated in Fort Kochi. It is one of the nine basilicas in Kerala and is regarded as one of the state’s finest heritage monuments. Renowned for its magnificent Gothic architecture and beautiful interiors, it is one of the most visited churches in India.

• Fort Kochi: Fort Kochi is a historic neighbourhood of Kochi and a popular tourist destination. It is well known for its Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial architecture, charming streets, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets along Fort Kochi Beach. The area reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage and maritime history.

• St. Augustine’s Church: St. Augustine’s Church is one of the oldest Latin Catholic churches in Kerala and belongs to the Diocese of Cochin. Dedicated to St. Augustine, the church stands on land donated by the historic Elavanthara family. It is an important religious and historical landmark in Fort Kochi.

About Kochi

Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is a major port city on the southwest coast of India in the state of Kerala. It is the commercial capital and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the state. The mainland part of the city is commonly referred to as Ernakulam. Kochi is administered by the Kochi Municipal Corporation, which was established in 1967, while the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) oversees the planning and development of the metropolitan region.

Kochi has been an important centre for the spice trade on India’s western coast since the 14th century and earned the title “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” In 1503, the Portuguese established the first European colonial settlement in India at Kochi. It remained their principal centre until the capital was shifted to Goa in 1530. Subsequently, Kochi came under the rule of the Dutch and later the British, while the Kingdom of Cochin continued as a princely state under British paramountcy. Today, Kochi is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical monuments, scenic backwaters, vibrant tourism, and thriving commercial activities.