KOCHI

Cochin, 'Queen of the Arabian sea' is the capital of Eranakulam district. The city is built up on a cluster of islands and peninsulas joined by the bustling town on the main land, Ernakulam. Past entwines hand with modernity. Ruins of colonial days make the history a pervasive presence here. Cochin is the only metro in Kerala that is located on Central Kerala. Airport, harbour, oil refinery, public and private sector industrial units and hill- produce trading centres make the city the biggest commercial hub in Kerala. Geographically, the district with coastal, midland and high ranges is a Kerala-in-miniature. The urban district accounts for 8123-hector forest. Tourist Spots Bolghatty palace : A picturesque island with a palace turned tourist hotel, which was built in 1744 by Dutch Government. Wellington Island : Airport, harbour and headquarters of several governments departments are on this island. Museum : Evokes memories of 19 the century. Synagogue : The jewel on Kochi’s physique, stands testimony to the tolerance and hospitality of local rulers of Kerala. Built in 1568. Dutch Palace : A Portuguese contribution to King of Kochi in 1586. Named after Dutch when they rebuilt the palace later. Fort Kochi : The first foreign Church in India. Vasco De Gama was buried here; later remains were exhumed out and taken to Portugal. Chinese Fishing Nets : An enticing scene. Became trademark of Kochi. Churches : Santhacrus Cathedral, Roman Catholic Church. Thrippunithara : Hill Palace Museum Edappally : History Museum Kaladi : 45 km from Kochi. Birthplace of Sankaracharya, a Hindu philosopher. Kodanadu : Elephant camp under Forest Department. Malayatoor : St. Thomas Church, Edappally St.George Church are pilgrim centres.