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The city is also Kerala’s financial, commercial, and industrial capital and is popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Kochi has an eclectic mix of backwaters, beaches, islands, coasts, and plain terrains, as well as diverse linguistics such as Jews, Konkinis, Gujaratis, and ethnic communities such as anglo-indians.
Kochi, which has a history of trading in the southwest, retains Dutch and Portuguese buildings such as the Old Harbour House, Mattancherry Palace, Bolgatty Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and others, some of which have been renovated over the years. The cosmopolitan town is home to upscale shops, art galleries, heritage homes, and some of the best museums in the country, including the Hill Palace and Kerala Folklore Museum.
Cochin, strategically located between the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, has long been an important commercial trading center. It was known as India's spice trade center and had a vast network of trading with the Arabs. Kochi was also the first European colony in India, having been invaded by the Portuguese in 1503. Later, the city was ruled by both Dutch and British forces.
Kochi has a diverse population that includes people from all over the country, as well as a sizable Jewish community known as the Malabar Yehuden. The latter are an important part of Kochi's business community. Kochi also has a strong presence in Jacobite Syrian Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism, with numerous churches spread throughout the city.
Despite having little that stands out, Kochi's cuisine manages to foster the primary elements of a typical Keralan cuisine in the most splendid way possible. Appam and Stew, as well as delicacies like Fish Molly, Fish Peera, and others, can be found here. Thoran, Banana Chips, Kaalan, Paachadi, and Pootu, which is made from bananas and rice flour, are some of the dishes to try in Kochi. Also, as in the rest of the state, seafood is abundant and delicious.
Fort Kochi is a seaside town in the southwest corner of Main Kochi known for its historical fortifications and the ruins of old palatial buildings from the Portuguese or Dutch colonial eras. Fort Kochi is dotted with European structures, churches, and other architectural structures that transport you to another era.
Cochin Jewish Synagogue, also known as Paradesi Synagogue or Mattancherry Synagogue, is the oldest active synagogue not only in Kochi but also in the Commonwealth of Nations. The synagogue, which is located in Kochi's Jew Town area, was built in 1567 and is one of the Malabar Yehudan's seven synagogues.
Legend has it that these nets, which bear witness to the long-ago arrival of Chinese in Kerala, were a gift from the famous Chinese King, Kublai Khan. Fishermen still use these elaborate traditional fishing nets today, making it the only other destination besides China that has and uses these fishing nets.
The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a Portuguese palace in Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala. The Mattancherry Palace is now a museum displaying rajas of Kochi memorabilia. Visit this location to learn about Kerala's fascinating history through irreplaceable artifacts and embellishments.
St. Francis Church in Kochi, which features fine Portuguese architecture, is thought to be unique among all European churches built in India. It was built in the 15th century by Portuguese traders. When Vasco-da-Gama died in 1524, on his third visit to India, he was buried in this church. After fourteen years, his remains were relocated to Lisbon, but his gravestone remains in the church.
Witness the mesmerizing art of Kathakali, Kerala’s most iconic classical dance-drama, in an intimate live theatre setting.
Step aboard a Kettuvallam, Kerala’s iconic houseboat, and journey through the tranquil backwaters that stretch like veins through the lush landscape.
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Eighth Bastion is a four-star luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Fort Kochi, Kerala, just 200 meters away from the iconic Chinese...
Nestled in the historic heart of Fort Kochi, the Brunton Boatyard is a unique CGH Earth property that offers an immersive experience in the...
The Old Harbour Hotel is a heritage residence that once served as a 300-year-old Portuguese mansion in the heart of Fort Kochi.
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