Kochi is the new name of Cochin city and this has an important place in the history of India as the history speaks of the trade relationship of the people of this land with Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch which has contributed to the evolvement of the cosmopolitan culture of the land. The influence of people from foreign lands for trade relationship has given it a blend of cultures and traditions.

The tropical climate of Kochi accounts for its invariability throughout the year with warm summers and cool winters with pleasant climate and light showers. The tourist activities are seen all through the year except during the monsoon season when it gets heavy rainfall making it impossible for backwater tours in ferries and houseboats. The cluster of islands that form the city are Willingdon Island, Mattencherry and Fort Kochi, Allarpadom Island, Vypeen Island, Bolgatty Island, Aluva, Thirupunithura, Maradu and the mainland of Ernakulam. All these are connected both by bridges and ferries.

If you visit the place in winter then you will be able to take part in many activities and festivals like Cochin Carnivals and Christmas celebrations. You can reach the city easily through Cochin International Airport which is the largest airport in Kerala. It serves as one of the main gateways to India. Kochi is connected by train with all major cities through its two railway stations namely Ernakulam Town Station and Ernakulam Junction Station.

The KRSTC operates intercity buses and intra city buses and it serves with three types of them namely super fast buses, express buses and Garuda Hi Tech buses. Kochi is connected with Mumbai and Mangalore by NH 66 and is connected with Thiruvananthapuram and Goa by NH 544 and connected with Rameswaram, Madurai and Munnar through NH 49. From Kochi there is direct ferry service to Lakshadweep and other nearby islands like Fort Kochi, Vypeen Island and Willingdon Island. The local transportation needs are served by auto rickshaws, taxis and cars.

There are many parks, museums and beaches worth visiting in Kochi and some of these interesting places are Santacruz Basilica, Hill Palace Museum, VOC Gate, David Hall, Bastion Bungalow, Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, Palace Fort, Holy Koonan Cross Church and Pallipuram Fort. Onam festival, Cochin Carnival, Shiva Temple festival and Fireworks festival are conducted in grand manner and during these times the colorful rallies are organized and competitions and races are conducted. The whole city looks colorful at those times.

Both fresh seafood and freshwater fish are popular in Kochi as the seafood is obtained from the sea and the fresh water fish are caught from the backwaters. The items like prawns, squids and shrimps are relished by the tourists and locals. Meen molagitta cutty, kurukku kalan and ginger fish fry are served in Kochi restaurants. The Fort Kochi and Willingdon Island has some premium pricey and luxurious hotels to stay. You may select these Kochi hotels or go for the affordable ones in the Ernakulam city. A good Kochi travel guide would help you to decide.

Article Posted By : Sumazla  On October 01, 2012lView All Articles

I am Suhaina Mazhar working on India travel guide features. Writing is my passion, writing is my hobby and writing is my career. I want to write till the last moment of my life.

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Kochi Travel Guide , Kochi Hotels , Kochi Restaurants